Highlights | Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe

VW’s Paulo Monteiro tackles “super extra complexity” with strategic matrix amid supply chain disruptions

VW Group of America is tackling the complexity of supply chain disruptions with a flexible matrix of strategies, including commodities multiple sourcing, multiple product assembly capabilities and a strong, resilient and diverse workforce.

Marcus Williams

Automotive market faces slower growth and capacity challenges amid electrification shift, S&P Global’s Mike Wall reveals

The automotive industry outlook is rapidly evolving and OEMs, tier suppliers and logistic providers alike are all having to swiftly adapt to rapidly changing regional market dynamics. Mike Wall, executive director, automotive analysis, S&P Global Mobility provides his expert insight at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference.

Daniel Harrison

Jeffrey Morrison discusses GM’s supply chain shift toward electrification, cost optimisation and evolving supplier partnerships

In a Red Sofa interview at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference, GM’s Jeffrey Morrison outlines the company’s strategic shift towards electrification, emphasising the importance of cost optimisation and strengthened partnerships with suppliers to foster innovation and sustainability within the automotive supply chain.

Emily Uwemedimo

Stellantis, GKN Automotive partner with logistics providers to mitigate disruption

At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global, logistics leaders from Stellantis and GKN Automotive shared they are partnering with providers and suppliers to de-risk the supply chain.

Megan Kelly

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global

23-25 September | Plymouth, MI

Join us at the 25th annual Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global conference this September

North America’s premier automotive logistics platform returns to a brand-new venue, marking 25 years of uniting top supply chain leaders and experts from inbound to vehicle logistics, supply chain engineering, automation, packaging, service parts, and more. It will focus on how logistics and supply chain leaders should engineer and design the most efficient logistics networks, how they can leverage partnerships and digitalisation to better anticipate and manage volatility and disruption and, critically, how logistics leaders can better influence enterprise decisions to design more resilient supply chains.

Addressing transport capacity shortfalls in North America with collaboration and investment

Moving finished vehicles in North America has been made difficult by a shortage of transport capacity, but speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference revealed the benefits ahead through investment in transport assets, a better multimodal strategy and stronger contracts between OEMs and logistics providers.

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa Interview | Iván Dávila, Nissan on scaling automation in inbound logistics

Nissan’s Iván Dávila discusses logistics automation, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and the importance of team engagement in optimizing inbound logistics…

Red Sofa Interview | Sid Philar, Lucid Motors on forging win-win partnerships

Lucid Motors’ Sid Philar takes to the Red Sofa to discuss how to build and promote trust in the automotive logistics and supply chain, through effective partnerships, investments and leadership

Red Sofa Interview | GM’s Jeff Morrison on deepening partnerships with suppliers

As the sector pivots toward electrification and automated driving, the need for deeper supplier partnerships and innovative logistics solutions has never been more critical, said GM’s Jeff Morrison…

Red Sofa Interview | Todd Myers, Nissan on aligning KPIs to future-proof finished vehicle logistics

Myers shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of vehicle logistics on the Red Sofa at ALSC Global 2024…

ALSC Global 2024: Day 2 wrap-up and conference close

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer, Automotive Logistics closes out the final day of the ALSC Global 2024 conference in Dearborn, Michigan

ALSC Global 2024: Conference Day 1 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer, Automotive Logistics takes us on a river cruise in Detroit after day one of the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2024 conference…

ALSC Global 2024: Cocktail reception wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig takes us behind the scenes at ALSC Global 2024…

GKN Automotive’s, Mair, on navigating supply chain turbulence with people and technology

GKN Automotive adapts to supply chain challenges by prioritising people and flexibility, enhancing logistics across the automotive industry, and leveraging data to ensure agility and sustainability.

Mike Tickle on JLR’s agile and collaborative supply chain transformation

Michael Tickle spoke with us at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024 confernece that took place from 24-26th September at Detroit. He highlighted the shift in supply chain, diversity in automotive supply chain and importance of collaboration

Mercedes Figueroa on how Stellantis is using AI to enable flexible logistics

Our Chief Content Offiser spoke with Mercedes Figueroa, Head of Transportation Operations for Stellantis North America about how the company is building flexibility, resilience, and efficiency into its logistics operations through cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration with partners.

Red Sofa Interview | Criss Edwards, Unipart on transforming the auto industry

Criss Edwards, President and Managing Director North America at Unipart spoke with our Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig at the ALSC Global 2024 on how Unipart and the broader 3PL industry will continue to evolve and support OEMs in this new era.

