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automaking

Comau designs and implements advanced automation solutions for global automaker’s Brazil factory

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Industrial automation specialist Comau says it has designed and implemented its advanced automation solutions at a Stellantis Automotive facility in Brazil. Stellantis owns auto brands such as Fiat, Vauxhall and Jeep, among many others.

Comau’s installation at Stellantis Automotive Plant at Betim, Minas Gerais is part of a comprehensive retooling project to produce both the Fiat Pulse, the brand’s first SUV model in Brazil and the Fiat Fastback, its first SUV Coupe and one of the company’s main launches for the local market.

As part of the comprehensive project, Comau has enhanced an existing manufacturing platform to provide high-speed body assembly solutions for the main body, the body sides and the respot operations such that the two distinctly different SUVs could be produced on the same line. [Read more…] about Comau designs and implements advanced automation solutions for global automaker’s Brazil factory

Opinion: Chinese automakers are better off innovating in electric and autonomous technology

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It could be time for international carmakers to consider changing partners in China. While the Chinese government has encouraged partnerships in the hope that local companies will learn and become global, new electric and autonomous technologies seem to offer better opportunities. Article by Edward Tse, Gao Feng Advisory

On April 17th China’s National Development and Reform Commission announced the elimination of foreign equity restrictions on special-purpose vehicles and new energy vehicles in 2018, on commercial vehicles in 2020 and on passenger vehicles in 2022.

In addition to the opportunity to own their own manufacturing ventures, foreign automakers are no longer restricted to having only two joint ventures in China.

The 50:50 joint venture equity rule dates back to 1994. The government hoped a domestic industry would emerge whereby the Chinese domestic companies would learn from their partners and eventually emerge as successful global automakers in their own right.  [Read more…] about Opinion: Chinese automakers are better off innovating in electric and autonomous technology