background picture

assembly magazine

About the Publisher

-----

Contact Information

Email Address-----

Company Phone-----

Address-----

Socials

Facebook-----

Instagram-----

LinkedIn-----

Filters

By Country

32

articles found

View by

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda Calls Prospect Of Nissan-Honda Merger 'Exciting'

assembly magazine

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda Calls Prospect Of Nissan-Honda Merger 'Exciting'The Nissan Rogue was recently named the “Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee.” Photo courtesy Nissan Motor Co. LAS VEGAS, NV—According to Auto Josh, as reported to Inside EVs through an interpreter at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has expressed enthusiasm about the potential merger between Honda and Nissan, dismissing claims that Nissan approached Toyota for financial backing. Speaking at CES 2025, Toyoda clarified that Nissan did not seek a merger with Toyota, adding that such a move could potentially violate anti-monopoly laws. The speculation arose after reports suggested that Nissan might need financial assistance from the Japanese or U.S. governments to stay afloat until 2025. Shortly after these reports, Honda and Nissan officially announced they were in discussions to form a joint holding company. This collaboration could result in the creation of the world’s third-largest automaker by 2026. The proposed merger aims to integrate the companies’ expertise, including technological innovations and management resources. Toyoda welcomed the development, expressing optimism about the potential for more competitive products to emerge from the partnership. “For me, it’s quite exciting,” Toyoda said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how they cooperate and develop innovative, competitive products. This would be a positive step not just for Japan but for the global automotive market.” If successful, the Honda-Nissan merger could significantly reshape the automotive industry landscape, fostering greater competition and innovation worldwide. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Nissan Begins Production Of Redesigned 2025 Murano At Smyrna Plant

assembly magazine

Nissan Begins Production Of Redesigned 2025 Murano At Smyrna PlantSmyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Tennessee celebrates redesigned 2025 Nissan Murano. Photo courtesy of Nissan SMYRNA, TN—Nissan has started production of the redesigned 2025 Murano at its Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Tennessee, marking the milestone with a ceremony on December 3, 2024. Nissan executives, community leaders, and plant employees celebrated as the first 2025 model rolled off the line. Brian Crockett, Vice President of Manufacturing for the Smyrna plant, called it a proud moment, recognizing the dedication of the team behind the refreshed SUV. The 2025 Murano features bold styling, advanced technology, and engines produced at Nissan's Decherd Powertrain Plant, also in Tennessee. With plans to scale production to over 6,700 units monthly by March 2025, the first models are expected in dealerships early in the year. Since starting Murano production in 2020, the Smyrna plant has delivered nearly 145,000 units to the U.S. and Canada. Governor Bill Lee praised Nissan’s contributions to Tennessee’s economy and workforce, highlighting the company’s 40-year partnership with the state. The Smyrna facility, Nissan’s largest in the U.S., employs over 5,700 people and produces multiple models with an annual capacity of 640,000 vehicles. The launch underscores Nissan’s commitment to innovation, quality, and its Tennessee manufacturing operations, supported by $7.1 billion in investments. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Tesla’S Updated Model Y Begins Production In Europe Amid Declining Sales

assembly magazine

Tesla’S Updated Model Y Begins Production In Europe Amid Declining SalesGRUNHEIDE, Germany—Tesla’s plant near Berlin has started producing updated Model Y vehicles. However, the official production launch has not yet been announced, and the new model is not available for order, according to a company spokeswoman. The Model Y, the most-produced electric car globally, is a cornerstone of Tesla’s strategy to regain growth momentum. The company experienced its first annual sales decline in 2024, delivering 1.79 million vehicles, about 19,000 fewer than in 2023. In Germany, Tesla’s new vehicle registrations fell by 26,000 in 2024 compared to the previous year, as the company dropped to third place in the country’s EV market behind Volkswagen and BMW. Tesla’s sole European factory, the Berlin-based Gigafactory, employs approximately 11,000 workers and supplies vehicles to Europe, the Middle East, and Taiwan. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