How GM is boosting resiliency through predictive AI tools

On day two of ALSC Global 2024 David Leich, executive director, Global Supply Chain at GM took to the stage to discuss the roadmap for connected and predictive supply chains.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview | Jessica Hanson, Bosch on improving cross-border logistics

Jessica Hanson, vice-president of Logistics, Bosch North America discusses cross-border logistics, digital innovations and enhanced partnerships in managing cross-border logistics

The latest insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2024

Hello everyone and welcome to the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024 recap blog, from our event which took place on 24-26th September at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. Stay tuned to get the latest updates and insights on our conference speakers and the sessions here!

Megan Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

Marcus Williams

FVL capacity constraints likely to remain across North America

Expert panellists at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 explained current FVL capacity woes, mitigation strategies and why the issue will not be resolved any time soon. Daniel Harrison analyses how the FVL industry can work together to implement short-term solutions now, and begin planning for the future.

Daniel Harrison

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: Day two wrap-up from the Henry Ford Museum

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics gives us the rundown of day two at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023, from the Ryder Gala Dinner at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: That’s a wrap!

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics sits on the Red Sofa for a final time as we wrap up Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Dearborn, Michigan.

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: Welcome drinks and what to expect

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics wraps up the welcoming night of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 at the Welcome Drinks Reception, sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel. He talks about highlights to expect over the course of the event, and what the hot topics will be.

Unreliable forecasting remains a key challenge for automotive logistics

Panellists at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 conference revealed the issues they face with unpredictability and the resulting logistics network challenges.

Daniel Harrison

Insourcing and localising supply chains help BMW stay flexible

Insourcing and localising are two of the ways that BMW Spartanburg is staying flexible and lean while growing, according to Oliver Bilstein, vice-president of logistics and production control, BMW Manufacturing.

Megan Kelly

Greater collaboration is needed for the switch to a specialised EV supply chain

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is introducing an entirely new, specialised supply chain for inbound, outbound and service parts logistics. To make the transition successful there needs to be more collaboration and communication between the sectors, according speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference in Dearborn, Michigan.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview: EVs present opportunities to consolidate a fragmented industry

Daniel Harrison, automotive analyst, Automotive Logistics talks to Christopher Ludwig, editor-in-chief about the highly fragmented North America logistics industry, capacity shortages, digitalisation, a positive outlook for the future of the sector and opportunities to consolidate through the transition to EVs.

Red Sofa Interview: Honda’s dynamic logistics routing in US a breakthrough in flexibility

Dan Pace, transportation unit leader at Honda in the US, sits on the Red Sofa to discuss how the OEM has made its inbound logistics routing more agile to actual demand, and improved part-level visibility.

Red Sofa Interview: Diversity in automotive logistics: taking charge at Bosch

Jessica Hanson, VP of logistics North America at Bosch, join the Red Sofa to share her personal story and advice for how women, minorities and other diverse groups can develop in automotive logistics and supply chain.

Red Sofa Interview: Keeping calm in supply chain chaos – leadership lessons at Stellantis

Anna Markett, senior vice-president of supply chain at Stellantis North America, joins the Red Sofa to discuss navigating the OEM’s complex North American supply chain, notably with empathy and a thirst for learning about all facets of operations across the organisation.

Red Sofa Interview: Material control is BMW's next frontier for AI at Plant Spartanburg

Oliver Bilstein, who leads logistics for BMW’s manufacturing in the US, joins the Red Sofa to discuss how new technology and automation are increasing flexibility in production and supply chain and how logistics needs to adapt to ramp up EV and battery output.

Red Sofa Interview: Toyota invests in people and partners for North American service parts logistics

Michael Schad, who leads service parts fufillment and logistics at Toyota North America, joins the Red Sofa to explain how the carmaker is enhancing its service parts distribution through improved training, new technology and more delivery and pickup options across the US.

STB chairman encourages carmakers to push for North American rail freight reform

Automotive shippers should push the Surface Transportation Board for reform in railroad freight in the US, according to its chairman, Martin Oberman.

Megan Kelly

Covid and semiconductor crises have ‘pushed logistics industry forward’

The pandemic and the semiconductor shortage have encouraged more visibility and transparency between OEMs and automotive tier suppliers, helping the industry not only to recover but to advance further, according to experts.

Megan Kelly

Top 3 focuses for automotive logistics at ALSC Global 2023

With Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 about to kick off in Detroit, Automotive Logistics has outlined three key areas of focus for the automotive logistics industry to look out for over the coming days.

Megan Kelly

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global: Recap

Follow our recap blog below to get the most important insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Detroit.

Megan Kelly

The USDOE wants to energise sustainable automotive supply chains

The opening session of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global focused on the US government’s objectives with keynote from Dr Jacob Ward, who has recently taken a key supply chain role in the DOE’s new Energy Sector Industrial Base program within the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. Ward leads the federal government’s efforts in modelling, mapping, and analysing America’s critical energy supply chains. Dr Ward also answers questions from editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig.

Raising a glass to Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global!

Editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig gives a sneak peak behind the scenes of the Ryder-sponsored Gala Reception at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2022, held at the Whiskey Factory Detroit.

How the Department of Energy will invest in the US supply chain

US Department of Energy’s Dr Jacob Ward speaks to Automotive Logistics editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig about the DOE’s new Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains and the new focus on investing in domestic, secure industrial supply chains across the US.

Collaborating from the start to design automotive logistics networks and processes

Logistics executives from Toyota North America, Benteler, Carter Logistics and Agillence explore the strategic considerations for logistics from early in product development cycles.

Improving tier-N supply chain visibility, capacity planning and partnership at General Motors

General Motors executive director for global supply chain, David Leich, explains to editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig how the carmaker has been increasing its visibility, communication and planning across the upstream supply chain.

Shock to the system – scaling up EV and battery supply chains

Experts from Nissan, Cirba and Ryder discuss changing logistics requirements for rising electrification both upstream and downstream.

Investing wisely in the supply chain’s digital opportunities

Nissan, Johnson Electric, RPM and Cargobase discuss IT and digital investment priorities for automotive logistics.

Mitigating risk across global automotive supply chains

Reducing risk and disruption in global logistics is now the daily business of major OEMs like Stellantis and Agco, with a focus on improving control in the upstream supply chain.

Global automotive outlook: no return to normal

Leading analyst Joe McCabe shares insight on the key trends shaping the market, including EV forecasts, semiconductors and OEMs’ inventory and business models.

Sustainable energy, diversifying for resilience, scaling EV and battery: ALSC Global in review

There are connections (and contradictions) in the push for resiliency and sustainability dicsussed by the US government and automotive industry alike.

Bonus: Logistics start-up pitches

Hear from logistics start-ups in blockchain and packaging as they pitch their business plans in a 4-slide/4-questions format with the chance of becoming the next automotive logistics unicorn…

Bringing production lessons to Nissan’s vehicle logistics with JS Bolton

Nissan North America’s head of vehicle logistics talks to Christopher Ludwig about the need for flexibility and strong teams in logistics during the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2022 conference in Detroit.

From the top of Detroit: Welcome to Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2022

Automotive Logistics editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig kicks off the 2022 Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global conference, highlighting the disruption, changes and technology that are reshaping the industry. From the Kuehne + Nagel cocktail reception - held on the 72nd floor of the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit – he looks ahead to the dynamic discussions, panels and insights from the leading logistics executives from major OEMs, tier-1 suppliers and logistics providers.

You’re Hired! Securing top talent and developing skills in automotive logistics

In this panel, industry leaders from AIAG and top supply chain university Michigan State discuss strategies for motivating and up-skilling teams and developing the next generation of logistics and supply chain talent.

Never waste a good crisis – opportunities to improve supply chain resiliency

Greater supply chain control and visibility, along with prioritising resiliency and communication are among the key lessons for GM’s head of supply chain, and top executives from DB Schenker and Syncreon.

Setting new standards for sustainable automotive packaging

Packaging experts from GM, Magna and Orbis discuss implementing new guidelines for packaging and strategies to improve recycling and circularity in packaging materials.

Maximising potential – women in automotive supply chain and logistics

Female leaders in the automotive and logistics industry, including from Nissan, Amazon, IAC Group and Ryder, share insight on how women can advance in the sector, from front-line operations through to senior leadership.

Signing off from ALSC Global with a focus on visibility and resilience – and new ways of working

At the close of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2022, editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig recaps the key takeaways from the conference, including the industry’s renewed commitment to improving tier-N visibility and coordination, the value in investing in flexible logistics and in building new relationships.

Keeping the flow – ensuring tier one supply chain continuity in the era of disruption

Executives from major tier one suppliers and logistics providers reveal the flexibility and tools they have used to minimise downtime and delivery delays.

What resiliency in automotive logistics looks like

Learn for yourself whats logistics resiliency has required in the age of supply chain disruption in this panel discussion featuring with General Motors, automotive supplier IAC Group and major logistics providers DSV and Ceva Logistics

Working together to shape sustainable EV supply chains – ALSC Ideas Lab wrap-up

Following a workshop on sustainable EV supply chains at ALSC Global, Chep’s Sean Maguire discusses the challenges that the industry faces in maintaining sustainable supply chains whilst ramping up EV production, including managing varying cycle times and the importance of creating open forums

Raising up finished vehicle logistics quality – ALSC Ideas Lab wrap-up

Dennis Manns recaps a workshop on damage prevention and quality, and reveals why staying connected across the supply chain is critical, especially at a time when inventories are so low that there is literally no car to lose.

The power of data-driven supply chains – ALSC Ideas Lab wrap-up

Following a workshop on data-driven supply chain at ALSC Global, Tech Mahindra’s Akhil Dabas discusses the role that integrated data analytics can play in influencing supplier and manufacturing decisions – and gives advice as to how the industry can move past buzzword towards realising end-to-end visibility.

