On September 29, 2021, Honda Vietnam officially introduced a completely new generation of CBR150R model in the small sports motorcycle segment. Imported in CBU form from Indonesia, CBR150R’s prices started from VND 70.99 million.
The design inspiration of the CBR150R is taken from the famous large displacement model, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. The entire overall design of the model is formed with a forward projection with the desire to impress the image of a driver at the wheel ready to start for a thrilling competition.
Powering the CBR150R is a 150cc single-cylinder engine block, DOHC double camshaft, liquid-cooled, capable of producing a maximum power of up to 12.6 kW at 9,000 rpm and maximum torque of 13.7 Nm at 7,000 rpm, paired with a mechanical transmission. The Assist & Slipper Clutch two-way anti-slip and support clutch, which is normally only equipped on large displacement models, is also equipped on the CBR150R. Other prominent highlight comes from the ABS anti-lock braking system for both front and rear wheels along with the ESS emergency stop signal. Its dimensions are (LWH) 1,983 x 700 x 1,090 mm with wheel axle distance of 1,312 mm.
(From Honda Vietnam homepage and press release on September 29, 2021)

On August 5, KAMAZ announced that KAMAZ PTC will become suppliers of components for the first Russian luxury car “Aurus Senat”, the serial production of which started on May 31 in Yelabuga. Within the framework of the Cortege project, Kamaz supplies complex castings: cylinder blocks, heads. All of them are made of aluminium alloy, there are about 30 items that go to both existing and new equipment. All these items will be produced by the foundry.
The Cortege project started in 2019, although the first castings came to the foundry for development even earlier. In 2022, KAMAZ will receive and install the equipment, and by the end 2022, KAMAZ should launch the section with the subsequent reaching the design capacity. It will employ about 50-70 people. From 2025, the main capacity will be used for the manufacture and sale of castings.
(KAMAZ press release on August 5, 2021)

On July 21, GM announced plans to the local metallurgists union to hire 115 employees for the Joinville engine plant to meet production demands, expected to be high with the return of the Chevrolet Onix to the production lines in Gravataí in the second half of August.
GM is hiring also to rebuild the staff of the Joinville plant, many of whom resigned when layoffs were announced in May.
"During this time, many workers ended up accepting proposals from other companies due to certain uncertainty generated by the stoppage of part of the engine factory," said Rodolfo de Ramos, president of the local union.
Since May, the factory has operated with approximately 100 employees to carry on the machining of engine blocks and heads.
Before the pandemic, the plant’s workforce was made up of 680 workers.
Throughout 2021, there were three postponements of the production return date in Gravataí, which has been inoperative since March.
The GM plant in São Caetano do Sul, where the Tracker, Onix Joy and Spin models are produced, is currently on a scheduled six-week break.
Production in São José dos Campos, where the S10 pickup truck and the Trailblazer SUV are assembled, currently operates on a single shift.
(multiple sources on July 21, 2021)
Keyword: plant operating status