Surplex offers SAAB/NEVS presses amidst automotive industry challenges

Presses in a wide variety of designs are among the most important machines in the automotive industry. The industrial auction house Surplex is offering various presses and other machines from the SAAB Automobile/NEVS plant in Trollhättan, Sweden, for direct purchase via its platform of the same name.

As in most industries, the automotive industry is facing the same challenges such as supply chain problems, high energy costs and the desire for greater sustainability. In addition, there are economic uncertainties such as inflation, which has an impact on new car sales.

In order to achieve CO2 targets, the industry is trying to switch to more climate-friendly technology. The transition from cars with combustion engines to cars with electric drives has therefore been a major topic for the industry for several years. Tapping into this market requires a reorganisation in some companies and leads to the question of which cars should be produced in the future and in what quantities.

But no matter which type is built, the focus is on machines that are as efficient, energy-saving and cost-effective as possible. The most commonly used machines include robots for welding and assembly work as well as various presses.

Presses - the spine of automotive production

Pressing machines are indispensable in the production of a car. They not only ensure precise and fast production but are also central to the manufacture of exterior parts such as doors or bonnets and interior components such as seat frames. Presses are also used to produce structural parts. These ensure stability and protection of the vehicle through frame parts or reinforcements. Presses also enable consistent quality, which makes them ideal to use in mass production.

There are different types of presses for various requirements and jobs. The three most used are these:

1. Hydraulic press
   The press uses liquid pressure to generate a consistent transmission of force. This press is ideal for precise moulding and the processing of particularly thick or complex-shaped metal parts.
2. Eccentric press
   The focus here is more on speed and precision. This allows small to medium-sized parts to be mass-produced.
3. Transfer press
   Several moulding and processing steps in a single machine? No problem for this type. This makes the press ideal for the production of large, complex components in order to efficiently combine different processing steps.
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A new opportunity for used machines

Cars have been produced at the Trollhättan site in Sweden since 1947. The Swedish company SAAB Automobile, which was originally an aviation company, has produced 14 main models over the years, in addition to special versions. In 2011, the Chinese company NEVS (National Electric Vehicle Sweden) took over the factory to produce electric cars in addition to SAAB cars. The electric vehicles were produced based on the SAAB models. However, due to various problems and challenges, it was not possible to carry out comprehensive series production of an electric car. Despite all efforts the factory had to close its doors in 2023.

The closure of the plant liquidates many machines that are still in good condition and can be used by other companies. The industrial auction house Surplex is helping to liquidate the machines. The relocation through the selling of the machines gives them a new second life. The company, based in Düsseldorf in Germany, specialises in the valuation and sale of used machinery. In addition to a production line and a CNC gantry machining centre, various presses are also offered for direct purchase. The machines on offer are characterised by their durability and quality. Since new machines of this size and with certain requirements are often expensive and associated with long waiting times, this is an ideal opportunity. These used machines are quickly available and carry a lower investment risk than a new purchase.