Tag: mercedes-benz

Schiebe replaces Burzer in lead production and supply chain role at Mercedes

Leadership shifts at Mercedes-Benz as Schiebe takes production role, Burzer moves to CTO, and Schäfer retires after three decades

Tariffs, trade shifts, and EV turbulence: How Trump’s second term is reshaping North American auto manufacturing

North American vehicle manufacturing is undergoing major changes. These are in response to political actions, wider market factors and some interesting decisions by major vehicle companies

A new generation of automation at Mercedes-Benz’s Düsseldorf plant

Blending AI and automation, Mercedes-Benz's Düsseldorf van plant is taking a major step in automation with the deployment of a four-legged robotic assistant – Aris

EU carmakers say 2035 CO2 targets unworkable

Europe’s leading automotive executives are pressing Brussels to rethink its car and van CO2 rules, warning that rigid 2030 and 2035 targets are no longer realistic amid rising costs, import dependence and trade barriers.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Mercedes Chairman urges EV "reality check" on EU 2035 car ban lest region “collapse”

Mercedes-Benz’s Ola Källenius warns Europe’s automotive industry could collapse under a rigid petrol and diesel ban by 2035, urging a technology-neutral and economically sustainable path.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

European vehicle makers navigate the challenging US tariffs

The European vehicle manufacturing sector faces a multitude of challenges including tariffs imposed by President Trump. OEMs are now reviewing their export strategies and manufacturing networks.

Hybrid powertrains will continue to support the transition to vehicle electrification

Weak EV demand, critical mineral supply challenges and tariff-driven market uncertainty keeps hybrid vehicles in the big picture for model development and production investments.

Automotive expert Tunç Kip: Human-machine interfaces essential in boosting flexibility, quality, and performance in global manufacturing

From the factory floor to upstream design, digital human-machine interfaces are enabling smarter, leaner, and more flexible vehicle production - but humans need to be at the centre of gravity for it to work.

Mercedes-Benz blends AI, humanoid robots and craftspeople at its Digital Factory Campus to redefine the boundaries of human-machine collaboration in vehicle production

At its Digital Factory Campus in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz is pioneering new forms of human-machine interaction, from generative AI agents to humanoid robots, blending physical and digital intelligence in its production system.

Tariffs changing the automotive landscape in North America

Donald Trump’s tariffs have triggered some shorter-term shifts in US production operations and longer-term evaluation on investments and strategies as supply chains are restructured.

Augmented reality, AI, cobots and digital twins are transforming automotive production by enhancing worker training, planning, inspection and collaboration

Human-machine interfaces are becoming central to car production. With AR, cobots, AI inspection and digital twins, OEMs like Ford, Volvo, GM and Mercedes are reshaping the way people and machines interact.

JLR and Daimler Truck are building resilience through flexible manufacturing, agile supply chains and modular production systems

JLR and Daimler Truck are adapting their global production systems to meet rising demand for vehicle personalisation, electrification and supply resilience. From simulation to system design, flexibility is now built in from the start.

How Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Dräxlmaier are using digitalisation, automation and AI to transform production, logistics and sustainability across their global manufacturing networks

European automotive manufacturers are building digitally integrated production systems across their global operations to increase resilience, reduce emissions and prepare for new vehicle architectures and future technologies

Mercedes-Benz to localise GLC SUV production in Alabama amid tariff pressures and market shifts

Mercedes-Benz confirms plans to assemble the GLC SUV at its Alabama plant starting in late 2027, a move influenced by US tariffs and the need for localised production to meet North American demand.

Mercedes-Benz lays foundation for advanced paint shop in Sindelfingen, fusing sustainable design with digital twin, AI and smart energy management

Mercedes-Benz is investing heavily in a new state-of-the-art paint shop near Factory 56 in Sindelfingen. Built with Dürr, the site will feature AI, digital twins and smart energy systems to cut emissions and resource use by half.

How Mercedes-Benz Bremen manages combustion, hybrid and EV builds while preparing for Maybach and AI-driven smart production without going fully electric

In an interview with Timo Gilgen, the Bremen plant manager talks about his understanding of leadership, identifies the challenges facing the location, and explains how the north manages to build ten different models simultaneously and why a purely electric plant is not an option.

Software-defined vehicles are transforming value creation, customer models, and strategies across the automotive industry, from BMW to Stellantis and NXP

It’s now time to take a more holistic view of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). After all, they involve completely new business models. Who is pursuing which strategy?

