DETROIT—The automotive industry ranked third in the United States in patent filings in 2012. Only the telecommunications and computer industries generated more patents last year.
DETROIT—GM is planning to invest approximately $16 billion in its U.S. factories by 2016. The automaker is planning to unveil about 20 new or revamped vehicles in the United States.
SPARTANBURG, SC—A.L. Solutions Inc., a manufacturer of automotive filters, will invest $3.6 million to locate a new assembly plant here. The facility is expected to create 80 new jobs.
MONTGOMERY, AL—Hyundai plans to add a third shift at its assembly plant here. Hyundai will add 877 positions, bringing the total number of jobs at the plant to more than 3,000.
KANSAS CITY, MO—Ford will add more than 2,000 jobs at its assembly plant here to meet surging demand for the Ford F-150 and planned production of the new Ford Transit van.
NEWMARKET, ON—Six people were taken to hospital following an explosion at automotive supplier Dortec Industries’ assembly plant here. The blast was due to a minor electrical explosion that was isolated to one assembly line.
Well known for its engineering expertise, The EDAG Group develops vehicles and production systems for auto manufacturers all over the world. In conjunction with FFT EDAG, its sister company, The EDAG Group also creates complete production facilities for body in white modeling and vehicle assembly.
Traditionally, it has been difficult to manufacture large quantities of carbon-fiber composites. That drawback has hindered widescale use of the lightweight material in the mainstream auto industry. However, engineers in Germany have developed a new process that makes it possible to use injection-molding technology.