Automotive Assembly

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PRINCETON, IN—Toyota Indiana celebrated a major milestone today as the plant started production of the first-ever Lexus TX, an all-new, three-row luxury SUV. The 2024 TX is the first Lexus SUV to be assembled in the U.S., and the first Lexus for Toyota Indiana.

The UAW touts "record" deals from the Detroit Three automakers, but ratification of the new contracts was no slam dunk.

A new “direct joining” method recently developed at the University of Michigan can be used to attach a variety of plastic and metal components.

Drawing on its experience with robotics, vision inspection, controls and small-part handling, PrimeTest developed a more efficient, automated process.

Automakers could need more than 61 million wheels this year, and that doesn’t count aftermarket replacements and upgrades. Satisfying that kind of demand requires automation.

A new technique for self-pierce riveting shows promise for joining mixed-material assemblies for EVs.

CHICAGO, IL— Ford agreed to invest $400 million in the Chicago Assembly Plant and another $30 million in the Chicago Stamping Plant as part of the tentative four-year contract United Auto Workers members are considering now. Calumet Region Ford workers will vote on the proposed contract on Nov. 6 and 7.

Servo control allows engineers to program jaw position, speed and gripping force.

DETROIT, MI—Ford confirmed that it has temporarily cut a shift at its F-150 Lightning electric pickup plant in Detroit, possibly signaling demand is drying up for the highly-rated EV.

ORION, MI— As covered by The Detroit News, GM will push back Silverado EV production at its Orion Assembly plant to late 2025, instead of late 2024.