Automotive Assembly - Articles - Page 94

Automakers Grapple With Semiconductor Shortage

A global shortage of semiconductors continues to adversely affect U.S. automakers.

May 4, 2021

On March 26, Stellantis announced that it would temporarily close five North American assembly plants starting April 5. The affected plants are in Illinois, Michigan, Mexico and Canada. At press time, the plants were expected to be closed through mid-April.

Automakers Are Developing Solar-Powered Vehicles

Battery recharging and range issues have been the Achilles heel of electric vehicles. Some automotive engineers believe solar power may be the solution.

Austin Weber

May 2, 2021

The goal of vehicle-integrated photovoltaics is to enable EVs to recharge without stopping. Unlike traditional EVs that must periodically pull over to recharge batteries during a long road trip, solar cars can keep on going.

Wire Harness Assembly: Business Outlook

Harness assemblers took a hit in 2020, but the economic forecast for 2021 looks better.

John Sprovieri

April 20, 2021

With the possible exception of medical device manufacturing, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted manufacturing in every industry last year. Wire harness manufacturing was no exception. With both automotive and aerospace manufacturing depressed, harness assemblers struggled.

LG, SK Settle Dispute Over Battery Tech, Paving the Way for New US Assembly Plant

April 12, 2021

COMMERCE, GA—SK Innovation, a manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles, has settled a legal dispute with rival LG Energy Solution, enabling SK to proceed with plans to expand its manufacturing operation here.

Ford, HP Partner to Recycle 3D Printing Waste Into Auto Parts

April 6, 2021

DETROIT—Ford has teamed up with Hewlett-Packard to turn spent 3D-printed powder and parts into stronger, lighter, and more cost-effective vehicle parts for Ford’s Super Duty F-250 trucks.

Be Careful of Dogma on Assembly Lines

Jon Quigley

March 29, 2021

I am fortunate to have had a lengthy career of more than 30 years. I have held a variety of product development positions, and these experiences have influenced my thinking about how best to get things done.

Quick Connectors for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Meet VDA Standard

March 29, 2021

ARaymond has introduced a new series of quick connectors that meet German VDA automotive quality standards. Used for heating and cooling lines, including thermal regulation of battery packs in electric and hybrid vehicles, the new VDA Low-Push Quick Connectors can be easily integrated into thermal management systems.

Flex Feeder Accommodates Multiple Parts

John Sprovieri

March 25, 2021

Vibratory bowl feeders have long been the go-to device for supplying parts in automated assembly systems.

Lion Electric Announces the Construction of a Battery Manufacturing Plant and Innovation Center

March 16, 2021

QUEBEC, Canada—Lion Electric, which manufactures all-electric trucks and buses, recently announced its plans to build a battery manufacturing plant and innovation center here.

Autoliv to set up New Airbag Inflator Production Plant in India

March 15, 2021

NEW DELHI, India—Automotive safety systems provider Autoliv has announced its plan to build a new airbag inflator manufacturing plant near Chennai, India, that will cater to the Indian market.