Mercedes replaces robots with people on its assembly line
We've all heard stories about how the robots are taking our jobs. While that may be true, Mercedes-Benz is replacing some of its high-tech workers with real live humans.
Auto Manufacturing
Automakers stuck on structural adhesives for new cars
The biggest benefit of adhesives is that they allow automakers to mix and match structural materials.
Will global automakers drop local JV partners if China's government says they can?
Chinese economic policies could be in for a big change, as President Xi Jinping pushes the communist country to open its domestic markets even further. That could mean big things for the auto industry, especially when it comes to the country's far-reaching joint-venture system.
Doing nothing on climate change could cost auto industry millions
When it comes to climate change, the auto industry will be better served by working with the energy industry on cleaner energy plants than dealing with more and more severe weather incidents in the future. That's the finding of a new study by Business Forward, which says that supporting the EPA's new rules – which is supposed to make energy pl
GM closes NY fuel cell facility, consolidates hydrogen research in MI
The town of Honeoye Falls, NY, got a jolt on October 5, when General Motors announced it would be closing down its fuel-cell research facility there. The 220 GM employees were given the opportunity to move to Pontiac, MI, where GM will be consolidating its fuel cell program to capitalize on "synergies" with the automaker's Global Powertrain Engineering headquarters.
GM recycles something called Sonozorb into coats, sleeping bags for the houseless
For automakers pursuing sustainability initiatives – things like powering plants with solar panels and recycling existing car components – General Motors is stepping it up a notch. GM is working with a Detroit nonprofit group to turn leftover auto materials into warm coats and sleeping bags for the area's houseless.
These are America's 15 busiest auto plants
Still got that fireworks-induced, patriotic buzz going on? This might help keep you seeing red, white and blue a bit longer. Of the 15 most productive auto plants in the States, Automobile Magazine says the top two spots – and more than half the total tally – are occupied by American car companies.
These are North America's top producing auto plants
Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Zach Bowman
Audi confirms plans for North American plant, likely in Mexico
Audi will begin construction of a new manufacturing facility in North America, according to Ward's Auto. While the German luxury manufacturer hasn't chosen a specific location as of yet, early whispers hint to a location in Mexico. Previously, Audi parent company Volkswagen had investigated the possibility of producing Audi models alongside its
Harbour Report: GM and Ford more efficient, still lose money on every vehicle
The 2006 edition of the Harbour Report - a benchmarking study of U.S. automobile manufacturing - shows Nissan had the industry's most efficient North American manufacturing operation in 2005, followed (in order) by Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Chrysler Group and Ford. On average, Nissan facilities required 28.46 labor hours to produce a vehicle, while Ford clocked in at 35.82 hours. The results show U.S. automakers are closing the gap, but still have room to improve.