Automotive manufacturer Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Mich., is investing approximately $100 million globally in robotic plant laser inspection technology that improves finish and reduces wind noise in vehicles. Ford of Europe GmbH of Cologne, Germany, and Ford North America will head a project to install the technology in 17 assembly plants. Piloted in Valencia, Spain, the technology is being used during the assembly of the new Focus model at facilities in Michigan, Chicago and Saarlouis, Germany.