John Irwin Reporter covering suppliers and electric vehicles for Automotive News [email protected] 734-716-5728 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Suppliers want more insight into EV plans, Plante Moran study shows Suppliers, already juggling higher costs and choppy vehicle assembly schedules, need more insight into automakers' long-term electrification plans so they can create efficient strategies of their own, according to the annual study. The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: More cuts in every region About 1.23 million vehicles have been axed worldwide so far this year because of the microchip shortage. Magna, Department of Energy develop greener manufacturing process for aluminum parts A new manufacturing process developed by supplier giant Magna International and the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could soon make it so new aluminum parts can be made without having to use any new aluminum. Bosch crash detection algorithm speeds up safety system deployment without adding more sensors Bosch's off-zone crash detection system allows for faster deployment of safety systems, such as airbags or seat belt tensioners, in a vehicle when a collision takes place, all without more sensors. Vitesco's copper welding goes green Vitesco makes use of new, green laser systems to help mass-produce battery management electronics for BMW, among other potential uses. Geely-backed ECARX plans a North American push Geely-backed automotive tech startup ECARX's sole focus on the auto industry will give it an advantage over its larger competitors, according to its CFO. The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: Europe hit hardest Tens of thousands of vehicles continue to be cut each week because of the semiconductor shortage, even as microchip capacity improves. Energy Department plans $362 million loan for EV wiring startup CelLink The Department of Energy on Friday said it plans to loan $362 million to help California wiring components startup CelLink open a new factory in Texas, where it plans to build advanced wiring harnesses for EVs. U.S. Steel forges ahead on greener, lighter steel as aluminum competition heats up U.S. Steel Corp. is spending billions of dollars to ramp up production of greener, high-strength steel as the company looks to withstand the rise of aluminum and maintain business in a changing auto industry. The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: Cuts continue but output improves Assembly plant output is improving as microchip supply rebounds and automakers learn how to better manage the semiconductor shortage. Continental lets employees lead the way in push to accelerate DE&I At the heart of Continental's DE&I strategy is a variety of employee resource groups, each led and organized by employees and designed to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among its members. Magna Q1 net income falls 43%, but 2023 outlook improves Inflationary pressures took a bite out of Magna's first-quarter earnings, but the company said there were signs of improvement for later in the year. Auto industry's hurry-up mode increases recall risks Shorter EV and software development cycles could lead to a rise in costly recalls if automakers and their suppliers aren't careful, experts warn. The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: GM plants hit hardest General Motors assembly plants in North America have been hit harder by the microchip shortage this year than any others, according to a new estimate by AutoForecast Solutions. Why suppliers are critical to reducing the auto industry's carbon footprint Automakers aim to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. But whether they're successful will come down in large part to whether their suppliers cut down on theirs. Load More
John Irwin Reporter covering suppliers and electric vehicles for Automotive News [email protected] 734-716-5728 See All Staff Page