James McLoughlin - Automotive Logistics

James McLoughlin

Assistant Editor

Autonomous logistics project delivered at Port of Tyne to benefit UK auto supply chains

The NEAA's P-CAL project manager discusses the benefits of trialling autonomous logistics at the Port of Tyne to automotive supply chains in the North East and nationwide.

James McLoughlin

Automotive leaders adapt network strategies to address modern challenges

Speaking at the FVL 2026 conference, industry leaders revealed how they are adapting their network strategies to be flexible and proactive, taking into account cost increases, driver shortages, cross-border complications and new model launches.

James McLoughlin

NADA expert provides North American vehicle sales and production outlook

At the FVL NA 2026 NADA's chief economist shared insights into trends in North America's auto market today with vehicle sales and production figures in North America for the next decade.

James McLoughlin

Kia and Nissan share how collaborative partnerships can be "pivotal" to success in finished vehicle logistics

In finished vehicle logistics, close collaboration with partners from procurement through to delivery can provide a strategic advantage and benefit all parties.

James McLoughlin

Foton Motor launches ocean freight joint venture with COSCO Shipping

Foton Motor and COSCO Shipping have launched Guangzhou Yuanfu Automotive Supply Chain, a joint venture to establish an independent global maritime supply chain.

James McLoughlin

Polaris Group chairman discusses company rebrand, global expansion and need for flexible shipping

The newly restructured Polaris Group is comprised of Polaris RoRo specialist Polaris Autoliners and vehicle logistics firm Polaris Logistics, formerly Salloum Logistics.

James McLoughlin

DB Cargo UK enters into seven-year contract transporting finished vehicles for JLR

DB Cargo UK has agreed a seven-year contract with CAT UK to transport finished vehicles from JLR's Halewood manufacturing plant to the Port of Southampton.

James McLoughlin

DHL workers vote in favour of strike at JLR Solihull in pay dispute

Around 300 employees of DHL Supply Chain based at JLR's Solihull plant have voted in favour of taking strike action over pay, while more than 300 DHL HGV drivers working on the DHL contract have also voted to strike.

James McLoughlin

Gunfire reported after Iran's foreign minister declares Strait of Hormuz "open"

Iran has declared passage through the Strait of Hormuz "completely open" as more details have emerged of the impact of disruption on automotive supply chains.

James McLoughlin

GAC confirms Mexico assembly plant will be operational in 2026

GAC will become the first Chinese automotive OEM to operate an assembly plant in Mexico when its new site becomes operational in the second half of 2026.

James McLoughlin

Toyota invests in circular factories in Europe to recover materials from end-of-life vehicles

Toyota Motor Europe will open its second circular factory in Poland, following the opening of its first in Burnaston last year, recovering parts and materials from end-of-life vehicles.

James McLoughlin

GM's SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture in negotiations for local production in Mexico

SGMW, GM's joint venture in China, is in negotiations to begin manufacturing vehicles in Mexico after Mexico imposed new tariffs on non-FTA countries in January.

James McLoughlin

New EV registrations in UK reach all-time high; Chinese OEMs' market share rises above 10%

New SMMT data shows an increase in UK EV registrations in the past year, while Chinese OEMs' market share now accounts for more than 10% new vehicle registrations in the UK.

James McLoughlin

Shipping disruption continues as US begins naval blockade in Iran

The Strait of Hormuz will open as a US-Iran ceasefire is agreed but shippers like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have cautioned that normal operations are unlikely to resume for several weeks.

James McLoughlin

ALSC Digital Strategies North America returns to Nashville

Explore digital strategies for reshaping automotive supply chain operations at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2026.

James McLoughlin

Car carriers stuck in Strait of Hormuz impacting Chinese imports to Middle East; oil prices see costs rise and demand shift in Asia

Car carriers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz are impacting Chinese imports to the Middle East, with operators of the ships discharging vehicles into nearby ports. Meanwhile, rising oil prices are beginning to impact automotive supply chains in Asia: pushing up logistics costs, accelerating EV demand and disrupting supply of petrochemicals.

Megan Kelly

James McLoughlin

Tariffs, sanctions and anti-dumping measures: Overcoming barriers in cross-border trade

Tariffs, sanctions and anti-dumping measures are complicating customs but quality data, centralised labelling and AI tools can help mitigate disruption within automotive supply chains.

