After committing a hefty $21 billion investment into its US operations, including the construction of a new $5.8 billion steel plant, Hyundai has officially kicked off production at its Metaplant in Georgia. The site, which began construction over two and a half years ago, will focus on producing a range of electric and hybrid vehicles, boosting Hyundai’s push into the EV market.

The Grand Opening of the site was attended by Hyundai leaders, as well as Governor Brian P. Kemp, US Representative Buddy Carter, and the president and chief executive of the Kia Corporation, Ho Sung Song. The Metaplant has already started building the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 and, perhaps most importantly, is now also building the Hyundai Ioniq 9.

Read: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is its first three-row electric SUV and serves as its alternative to the Kia EV9. Presented last November, the Ioniq 9 is underpinned by the group’s E-GMP architecture and fitted as standard with a 110.3 kWh battery. The brand has yet to announce US pricing for the SUV, but we know it will be offered in several different guises.

The base model has a 214 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) electric motor driving the rear wheels and a quoted range of 385 miles (620 km). Sitting above this version is the Long Range AWD, which adds a 94 hp motor up front. The flagship Ioniq 9 Performance has 214 hp motors at the front and rear, allowing it to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds.

Initially, the Hyundai Motor Group planned to build 200,000 electric and hybrid vehicles at the Metaplant. However, as part of its increased commitment to the US market, it’s expanded annual production capacity up to 500,000 units.

“Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America not only represents the Group’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to innovation, but also our investment in relationships with our partners and communities right here in Georgia,” Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung said. “With the rich history of craftsmanship and manufacturing in this community, together with the talented workforce at HMGMA we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.”

Honda is betting on automation and artificial intelligence to transform its EV production process in China, reducing its need for floor staff by a hefty 30%. While robots haven’t yet fully replaced human workers, the tech Honda is rolling out—along with similar efforts from companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Dongfeng—suggests a future that might not be so bright for blue-collar workers.

The Japanese automaker recently kicked off production of the all-electric Ye P7 with local joint venture partner Guangzhou Automobile Group. The factory in Guangzhou uses automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, to move important car components throughout the factory, including heavy battery packs. Traditionally, human workers are required to transport parts throughout the factory.

Read: Honda Wants To Crack China’s EV Market With New Ye P7 Dual-Motor Crossover

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Honda revealed that it’s also using AI to fine-tune the welding process for the Ye P7. The goal? To “reduce fixed costs as much as possible.” The company sees “electrification as an opportunity to overhaul the way we produce vehicles”—a chance to reimagine everything from the ground up.

The Ye P7 is an important vehicle for Honda. In most Western markets, the Japanese car manufacturer has lagged behind many of its competitors in releasing battery-electric vehicles that appeal to the masses. Given that China has quickly become the world’s single largest EV market, the automaker cannot afford to fall behind the competition, or else it could see its Chinese sales dry up.

Much like the S7 introduced earlier this month and built with Dongfeng, the P7 has an 89.8 kWh battery pack, and base models feature a rear motor with 268 hp. A dual-motor version is also available, boasting a combined 469 hp. Rear-wheel drive models have a quoted range of 404 miles (650 km) while the all-wheel drive version can apparently travel up to 385 miles (620 km) between charges.

In some ways, The Tesla Cybertruck is a marvel of engineering but in others, it’s also one with quite a few flaws Some owners are now reporting one we’ve not seen before: the front panel of their truck can just, well, fall off. And no, it’s not because some mischievous gremlins decided to make a run for it—it’s because the panels apparently aren’t sticky enough.

This isn’t the first time a panel has decided it wants to make a dramatic exit from the Cybertruck. In fact, the boomerang-shaped panel above the doors has a habit of detaching itself, so Tesla recalled every single Cybertruck to apply a more aggressive adhesive, along with a stud and a nut, to keep things in place. What’s surprising here is that the front panel is also popping off for some owners.

More: Tesla Recalls Every Single Cybertruck Over Stainless Steel Trims Falling Off

One owner took to TikTok to document the state of their truck. After leaving it for an unspecified amount of time, they returned to find the panel was only held on by the driver’s side. The rest of the panel was bowed out and completely detached from the truck, leaving the front bumper panel nearly fully exposed.

Buy a pack of glue, said the owner in a sarcastic way. Well, we think it was sarcastic. It wouldn’t be the strangest fix for a Tesla we’ve heard of, even from the automaker itself. In fact, it seems as though these panel issues are the reason so many owners are complaining about delivery delays. Tesla just released a full-scale recall of all Cybertrucks for panels that fall off.

@olgag.87

Left my comments, was not translating him, but he says similar things and even more funny things #sybertruck #elonmusk #fypシ #car

♬ original sound – OlgaG

After buyer one reported the situation on CybertruckOwners, several others popped in with similar stories. “My message said ‘factory hold that must be addressed with our service team before delivery’,” said one. “I was told “containment does not have a correction at this time (recall),” And that 1-2wks is general time frame,” said another.

Their complaints come from all over the place too. Some are in South Carolina, others are in California, and at least one says he has this issue in Canada.

Clearly, it’s a widespread problem even if it’s not the same exact issue for all trucks. Hopefully, Tesla can get this situation sorted out. It’s tough to call this truck ready for Mars… or even Earth, when the panels just fall off on their own. 

Yet another Cybertruck owner joins the Musked Club!

In the 1970s-’90s, GM factory workers loathed assembling their poorly designed cars — and despised their management — so they would leave off vital nuts and bolts and parts — is that what’s happening at Tesla now? 😝 https://t.co/IOZLSSxnl1 pic.twitter.com/BaiPmTc8OH

— Facts Chaser 🌎 🤦🏻‍♂️ (@Factschaser) May 9, 2024

Screenshot TikTok

Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn has revealed it’s close to inking deals with two Japanese car manufacturers to design and manufacture a pair of EVs. While limited details about these new models are known, they will be brought to life alongside two of Foxconn’s in-house EVs, namely the Model C and Model B.

Foxconn has been ratcheting up its involvement in the car industry for several years now. At one point, it announced it would invest up to $170 million to build Lordstown Motors’ Endurance pickup truck, but that project was later scrapped. It is also said to have expressed keen interest in acquiring Nissan, before the Japanese brand would go on to enter ill-fated negotiations with Honda about a potential merger.

Read: Foxconn Unveils Model C, Model E And Model T EVs With Up To 740 HP

While speaking at an investor conference earlier this month, chairman Young Liu said the company expects to sign agreements with two Japanese firms in the next two months. Foxconn will use its “contract design and manufacturing services (CDMS) business model” in the development of these new EVs.

There’s no word on which two marques Foxconn is talking to. It’s certainly possible that one of them could be Nissan, as a report from early February indicated that after the latter’s merger with Honda fell through, it has expressed its willingness to work with technology companies. Foxconn could be one of them, and teaming up with it would also provide Nissan with a valuable cash infusion.

Foxconn Model C

Foxconn’s Own EVs

While the Taiwanese giant is busy finalizing contract manufacturing deals, at the same time it’s also pushing forward with its own EVs. Focus Taiwan reports that the Model C will enter production in North America during the fourth quarter of this year. The electric crossover was previewed as a concept back in October 2021 and, in concept guise, had a claimed range of 435 miles (700 km). Given it’s been almost three and a have years since the concept’s unveiling, the production model may sport some changes.

Arriving before the Model C will be Foxconn’s Model B, reportedly set to reach the production line in the middle of this year. The Model B was previewed in 2022 and is similar in size to the VW ID.3. It was designed by Pininfarina, is powered by a single electric motor with 230 hp, and has a claimed range of 280 miles (450 km).

Foxconn Model B

Audi and their works council have reached an agreement that aims to reduce labor costs and increase flexibility at German production sites. The automaker also said they’re extending a “job protection plan until the end of 2033.”

The company didn’t go into many specifics, but noted economic conditions are becoming “increasingly tougher,” while they’re also forced to deal with “political uncertainties” and new competition. This is a perfect storm of bad news and it’s being complicated by slower than expected electric vehicle adoption.

More: VW Confirms More Than 35,000 Job Cuts In Germany, Golf Production Moving To Mexico

Unfortunately, this means cuts but they won’t be as deep as the ones at Volkswagen. However, Audi is still planning on a “socially responsible reduction” of up to 7,500 jobs by 2029.

Aside from eliminating employees, Audi aims to reduce bureaucracy and put a renewed focus on their product portfolio. The latter has become a problem as important models, such as the Q7, have grown stale.

Audi will also “reduce personnel costs by adjusting payments above the collective wage agreement and variable payments for pay-scale employees.” The automaker didn’t spell things out, but it sounds like managers and the Board of Management will be taking a pay cut. The automaker also mentioned a retooled profit sharing program to help “future-proof” the company.

As for the so-called job protection plan, Audi will invest around €8 ($8.7 / £6.7) billion into Germany through 2029. In Ingolstadt, this will pave the way for a new entry-level EV as well as production of the redesigned Q3, which will also be built in Győr, Hungary.

Audi was tight-lipped about plans for Neckarsulm, but hinted the “electronic architecture of combustion-engine vehicles will be developed further, significantly increasing their competitiveness.” The company also said they’re examining the possibility of building an “additional model” at the plant.

Rainer Schirmer, Vice Chairman of the General Works Council, said “We were able to future-proof both sites. For Neckarsulm, this means, among other things, that we were able to secure a ‘future fund’ for plant development, which we can use to set up new production platforms – for future electric models. To this end, Neckarsulm is to be expanded as an AI and digitalization center for the entire Audi Group.”

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said the deal was a “strong agreement for the future of the company” and one that will strengthen their competitiveness. However, he noted “Audi must become faster, more agile, and more efficient” and this “cannot be done without personnel adjustments.”

Despite confirming the needs for cuts, Döllner said there would be “no layoffs due to operational reasons until the end of 2033. In these difficult economic times, this is good news for all employees.”

While Audi didn’t go into detail, Handelsblatt is reporting the company aims to save around €1 ($1.1 / £0.8) billion annually at their German sites. They also noted the Neckarsulm plant will build “large electric sedans,” while Ingolstadt could make the A3 – presumably in electric form judging by Audi’s statement.

Speaking of production, Audi has a Trump problem as they don’t have any plants in the United States. If the trade war worsens, the four-ring brand might set up shop at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant.

Audi also appears to have abandoned plans to go electric-only. This is a major change as, less than a year ago, they were adamant “we will transform our product portfolio and switch completely to electric vehicles. Our customers will experience the last major world premieres of new model lines with conventional drive systems in the course of 2026.” While the automaker didn’t exactly admit defeat, they acknowledged the continued development of ICE-powered vehicles.

Last year, the BYD Group sold an impressive 4.27 million EVs and PHEVs globally, establishing itself as one of the world’s largest car manufacturers. Not only are its vehicles incredibly popular throughout its home market of China, but its international presence continues to grow, particularly in Europe. Not willing to rest on its laurels, BYD is pondering further production expansion on the Old Continent.

During a recent interview in Germany, BYD executive vice-president Stella Li revealed that in the next 18-24 months, the company will decide if it needs a third manufacturing plant in Europe. If it does go ahead with a new plant, it would further bolster its presence in the market and allow the brand to skirt EU tariffs recently enforced on it.

Read: Locked Out Of The US, Chinese Carmakers Are Taking Over The Middle East, Latin America, Africa And Asia

Last October, the EU imposed an additional 17.4% tariff on BYD after a lengthy investigation researching how the Chinese government has provided subsidies to local carmakers. This extra tariff comes on top of the existing 10% import duty on cars and takes away part of the competitive pricing edge that BYD has over many of its rivals. That’s where the European plants will come in.

Li provided no indication as to where a potential third production site could be located while speaking with the media, Reuters reports.

BYD is currently building a large plant in Hungary that should begin operations later this year. This site will be able to produce as many as 350,000 EVs and PHEVs annually. Last year, BYD also agreed to a $1 billion deal to set up a manufacturing site in Turkey. This slightly smaller plant will have the capacity to build 150,000 vehicles a year and should create around 5,000 jobs when production begins towards the end of 2026.

Plasma is popping up in all kinds of places in the cleantech world. We’ve long seen its application in electric arc furnaces and...

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