SOUTHFIELD, MI—Automotive supplier Lear Corp. is set to acquire WIP Industrial Automation, a Spain-based systems integrator with a focus on advanced automation for industrial applications. The deal is expected to close by the third quarter of 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals.

NORMAL, IL—Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian plans to increase the capacity of its assembly plant here to produce its midsized SUV, the R2. The company has secured an $827 million incentive package from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to support the expansion.

HUNTINGTON, IN—Japanese automotive composites manufacturer Teijin has opened a new topcoat and assembly facility here. The 164,000 square-foot space is an expansion of the company’s existing Huntington site and will be used to support manufacturing the modular painted roof for the Ford Bronco.

VANCE, AL—Workers at two Mercedes-Benz factories in central Alabama voted against allowing the United Auto Workers to represent them, a blow to the union’s campaign to gain ground in the South, where it has traditionally been weak.

Automation and robotics are crucial to the future of the automotive industry, claims a recent study conducted by ABB Robotics and Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS).

Child labor violations have increased dramatically nationwide in recent years.

STANTON, TN—Ford Motor’s Co.’s 21st century facility for electric vehicle production is starting to take shape just a few miles northeast of Memphis.

VANCE, AL—Workers at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant here began voting Monday on whether to join the United Auto Workers union, a significant test of whether the labor group can maintain momentum in the historically anti-union South.

This interview with a leading supplier of automation equipment examines the latest technology for assembling batteries, motors and other electric vehicle components, including chassis production lines and paint shops.

Multimedia Editor and Host Jennifer Pierce shares highlights from the ASSEMBLY Audible podcast.