Factory Expansion
Chinese vehicle makers look to international markets for growth
The number of domestic vehicle manufacturers in China has increased rapidly in recent years. A few, notably BYD, Geely and Chery, have become significant global players,
10 year green energy for PowerCo’s Salzgitter battery plant
PowerCo signs deals with Alterric and EnviTec Biogas to supply its Salzgitter gigafactory with 3 terawatt hours of green energy, slashing CO2 emissions by 115,000 tonnes annually.
Stellantis invests in €4.1 billion Spanish gigafactory with CATL
Stellantis and CATL to establish a 50 GWh EV battery plant in Zaragoza by 2026, advancing LFP battery tech and carbon-neutral production.
Ford’s Halewood plant kicks-off electric drive unit production
Ford’s Halewood plant in Merseyside has officially started producing electric drive units, a crucial milestone in the company’s shift to an all-electric future. With a £380 million transformation investment, this move secures jobs and solidifies the UK’s position in the global EV market.
What next for Chinese investment in Europe?
China’s economy is slowing, and the US is threatening high tariffs on Chinese imports. Against this backdrop Chinese OEMs are looking to expand operations in Europe.
Honda sets up a demonstration production line for all-solid-state batteries
Honda’s demonstration production line will support development for the mass production of solid-state batteries.
BMW gears up for electric shift with Neue Klasse trials
BMW’s debrecen plant readies for series production with test runs of Neue Klasse x model, marking a step forward in its electric transformation.
Asahi Kasei breaks ground on Canada lithium-ion battery separator plant
The new lithium-ion battery separator facility in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada will operate as a joint venture with Honda and is expected to begin commercial production in 2027.
BMW strengthens EV future with Wackersdorf battery centre
BMW’s new Wackersdorf battery testing centre sharpens the OEM’s electric vehicle development, boosting sustainability and quality in automotive manufacturing.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group JV to create electric architectures and software
The new joint venture (JV), will see engineers from both partners developing software and electronics architectures and scale the electric vehicle platforms and architectures.
BMW Leipzig starts production of the second generation 2 Series Gran Coupé
The new 2 Series Gran Coupé joins the 1 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer and MINI Countryman in production at Leipzig, with the four models with three different drive options made on a single production line.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Mannheim plant to start production of eActros 600 components
Series production of the eActros 600 will start at the end of November at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth supported by components produced at Mannheim.
Smart manufacturing: Data, AI, and digital transformation
Manufacturing operations are working with new software and hardware developments, and artificial intelligence, but challenges remain in optimising these opportunities.
Mercedes-Benz opens battery recycling facility to create a closed loop system
The new recycling facility, located in Kuppenheim, Germany, will utilise an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process.
For Chris Glover, change is the only constant at VW’s Chattanooga plant
The Volkswagen US plant leader manages market and technology complexity through flexible facility design, digitalisation, training and engagement with workers
Honda expands new energy vehicle manufacturing in China with new Wuhan plant
Honda opens its first dedicated new energy vehicle (NEV) production plant in Wuhan, China, which will utilise advanced automation and eco-friendly technology.
Dürr builds an energy-efficient paintshop for Stellantis’ Kenitra plant
Stellantis’ new paintshop to double capacity at Kenitra plant and reuse paint robots from other facilities.
Hybrid powertrains – building the bridge to e-mobility
The future of internal combustion engines (ICE) is being extended through growing demand for hybrid powertrains as OEMs rebalance EV product line-ups.
Statevolt pivots from EV Batteries to Energy Storage Solutions
Statevolt pauses US plans, focusing on UAE gigafactory. Carlstrom explains the shift to ESS and challenges in the EV sector.
Tier suppliers – Adapting to new challenges
BorgWarner shares insights into how the company is leveraging existing assets and using mergers and acquisitions to boost EV component production.