In context
In August 2024, European automotive manufacturers were reinforcing their commitment to local production amid global supply chain shifts. This order highlighted the ongoing trend of large-scale automation investments in traditional manufacturing hubs.
What was reported
Kuka and Volkswagen signed a framework agreement for the delivery of more than 700 industrial robots, to be supplied this year and over the next two years. The order includes Kuka's bestseller KR Quantec model.
The robots will be installed at Volkswagen Navarra in Pamplona, Northern Spain, where they will be used in body-in-white production. This investment underscores Volkswagen's focus on European automobile manufacturing.
Kuka and Volkswagen have collaborated in Pamplona for nearly 30 years, with Kuka citing trusted cooperation, excellent service, and low total cost of ownership as key factors in the partnership's longevity.
“Kuka has been a strong and global partner to the automotive industry for decades. We are pleased to continue our trusting cooperation with Volkswagen.”
Why it mattered
This large-scale order reinforced the automotive sector's reliance on industrial robots for high-volume, precision manufacturing. It also demonstrated the value of long-term supplier relationships and the continued importance of European production capacity in the global automotive industry.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2024-08-05 · “Volkswagen orders ‘more than 700’ industrial robots from Kuka”