UK competition regulator fines 10 carmakers and trade bodies over collusion in green advertising and recycling disclosures

The UK’s competition watchdog has fined major carmakers and two trade bodies over £77m for colluding on green advertising. A whistle-blower tip from Mercedes-Benz exposed years of consortium activity that limited consumer choice.

At its Berlin Digital Factory Campus, Mercedes-Benz is boosting its connected manufacturing through AI, cloud platforms and human-machine collaboration across its global network

At its historic Berlin-Marienfelde plant, Mercedes-Benz is building a new model of connected manufacturing. Through MO360, AI and cloud integration, it is turning data into action across a globally standardised production network

Mercedes-Benz accelerates AI and robotics at Berlin-Marienfelde, transforming digital production with humanoid robots and next-generation automation technologies

At its Berlin-Marienfelde site, Mercedes-Benz is integrating artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics into automotive production. With new digital tools and axial-flux motor technology, the factory is setting new global standards for intelligent manufacturing.

EU allows automakers flexibility for 2025 emissions targets to be averaged over 2025-2027, easing regulatory pressure

The European Commission has eased 2025 CO2 targets, averaging them over 2025-2027. While this relieves short-term pressure, it raises concerns over Europe’s ability to stay competitive with China in the EV race.

Mercedes-Benz develops flexible van architecture for EV and ICE powertrains

To meet customer demand Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer vans with ICE powertrains alongside electric vehicles (EV) built on a single architecture going forward.

Mercedes-Benz introduces new paint finish to improve sustainability at Wörth plant

In a move toward reducing the facility’s carbon footprint, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth is rolling out a new painting technology for its truck cabs, which is expected to cut energy consumption by up to 40%.

China: Fierce domestic competition sees international brands suffer lower sales and a contraction of output

As China’s domestic brands consolidate and grow both at home and internationally, the international brands, which have benefited from growth in the Chinese market over the years, now face serious headwinds.

How Trump’s presidency could reshape automotive production, trade relations, and the green transition for manufacturers across the US, Europe, and Mexico

With Trump as President, automotive manufacturers are bracing for major policy shifts affecting production, tariffs, and the electric vehicle landscape. With opposing stances on trade and green policies, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could alter the course of the automotive sector across the US, Europe, and Mexico.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks Mannheim plant to start production of eActros 600 components

Series production of the eActros 600 will start at the end of November this year at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth supported by components produced at Mannheim.

Mercedes-Benz opens battery recycling facility to create a closed loop system

The new recycling facility, located in Kuppenheim, Germany, will utilise an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process.

Global IT outage affects Mercedes-Benz production

The global IT outage that hit industries across the world today has affected automotive manufacturing across the world, causing problems for the automotive manufacturing industry globally.

Sames solves for BMW & Mercedes: Adhesive tech in bodyshop & glazing

Sames’ innovations support high-quality adhesive bonding in automotive manufacturing, optimising efficiency and standardisation across bodyshop and glazing processes.

ACC halts construction of two European gigafactories

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies subsidiary Saft, has halted the construction of two of its three planned European gigafactories.

How Mercedes-Benz and Seat are transforming their plants

Michael Bauer, regional head of production at Mercedes-Benz and Jose Arreche, plant manager at Seat emphasised the importance of data and digitalisation in the transformation of their plants at the Automobil Produktion Kongress 2024, but stressed the evolving role that people will play in production.

Federico Kochlowski promoted to President and CEO Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI)

Kochlowski has extensive experience across numerous production roles at the carmaker as well as across several regions

The changing shape of Europe’s automotive production operations

European vehicle manufacturing is having to adapt to weakening EV demand and increasing competition. This means revising production volumes and rethinking the ICE-EV balance in the short term.

Compas wins category for site transformation at FYA: Interview with Santiago Jurado, chief quality officer

Watch how Compas, winner at the Factory of the Year Awards, reshaped quality production management to overcome extreme complexity in automotive production. Chief Quality Officer Santiago Jurado shares insights with AMS Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig.

Mercedes-Benz has entered into an agreement to explore the use of Apptronik’s humanoid robots for its automotive manufacturing ecosystem

The carmaker partners with Apptronik to integrate Apollo robots, potentially revolutionising production lines with collaborative automation, addressing labour challenges and advancing the future of automotive manufacturing.

ACC raises €4.4 billion for three gigafactories in Europe

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has raised €4.4 billion ($4.7 bn) in debt funding for the construction of three gigafactories in Germany, Italy and France.

