OEMs
Renault forecasts bigger production losses for 2021
In its latest results Renault estimates that its vehicle production shortfall thanks to parts shortages for 2021 will reach around 500,000 units, above the 200,000 it previously forecast for the year. However, the company is making efforts to meet is projected operating margin.
BMW aims at zero-emission transport logistics at Munich plant
To coincide with the start of production of the fully electric BMW i4 at its Munich assembly plant in Germany, the carmaker has also launched a project to completely cut local emissions from the transport logistics used to feed parts into the plant.
Stellantis and LG to form EV battery joint venture in US
Stellantis and LG Energy Solution have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture plant to produce battery cells and modules for the North American automotive market. The move is part of the carmaker’s aim to make 40% of the cars it sells in the US electric by 2030, in line with the aims of the US government.
GM extends shutdown to deal with batteries and Bolt recalls
GM has extended the temporary closure of its Orion plant in Michigan while it deals with battery supply issues for Chevy Bolt EV and works on recall repairs
Further cutbacks to Toyota’s global output but recovery is in sight
Toyota is having to make further reductions to planned global production in November because of the shortage in the supply of semiconductors and other Covid restrictions
Greater visibility is a wonderful and challenging thing
At last week’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live conference, leading carmakers discussed how crisis management has realigned the logistics and supply chain function within their organisations, and put it front and centre
Daimler separates business into strategic management of cars and trucks
Daimler is realigning its business, spinning off the commercial vehicle divisions into a new company called Daimler Truck Holding and renaming the car and van business Mercedes-Benz Group
Wolfspeed ahead for GM’s Ultium Drive supply
GM has signed supplier agreement with US electronic subcomponents supplier Wolfspeed (formerly Cree) to secure the supply of silicon carbide devices that the carmaker said will enable it to install more efficient propulsion systems for its electric vehicles (EVs).
Chinese carmaker GAC begins selling SUVs in Mexico
Guangzhou Automobile Group (Gac) is exporting vehicles from China to Mexico. The SUVs are being shipped under the Dodge brand, which is a division of Stellantis, as part of an established joint venture between the two companies in China
XPeng continues to increase deliveries and launches P5 sedan
XPeng has delivered almost 46,000 cars in the first eight months of the year, made of the P7 and G3 EVs, and in October will start deliveries of the P5 family sedan EV
Bolt battery fires add to GM’s production problems
Following a spate lithium battery fires affecting the Chevrolet Bolt EV, GM has extended the closure of its Orion assembly plant, which joins a number of other lengthy closures in North America because of semiconductor shortages
Toyota makes further cuts to output because of Covid and chip shortage
Supply chain disruption as a result of the ongoing global semiconductor shortage continues as the imbalance between chip production and demand is forecast to maintain into 2022.
BMW to cut carbon from Neue Klasse EV lifecycle
BMW is cutting the emissions generated from the supply of parts and production of its Neue Klasse EV platform in an effort to meet strict sustainability targets by 2030
Semiconductor shortage disrupts production at Ford and Volvo
The shortage in the supply of semiconductors along with ongoing disruption caused by the Covid pandemic is hitting production at Ford and Volvo in the US and Europe this week
Audi recycling packaging to make 3D assembly tools at Neckarsulm
Audi is recycling the plastic packaging used to ship sensitive parts to its Neckarsulm plant in Germany and turning it into 3D-printed tools for assembly operations
GM changes strategy in the scramble for secure battery and chip supply
GM is looking for supplier partnerships to secure the supply of semiconductors and lithium-ion batteries as the automotive industry battles post-pandemic supply shortages and prepares for its electric future
Nissan and Envision AESC to build battery plant in Japan - reports
Nissan Motor will reportedly build a lithium-ion battery plant in Japan to support EV production as part of a joint investment project with battery manufacturer Envision AESC.
Renault to partner with Geely on hybrid vehicles in China and South Korea
Renault has agreed a framework with Geely to share production and supply chains for hybrid vehicles in Asia, including using Geely plants in China and localising Lynk & Co platforms in South Korea.
DB Cargo to open rail hub to transport Toyota vehicles between the UK and Europe using vegetable oil power
Fleets of Toyota cars will be shipped from a new train depot in Nottinghamshire as the UK’s largest rail freight company initiates a double-pronged push towards sustainability.
Driving home the reality of global market changes: Honda Swindon factory closure makes way for logistics site
Honda has closed its Swindon, UK plant, as it ends European production. The carmaker is focusing electric vehicle investment and scale in Asia, and is a sign of how electrification could reshape manufacturing footprints.
