Manufacturing

Shengrui unveils China’s first longitudinal 8-speed automatic

Shengrui Transmission has launched the country’s first homegrown longitudinal 8-speed automatic for commercial vehicles, aiming to break foreign dominance in the sector.

Australian Supplier Shutdown Puts Ford and GM Holden Production at Risk

The collapse of two key Australian parts suppliers in 2012 forced Ford to halt production and threatened to shut down GM Holden lines within days, exposing deep vulnerabilities in the local supply chain.

Honda Japan workers to take 14 extra days off amid parts shortages

Production at Honda’s Saitama and Suzuka plants will pause for 14 additional days between June and August 2011 as the company manages earthquake-related supply chain disruption.

Maruti Suzuki Invests Rs 2,500 Crore to Expand Diesel Engine Capacity at Manesar

Maruti Suzuki’s 2008 investment in Manesar aimed to triple output and boost diesel engine production, responding to surging demand for diesel-powered models like the Swift, SX4 and Dzire.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Opens as World’s Longest Sea Crossing

The 55km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge links three major cities, reshaping transport and trade across China’s Pearl River Delta after its 2018 inauguration.

GM invests $157m to upgrade Wentzville, Missouri plant

The Wentzville assembly facility, which builds Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and full-size vans, will receive a major paint shop expansion and equipment upgrade.

Suzuki Begins Exporting Pakistan-Built Alto and Every to Brunei

Suzuki has started exporting the Alto and Every mini-cars from its Pakistan plant to Brunei, marking the first time its kei-sized models have been shipped from an overseas base.

Daimler, Volvo, Toyota and Partners Target Hydrogen Trucking by 2030

Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, Toyota, Bosch and others are joining forces to develop a hydrogen ecosystem for heavy-duty vehicles, with a full plan due at IAA 2026.

How the Alfa Romeo 166 Found a Second Life in China

Guangzhou Automobile Group gave the Alfa 166 platform a new future as the Trumpchi sedan, blending Italian engineering with local ambitions from 2010 onwards.

BMW confirms plan for Brazilian assembly plant amid new import rules

BMW will submit an investment plan to the Brazilian government after months of uncertainty caused by higher import taxes and stricter local production requirements.

Ford boosts purchases from minority and smaller suppliers

In 2013, Ford spent $6.5 billion with minority-owned suppliers, surpassing its internal target and highlighting a shift in its global sourcing strategy.

Nissan to Restart Production at Five Japanese Plants After Earthquake

Nissan will resume operations at five domestic plants from 21 March, though output may remain limited and engine production at Iwaki faces further delays.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Production to Begin This Autumn

Dodge is set to start building the supercharged Challenger SRT Hellcat this autumn, with speculation over initial production numbers causing debate among enthusiasts and dealers.

Renault Confirms Talks with Mitsubishi, No Alliance Reached

Renault has admitted holding discussions with Mitsubishi in early 2013, but both manufacturers have denied any formal alliance or partnership agreement was made.

Ford Begins Production of New Focus at Vsevolozhsk Plant

Ford has started building the latest-generation Focus near St. Petersburg, offering Russian buyers three body styles and four engine options.

GM begins restoration of sinkhole-damaged 1 millionth Corvette

Ten months after a sinkhole struck the National Corvette Museum, GM has started restoring the historic 1 millionth Corvette, a 1992 convertible, to its original condition.

Environmental trust pursues $13.5m from 'old' GM after bankruptcy

A trust handling environmental cleanups at former GM sites says the pre-2009 company failed to pay $13.5 million promised as part of its bankruptcy settlement.

Volkswagen China Pays Employees 27-Month Year-End Bonus

FAW-Volkswagen workers in Changchun received bonuses worth 27 months’ salary for 2011, with some employees earning up to 35 months’ pay through additional incentives.

Fiat to Cut European Production by 300,000 Vehicles in 2012

Fiat will reduce its European vehicle output by 300,000 units in 2012, responding to falling demand and overcapacity across the continent's car market.

German Carmakers Set 2011 Production and Sales Records

Germany’s automotive industry posted record sales and production in 2011, with strong demand in China and the US offsetting weaker results in Western Europe.

Scania to supply 360 city buses for Malaysian urban fleets

Scania has secured an order for 360 K 250 UB4x2 city buses for operation in Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan, with a focus on accessibility and efficiency.

TVR Ceases Sports Car Production After Decades of British Craft

The Blackpool-based marque has halted sports car manufacturing, ending a legacy that once included the Cerbera, Tuscan and Sagaris.

GM Predicts 7–10% Growth for China Auto Market in 2012

General Motors expects China's car market to expand by up to 10 percent in 2012, signalling continued strength despite global economic uncertainty.

Honda launches world-first rare earth recycling process

Honda has started recycling rare earth metals from used hybrid batteries, aiming to reduce reliance on new mining and secure future supply for its electric and hybrid vehicles.