Latest News & Features – Page 158
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ArticleVW builds 500,000th Passat at Chattanooga
US – The milestone vehicle was a Candy White Limited Edition with a 1.8-litre turbo engine. The achievement was reached in the midst of a $900m expansion to add a second model, a seven-seat SUV.“Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Volkswagen Passat embodies the spirit of America and continues to play ...
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ArticleSaltillo South Engine gains WCM Bronze
Mexico – The FCA facility in Coahuila has become the third in the country and the tenth in North America to achieve this World Class Manufacturing (WCM) status, five years after implementing the system.Saltillo South Engine Plant (SSEP) assembles the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine, which powers the Dodge Journey, Dodge ...
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ArticleTaking care
OEMs are adopting a more proactive approach to employee wellbeing, including improved ergonomicsAs the baby-boom generation grows older and the average age of employees rises, automotive manufacturers are responding to the need for more ergonomic workplaces. In addition, the younger generation coming through is bringing with it a different set ...
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ArticleSteel: Stronger and lighter
Wider application of UHSS and AHSS is making vehicle structures much lighter, and the next generation of steel grades promise even greater weight reduction – perhaps challenging the rise of aluminiumAs far as lightweight materials are concerned, ultra-high and advanced high-strength steels (UHSS and AHSS) are quite good value for ...
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ArticleEditor's note: Metal matters
It would seem that OEMs are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the materials with which to build their vehicles. Steel still dominates, but aluminium is gaining ground and composites are now becoming a more realistic option in high-volume production. The competition between the different material suppliers is ...
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ArticleEnergy data management system
The zenon energy data management system that COPA-DATA is introducing is claimed to provide a new solution package which will support companies to introduce and implement productive energy management.The system can be integrated into existing infrastructures and can centrally read, gather and process large amounts of data from various sources ...
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ArticleNew VSD air compressors offer energy savings
Atlas Copco has extended its portfolio of oil-injected rotary screw compressors with the introduction of new GA 110-160 VSD models. The company says the addition of energy efficient variable speed drive technology to its GA 90+-160 range provides for energy savings of up to 35%, cutting the life cycle cost ...
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ArticleFCA Kokomo’s 1m transmissions
US – The plant in Indiana has produced its 1millionth TorqueFlite 845RE unit, almost three years after the start of manufacturing operations for the eight-speed transmission. The launch and a subsequent production expansion have required investment of around $860m at Kokomo since 2010.The eight-speed transmission powers six models – the ...
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ArticleFord reduces production-line injury rate
US – The company says it has cut the number of injuries to its 50,000-strong workforce in the country by 70% since 2003, through new ergonomics research, lift-assist devices, workstation redesign and data-driven process changes.“We refer to our assembly line employees as ‘industrial athletes’, due to the physical nature of ...
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ArticleTravel blog: Upscaling cowboys to carmakers in Guanajuato
Two out of three restaurants at my hotel in Mexico City are Japanese. This fact is rather more significant than how it impinges on my dining options: why Japanese, why here? Because there are Japanese companies and Japanese people and it makes sense for there to be sushi. A good ...
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ArticlePerfect casting
Executive director Ed Grainger explains how Grainger & Worrall has transformed the ‘black art’ of casting into a high-tech operation to meet the demands of clients including F1, NASCAR and supercar makersAMS: Could you provide an overview of how the company has developed?Ed Grainger (EG): The company was established in ...
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ArticleStrothmann wins VW Puebla contract
Mexico – Volkswagen de México has commissioned the automated equipment supplier to modernise a press line at its plant in Puebla. The carmaker has opted for electronic parts transfer via the CompactTransfer system, which is suitable for small installation spaces and can be adapted to the specific requirements of the ...
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ArticleNew industrial cameras
The new XCG Cubic GigE Series cameras include PoE capability to provide users with the convenience of single-cable operation for power and control claims Sony. The company says this new range contains a number of advanced new features including enhanced frame rate performance and low trigger latency capabilities.These new models ...
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ArticleFibre laser system
Prima Power has introduced its new Laserdyne 430 Versa 3D fibre laser system featuring its third generation BeamDirector. It is equipped with an air-cooled 3,000W peak power fibre laser and the proprietary BeamDirector. This provides two axes of laser beam motion without part movement.The company says it also features the ...
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ArticleWelding simulation software
Altair has announced that GeonX S.A. has joined the Altair Partner Alliance (APA), bringing access to Virfac, a welding simulation software, to HyperWorks users. Virfac provides quality predictions for manufactured parts with the ability to improve product lifespan and design before any prototype is required, claims the company.The software is ...
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ArticleMazda starts producing refreshed BT-50 at ATT
Thailand – Featuring a newly designed front face, rear combination lamps, aluminium wheels and an upgraded interior, the pick-up truck will be introduced to the Thai and Australian markets from the second half of 2015. The powertrain and body type remain unchanged from the model introduced in 2011.Mazda established the ...
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ArticleGM's $1.4bn for Arlington enhancement
US – The investment will see the plant reconfigured with a new paintshop, bodyshop and general assembly area upgrades. Construction is expected to begin this summer and take around three years to complete; GM says the production of Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Yukon XLs and Cadillac Escalades ...
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ArticleHonda begins African car production
Nigeria – The company has started production of its Accord model with an annual capacity of 1,000 units, having established automobile production facilities at the site of its existing motorcycle plant in the West African country. This is Honda’s first car plant in the continent and follows its commitment to ...
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ArticleTravel blog: Shooting for the stars (and stripes) in Puebla
If NASA, in this era of budget cuts, should need to find alternative premises, I know a little place down in Mexico that might suit. Not that its current occupant would be eager to vacate, having only started operations there last year. I’m talking about VW and its new bodyshop ...
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ArticleTravel blog: What’s GM chancing in Lansing?
“It’s the soccer moms – first they had to have minivans, now it’s SUVs.” So said the driver taking me to and from GM Lansing Delta Township, about an hour-and-a-half west of Detroit. Interestingly, his knowledge of market demand extended to which car models get stolen most often in Michigan, ...