Latest News & Features – Page 131
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ArticleGKN rolls out new eAWD technology
UK – The latest axle drive product, eAxle, will enable the addition of plug-in electric all-wheel drive (AWD) on a range of new C-Segment vehicles, the first application being the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer PHEV. Production is now underway at the company’s eDrive plant in Bruneck, Italy.“GKN’s eAxle technology ...
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ArticlePSA grows petrol, hybrid/electric line-up
France – The vehicle-maker will diversify its offering with plug-in hybrid petrol engines and next-generation electric powertrains, in particular for the electric Common Modular Platform (e-CMP) being developed with Dongfeng Motors. PSA said the move is part of its “energy transition process” and will involve the modernisation of its plants.Gilles ...
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Webinar
Siemens Webinar: The automotive industry on its way to the Digital Enterprise
The automotive industry continues to face dramatic changes. Its customers want highly individualised cars and the vehicle manufacturers must be able to respond quickly to the changing market demands.For OEMs and suppliers, highly flexible and efficient production has become a necessity. Their most crucial response is to connect previously separated ...
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ArticleStorm halts Toyota production in Texas
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) had to suspend operations after sustaining damage to the roof and other parts of the plant in San Antonio. Production was halted on May 18 until at least May 20.No-one was injured but there have been power outages because of water leaks, and damage checks ...
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ArticleIAI appoints Aasheim as chairperson
China – The executive vice-president of Hydro’s primary metal business was selected to lead the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) at the 89th meeting of its board of directors in Shanghai. Hilde Aasheim takes over from Abdulla Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, following his two-year tenure.Aasheim commented that the aluminium ...
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WebinarTRUMPF Webinar: Remote Laser Processing - The technology for future automotive applications
The reduction of CO2 emissions remains a key target for all OEMs. Meanwhile, an exceptionally competitive environment has led carmakers to offer a diversified portfolio based on cost-efficient design and production.In this webinar, we look at how the integration of Remote Laser Processing (RLP) into the production process is helping ...
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ArticleFord's CO2-based foams and plastics
US – Claiming the development as an industry first, Ford says it has successfully formulated and tested foam and plastic components using CO2 as feedstock. The company plans to use the new biomaterials in production vehicles in the next five years, reducing petroleum consumption by millions of pounds per year.Ford’s ...
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ArticleLectra liberates capacity at Freedman
US – The integrated technology provider sent a team to Freedman Seating’s premises in Chicago, where it makes seats and related products for commercial vehicles and buses, as well as speciality vehicles, trains and boats. Lectra’s personnel assessed the existing production processes, working methods and customer requirements before recommending the ...
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ArticleNissan makes senior appointments
Japan – The OEM made the changes to strengthen its operations in Japan, China and Mexico, in the process appointing the first female country head in the history of the company. Mayra Gonzalez will lead Nissan in Mexico.Airton Cousseau will move from his current role as president, Nissan Mexicana, to ...
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ArticleNew Ford GT offers carbon-fibre wheels
US – The GT is the second Ford Performance vehicle with carbon-fibre wheels, after the 2015 Shelby GT350R Mustang. Ford says the lightweight wheels further improve the drive and handling of the new supercar, which also has a carbon-fibre body.“Ford was the innovator as the first to offer mass-produced carbon-fibre ...
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ArticleRecycled carbon fibre
ELG Carbon Fibre claims it has developed a recycling solution that converts manufacturing waste into products that can be incorporated into vehicle design. The company says it is currently working with a number of automotive OEM’s on a range of projects from the development of end-of-use recycling solutions for carbon ...
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Article
Rings around the world
Like its premium brand competitors Audi is now establishing a global manufacturing networkThe geographic expansion of Volkswagen’s vehicle production beyond Germany, into Mexico, China, Spain, India, Brazil and South Africa, is now well-established. Meanwhile, parallel expansion at Audi is, with the exception of China, a much more recent phenomenon.Despite the ...
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ArticleNissan’s analytical tool for EV batteries
Japan – The Analysis and Research Center, Nissan Arc, announced a new atomic methodology to support the improved performance of lithium-ion batteries and extend the range of electric vehicles (EVs).“The invention of this new analysis method is essential to further develop the next generation of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries,” commented Takao ...
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ArticleRenault Curitiba to make adapted Kwid
Brazil – The plant in Paraná State will produce a version of the Kwid which was developed onsite on a global platform by Renault Technology Americas and also received input from Renault Design Latin America (RDLA), based in São Paulo.Renault’s Ayrton Senna Industrial Complex at Curitiba incorporates pressing, body assembly, ...
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ArticleNew entry-level turning centres
The Quick Turn Compact (QTC) and Quick Turn Primos (QTP) turning centres are both aimed at subcontractors involved in small to medium size manufacturing operations, says Mazak.There are two variants available in the QT Compact range; the QTC 200, equipped with a eight inch chuck, a maximum speed of 5,000rpm ...
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ArticleNo VOC fibreglass alternative
VersaFlex claims it has developed a no VOC, fast set, rapid curing, structural polyurea called AroStruct. Intended to take the place of traditional resins in a fibreglass matrix, the company says this can be spray-applied, dries within 30 seconds and cures within 60 minutes.Unlike epoxy, which has a short pot ...
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ArticleMade in India... for export
The country has emerged as a major market for the world’s car companies as well as a growing export hubSeveral car companies are expanding their Indian production capacity. The biggest, Maruti Suzuki, is in the midst of a $1 billion investment as part of its 'Vision 2.0' strategy which aims ...
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ArticleHonda opens Prachinburi plant
Thailand – The new factory at Rojana Industrial Park, Prachinburi province, represents an investment of 17.15 billion bahts ($48.3m) and features the latest Honda production technology, including the Assembly Revolution Cell (ARC) concept. The plant will strengthen the role of Honda Automobile Thailand within the company’s worldwide network.“Thailand has increased ...
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ArticleNissan and Mitsubishi strengthen alliance
Japan – The two OEMs have signed a basic agreement according to which Nissan will take a 34% stake in Mitsubishi for 237 billion yen ($2.2 billion). The strategic alliance will build on the existing collaboration between the two companies over the past five years.Nissan and Mitsubishi have agreed to ...
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ArticleHPPG reaches tenth anniversary
US – Honda Precision Parts of Georgia (HPPG) started transmission production with 179 workers in 2006. Thanks to cumulative investment of over $217m, the workforce now exceeds 500 individuals and the capacity of the plant is 375,000 per year.HPPG launched production with a five-speed transmission before shifting to a six-speed ...