James McLoughlin

Circularity, compliance and cost optimisation in packaging for the automotive sector

AT ALSC Europe, experts from the likes of JLR and Toyota identified the biggest challenges and opportunities in packaging today, including design-for-packaging, standardisation and PPWR compliance.

James McLoughlin

Europe's OEMs face pressure as Chinese carmakers drive global growth, S&P Global data shows

Chinese carmakers saw significant growth in light vehicle production volume in 2025 while legacy OEMs' growth stagnated amid EU regulatory constraints.

James McLoughlin

MG opens new European engineering centre, announces SolidCore batteries for European EVs

As part of its 'in Europe, for Europe' strategy, SAIC-owned MG has announced the opening of a new European engineering centre in Frankfurt, Germany, alongside the news that it plans to introduce semi-solid-state battery technology in its EVs before the end of the year.

James McLoughlin

Disruption is the new normal: Key themes and takeaways from ALSC Europe 2026

From AI and data strategy to green logistics, packaging regulation and the evolving role of supply chain in boardroom decisions, ALSC Europe 2026 brought together industry leaders in Bonn. What emerged was a clear and increasingly confident argument that the companies investing in collaboration, technology and talent are building competitive advantage from uncertainty.

James McLoughlin

Iran war continues to impact automotive supply chain: Strait of Hormuz access and energy price volatility remain key concerns

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, with the Strait of Hormuz blocked and energy prices in flux, the automotive supply chain impact could be severe.

James McLoughlin

Ilkhan Ozsevim

US Trade Representative begins Section 301 forced labour investigations into 60 countries

The US Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 of the US' largest trading partners to determine whether these economies effectively enforce a ban on the import of goods produced with forced labour.

James McLoughlin

Digital supply chains and AI: How short-term AI use cases can be quick wins for automotive

Against a backdrop of supply chain disruption and uncertainty, there are a number of short-term AI use cases that can deliver quick wins for the automotive sector, from handling documentation to tracking regulatory changes.

James McLoughlin

Tawin Holdings acquires transport provider inTime Group

Tawin Holdings, which owns of Priority Freight, has agreed with Mutares SE & Co to purchase inTime Express Logistik and its subsidiaries: TLT and Routewise.

James McLoughlin

Digital supply chains and AI: Why AI literacy and an understanding of reasons for deploying AI is crucial

To get the most out of deploying AI in the automotive supply chain, firms must be disciplined and understand what they are aiming to achieve with the technology.

James McLoughlin

VW workers in Chattanooga ratify union contract, Mexico passes 40-hour workweek reform

VW workers in Chattanooga ratified their first agreement with the UAW, while in Mexico a constitutional reform will reduce the workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030.

James McLoughlin

Changan UK's new parts warehouse key to its five-year aftersales strategy

Chinese automaker Changan has shared a look inside its new UK service parts warehouse at East Midlands Gateway, operated by logistics provider Kuehne+Nagel.

James McLoughlin

Subaru announces partnership with Seino Transportation for automotive parts logistics in Japan

Subaru has partnered with Seino Transportation to consolidate long-distance parts transportation and address challenges facing Japan's logistics sector.

James McLoughlin

Iran conflict threatens key shipping routes in the Middle East; shippers halt operations, re-route vessels and introduce surcharges

Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted operations for all major global shippers as the Strait of Hormuz closed and Jebel Ali Port temporarily suspended operations.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

James McLoughlin

BMW Group partners with PreZero to advance circular economy principles

BMW Group will work with circular economy company PreZero to enhance the circularity of its business model for the recycling of end-of-life vehicles.

James McLoughlin

DIRKS Group takes over VW Group packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven

Industrial and logistics service provider DIRKS Group has taken over the operation of Volkswagen Group’s CKD packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

James McLoughlin

ECG, ACEA and CLECAT urge EU to increase transport infrastructure funding

Organisations including ECG, ACEA and CLECAT have urged the European Commission to increase the budget for improving transport infrastructure for the 2028-2034 period.

James McLoughlin

Uncertainty looms for automotive supply chains in Europe

Geopolitical instability, trade volatility, policy ambiguity and economic stagnation are contributing to uncertainty for automotive supply chains across Europe in 2026.

James McLoughlin

Vehicles and parts exempt from new global tariffs after US Supreme Court rules initial tariffs illegal

The US Supreme Court has ruled Trump's global tariffs under the IEEPA illegal. They've been replaced by a new 15% tariff, from which auto products are exempt.

