Latest News & Features – Page 196
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ArticleEditor's note: Taking a chance
Since the financial implosion in 2008 we have become used to reading about astronomical sums of money being spent and lost. So much so that I think we have become blasé about these figures. Millions of euros or dollars now seem like pocket change and it takes hundreds of millions ...
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Toyota to establish new North American HQ
US – Within the next three years, the OEM’s existing three headquarters for manufacturing, sales and marketing and corporate operations for the region will be combined in a state-of-the-art campus in Plano, Texas. Toyota’s North American finance division will also move its headquarters to the site.Construction of the new complex ...
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ArticleInterview: John Pacanovsky, Scigrip
As the use of composites increases in the automotive industry, the head of R&D at an adhesives supplier talks about the advantages of this type of bondingAMS: Scigrip does some work with Renault and Fiat trucks, is that correct?John Pacanovsky (JP): Whilst we can’t name specific models, Scigrip is a ...
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ArticleFORMAX installs multiaxial machine
UK – The new cut-and-lay Malitronic equipment from Karl Mayer is part of a €2.5m investment programme and is housed within the company’s new 5,000 sq.m automotive facility at its headquarters in Leicester.The 35m machine has a variable width of 127-160cm and will be dedicated to the production of tailored ...
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ArticleSafety relay for machine builders
Rockwell Automation says machine builders can now easily implement required safety functions while improving productivity with the Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay.Users can program the safety relay through the free Connected Components Workbench software from the company. The Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay meets PLe, SIL 3 per EN ISO 13849-1 ...
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ArticleRobot mounted laser scanner
Working in collaboration with Metrologic Group, Steinbichler Optotechnik’s STEINBICHLER T-SCAN CS hand-guided laser scanner that can now be mounted on a robot. The company says the laser offers advantages in scanning speed and surface cooperativeness - all components can be scanned and recorded in-line. Metrolog X4 i-Robot is suited for ...
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ArticleGap and fold edge swiveling measurement device
The CALIPRI profile measurement device developed by NextSense uses three laser lines for the scanning of profiles. The company says this allows for the swiveling of the measurement device and enables measurements from different perspectives, and also, the fold edges of sheet-metal body parts that form gaps can be analysed.Whether ...
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ArticleUAW’s VP nominated for GM board
US – Joe Ashton, who has been put forward by the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust (VEBA), will retire from his current position in June, according to the UAW constitutional convention. If elected, his term on the GM board would begin in August.“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge from his ...
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ArticleNissan starts production in Lagos
Nigeria – The first Nissan Patrol rolled off the line at the assembly plant ahead of mass production later this year. Some manufacturing of the Almera and the NP300 will also begin next month, before all three models enter series production in August. The OEM said it has become the ...
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ArticleVolvo opens new bodyshop at Torslanda
Sweden – The manufacturing facility, inaugurated on the OEM’s 50th anniversary at the location, covers 24,000 sq. ft and will boost its annual capacity from 200,000 to 300,000 units. The move will bring Volvo closer to achieving its long-term goal of selling 800,000 cars per year.The bodyshop will be used ...
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ArticlePlaying production roulette
With relatively low car ownership, Russia offers great potential for global OEMs – but its potential is threatened by economic and political volatility, a shaky supply base and logistical difficulties Russia’s car industry is back in the spotlight as automakers react to a financial wobble in the country which ...
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ArticleInterview with Oliver Blume, Porsche
The premium OEM’s global head of Production and Logistics talks about its recent expansion in Leipzig for the addition of the new Macan SUV.
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ArticleTRW to supply EPS for Great Wall’s new SUV
US/China – The belt drive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system will feature on the next-generation SUV which is to be launched by the Chinese OEM in 2015. Over the past two years, TRW Automotive Holdings has established a regional production base at Anting, with capacity for 800,000 units per year. ...
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ArticleHonda parts purchasing passes $330bn in America
Canada – At an awards ceremony for suppliers, the OEM announced the milestone figure for parts and materials, which was reached after 35 years of manufacturing in the region. Over 650 suppliers in North America support Honda’s 14 major manufacturing sites.The vehicle-maker achieved record production levels in 2013, when it ...
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ArticleChrysler Belvidere receives $1.3bn energy rebate
US – The assembly plant received the cheque from its natural gas supplier, Nicor Gas, after three energy-saving projects resulted in a reduction of 2.5m therms per annum.Zachary Leroux, head of assembly operations at Chrysler, commented that Nicor’s Energy Efficiency Program “provides meaningful incentives for business to reduce gas consumption ...
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ArticleFour more GM plants meet energy targets
US – America’s Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged energy intensity reductions at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant (-24%) and Flint (-18%) in Michigan, plus Dongyue Engine Plant (-45%) and Jinqiao North Assembly Plant (-43%) in China.The facilities hit targets for the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry scheme for a second time; a total ...
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ArticleMorris and Kelzer to lead GM's new Engineering divisions
US – Ken Morris, currently executive director, Global Chassis Engineering, has been appointed vice-president of Global Product Integrity. The newly created role and organisation will cover vehicle, powertrain and electrical systems engineering as well as vehicle performance, industrial engineering and validation.Global Product Integrity is one of two divisions to emerge ...
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ArticleGM reorganises Global Engineering
US – The move is intended to improve cross-system integration, deliver a more consistent performance across vehicle programmes and address functional safety and compliance issues. Global Vehicle Engineering will be divided into Global Product Integrity and Global Vehicle Components and Subsystems.Led by Ken Morris, currently executive director, Global Chassis Engineering, ...
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ArticleChrysler Trenton reaches WCM bronze status
US – The engine plant in Michigan has become the fifth North American facility to achieve the designation, four years after adopting the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) strategy which is designed to minimise waste, increase productivity and improve quality and safety.Trenton went through an audit earlier this month and achieved ...
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ArticleChinese production for Jeeps
China – GAC Fiat, the joint venture between Fiat, Chrysler and Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will begin production of three new models for the domestic market. The project has been approved by the authorities and production plans will be finalised in the near-term; manufacturing is expected to begin by late ...