North America News
Stellantis launches, new multi-energy platform for body-on-frame trucks and SUVs
Stellantis has launched its STLA Frame platform which supports ICE, hybrid, hydrogen, battery electric and range-extender electric vehicle powertrains.
BMW conquers Mexico with sustainable production
BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico is a benchmark in sustainable, flexible automotive production. With innovations like near-zero water waste and preparation for electric vehicle production, it’s driving a green future while maintaining global quality standards.
Asahi Kasei breaks ground on Canada lithium-ion battery separator plant
The new lithium-ion battery separator facility in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada will operate as a joint venture with Honda and is expected to begin commercial production in 2027.
Henning Habicht appointed Head of Volkswagen Chattanooga Operations
Habicht takes over from Chris Glover, who will retire in January 2025 after more than three decades with Volkswagen, including a three-year stint at Chattanooga.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group JV to create electric architectures and software
The new joint venture (JV), will see engineers from both partners developing software and electronics architectures and scale the electric vehicle platforms and architectures.
ZF’s Fernando Bera on data-driven efficiency in smart factory transformation
Leveraging real-time data and prioritising people are central to ZF’s smart factory strategy, explains Fernando Bera at AMS Evolution NA 2024.
Gestamp’s Paul Belanger on cost reduction strategies through giga-stamping and collaboration
Reducing production costs and fostering early collaboration are essential for affordable EV production, says Gestamp’s Paul Belanger.
Stellantis’ Jeremy Keating on embedding lean across the organisation for efficiency
Embedding lean practices across all departments and fostering early-stage collaboration are essential for Stellantis’ manufacturing efficiency, says Jeremy Keating.
Stellantis’ Asif Khan on lean manufacturing for cost control and profitability
Implementing lean practices and combining digital tools with workforce engagement are essential for efficient automotive manufacturing, says Stellantis’ Asif Khan.
AMS Automotive Evolution: Reducing costs, fast-tracking development, embracing change
The AMS Automotive Evolution conference in Detroit brought together leading car makers and tier suppliers to discuss managing production operations as the EV transition continues.
How North America aims to make EVs affordable for the masses
Automakers explore ways to cut costs by up to 50% to make EVs affordable, embracing advanced manufacturing, automation, and collaboration to scale up sustainable mobility
Toyota’s Jaime Moore on the evolving role of engineers in automotive manufacturing
Building agile engineering teams and fostering early collaboration are vital for innovative automotive manufacturing, says Toyota’s Jaime Moore.
Ford’s Rajeev Kalamdani on challenges in smart factory digitalisation
Overcoming legacy systems, building tech-savvy teams and driving collaboration for digital success is central to smart factory transformation, says Ford’s Rajeev Kalamdani
The Trump Presidency and the fate of global automotive production
The US election could redefine automotive production worldwide, impacting tariffs, EV policies, and trade relations across the US, Europe, and Mexico.
Free webinar: How to maximise efficiency in battery tray manufacturing and integration
This webinar will showcase innovative, cost-efficient quality processes to assure 100% quality in battery manufacturing. New quality solutions from Hexagon enable automakers to detect defects efficiently and ensure a perfect fit into the underbody of the car.
GM Ventures invests $10m in Forge Nano to improve EV battery performance and reduce costs
General Motors and Forge Nano have entered a strategic partnership agreement to collaborate on atomic layer deposition applications for GM’s electric vehicle batteries.
For Chris Glover, change is the only constant at VW’s Chattanooga plant
The Volkswagen US plant leader manages market and technology complexity through flexible facility design, digitalisation, training and engagement with workers
GM ditches Ultium in EV strategy revamp as ICE persists
General Motors will retire its Ultium brand in favour of a multi-chemistry EV battery approach, while reaffirming steady profits and rising EV sales amid strong ICE vehicle demand.
Volkswagen faces manufacturing challenges amid financial troubles
What’s behind Volkswagen’s financial and manufacturing struggles? Falling sales, China tariffs, and EV woes are triggering major challenges.
Mazda Toyota’s Rhonda Gilyard honoured for leadership in automotive production
Rhonda Gilyard, Vice President at Mazda Toyota manufacturing, has been honoured for her leadership in automotive production and advancing women’s roles in the sector.