James McLoughlin

DHL to manage service parts logistics for EV manufacturer NIO in Europe

Shanghai-headquartered manufacturer of smart electric vehicles NIO has chosen DHL as its logistics partner for European aftermarket services.

James McLoughlin

Service parts retailer Autodoc to modernise last-mile delivery with AI-powered platform

Automotive parts retailer Autodoc has partnered with last-mile technology provider FarEye to modernise its delivery processes and improve customer experience.

James McLoughlin

Audi continues deployment of AI in production and logistics

Audi is scaling up AI deployment in production and logistics to improve factory and supply chain processes in line with its digitalisation roadmap and 360factory strategy.

James McLoughlin

DP World chosen to operate new Czech logistics facility for BMW Group

On February 5 2026, global logistics company DP World announced it had been selected by BMW Group to manage a new logistics facility in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

James McLoughlin

Dutch Enterprise Chamber orders investigation into Nexperia and Wingtech dispute

The Enterprise Chamber in Amsterdam has ordered an investigation into Nexperia as the dispute between its Dutch headquarters and Chinese parent Wingtech continues.

James McLoughlin

Novelis expects to restart hot mill in summer 2026 after fires last year

Aluminium supplier Novelis has said it expects its hot mill in Oswego, New York to restart late in the second quarter of 2026, after several fires broke out in late 2025.

James McLoughlin

Rhenus Automotive acquires Oakley Industries Subassembly Division

Rhenus Automotive has acquired tyre and wheel assembly provider Oakley Industries Subassembly Division as the logistics provider strengthens its presence in North America.

James McLoughlin

More than one million Škoda vehicles produced in 2025

Škoda saw a 15% increase in vehicle production in 2025, producing 1,065,000 vehicles worldwide, after it opened a new plant in Vietnam with Thanh Cong Group.

James McLoughlin

BMW Group selects GXO to manage logistics operations at Swindon site

Pure-play contract logistics provider GXO has been selected by BMW Group to manage logistics operations at its site in Swindon, UK, which produces pressed parts for MINI vehicles and more for the wider BMW Group network.

James McLoughlin

Trump to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit with Windsor

US president Donald Trump has said he will not allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge - connecting Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario – to open.

James McLoughlin

US hosts Critical Minerals Ministerial; Trump administration proposes trade bloc

Ministers from 54 countries gathered in the US for the Critical Minerals Ministerial, where JD Vance proposed a preferential trade zone for critical minerals.

James McLoughlin

More than 59,000 zero-emission trucks on US roads; deployments almost halve amid high costs and regulatory uncertainty

According Calstart data, more than 59,000 zero-emission trucks have now been deployed across the US, with more than 6,500 deployed in the first half of 2025.

James McLoughlin

Wallenius Wilhelmsen officially begins operating Port of Gothenburg car terminal

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken over from Logent Ports and Terminals operating Gothenburg International Auto and RoRo Terminal (GIART) at the Port of Gothenburg on an 18-year concession.

James McLoughlin

Stellantis deploys autonomous robot for inventory tracking at US assembly plant

At Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP), the carmaker has introduced an autonomous robot and an AI-driven platform to carry out scans and build a live digital map of the facility, offering real-time insights.

James McLoughlin

UK vehicle production in 2025 lowest since 1950s; SMMT chief optimistic for recovery in 2026

Recently released statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) paint a sobering picture of 2025 for the UK's automotive supply chain, with disruption from JLR's cyber incident, tariff uncertainty and pressure to shift towards EV production resulting in a 15.5% drop in vehicle production volumes in the UK.

James McLoughlin

How have automotive OEMs been affected by the US winter storm?

OEMs including Honda, GM and Nissan told Automotive Logistics how their supply chains have been impacted by the US winter storm, with some having to suspend operations at plants.

James McLoughlin

Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs if it “makes a deal with China”; OEMs concerned about Chinese EVs in Canada

The US will impose tariffs on Canada if it agrees a deal with China, US president Trump said as Ford, GM and Stellantis express concerns over lower tariffs for Chinese EV imports in Canada.

James McLoughlin

Unipart takes full ownership of UK battery system manufacturer Hyperbat

Unipart has acquired the remaining 50% stake in UK battery system manufacturer Hyperbat from its joint venture partner Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE).

James McLoughlin

Trump drops plans to impose tariffs on eight NATO nations after “productive” meeting with NATO secretary general in Davos

Donald Trump will no longer impose 10% tariffs on eight European countries in its dispute over control of Greenland after meeting with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte at the WEF's Davos meeting.

