WASHINGTON--The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating Hyundai Motor Co. and one of its suppliers for illegal use of child labor at factories in Alabama.

SOUTHFIELD, MI—Rapid expansion in the electric traction motor market is on the horizon, driven by growing demand for e-axles and evolving technologies.

Two recipients of the Assembly Plant of the Year award (Ford and Kenworth) are using state-of-the-art tools and technology to produce electric vehicles.

HIGHLAND PARK, MI — Magna International will expand its seat manufacturing facility here that will generate $35.4 million in private investment and create 480 jobs.

About 30 miles north of Detroit—in Auburn Hills, MI—the global automotive supplier Faurecia operates a unique research and design center.

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI—Auto parts supplier STEC USA Inc. will invest $15.1 million to open a new headquarters and assembly operation here in an existing building. The project is expected to create 176 jobs.

LEBANON, TN—Auto parts manufacturer Southtec will invest $23.6 million to expand assembly plant here.

DADEVILLE, AL—KwangSung Corp., a supplier of door panels and sun visors to Hyundai and Kia, is building a new 100,000-square-foot facility here.

LOCKPORT, NY—The auto parts assembly plant here has survived lots of change. The complex switched affiliations from GM to Delphi and then back GM in 2009. Today, the plant is humming, and workers and managers are more optimistic than ever.

EASLEY, SC—An auto parts assembly plant here was evacuated Wednesday after an HVAC unit drew in fumes from varnish being used to seal the building’s concrete foundation.