Daimler, others upgrade powertrain plants as electric shift intensifies

Automotive News Europe's Guide to Powertrains shows 96 locations -- up from 91 last year -- where the engines, transmissions and the new wave of components that support the move to electrified drivetrains are built in Europe, Russia, Turkey and beyond.

This year's map shows the electric shift is accelerating in Europe.

Our powertrain map has been expanded to include Daimler's new 500 million euro plant in Kamenz, Germany, where starting in 2018 it will make battery systems for Mercedes-Benz energy storage units and 48-volt-systems. This will be the second factory for lithium-ion batteries in Kamenz that is part of Daimler's wholly owned subsidiary Accumotive.

Daimler also has announced plans to add production of battery systems and electric modules for front and rear axles at its factory in Untertuerkheim, Germany. These components will be used by model from automaker's new EQ electric subbrand.

Daimler is making the changes because it estimates that electric vehicles will account for 15 percent to 25 percent of its global sales by 2025.

Europe's largest automaker, Volkswagen Group, continues to have the largest powertrain manufacturing footprint in the region, with 13 plants. Four of those facilities are in its home market.

Renault-Nissan along with Russia's largest automaker, AvtoVAZ, is second in terms of powertrain plants in the region covered by the map with 11 plants.

PSA Group is now close to Renault-Nissan's total. PSA's network of five powertrain plants, all in France, grows to 10 after its takeover of General Motors' Opel/Vauxhall brands, finalized on August 1. General Motors' European unit has two powertrain factories in Germany and one each in Austria, Hungary and Poland.

Sponsored by ElringKlinger, the map is the go-to resource to help stay on top of all of the changes to Europe's powertrain footprint. ANE regularly updates the data on the map to reflect the changes taking place at some of the most powerful automakers in the world.

Karin B. Holly contributed

You can reach Douglas A. Bolduc at dbolduc@crain.com.