Industry
Making aluminum more formable
Alcoa has developed a new sheet-forming process for aluminum that promises to be easier to stamp and bend.
Author: Robert Schoenberger
Engineering
Electric parts push into gasoline powertrains
Fully electric cars are a tiny niche within the auto industry, but every vehicle is getting more electric as producers offer convenience features and look to boost fuel economy.
Engineering
Design chiefs talk cars in Detroit
Top designers for several automakers discuss key vehicles at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.
Engineering
Design software philosophy
Executives with Dassault Systèmes and Autodesk discuss the changing digital tools that will revolutionize how companies develop products.
Fleets
Keeping quiet for growth
With cell phone use and voice-activated systems on the rise, carpeting and acoustics supplier UGN Inc. is adding capacity to meet demand for quieter cars.
Manufacturing
2015 Outlook: Automotive sales look good
A stronger labor market, better credit terms, and lower gasoline prices contribute to optimism in 2015, although auto sales growth will slow.
Supply Chain
Managing global supply chains
Supply networks are getting more global, putting added pressure on manufacturers to track where parts are coming from and where finished products are going.
Engineering
Laser texturing for automotive interiors
Replacing an analog photochemical process with 3D digital technology offers repeatability, more complex surfaces, higher quality.
Engineering
Product lifecycle management supports modular design
With automotive designers using the same basic designs in dozens of different vehicles, managing the similarities and differences gets tougher.
Manufacturing
The end of the bailout era
Auto sales finally got back above pre-recession levels in 2014 with August sales reaching a seven-year high. After six long years, sales levels have matched 2007’s pace. More importantly, several research groups expect 2015 continue to grow. Today’s Motor Vehicles allows marketers direct access to this healthy industry with continued growth.
Manufacturing
Sealing higher diesel combustion pressures
Auto sales finally got back above pre-recession levels in 2014 with August sales reaching a seven-year high. After six long years, sales levels have matched 2007’s pace. More importantly, several research groups expect 2015 continue to grow. Today’s Motor Vehicles allows marketers direct access to this healthy industry with continued growth.
Manufacturing
Laser-welded aluminum blanking technology
Best of 2014: Shiloh Industries develops lightweight process in anticipation of aluminum boom.