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Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM names head of global manufacturing
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. General Motors named Mike Trevorrow SVP of global manufacturing, effective June 6, the automaker announced in a press release. Trevorrow will serve a dual role, retaining his position as VP of global manufacturing engineering but will also oversee the automaker's worldwide manufacturing operations, the company said. The combined units have more than 95,000 employees across 110 sites in 11 countries. Trevorrow will report to GM President Mark Reuss. "Mike's extensive experience in manufacturing operations and engineering, along with his steady leadership, make him the right choice to lead our global manufacturing organization into the future,' Reuss said in the announcement. According to his LinkedIn profile, Trevorrow has served in a variety of management roles in engineering and manufacturing for GM since 2009. He succeeds Jens Peter Clausen who resigned as head of GM's global manufacturing after less than a year in the role. GM said Trevorrow's more than 40 years of experience in manufacturing operations and engineering will help the company 'effectively integrate advanced manufacturing technologies, accelerating our transition to software-defined vehicles while supporting GM's broader innovation strategy.' Trevorrow's GM career began as director, launch and execution for North America Stamping Dies & Body Shop Tooling, per his LinkedIn. He was promoted to executive director, global body, in manufacturing engineering, and later served as plant executive director of the Lansing Region in Michigan. In 2023, Trevorrow became VP of North American manufacturing and by early 2024 transitioned to VP of global manufacturing engineering at GM. Recommended Reading GM names Aurora Innovation co-founder as chief product officer Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The revival of Scout preserves its heritage through innovation
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. NOVI, Mich. – Reviving a storied American truck brand was a task not taken lightly by Scout Motors. During a presentation at AutoTech 2025 last week, CTO Burkhard Huhnke detailed how the company is using the 'digital twin' design approach to develop and test its fully electric and extended-range EVs. Scout's goal is to preserve the vehicle's heritage through innovation and modern technology. The original Scout SUV was built by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. Huhnke also confirmed that Scout vehicles will adopt a new zonal electrical architecture which was co-developed by joint venture partners Volkswagen and Rivian. The technique, which is also being used by Rivian, enables over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics and cloud connectivity to enhance customer value. For Rivian vehicles, the new architecture reduces the number of ECUs needed from 17 to seven and eliminates 1.6 miles of wiring from each vehicle, according to the company. 'So what we are using is the most modern electronics architecture, which allows us with the pipeline into the cloud, a real-time access to the car,' said Huhnke. Among the technologies Scout is utilizing includes high-performance computing, simulation technology and software to create a 'digital world' where various interactions — including crash tests — of vehicle designs can be simulated before physical testing in the real world. The automaker's goal is to reduce test hours through simulation to achieve a high level of accuracy before physical prototyping begins. 'You have to optimize your driving dynamics. You have to calibrate your brake system,' said Huhnke. 'You have to do propulsion and dynamics optimization, and that's how everyone does it. After the simulation phase, we run for physical testing.' According to Huhnke, Scout's vehicle development process will begin with the creation of a digital model. That environment also includes a 'digital wind tunnel' to test and optimize the aerodynamics of Scout vehicles. The process includes running various simulations, then using Use AI and machine learning to optimize vehicle designs to improve aerodynamics. Huhnke says this approach can reduce iteration times from 24 hours to just 5 seconds in some cases. 'What you're getting is very quick … an AI response or design variables within seconds,' said Huhnke. 'So you can run through multiple sessions within seconds to use AI and machine learning to optimize aerodynamics quite quickly. The highest accuracy in the digital world gives us the chance to reduce not just test properties, but also the test hours.' Huhnke noted that it's not just vehicle optimization in a digital environment, it's reusing test properties as well. The testing of digital designs by Scout can also be combined with real-world prototype tests to further validate the vehicle's design. The Scout CTO says that this process can help improve the final product. 'So you close the loop with a very comprehensive testing, instrumented version to compare the digital world with the physical world,' said Huhnke. 