BYD to establish passenger car production in Europe

BYD has chosen Szeged, Hungary as the location for its first passenger car production facility in Europe

Mercedes‑Benz welcomes Jörg Homering as new head of production and site at Ludwigsfelde

The Ludwigsfelde site is currently ramping up for eSprinter van production set to begin in 2nd Q. 2024 where Homering will oversee production as the new head of the site

Qualcomm’s collaborations with leading automakers to reshape automotive manufacturing

Partnerships with BMW, Mercedes, JLR and Mahindra revolve around automotive digital advancements and driving industry transformation.

How Mercedes-Benz's Concept CLA Class showcases its ‘digital first’ production model

The carmaker is strengthening its digital first production model with upgrades and enhancements throughout.

Mercedes and Dürr enter decade-long partnership for sustainable paint shops

Mercedes-Benz has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with painting technology group Dürr with the aim of making vehicle painting CO2-free.

India’s light vehicle demand is rising again, and so is manufacturing investment

India has long been seen as the next big thing in automotive manufacturing, due to its growing middle class and high demand for vehicles, but it has struggled to get there. Will new investment help it realise its potential?

Mercedes-Benz to implement ChatGPT across its MO360 digital production system

The deployment of ChatGPT through Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with Microsoft Azure will mean increased efficiencies across the OEM’s intelligent vehicle production landscape

AMS Summer 2023 – JLR goes electric

In our AMS Summer digital edition, we have features on JLR’s plans to transform its end-to-end industrial system, ready for new electric models, Seat’s technical upgrades to production operations and upskilling the workforce and insights into developments at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant, and more.

A culture of quick decisions for Mercedes-Benz production

Jörg Burzer, the carmaker’s manufacturing chief, explains how it has reorganised its production network for electric vehicles and powertrains, while speeding up the rollout of digital tools. Now, another phase of change is just ahead.

GM and Mercedes-Benz both sign up for green steel

Both General Motors (GM) and Mercedes-Benz have signed agreements for the supply of green steel for the production of their vehicles.

Case Study: Daimler Relies Upon HiveMQ During Automotive Manufacturing

Learn how and why Daimler uses HiveMQ to manage information flow between vehicle diagnostics system test devices on the factory floor and server-side enterprise IT systems

ACC opens first gigafactory in France

Automotive Cells Company (ACC) has officially opened the first of three planned European battery gigafactories in Billy-Berclau Douvrin, France.

Mercedes will use VAN.EA architecture for its next generation of midsize and large vans

Mercedes says starting 2026, all newly developed midsize and large vans will be built on VAN.EA, using three modules to allow for a clear differentiation between private luxury vans and premium commercial vans

Developing EV architectures optimised for manufacturing

There’s more to electrification than batteries. We look at some of the developments and trends in designing and manufacturing electric vehicle platforms ahead our exclusive livestream featuring Gestamp and ArcelorMittal

Smart Factory Special Edition - Automobil Produktion

Read about the latest developments in digital twins, predictive maintenance and Industry 4.0 featuring SEAT’s Markus Haupt, Audi and more from AMS sister publication Automobil Produktion in this special edition for the Hannover Messe

AMS Spring 2023 – Next level digital production engineering

In this latest AMS digital edition we have features on Audi’s digital production engineering strategy, Dacia’s vehicle plant Mioveni, production cloud systems, toolmaking, China, sustainability and more.

China: European, US and Japanese Vehicle Manufacturers rebalance production and supply chains

AMS looks at the changing role of the Chinese operations of European and other long established brands’ operations in China and their changing roles in the global auto sector

Mercedes-Benz’s groundbreaking ceremony for new Kuppenheim battery recycling factory

Mercedes-Benz says it is investing a ‘double-digit million euro amount’ in the construction of the balance sheet CO2-neutral plant

Mercedes-Benz and Hydro partner to develop a sustainable aluminium supply chain

Mercedes-Benz to collaborate with Norwegian aluminium producer Hydro to reduce the CO2 footprint of aluminium in the automotive supply chain

Rock Tech Lithium to supply Mercedes-Benz, deal to cover 150,000 EVs a year

Rock Tech will produce some of the battery metal from its own resources in Canada and from other mines compliant with the Initiative for Responsible Mining.

Mercedes-Benz to deploy Microsoft connected factory software, eyes 20% efficiency boost

The software system will optimise manufacturing plans based on available components and enable easy monitoring of energy and water use and CO2 emissions.

