New CLS line starts at Sindelfingen

Site manager of the Sindelfingen plant Michael Bauer (left) and Ergun Lümali, chairman of the Sindelfingen Works Council (right) Germany – Mercedes-Benz has started production of its latest CLS model at the Sindelfingen plant. The CLS will share the same assembly line as the E-Class sedan and T-models, with the AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ also… Continue reading New CLS line starts at Sindelfingen

Skoda starts building new paintshop

Czech Republic – The facility at Mladá Boleslav is being developed at a cost of €214.5m ($253.8m) and will have capacity for 600 vehicle bodies per day, bringing the onsite total to 2,700 units including the existing paintshop. Operations are due to begin by mid-2019. In its announcement, Skoda said the new paintshop would be… Continue reading Skoda starts building new paintshop

Audi to build electric SUVs at Ingolstadt

Germany – The model allocation was announced by CEO Rupert Stadler alongside confirmation of job security for all Audi AG employees until 2025. In total, the ‘Audi. Future’ agreement will see the OEM produce 20 electrified models by 2025, including more than ten pure electric vehicles (EVs). “Building up manufacturing capacity for electric cars in… Continue reading Audi to build electric SUVs at Ingolstadt

Interview: Thomas Rennemann, MAN

The company’s manager at its 1.1m sq.m Salzgitter parts plant discusses the €30m transformation that will double non-driven axle output to 900 per day; a new assembly line combines MAN and Scania production GP: How did the idea for the project originate? TR: It started when we built up a new cooperation within the Volkswagen… Continue reading Interview: Thomas Rennemann, MAN

VW pours €22.8bn into production network

Germany – The OEM said the funds will be used to implement its Transform 2025+ strategy, focusing on “the further development of modular production, the continuation of the model offensive and further orientation towards e-mobility”. The investment, equivalent to $27 billion, will be spread over five years to 2022. “The investment package which has now… Continue reading VW pours €22.8bn into production network

APAC Dealbook: Grab-Samsung tech collaboration; Indonesia’s OKHOME raises $300k

Grab has partnered with Samsung to improve services for both drivers and passengers, while on-demand home cleaning service OKHOME has received $300,000 in a seed funding round from South Korean venture capital firms. Grab teams up with Samsung Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing company Grab has signed a multi-year MoU with electronics giant Samsung to collaborate on a wide… Continue reading APAC Dealbook: Grab-Samsung tech collaboration; Indonesia’s OKHOME raises $300k