On the sidelines ALSC Global end of conference wrap up: this is only the beginning

Christopher Ludwig recounts highlights from Day 2 of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live, including key objectives in data management and potential increases in localisation

Finished Vehicle Logistics: Reducing miles, increasing productivity

Glovis America and Rubicon VLS discuss the challenges and changing dynamics in measuring vehicle logistics KPIs and costs with vehicle logistics industry veteran, Dennis Manns.

Rethinking the semiconductor supply chain

Executives from Nissan North America, electronics supplier Johnson Electric and semiconductor association SEMI Americas discuss the longer-term strategies required to make the automotive semiconductor supply chain more stable and secure.

Accelerate to net zero in the supply chain

Sustainability leaders from General Motors, Toyota, Honda and Kuehne and Nagel discuss how they are working together on common standards, actions and performance to better measure and reduce emissions in the global supply chain, including through The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment.

On the sidelines at ALSC Global Live: the calm before the perfect storm

Christopher Ludwig introduces Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live in Detroit, as the North American industry meets in the midst of massive disruption and change across automotive supply chain and manufacturing.

Holding back the tiers: The automotive supplier perspective

Automotive supplier Benteler, diversified aftermarket distributor First Brands Group together with Maersk outline strategies specific to mitigating risk for automotive tier suppliers.

Crossing continents and back again – mitigating global logistics and cross-border bottlenecks

Learn how Magna Powertrain, CNW Courier Network, D-Troy and TLE are collaborating and adapting to overcome international logistics and supply chain challenges, including ocean and cross-border services in North America, with technology, partnership and localisation strategies.

Developing packaging and logistics for electric vehicle supply chains

Logistics and packaging providers are working increasingly with new start-up and traditional OEMs to meet the needs of EV supply chains. Executives from Ryder and Orbis share insights on the ongoing changes, challenges and opportunities.

Talking strategic planning with Kelly Bysouth, IAC’s chief supply chain officer

The global tier one supplier’s top supply chain and procurement executive talks about the importance of joining up data across the network and organisation, maintaining free cash flow in inventory considerations and why she wouldn’t take the job unless she was chief supply chain officer and not only procurement.

Optimise to thrive: how Ford, Carter Logistics and Ryder are redefining freight networks

Leaders from the North American automotive logistics market share insights, including on Ford’s service parts and customer service network, as well as lead logistics provider strategies from Ryder and Carter.

Charge the new era of automotive supply chains

Executives from Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) of Canada, SEA Electric and DSV discuss how electrification and digitalisation are changing supply chain requirements, including new partnerships, innovations and technologies to future proof growth and ensure efficiency.

Welcome to Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live 2021 in Detroit!

Semiconductor shortages, spiking container shipping rates, the ‘everything shortage’ – it’s a challenging time in the automotive supply chain, and that made it the perfect time for the industry to reunite for the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live in Detroit. Christopher Ludwig welcomes attendees in person and online, with all session content available on-demand at Automotive Logistics.

Recoding the supply chain

Hear executives from General Motors, aThingz and Visteon Corporation discuss how AI, predictive analytics, real-time tracking and other tools are accelerating digital transformation of automotive supply chains.

Building a better North American supply chain with Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen

To cap off the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live conference, senior supply chain and logistics leaders discuss and debate the key challenges and opportunities defining their organisations’ pathway to success.

Best practices to reduce shipping costs with major carriers

Freight pricing specialists AFMS gives an inside track on best practices to negotiate best-in-class shipping rates with major carriers in North America and beyond.

Goodbye from Detroit at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live

Editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig ends the conference but points to a new beginning in supply chain partnerships, which will be necessary if the industry is to manage through current disruptions and meet the changing needs of electrification, sustainability and new technology.

On the sidelines ALSC Global Day 1 in review: logistics data, mitigating shortages and managing the chip crisis

Christopher Ludwig recounts highlights of the first day of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live, picking out highlights and learnings from OEM, tier supplier and logistics providers at the event.

Navigating continuous disruption across global supply chains

Experts from North American tier supplier American Axle, premium freight supplier Quick and container shipping and logistics giant Maersk talk about how to reduce risk, including network redesigns, modal shifts, data management and advanced planning.

Talking logistics leadership with Volkswagen’s Anu Goel

In an inspiring conversation, the logistics veteran speaks personally about the approaches, philosophies and mindsets that have helped him and his team to navigate these turbulent times, and to take steps to become more resilient and better equipped for the future.

Global automotive outlook: A rocky road, but better times are ahead

Top analyst Brandon Mason explains the depth of the semiconductor shortage and its impacts on vehicle production and sales, but also looks ahead to a fast-changing automotive and supply chain landscape across North America.