Once a lagging market segment, automotive electronics has gained significant importance in recent years, as the industry, the culture and consumer expectations have changed. Safety and regulatory requirements for vehicles have increased, manufacturers have new warranty requirements, and what used to be “luxury” features are now expected to come standard with a new car.
Engineers at a major manufacturer of portable electronic devices had a problem. They needed to rivet a small, thin electrical contact to the device’s charger subassembly, but how could they head the tiny rivets—0.02 to 0.03 inch in diameter—without crushing the assembly?
About 300 miles northwest of Mexico City sits the town of Aguascalientes. Although its name means hot waters, the place is much more well-known for its gentle climate, brave bullfighters and being a stopover point between the mines of Zacatecas and Mexico City.
Successful manufacturers never get tired of facing new market challenges. This statement applies to companies across all industries—including those involved in the annual manufacturing of more than 1 billion tires worldwide.
MONTGOMERY, AL—Automotive supplier Gerhardi Kuntstofftechnik will invest $37.9 million to build its first North American assembly plant here. The factory, which will make radiator grilles, handles and trim components, is expected to create 235 jobs.
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI—FCA US will invest $1.48 billion in its assembly plant here to retool it to build the next generation Ram 1500 and support the future growth of the Ram brand.
NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Automotive supplier Faurecia is working with Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions to prepare its assembly plant here for Industry 4.0.
CHATTANOOGA, TN—Volkswagen is planning to build electric vehicles in North America by 2020, in a bid to regain its lost image following the diesel emission scandal.