Ford News
China: Fierce domestic competition sees international brands suffer lower sales and a contraction of output
International brands, which have benefited from growth in the Chinese market over the years, now face serious headwinds.
Blueprint for building the smart factory of the future
The concept of the smart factory offers highly efficient, optimised production operations. Ford, ZF and PPG reveal how they are working to realise this potential.
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.
AMS Automotive Evolution: Reducing costs, fast-tracking development, embracing change
The AMS Automotive Evolution conference in Detroit brought together leading car makers and tier suppliers to discuss managing production operations as the EV transition continues.
How North America aims to make EVs affordable for the masses
Automakers explore ways to cut costs by up to 50% to make EVs affordable, embracing advanced manufacturing, automation, and collaboration to scale up sustainable mobility
Ford’s Rajeev Kalamdani on challenges in smart factory digitalisation
Overcoming legacy systems, building tech-savvy teams and driving collaboration for digital success is central to smart factory transformation, says Ford’s Rajeev Kalamdani
The Trump Presidency and the fate of global automotive production
The US election could redefine automotive production worldwide, impacting tariffs, EV policies, and trade relations across the US, Europe, and Mexico.
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.
Mexico: a lot going on at the moment across the border
Mexico’s automotive industry is booming, attracting major players like Tesla and Audi. But the arrival of Chinese manufacturers threatens to disrupt the status quo.
Ford, GM, Stellantis fight EV slowdown, tariffs, IRA & China
As the Big Three US automakers grapple with a slowing EV market, rising costs, and intense competition, their survival hinges on navigating a complex web of challenges.
How cobots can support automotive production
Cobots enrich the industry with their ability to complete tasks in close cooperation with humans and are becoming increasingly intelligent thanks to modern technologies.
Canada – Mixed fortunes for production operations
Canadian vehicle and component production operations are feeling the impact of slow EV sales.
Ford revises EV strategy and boosts hybrid production
Ford cancels planned three-row EV SUV, delays opening of Tennessee EV plant and realigns US battery cell production.
Despite industry fears, global EV sales reach record highs
Is the ‘EV crash’ hype or reality? Uncover the truth, as global data reveals a different story. Analysis by Daniel Harrison, Ultima Media.
Ford bolsters battery manufacturing with White’s global role
Ford appoints Chris White as Chief Engineer to spearhead global battery manufacturing, pointing to its commitment to electrification and innovation.
How Ford’s Marc Dugas supercharges battery pack assembly
Marc Dugas, Ford’s Battery Pack Assembly Specialist, is enhancing battery assembly using a cybernetic systems thinking heuristic known as POSIWID.
Stellantis and the UK government: sabre rattling or crying wolf?
Unhappy with the UK’s ZEV mandate Stellantis has suggested it might cease LCV production in the UK, but is there more to this than legislation?
The future may be all electric, but not just yet
With demand for battery electric vehicles lower than expected, OEMs are boosting hybrid output and extending ICE production.
OEMS agree co-creative collaboration is key
We need to work together. That much is clear. The need for closer collboration and co-creation through this closer working is key to automotive. Across manufacturing, design and engineering; a wider view is necessary for the progress of the whole. This is a theme that keeps croppping up and Design4Production reemphasised this need once again…
Weak demand dims electric future
Consumer resistance and trade disputes mean the future may not be so electric after all as vehicle makers express caution on zero emission vehicle targets.