Vehicle makers and suppliers could be forgiven for seeking some stability, having weathered numerous crisis and disruption over recent years, but volatile markets, fierce competition and challenges to supply chains continue to apply pressure on manufacturing operations that are still working to integrate electric vehicles and optimising existing ICE production.

So, we are seeing a lot of focus on flexibility to manage the different product lines and volumes, and on efficiency, to manage rising costs. While efficiency drives are an ongoing feature in production, they are being prioritised not only to combat higher costs, but also as an integral part of sustainability strategies.

In this edition we take an in-depth look at OEM and tier supplier sustainability strategies and how these are developing to be at the centre of production operations. JLR’s manufacturing sustainability transformation lead, Garrett Bell, discusses how the OEM is developing sustainability as a culture throughout the entire business. We also have some insights into JLR’s sustainability projects at an operational level, with a very interesting waste management case study from the company’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre.

Leading tier supplier, GKN Automotive also offers insights into its approach to sustainable production operations, similarly around establishing workable processes and protocols, and engaging with the workforce to encourage a positive approach to achieving sustainability targets. We also look at long-term thinking around wastewater management and how digital tools enhance processes and better manage materials usage in paintshops.

Manufacturing engineering is another key part in the transition to electric vehicle production and we have some great examples of this at work from BMW as it prepares for production of its latest Neue Klasse platform at its Munich plant.

Read more on these topics in the print or digital page turner formats, or by following the links below to read on our websit

Features include:

  • JLR’s Garrett Bell, discusses how the OEM is developing sustainability as a culture | read online ↗️
  • GKN Automotive offers insights into its approach to sustainable production operations | read online ↗️
  • BMW on how it is ramping up its circular production and sustainability principles | read online ↗️
  • Gestamp discusses how it’s managing the engineering challenges around EVs | read online ↗️
  • BMW shares insights on preparations for production of its latest Neue Klasse platform | read online ↗️
  • AI supporting and enhancing paint surface quality inspection | read online ↗️

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