As motorists look to enhance their driving experience, sunroofs are growing in popularity and variety. One of the newer types is the panoramic sunroof, which provides openings above both the front and rear seats.
EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation has shipped a custom assembly and test system to a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier. The machine will assemble and test ABS brake control modules.
WASHINGTON—Japanese automotive supplier Toyoda Gosei has pleaded guilty to price-fixing and has agreed to pay $26 million in fines. An investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice found out that the company fixed the price of automotive hoses, air bags and steering wheels that were sold to Subaru and Toyota Motors.
HAMMOND, IN—UAW-represented employees at Lear Corp.’s seat assembly plant here have ratified a new contract ending a wage structure that pays new-hires less than their veteran colleagues.
JEFFERSONVILLE, IN—Auto parts supplier Tenneco Inc. has begun constructing a new assembly plant here. The company anticipates having about 250 workers by 2017.
SPRING HILL, TN—Magna International Inc. has started construction on a new, state-of-the-art assembly plant here to make seat assemblies for GM. The new facility is expected to employ approximately 75 people when it begins production next year.
BEIJING—China has imposed fine of $202 million on 12 Japanese car parts makers for allegedly price-fixing. The ruling came after Chinese regulators raided several foreign companies, including Mitsubishi Electric, Sumitomo Electric, Audi, BMW, Daimler and General Motors.
MILWAUKEE—Automotive supplier Johnson Controls Inc. and apparel maker Adidas have launched a research project to study the viability of using robots to sew shoes, athletic wear, and the upholstery for vehicle seats.
DETROIT—American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. plans to build a $15 million technical center at its headquarters here to develop prototype components and test manufacturing lines. The center is expected to employ 75 to 100 people.
EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation Specialists has shipped two multistation assembly systems to a Tier 1 automotive supplier to produce lane-departure warning systems.