assembly magazine

Mack Trucks Celebrates 125 Years Of Innovation With New Logo And Sustainable VisionMack E Model from 1948. Photo courtesy of Mack Trucks Mack Trucks marks its 125th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a legacy that began in 1900 in Brooklyn, N.Y. The company debuted a special anniversary logo to commemorate this milestone, reflecting its enduring role in building America's infrastructure and its commitment to innovation. "Every Mack truck that rolls off our assembly line carries forward a legacy of grit, innovation, and that unmistakable bulldog tenacity," said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks. From hauling steel for the Brooklyn Bridge to deploying zero-emission electric vehicles like the LR Electric refuse truck, Mack has been a key player in transformative projects across the U.S. Over the decades, Mack pioneered innovations like integrated powertrains in the 1920s and continues to push boundaries with electric advancements, such as the LR Electric refuse trucks and MD Electric series for medium-duty applications. Known for advancements like integrated powertrains and iconic engines such as the Thermodyne and Maxidyne, Mack continues to lead in sustainability with electric and autonomous technologies for the next generation of transportation. "Our 125th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating our past – it’s about driving toward an even more innovative future," Roy emphasized, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation as it enters its next chapter. Today, Mack Trucks operates globally in over 45 countries, with key manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania and Virginia. As the company looks to the future, it aims to lead in electric and autonomous technologies, building on the legacy of founders Jack and Gus Mack. According to Mack Trucks North America President Jonathan Randall, the milestone celebrates "not just the past but driving toward an even more innovative future." Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $635 Million To Expand Zero-Emission Ev Charging And Refueling Infrastructure

assembly magazine

Biden-Harris Administration Allocates $635 Million To Expand Zero-Emission Ev Charging And Refueling InfrastructureWASHINGTON—On January 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $635 million in grants to bolster the nation's electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative refueling infrastructure. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the grants will support 49 projects across 27 states, four tribes, and Washington, D.C., deploying over 11,500 EV charging ports and expanding hydrogen and natural gas fueling networks. The investment advances President Biden's goal of 500,000 public EV chargers by 2030, with over 206,000 chargers already operational. Highlights include $368 million for community-based projects and $268 million for corridor fast-charging infrastructure, prioritizing equity through the Justice40 Initiative by directing 67% of funds to disadvantaged communities. Projects include installing hydrogen fueling for heavy-duty trucks in Bayport, Texas, and expanding EV infrastructure in rural and urban locations, such as the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and Troy, Alabama. The grants complement private sector efforts, create jobs, reduce emissions, and support the transition to a clean energy economy. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Mahindra Unveils State-Of-The-Art Ev Manufacturing Facility At Chakan

assembly magazine

Mahindra Unveils State-Of-The-Art Ev Manufacturing Facility At ChakanCourtesy of Mahindra CHAKAN, India—Mahindra has officially launched its cutting-edge EV manufacturing facility within its expansive Chakan manufacturing hub in India. The plant will focus on producing Mahindra’s BE 6 and XEV 9e SUVs, as well as future electric models like the XEV 7e. It is equipped with advanced automation technologies, including over 1,000 robots, with 500 deployed in the AI-driven body shop. The facility also features robotic press and paint shops for enhanced precision and efficiency. A key highlight is the ‘Nerve Center,’ an IoT-based system that enables real-time monitoring of operations, providing end-to-end traceability and actionable insights to optimize production processes. Additionally, the battery assembly section is fully automated, employing patented processes to create one of the world’s most compact and efficient battery manufacturing lines. This section includes lean module assembly and rigorous end-of-line testing to simulate real-world conditions. Mahindra’s latest EV facility exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, marking a significant step forward in the company’s push toward electrification. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