'And the better you get, the more accuracy you get.' Automaker Porsche has also adopted digital twin technology to design and test electric vehicle batteries. According to the company, the digital representation of a battery functions exactly as one in a production vehicle and provides data that includes its expected aging process. The automaker is also using a 'thermal model,' which can be used to predict how well a battery reacts to changes in temperature to improve the service life and performance. Scout is targeting the outdoor adventure vehicle market that's been revived in part by the return of the Ford Bronco SUV in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, as well as Rivian's EVs, which will share some technology with Scout vehicles as a result of the EV maker's joint venture with Volkswagen Group. In April, Scout announced the appointment of Oliver Wollinsky as its chief production officer. Wollinsky previously served as plant manager for SAIC Volkswagen in China. In the role, he will oversee the completion and ramp-up of Scout's assembly plant in South Carolina and lead manufacturing of the company's Traveler SUV and Terra truck, with initial production targeted to start in 2027. Fully electric Scout models are anticipated to offer up to 350 miles of range, while extended range versions are projected to offer more than 500 miles of range using a gas-powered generator, according to the company. Disclosure: AutoTech 2025 is run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Automotive Dive. Informa has no influence over Automotive Dive's coverage. Recommended Reading Scout Motors breaks ground on $2B EV plant after environmental delays Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM is investing $4B in three plants to boost domestic production
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. General Motors plans to invest roughly $4 billion in its U.S. assembly plants in three states over the next two years to boost output of both gas and electric vehicles, the company announced in a press release Tuesday. The investment will spread across the automaker's plants in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee and will expand finished vehicle production capacity of some of the company's best-selling vehicles. The plans to boost U.S. manufacturing follows an $888 billion investment commitment announced last month in Buffalo, New York, to produce GM's next-generation V8 engine. As automakers work to lessen the impact of tariffs, GM has now committed nearly $3 billion to boost production in the U.S. over the next several years. In its Q1 earnings report, the company lowered its 2025 earnings guidance to reflect an anticipated $4 billion to $5 billion impact from newly imposed tariffs on imported automobiles and parts. But the automaker said its 2025 capital spending guidance remains unchanged between $10 billion and $11 billion. With the latest investment announcement, GM expects its annual capital spending will be in a range of $10 billion to $12 billion through 2027. The automaker says the investments will provide it with the ability to build 2 million vehicles a year in the U.S. 'We believe the future of transportation will be driven by American innovation and manufacturing expertise,' said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO, in the release. 'Today's announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to build vehicles in the U.S and to support American jobs.' The investment in the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan will be used to build additional gas-powered full-size SUVs and light duty pickup trucks to help meet strong demand, the release states. GM's Factory ZERO in Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, will remain its electric vehicle production hub for the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV. The investment at Fairfax Assembly in Kansas will support production of the gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox beginning in mid-2027, which is one of the automaker's best selling vehicles. GM said sales of the Equinox were up more than 30% year-over-year in the first quarter of this year. The Fairfax plant also remains on track to begin building the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV by the end of this year. But the company plans to make additional investments in Fairfax to produce its more affordable, next generation EVs. GM also aims to boost production at its Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. The company plans to begin production of the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer in Spring Hill starting in 2027. The Blazer is currently assembled at GM's Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico and its move back to the U.S. will help GM mitigate the impact of tariffs. The Spring Hill plant will continue to build the electric Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq, as well as the Cadillac XT5. 'Today's news goes well beyond the investment numbers — this is about hardworking Americans making vehicles they are proud to build and that customers are proud to own," said GM President Mark Reuss in the release. GM currently has a network of 50 U.S. manufacturing plants and parts facilities across 19 states, including 11 vehicle assembly plants that together employ nearly one million workers. "As you travel the country, you can see firsthand the scale of our manufacturing footprint and the positive economic impact on our communities and our country,' said Reuss. Recommended Reading GM projects up to $5B in tariff costs in 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Automakers must cope with tariff-fueled business climate in the short-term: analyst