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

James McLoughlin - Automotive Logistics

James McLoughlin

Autonomous logistics project delivered at Port of Tyne to benefit UK auto supply chains

Automotive leaders adapt network strategies to address modern challenges

NADA expert provides North American vehicle sales and production outlook

Kia and Nissan share how collaborative partnerships can be "pivotal" to success in finished vehicle logistics

Foton Motor launches ocean freight joint venture with COSCO Shipping

Polaris Group chairman discusses company rebrand, global expansion and need for flexible shipping

DB Cargo UK enters into seven-year contract transporting finished vehicles for JLR

DHL workers vote in favour of strike at JLR Solihull in pay dispute

Gunfire reported after Iran's foreign minister declares Strait of Hormuz "open"

GAC confirms Mexico assembly plant will be operational in 2026

Toyota invests in circular factories in Europe to recover materials from end-of-life vehicles

GM's SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture in negotiations for local production in Mexico

New EV registrations in UK reach all-time high; Chinese OEMs' market share rises above 10%

Shipping disruption continues as US begins naval blockade in Iran

ALSC Digital Strategies North America returns to Nashville

Car carriers stuck in Strait of Hormuz impacting Chinese imports to Middle East; oil prices see costs rise and demand shift in Asia

Tariffs, sanctions and anti-dumping measures: Overcoming barriers in cross-border trade

Circularity, compliance and cost optimisation in packaging for the automotive sector

Europe's OEMs face pressure as Chinese carmakers drive global growth, S&P Global data shows

MG opens new European engineering centre, announces SolidCore batteries for European EVs

Disruption is the new normal: Key themes and takeaways from ALSC Europe 2026

Iran war continues to impact automotive supply chain: Strait of Hormuz access and energy price volatility remain key concerns

US Trade Representative begins Section 301 forced labour investigations into 60 countries

Digital supply chains and AI: How short-term AI use cases can be quick wins for automotive

Tawin Holdings acquires transport provider inTime Group

Digital supply chains and AI: Why AI literacy and an understanding of reasons for deploying AI is crucial

VW workers in Chattanooga ratify union contract, Mexico passes 40-hour workweek reform

Changan UK's new parts warehouse key to its five-year aftersales strategy

Subaru announces partnership with Seino Transportation for automotive parts logistics in Japan

Iran conflict threatens key shipping routes in the Middle East; shippers halt operations, re-route vessels and introduce surcharges

BMW Group partners with PreZero to advance circular economy principles

DIRKS Group takes over VW Group packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven

ECG, ACEA and CLECAT urge EU to increase transport infrastructure funding

Uncertainty looms for automotive supply chains in Europe

Vehicles and parts exempt from new global tariffs after US Supreme Court rules initial tariffs illegal

DHL to manage service parts logistics for EV manufacturer NIO in Europe

Service parts retailer Autodoc to modernise last-mile delivery with AI-powered platform

Audi continues deployment of AI in production and logistics

DP World chosen to operate new Czech logistics facility for BMW Group

Dutch Enterprise Chamber orders investigation into Nexperia and Wingtech dispute

Novelis expects to restart hot mill in summer 2026 after fires last year

Rhenus Automotive acquires Oakley Industries Subassembly Division

More than one million Škoda vehicles produced in 2025

BMW Group selects GXO to manage logistics operations at Swindon site

Trump to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit with Windsor

US hosts Critical Minerals Ministerial; Trump administration proposes trade bloc

More than 59,000 zero-emission trucks on US roads; deployments almost halve amid high costs and regulatory uncertainty

Wallenius Wilhelmsen officially begins operating Port of Gothenburg car terminal

Stellantis deploys autonomous robot for inventory tracking at US assembly plant

UK vehicle production in 2025 lowest since 1950s; SMMT chief optimistic for recovery in 2026

How have automotive OEMs been affected by the US winter storm?

Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs if it “makes a deal with China”; OEMs concerned about Chinese EVs in Canada

Unipart takes full ownership of UK battery system manufacturer Hyperbat

Trump drops plans to impose tariffs on eight NATO nations after “productive” meeting with NATO secretary general in Davos

EU proposes harmonised waste sorting labels under PPWR

Packaging pooling firm CHEP launches Climate Smart Partners programme to help tier suppliers cut emissions

Carmakers use workaround to avoid Nexperia semiconductor shortage, reports claim

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