Latest News & Features – Page 273
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ArticleEfficiency as standard
Efficiency of function as well as formNatural selectionInside innovationSetting standardsProcess of changePlant comes cleanBeing seen to be greenManufacturers can make significant cost and energy savings by building-in efficiencies at plant design stage. And if there is a single automotive manufacturing plant anywhere in the world that can claim to be ...
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ArticleA measure of success from Hexagon
Norbert Hanke, president and CEO of Hexagon Metrology, talks about about the company’s brand portfolio.Hexagon Metrology is part of the Hexagon AB Group and includes leading metrology brands such as Brown & Sharpe, Cognitens, DEA, Leica Geosystems (Metrology Division), Leitz, m&h Inprocess Messtechnik, Optiv, PC-DMIS, QUINDOS, ROMER and TESA.The company’s ...
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ArticlePlastic not always so fantastic
Looks good, feels goodLightweighting limitationsOut with the old, in with the newMaterials and mouldsEV efficiency – wheels and wiresFor many in the industry, both engineers and pundits, the greatest opportunity offered by plastics in automotive construction is metal replacement. However, it is not necessarily as simple as a straightforward swap; ...
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ArticleCasting for the best parts
Increasing yield and reducing wasteMagnesium and aluminium in the powertrainSimulation and designPowdermetal technologiesThe search for increased longevity and product reliability is driving changes in casting and forging design, materials and processes. In recent years manufacturers have presented metallurgists with ever more challenging requirements, especially in the area of powertrain components. ...
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ArticleBalancing technology and trust
Analytics key to efficiencySpecialist material handlingStock control and sequenced supplyDevelop both technology and trustHigh levels of co-operation must combine with hi-tech advances to deliver greater efficiencies in lineside supply chain management. Yet the task of getting the basic constituent components that make up the vehicle to the production line at ...
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ArticleInstigate, innovate, automate
ABB group vice-president Michael Larsson discusses the technologies currently being delivered to OEMs in order to improve quality, efficiency and product throughput.In his role as group vice-president for ABB, Larsson presides over a number different areas, powertrain automation, body-in-white and paint process automation – commonly referred to as robot systems ...
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ArticleTurning out tools up to the task
Innovation through integrationMachining ChallengesA shared knowledge baseAdvances in coating technologiesContributing to energy reductionDespite difficult global economic conditions, manufacturing now seems to be viewed in new-found favour – and what the machine tool industry makes and sells today will create the consumer products that will drive tomorrow’s financial recovery.Speak to those ...
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ArticleStill waiting for the green light
Saved from the floodNew engines, new line?Changing tacticsFuture plansA series of global events have left Honda’s second manufacturing facility in India producing a limited number of body and engine parts. Julian Buckley travelled to the site to ask when it will get the go-ahead to start full production.Honda Siel Cars ...
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Editor's Note: Challengers from China
As I turn my thoughts (and early morning telephone calls) to our next AMS conference, AMS China in June 26-28, industry colleagues in Europe and the US often say to me: “You are always going on about China automotive but when will we see Chinese cars on our roads?”Well, this ...
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ArticleMade in the South
Pleased to meet youWeld typesPlanning for C-ClassTail light preparationA tour of the bodyshop at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which review the technologies that have been added for production of the new M-Class SUV.In 1997, the M-Class SUV was the first model to enter production at the $400m Mercedes-Benz ...
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ArticleGlobal heavyweight challenges
European confidence and global growthAshok Leyland - A new approachCaterpillar – Asian expansionDaimler - Demand creating jobsVolvo - Shifting up a gear in BrazilGreen giantsFuel from wasteSmith Electric - Building in the BronxOEM truck manufacturers around the world are ramping up output in order to meet increasing demand, but this ...
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Flewitt takes over vice-president post at Ford of Europe
Cologne, Germany – Ford has announced that Ken Macfarlane, Vice-President of Manufacturing, Ford of Europe, is to retire on January 1, 2012, after a 39-year career with the carmaker.MacFarlane will be succeeded by Mike Flewitt, currently Director of Vehicle Operations, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe.www.ford.com
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Dianne Craig is the new president and CEO of Ford Canada
Oakville, Ontario – Ford of Canada has appointed Dianne Craig as the division’s new president and CEO. Craig replaces David Mondragon, who held the position since August 2008.Mondragon will take over as General Marketing Manager for Ford and Lincoln in the United States.www.ford.com
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Karl Stracke takes the lead of GM Europe
Russelsheim, Germany – GM has announced that Nick Reilly, President of GM Europe, is to retire in March 2012. He has been succeeded by Karl Stracke, who took control of the company on January 1. Stracke will continue to act as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall, while also joining the GM Executive ...
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ArticleSetting the standard for the 508
Shifts and pressLaser applicationsBIW managementPaintshop hardwarePaint solutionsColour applicationFeeding the lineSupermarket sweepA comprehensive tour of the PSA Rennes plant to find out what processes and technologies were put in place to support production of the new Peugeot 508 range.Last year the PSA factory in Rennes, France, celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over ...
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Hicks as Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover UK
Gaydon, UK – Jaguar Land Rover has appointed Jeremy Hicks as Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK.This brings the UK organization in line with other JLR global markets in that each region is now led by a single, dual-brand managing director.www.jaguar.com
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ArticleHigh-precision surface grinder from Okamoto
The company has introduced a new machine which is a double column, gantry-type ACC-208CHiQ and can deliver the accuracy required for motor core dies used in vehicles with hybrid powertrains, or for high precision dies used in die coating equipment, its says. The ACC-208CHiQ, which can operate over 2,000 x ...
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ArticleNew Diavia HVAC system from Delphi Automotive
Delphi Automotive has introduced a new HVAC system for city buses designed to keep passengers comfortable while improving effi ciency and reducing energy consumption when compared to traditional external roof top bus units. The new Diavia City Bus HVAC delivers uniformlycooled air to passengers regardless of where they are located ...
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Byung-Tae (Brandon) Yea takes the president post at Kia
Zilina, Slovakia – Kia has announced the appointment of Byung-Tae (Brandon) Yea to the position of President of Kia Motors Europe. He succeeds Sun-Young Kim, who after five years as head of Kia Motors Europe is to be reposted to the company’s Seoul headquarters.Yea, 53, was most recently president of ...
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ArticleNew weld cell environment sensor cables from Pepperl+Fuchs
Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced Weld Slag Resistant POC cables. The robust and fl ame retardant cables offer reliable operation over an extended working life in high temperature welding applications. The fl ame-retardant cable jacket can withstand temperatures up to 150oC, while the fl exible structure can handle high levels of mechanical ...