Coverage tagged Manufacturing.
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Russia’s AvtoVAZ will partner with Asia Auto to build a $500 million assembly plant in East Kazakhstan, aiming for 120,000 cars a year and a 70% localisation rate by 2015.
Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn has cautioned that 2012 will be a more difficult year for the company, citing weak demand in debt-hit European countries.
Toyota has started building the 2012 Camry at its St Petersburg plant, marking a new phase for the saloon in Russia with locally adapted styling.
Volkswagen is considering a new, larger SUV for the US market, positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg, with production likely at its Tennessee plant.
General Motors will pause Chevrolet Cruze output at its Lordstown, Ohio plant for the week of 28 November 2011 to prevent excess inventory as demand softens.
General Motors has launched local assembly of the Chevrolet Captiva SUV in St Petersburg, targeting the fast-growing Russian market with both four-cylinder and V6 petrol engines.
A couple living in Germany for two decades were arrested on suspicion of passing automotive trade secrets to Russian intelligence, with links to major parts supplier Faurecia.
Japanese supplier Yazaki has launched a new factory in Caracal, Romania, investing €4 million to supply wiring harnesses for Ford and Renault and create up to 500 jobs.
Saab’s last hope for survival in October 2011, a €70m bridge loan from Chinese firm Youngman, looked set to collapse after reports of a Beijing veto.
Volkswagen delivered 3.81 million passenger cars globally from January to September 2011, driven by strong demand in China and Central Europe and new models like the US-built Passat.
Continental Tire will invest $500 million in a new Sumter, South Carolina facility, aiming for 1,600 jobs and up to 8 million tyres produced annually by 2021.
Toyota marks the new Yaris generation with a global ad campaign and the first-ever production of the model in France, targeting UK and international buyers.
Chinese-Israeli joint venture Qoros plans European expansion, with a €1.5bn investment in a new assembly plant and a line-up including sedans and an SUV.
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn warns prolonged yen strength could force Japanese carmakers to rethink domestic production, with Infiniti models set for overseas manufacturing.
Infiniti has started production of the IPL G Convertible, its performance-focused open-top model, with the official launch set for the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Peugeot confirmed plans to start local production of the 3008 compact SUV in China from 2012, targeting a growing market but facing strong competition from established rivals.
Chinese manufacturer Geely has launched vehicle assembly in Karachay-Cherkessia, targeting 12,000 units annually as it seeks a stronger foothold in the Russian market.
A Nissan UK executive revealed the Leaf’s 48-module battery pack would cost about £19,000 to replace, raising questions about long-term electric vehicle ownership costs in 2011.
PSA Peugeot Citroën will build two low-cost saloons in Russia from 2012, targeting emerging markets with models based on the Peugeot 308 and Citroën C4 platforms.
Ford's US Focus production has slowed after intermittent dashboard supply forced the company to fly parts in from Europe, raising costs and extending delivery times.
Nissan will begin building a model based on the Renault Logan platform at its Russian plant in 2012, targeting the country’s budget car segment.
Opel is preparing a new SUV based on the Corsa hatchback, with testing already underway and plans to compete against rivals like the Nissan Juke and Ford Fiesta-based SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled two new climatic wind tunnels at its Sindelfingen facility, offering extreme weather simulations for testing next-generation vehicles and alternative powertrains.
Audi has started series production of the Q3 compact SUV at SEAT’s Martorell facility, following a €330 million investment in new infrastructure and tooling.