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. NOVI, MICHIGAN — Clarity on tariff policy for automakers may take months, but even that forecast might be overly optimistic, according to Michael Robinet with S&P Global Mobility. For an industry accustomed to having several years to plan out supply chains and global production to manufacture future model vehicles, the chaos created by waves of tariffs implemented by the Trump administration has forced the automotive industry to rethink its planning playbook, Robinet, VP of forecast strategy at S&P Global, said last week during AutoTech 2025. He estimates the auto industry may lose between 12 and 18 months of planning because of the current economic environment. Because of ongoing talks between the U.S. and other major global trading partners, Robinet believes stability could take months before clarity surfaces on future trade policy. 'I think that we're looking towards the end of the year before a lot of this gets buttoned up,' he said. With that in mind, nations along with the global business community are coming to terms that while negotiations could ultimately lead to a compromise, some tariffs will remain, Robinet said. 'There's going to be some level of tariffs, what that is, is still to be determined,' he said. Trump recently announced a 50% tariff, up from 25%, on steel and aluminum. As part of a strategy to mitigate tariffs, automakers have either announced plans to boost domestic production or are exploring that option. While some automakers do have capacity to increase U.S. production, manufacturing more vehicles domestically is no simple process, Robinet said. 'We all know the work that goes in behind that,' he said. 'The upfront investment on body shops, paint shops, final assembly, logistics: This doesn't happen overnight.' But the uncertainty created by tariffs has affected investments by automakers that would have led to job creation and increased North American production. Honda Motor Co. last month said trade policy was among the reasons for scaling back its investments in EV development by $21 billion. Robinet said OEMs are rethinking investments because they are uncertain about future trade and regulatory conditions and don't want to risk losing money. For now, it appears automakers are leaning toward selling vehicles in the countries where they are built as a way to avoid high import duties. He said China and Europe have built moats around their markets, and the U.S. is taking similar steps. 'What does this mean? That means, well, we're just going to source most of the vehicles we want,' Robinet said. 'And from a legislative perspective, we're just going to go our own way. … It's going to be more and more difficult to export vehicles.' Disclosure: AutoTech 2025 is run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Automotive Dive. Informa has no influence over Automotive Dive's coverage. Recommended Reading Stellantis scraps plans for Illinois battery plant, parts hub: UAW Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford recalls 492K SUVs for exterior door trim that can detach
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Ford Motor Co. has recalled more than 492,000, 2016-2017 Explorer models for exterior B-pillar door trim on the driver and front passenger side that may become loose or detach while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recalled trim piece was introduced into production in June 2015. In April 2017, the automaker introduced assembly process improvements to ensure the part was adequately secured. According to the NHTSA, Ford currently does not have a remedy available for the nearly half a million recalled Explorer models, but it will notify customers about the recall and potential safety risk by June 9. A second letter will be mailed once a remedy is made available. Ford has been aware of the problem since July 2019, when the company published a technical service bulletin instructing dealership service technicians on how to repair loose B-pillar door trim on the driver's side of 2011-2019 Explorer models. In the TSB, the automaker cited a potential lack of adhesion of the 'front door upper molding to the door.' However, at the time, Ford did not consider the issue an unreasonable risk to safety due to the 'low mass/geometry of the part,' and after prior discussions with NHTSA about a separate trim detachment topic in 2018, the details of which were not identified in the recall report. On March 24, the NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigations notified Ford of 38 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) it received with complaints of driver and/or passenger front door B-pillar trim partially or fully detaching on 2016-2017 Explorers. Following this notification, Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened an investigation on March 25. From April through May, Ford's CCRG and body exterior team investigated the root cause of the trim detachments, which included collecting Explorer doors from scrap yards for analysis at the automaker's Central Labs facility. The investigation also included a review of photos of parts associated with warranty claims. Ford concluded that the loose trim was a result of improper application of the adhesive wet-out during assembly. Ford's Field Review Committee then approved a recall on May 16. An estimated 4% of the recalled Explorers are believed to have the defect, according to the recall report. As of April 7, Ford is aware of 1,482 warranty claims received between Dec. 4, 2015, and Feb. 10, 2025, but is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to loose or detached door trim. Ford has issued 69 recalls covering over 3.5 million vehicles since Jan. 1, according to the NHTSA. It's the highest number of any automaker so far in 2025. In comparison, General Motors has issued 12 recalls. Recommended Reading Ford recalls over 1M vehicles for defective backup camera software Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