John Deere Announces Layoffs At Ottumwa Plant

assembly magazine

John Deere Announces Layoffs At Ottumwa PlantOTTUMWA, IA—John Deere is laying off 75 employees at its Ottumwa, Iowa, plant, effective February 7. This follows a temporary production shutdown at the facility in December due to reduced customer demand. The layoffs are part of a broader series of workforce reductions by the agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer, which has announced 15 rounds of layoffs over the past year. The cuts have impacted 1,866 workers across its Iowa plants, including facilities in Waterloo, Davenport, Dubuque, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and Ottumwa. The Ottumwa plant has faced several setbacks in recent months. In May, 103 employees took early retirement, 16 jobs were eliminated in June, and John Deere announced plans to move mower production from Ottumwa to Mexico. In a statement, Deere attributed the layoffs to "challenging market conditions" and declining demand for its equipment. The company cited a weak farm economy, with U.S. Department of Agriculture data forecasting row-crop receipts to decline 16% in 2024, following an 8% drop in 2023. Deere also projected its earnings to decrease to $5 billion in 2025, down from $10.1 billion in 2023. Impacted employees will receive supplemental unemployment pay and transitional assistance, covering 50% of their average weekly earnings for up to a year. Health care coverage will continue for at least six months, with an option to extend coverage for an additional 12 months at the employees' expense. John Deere, headquartered in Moline, Illinois, employs 30,000 workers at 60 U.S. facilities and has invested over $2 billion in its U.S. operations over the past five years. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Dodge Sells A Viper In 2024 Seven Years After Its Production Stopped

assembly magazine

Dodge Sells A Viper In 2024 Seven Years After Its Production StoppedAs reported by Jalopnik, Dodge managed to sell a new Viper in 2024, despite the iconic sports car being out of production since 2017. According to the company’s sales figures, Dodge sold a single Viper in the first quarter of 2024, adding it to the roster of Hornets, Chargers, and Challengers shipped during the year. The sale is particularly interesting since the Viper was discontinued seven years prior. This wasn’t Dodge’s first post-production Viper sale, either. In 2023, the brand sold two as-new Vipers, making the 2024 sale an intriguing continuation of the trend. Interestingly, the Viper wasn’t the only discontinued model Dodge sold in 2024. The automaker also moved two Darts and two Caravans—vehicles discontinued in 2016 and 2020, respectively. The Dodge Viper’s production officially ended in 2017 when the Conner Avenue Assembly plant was shut down. Slowing sales and anticipated challenges with meeting updated safety standards were cited as reasons for its retirement. Despite its official demise, the Viper's allure remains. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Honda And Nissan Plan To Merge Operations

assembly magazine

Honda And Nissan Plan To Merge OperationsPhoto courtesy Nissan Motor Co. TOKYO—Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are planning to join forces to compete in the fast-changing automotive landscape. The historic merger, which may also include Mitsubishi Motors Corp., would create the world’s third largest auto group after Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG. Honda and Nissan currently rank as the No. 2 and No. 3 Japanese automakers (Toyota is No. 1). According to the Reuters news agency, the two companies “are in talks to merge by 2026,” which represents “a historic pivot for Japan's auto industry that underlines the threat Chinese EV makers now pose to the world's long-dominant legacy car makers….It would also give the two companies scale and a chance to share resources in the face of intense competition from Tesla and more nimble Chinese rivals, such as BYD.” Reuters claims that it “would be the biggest reshaping in the global auto industry since Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA merged in 2021 to create Stellantis in a $52 billion deal.” “Creation of new mobility value by bringing together the resources, including knowledge, talents and technologies, that Honda and Nissan have been developing over the long years is essential to overcome challenging environmental shifts that the auto industry is facing,” says Toshihiro Mibe, executive director of Honda. “We strive to be the one and only leading company that creates new mobility value through chemical reaction that can only be driven through synthesis of the two teams.” Expected synergies from the business integration include “scale advantages by standardizing vehicle platforms….enhancement of development capabilities and cost synergies through the integration of R&D functions….optimizing manufacturing systems and facilities….[and] strengthening competitive advantages across the supply chain through the integration of purchasing functions….” Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Hyundai Reveals Smart Manufacturing Technologies

