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On 26 June 2025, the Joint VTS-ITSS-TEC Student Branch Chapter at Escuela Politécnica Nacional attended a technical tour of CIAUTO, “The City of Cars,” one of Ecuador’s major automotive assembly plants. A total of 28 students and 2 professors participated in this educational activity, aimed at understanding the processes involved in local vehicle manufacturing.
During the visit, we explored three main areas of the plant: welding, painting, and assembly. In the welding section, we observed how vehicle frames are constructed using both automated and manual processes. The painting plant demonstrated how car bodies are treated and coated to ensure durability and aesthetic quality. Finally, in the assembly area, we saw how various components such as engines, interiors, and electronics are installed to form the final vehicle.
Brands assembled at CIAUTO include SWM, Dongfeng, and WINGLE. We also had the opportunity to observe several types of quality and safety testing conducted on the vehicles before they are released to market.
The visit was highly informative and allowed students to connect engineering theory with practical, real-world applications. It provided valuable insights into the integration of technology, quality control, and production in the automotive industry.
At the end of the tour, VTS-branded gifts were given to the students as a token of appreciation. These items helped boost engagement and encouraged more students to get involved in the VTS-ITSS-TEC chapter. We thank VTS for their support, which added a motivational and memorable touch to the experience.
Chapter Chair Tamia Zambrano (center-right, masked), Chapter Counselor Dr. Danilo Chávez (Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador; left) and Chapter Members standing in front of the welding and assembly area for vehicle body components, inside CIAUTO’s automotive manufacturing facility.
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