BMW opens digital upskilling, future technologies training centre at Spartanburg

Automakers and component suppliers are increasingly turning to internal training to match skills to the rapid pace of automotive’s digital and electric transition.

Mercedes-Benz to build wind farm to supply 15% of German factory power

The turbines with a combined output of more than 100 megawatts (MW) will be installed at the automaker’s Papenburg, northern Germany test track.

Mercedes-Benz and Rivian to join forces on European EV van factory

The joint plant will offer cost savings to both automakers and speed start-up Rivian’s establishment of a presence beyond North America.

Mercedes looks to chemical recycling to further develop circular manufacturing operations

Mercedes-Benz is working with BASF and start-up Pyrum Innovations to develop and utilise chemical recycling that will enable circular manufacturing of virgin-quality plastics for vehicle components

Mercedes-Benz to buy battery cells from €7.4 bn CATL Hungary plant

The huge CATL investment could also benefit automakers such as BMW, Stellantis and Volkswagen who have manufacturing sites in Central Europe.

Mercedes-Benz to invest €1.3 billion in digital skills training by 2030

The size of the training budget underscores the urgency of the building new skillsets automakers will rely on in an EV-focused future.

Watch: Keeping pace with battery demand and technology

Rising costs and fast-changing battery technology will make it hard to meet EV targets, but localisation and new business models can mitigate issues, according to Automotive Cells Company’s Francisco Carranza and Airbus’s Greg Ombach.

Mercedes-Benz-funded battery start-up Sila to supply longer range battery for G-Class

A Mercedes-Benz-backed battery start-up will supply a range-boosting silicon anode battery for the carmaker’s G-Class range potentially from the middle of the decade.

Mercedes-Benz opens Alabama battery plant and will partner with Envision AESC for regional cell supply

Mercedes-Benz has opened a new battery assembly plant in Bibb County, Alabama, which will build electric vehicle battery packs that will supply production of the all-electric Mercedes-EQ ahead of the beginning of series production this spring at the Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) plant nearby in Tuscaloosa.

Where the Catena-X automotive cloud stands

The vehicle cloud Catena-X intended to provide a more integrated network for automakers and suppliers. In reality, standalone solutions have prevailed so far and made the task of networking the entire auto industry even more strenuous.

Farasis Energy to build carbon neutral gigafactory in China as domestic recovery becomes priority

Lithium-ion battery provider Farasis Energy has confirmed that it will add 24 gigawatt hour (GWh) per year production capacity to manufacture electric vehicle battery cells, modules and packs in China.

Electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle plant database

Track factory locations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles by manufacturer, model and location, in a comprehensive listing of the changing geography of electric vehicle manufacturing.

OEM and lithium-ion battery cell supplier database

Keep up with changing supplier relationships between electric vehicle manufacturers and battery cell suppliers in this database by powertrain type (battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, mild and full hybrid electric vehicles, and commercial electric vehicles).

Electric vehicle battery supply chain analysis 2021: How lithium-ion battery demand and production are reshaping the automotive industry

Download this report for forecasts of electric vehicle lithium-ion battery demand, analysis of battery cell gigafactory locations and insight on global EV battery manufacturing and supply chain management.

Cellular manufacturing adds flexibility in Mercedes-Benz bodyshop

For the production of the new C-class, Mercedes has taken the opportunity to add flexibility by way of cellular manufacturing in the body shop and with so-called ‘TecLines’ for assembly. Illya Verpraet found out more.

How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply

OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet

Ineos finalises supply for Hambach takeover

Ineos Automotive has officially taken over operations of the Daimler plant in Hambach, France, after completing the purchase of the facility in December last year. It will start building the firm’s Grenadier off-roader in 2021, as well as continue to build the Smart EQ Fortwo until the end of its model cycle

Calling stop on automotive supply chains: How long can companies survive the Covid-19 crisis?

With the coronavirus pandemic causing a level of automotive plant shutdowns not seen since the second world war, suppliers and logistics providers will face failures without direct support from government, and close collaboration with OEMs and industry.

AMS on Africa: Part 3 – Game plan for South Africa

Despite competition elsewhere in the continent, South Africa retains its key place among global manufacturing strategies

eSprinter begins its run

Production of the eSprinter van has begun at Daimler’s Düsseldorf plant

Solar flair

Sven Schulz, CEO of battery systems supplier Akasol, speaks to Gareth Price about the company’s involvement with Daimler’s next generation electrified bus

Paintshop 4.0

Casting a duo

Two innovative metal forming techniques could have a significant impact on the press shop of the future