James McLoughlin - Automotive Logistics

Taiwan to face lower tariffs and invest in US chip manufacturing in new trade deal as US introduces 25% global semiconductor tariff

US strikes trade deal with Taiwan and imposes new 25% global semiconductor tariff

The US has classified chip and critical mineral imports as national security risks, imposed a 25% global tariff on semiconductors, and agreed a trade deal with Taiwan.

James McLoughlin

New Canada-China trade deal sees Canada reduce tariff on Chinese EVs to 6.1%

New trade deal sees Canada cut tariff on Chinese EVs to 6.1%

Canadian PM Mark Carney and Chinese president Xi Jinping have agreed a Canada-China trade deal, removing the additional 100% tariff on up to 49,000 Chinese EVs.

James McLoughlin

Brazil implements new packaging legislation mandating recycled content and reverse logistics systems

Brazil mandates recycled content and reverse logistics systems for packaging

New legislation came into effect in Brazil in January 2026, regulating the amount of recycled content in plastic packaging and the recycling of used packaging.

James McLoughlin

Mexico’s Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec set for completion in 2026

Mexico’s interoceanic corridor infrastructure set for completion in 2026

The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a multimodal logistics project relying on rail infrastructure in Mexico, is set to complete in 2026.

James McLoughlin

Mexico introduces new tariffs on cars and auto parts for countries without a trade agreement

Mexico introduces new tariffs on cars and auto parts for non-FTA countries

New tariffs on imports of cars, auto parts and raw materials from non-FTA countries including China, Brazil and India have come into effect in Mexico in 2026.

James McLoughlin

GM takes $6bn earnings hit as it scales back EV production due to slower demand after consumer incentives scrapped

GM takes $6bn earnings hit as it scales back EV production in response to slow EV uptake

GM has confirmed that it has reduced EV capacity and reallocated production resources to ICE vehicles, leading to a $6bn writedown on EV investments.

James McLoughlin

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Energy companies divert EV battery investment to energy storage

Changes in joint ventures launched by OEMs like Ford and Honda signal a pivot away from EV battery investment towards battery energy storage amid underwhelming EV demand.

James McLoughlin

RPM acquires Dealers Choice Auto Transport and PARS, expanding into new markets

Automotive logistics and supply chain solutions company RPM Freight Systems announced the acquisition of Dealers Choice Auto Transport and PARS in December 2025.

James McLoughlin

Drone pilot reinforces JLR’s priorities for 'Reimagine' strategy

With a drone pilot the latest development in JLR’s Reimagine digitalisation strategy, JLR shares what projects like this could mean for the automaker in 2026 and beyond.

James McLoughlin

EU confirms 90% tailpipe emissions reduction target will replace planned ICE ban in 2035

EU abandons 2035 ICE ban, auto industry divided in response

The European Commission has scrapped its ban on the sale of new ICE vehicles in the EU from 2035 in a decision that has divided the automotive industry.

James McLoughlin

Ford scraps F-150 Lightning in favour of 'next-generation' hybrid, says "the business case has eroded"

Ford has revealed a series of actions to "drive profitable growth", including ending production of the F-150 Lightning electric truck, expanding its powertrain mix and launching a battery energy storage system business.

James McLoughlin

Ford and Renault to produce two Ford-branded EVs in Europe, powered by Renault's Ampere platform

Ford to produce two EVs in Europe, powered by Renault's Ampere platform, in 2028

A new partnership between Ford and Renault will see the production of two Ford-branded passenger EVs in France in 2028, powered by Renault's Ampere platform.

James McLoughlin

Ilkhan Ozsevim

BMW production head Dr Milan Nedeljković to replace Oliver Zipse as chairman of the board in May 2026

BMW has appointed production head Dr Milan Nedeljković as chairman of the board, succeeding Oliver Zipse on 14 May 2026 with Zipse leaving BMW after 35 years.

James McLoughlin

UK prime minister Keir Starmer announces £725m government skills reform package to create 50,000 new apprenticeships

UK government announces £725m skills reform package to create 50,000 new apprenticeships

At a visit to McLaren's headquarters, UK prime minister Keir Starmer unveiled a new £725m package of reforms to the apprenticeship system to “tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth”.

James McLoughlin

Building a roadmap for scaling up next-generation AI in Europe

European OEMs like BMW, SEAT and Schaeffler are moving beyond pilots to define how agentic and generative AI will be embedded into core supply‑chain processes.

James McLoughlin

EU delays proposals on 2035 ban on new ICE vehicle production

The European Union has delayed the release of proposals on its 2035 ban on new ICE vehicles, as countries like Germany, Italy and Hungary urge an extension.

James McLoughlin

Great Wall Motor earmarks first European plant, targets 300,000 units per year by 2029

Great Wall Motor is exploring opening its first European plant, most likely in Spain or Hungary, and is aiming to produce an annual total of 300,000 vehicles by 2029 to revive its sales in the region.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

James McLoughlin

James McLoughlin - Automotive Logistics

US strikes trade deal with Taiwan and imposes new 25% global semiconductor tariff

New trade deal sees Canada cut tariff on Chinese EVs to 6.1%

Brazil mandates recycled content and reverse logistics systems for packaging

Mexico’s interoceanic corridor infrastructure set for completion in 2026

Mexico introduces new tariffs on cars and auto parts for non-FTA countries

GM takes $6bn earnings hit as it scales back EV production in response to slow EV uptake

Energy companies divert EV battery investment to energy storage

RPM acquires Dealers Choice Auto Transport and PARS, expanding into new markets

Drone pilot reinforces JLR’s priorities for 'Reimagine' strategy

EU abandons 2035 ICE ban, auto industry divided in response

Ford scraps F-150 Lightning in favour of 'next-generation' hybrid, says "the business case has eroded"

Ford to produce two EVs in Europe, powered by Renault's Ampere platform, in 2028

BMW production head Dr Milan Nedeljković to replace Oliver Zipse as chairman of the board in May 2026

UK government announces £725m skills reform package to create 50,000 new apprenticeships

Building a roadmap for scaling up next-generation AI in Europe

EU delays proposals on 2035 ban on new ICE vehicle production

Great Wall Motor earmarks first European plant, targets 300,000 units per year by 2029

Nexperia issues open letter urging “open dialogue” with China unit

New UK budget brings EV tax, fuel duty freeze and extended Electric Car Grant

Toyota-backed semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus to create chip hub on island of Hokkaido in Japan

Ford and Novelis issue joint statement following latest fire at Oswego hot mill, Novelis to build new US plant in 2026

New fire breaks out at Novelis’ Oswego plant, threatening to impact reopening schedule

Dutch government suspends order seizing control of Nexperia in attempt to resolve semiconductor supply crisis

ALSC Mexico showed how Mexico can maintain its supply chain edge

Novelis to restart operations in December after Oswego aluminium plant fire

Hyundai to invest over $85bn in advanced manufacturing in South Korea by 2030

Scout Motors to base new HQ in Charlotte, NC as construction of SC production centre underway

Nexperia confirms ongoing disruption despite China’s relaxed export controls