ARLINGTON, TX—GM is looking to boost production of sport-utility vehicles with a $1.3 billion expansion at its assembly plant here. The company intends to add 1.2 million square feet of space to the existing facility over the next three years, and is expected to create 589 new jobs.

MIDLAND, MI—XALT Energy LLC has signed a $1 billion multiyear deal to supply lithium batteries to a Chinese electric bus manufacturer. The battery manufacturer is expected to hire 300 people as a result of the order.

OAK RIDGE, TN—With an aim toward automotive applications, APLAIR Manufacturing Systems will commercialize a new weld inspection technology developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI—Detroit Diesel Corp. plans to invest $208 million to add new equipment for a new diesel engine assembly line, creating an anticipated 245 jobs.

DETROIT—Although automotive OEMs and the United Auto Workers union are still a few months away from serious negotiations, early signs aren’t favorable for a labor contract settled on mutually agreeable terms.

CHATTANOOGA, TN—Volkswagen has begun the process of hiring 130 engineers and technicians to staff the automaker’s new R&D center here, which will be fully operational by 2017.

TOKYO—Toyota Motor is planning to invest around $1.3 billion to set up two new assembly plants in Mexico and China, marking an end to a three-year expansion freeze.

WINDSOR, ON—Police are investigating racial harassment issues at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' minivan assembly plant here after three noose-shaped ropes were found where black construction workers were working.

WILLIAMSTOWN, WV—Hino Motors will spend $8 million to expand its truck assembly plant here, an investment that could create up to 50 permanent jobs.

Established methods—like ultrasonic and resistance welding—increasingly face competition from advancing technologies like laser, friction and micro welding.