assembly magazine

Hyundai Reveals Smart Manufacturing TechnologiesHyundai Motor Group is deploying a variety of cutting-edge production technology to improve productivity and quality at its assembly plants. Photo courtesy Hyundai Motor Group SEOUL—Hyundai Motor Group, the parent of automakers Hyundai and Kia, and supplier Hyundai Mobis, recently revealed the smart factory technologies that it’s deploying in assembly plants. The E-Forest Tech Day also presented the company’s vision for its future transition to a software-defined factory (SDF) system. The event encouraged “technological exchange and mutual growth” among Hyundai Group companies and partners. Cutting-edge production technology on display included artificial intelligence, automated logistics and assembly tools, data twins and robotics. “The focus of the event is to share and discuss pioneering technologies that we believe will shape the future of manufacturing plants,” says Jae Min Lee, vice president and head of E-Forest Center of Hyundai Motor and Kia. “This event is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to incorporate these innovative technologies into our production facilities. “The letter ‘E’ signifies a commitment to achieving progress in the entire mobility industry environment in a manner that is both efficient and economical,” explains Lee. “E-Forest, which SDF is based on, is set to become a production hub for software-defined vehicles. It aims to deliver products that cater to customer requirements faster than any other, through data connection and digital transformation. “As the SDF is established in the future, enhanced manufacturing intelligence and increased flexibility will be achieved,” claims Lee. “This will enable data and software-based decision making and factory operations. The anticipated benefits include a shorter production preparation period, improved production speed, reduced investment costs for new vehicle introductions and enhanced quality.” The initiative includes technology such as: Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

Volkswagen Plant Sets New Production Record Of 167,084 Vehicles In 2024

assembly magazine

Volkswagen Plant Sets New Production Record Of 167,084 Vehicles In 2024KARIEGA, South Africa—Plant Kariega, part of Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA), has set a new production record of 167,084 vehicles in 2024, surpassing its previous high of 161,954 vehicles achieved in 2019. This marks the highest output since the facility began production 73 years ago. Key highlights of the 2024 achievement include: The plant became the exclusive supplier of the Polo GTI for global markets and, since July 2024, the sole manufacturer of Polos for the European and Asia Pacific markets. October 2024 saw a record-breaking single-month production of 16,597 units, exceeding the previous record set in October 2019. Ulrich Schwabe, VWGA Production Director, attributed the milestone to the dedication of the plant’s 4,000 employees and strong support from customers and stakeholders. Schwabe emphasized VWGA’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and delivering quality products to diverse markets. The achievement aligns with VWGA’s continued investment in the Kariega plant, including a R4 billion commitment announced in April 2024 to introduce a third model in 2027, alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo. The updated Volkswagen Polo Vivo range, starting at R266,600, features five derivatives with refreshed designs, vibrant color options, and advanced styling packages. This includes base models, Life trims (1.4L manual and 1.6L automatic), the stylish Style variant, and the flagship GT. With these advancements, Plant Kariega continues to expand its global and local footprint, reinforcing its position as a key player in the automotive industry. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Jennifer Pierce, ASSEMBLY Magazine Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by:

In-Space Test Explores Cold Welding Benefits

assembly magazine

In-Space Test Explores Cold Welding BenefitsA new R&D project is studying cold welding techniques for in-orbit spacecraft repair. Photo courtesy International Space Station National Laboratory CAPE CANAVERAL, FL—A new R&D project will study cold welding techniques for in-orbit spacecraft repairs. It’s an out-of-this-world idea akin to patching a tire while travelling through outer space. The experiment recently arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) via SpaceX’s 31st Commercial Resupply Services mission for NASA. The remotely controlled experiment, designed to address hull breaches caused by micrometeoroids or space debris, consists of four chambers with calibrated metallic samples. If successful, the project could establish cold welding as a crucial tool for in-space repair, significantly boosting the durability of spacecraft and the safety of crewed missions. The Astrobeat initiative is spearheaded by Leonardo Barilaro, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in aerospace engineering at the Malta College of Arts, Sciences and Technology. The project will evaluate cold welding in space by testing metal patches on simulated spacecraft hulls, offering a safer and potentially more reliable method for in-orbit repairs than traditional techniques. Cold welding uses a calibrated force to join metallic materials without heat, minimizing risks like structural damage to spacecraft from high temperatures. This technique benefits from the space station’s microgravity environment, where metals don’t re-oxidize quickly, allowing for cleaner and stronger bonds. “Cold welding has long been considered an adverse phenomenon in space, but with Astrobeat, we’re transforming a problem into a viable repair mechanism,” says Barilaro. “It aims to create a paradigm shift in conducting structural repairs in space—swiftly, efficiently and with minimal external intervention. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Already have an account? Sign In You must have JavaScript enabled to enjoy a limited number of articles over the next 30 days. Participants will learn how to boil a process down to its key steps, without sacrificing meaningful instruction. Sponsored by: What capital equipment will assemblers buy next year and how much money will they spend on it? Sponsored by: