Spain

On May 10, UGT, a major Spanish workers' union, disclosed that Ford will manufacture 300,000 units per year of a newly announced vehicle at its Valencia plant in Spain. The new vehicle will be launched in mid-2027. The announcement was made after a meeting with Ford management of Europe on May 10, 2024.

The union also conveyed that Ford has revealed that the vehicle will not be 100% electric and will serve as a global model not specifically aimed at European markets.

As per the union, the news from Ford's European management is positive, but it doesn't resolve all concerns. The union intends to address employment issues and negotiate compensation for surplus workers until the new model starts production in mid-2027.

Based on multiple sources

On May 10, SEAT introduced a new 1.5 TSI engine as well as a new generation of eHybrid plug-in hybrid engine in SEAT Leon. In total, there are now seven different powertrain options.

The new 1.5 TSI engine delivers 85kW power and 220Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.  CO2 emissions are 120-132g/km while it uses 5.3-5.8 liters of fuel to travel 100km (WLTP).

It is also available with two mild hybrid options (eTSI): 1.5 liter (85kW) and 1.5 liter (110kW), exclusively in combination with the 7-speed DSG transmission. It mates 48V mild-hybrid technology to the combustion engine.

The new eHybrid engines (plug-in hybrid) deliver 150kW power and 350Nm torque.  It combines a 1.5-litre TSI (110kW) gasoline engine, 85kW electric motor, and 19.7kWh lithium-ion net battery pack. It has an electric-only range of more than 100km. 

The models also have optional matrix LED headlamps, an improved human-machine interface, and a new infotainment system.  The SEAT Leon will enter production in May 2024 in the Martorell plant.

Based on SEAT press release 

On May 8, Airtificial signed a EUR 4 million agreement with one of the largest global Tier 1 automotive companies for the design and turnkey manufacture of an assembly and inspection line for electric vehicle battery radiators. This contract was awarded to the Airtificial Intelligent Robots unit, specializing in advanced industrial robotics. 

This line will have a production capacity of around 800,000 parts per year. The design will occupy some 800 square meters in the new plant and will include 20 large robots, capable of operating autonomously within a range of 3 meters and with up to 120 kg of force. All of this technological equipment will be integrated with cameras to view, analyze and manipulate the radiators that are later integrated into the batteries of electric cars.

Airtificial will also integrate industrial processes such as caulking, to ensure the sealing of components; clinching, for the simple and effective joining of materials without the need for welding; and laser cleaning. 

Based on Airtificial press release