2022 Conference Programme

A blistering pace of transformation combined with continuous supply chain disruption means that the automotive sector is stepping away from traditional production plans and reliable historical sales cycles into the great unknown. Improving logistics and supply chain planning and strategy development is paramount to success. Join this session for crucial insight and analysis on the key trends shaping the market, as well as the future opportunities and challenges that await carmakers, suppliers and logistics service providers.

- Detailed short, medium and long-term global production and sales volume outlook
- Impacts and analysis of critical material supply shortages
- The transition to electric vehicles – powertrain mix volumes, sector growth projections, new players entering the game, and traditional carmaker strategies and targets
- The growth of the North American battery manufacturing landscape – new players and supply chains, key partnerships, and whether regional supply will ever catch up with demand.

Many of the automotive industry’s challenges over the past two years have depended on innovative logistics management to mitigate and prevent disruption, from material shortages and shipping congestion, to navigating lockdowns and driver shortages. Flexibility in network management and multimodal logistics strategies have become more critical, while manufacturers continue to seek better visibility in supply and freight. And more than ever, working with the right logistics partners has become a competitive advantage.

Join this session to understand how supply chain and logistics leaders are:

- Managing multimodal logistics strategies and using new trade lanes to ensure timely deliveries
- Coordinating inventory allocation across regional and global manufacturing sites to avoid line stoppages
- Working more strategically with suppliers and service providers to secure transport capacity and reliable material flows


Track: Digitalising logistics, end-to-end supply chain vision, navigating the new ‘never normal’

Executives at automotive manufacturers are ready and anxious to improve supply chain visibility and optimise logistics flows, and there is no shortage of technology available to digitalise and speed up processes. However, systems integration can require significant cost, time and coordination to implement. Supply chain and logistics leaders must prioritise their critical challenges and ambitions when they plan digital investments – as well as being agile in making use of new opportunities. What frameworks can logistics executives follow?

Join this session for insight on IT and digital investment priorities, including:

- What problem needs to be solved? Identifying the right technology to meet your logistics needs
- Where is the low-hanging fruit in digitalising automotive logistics, versus the key steps to investing in a truly smart and connected supply chain?
- Strategies for working with agile technology partners
- What is the best return-on-investment scale to consider?

Track: Digitalising logistics, end-to-end supply chain vision

With supply chain costs rising and logistics flows carrying more risk, manufacturers need to ensure that sourcing, production and network decisions are carefully made, including as EV and battery output ramps up. That is why more OEMs and suppliers are focusing on strategic supply chain design from the development stage of vehicles and products. In doing so, they are working with new internal and external partners more closely. What are the most important opportunities and how can supply-chain design improve?

This session will focus on key areas of early and strategic supply-chain design, including:

- Having a plan for every part, including collaboration with engineering
- Planning for sustainable energy sources and supplier locations
- Design-for-manufacturing and design-for-cost strategies
- Optimising network and distribution centre locations from early on

Track: End-to-end supply chain vision

Global supply chains have become increasingly volatile and susceptible to disruption and change, with multiple crises often occurring simultaneously. Dealing with hazardous weather, unpredictable and spiking rates, interrupted production, shorter order cycles, material shortages and distressed suppliers, is now all in a day’s work for supply chain executives and their teams.

Join this session to understand how global supply chain and logistics leaders are developing and implementing new strategies to:

- Mitigate the rising cost of logistics
- Balance lean processes with increased inventory levels
- Reroute international transport flows ahead of time to avoid future bottlenecks
- Navigate the journey from global to regional supply
- Design, implement and track greener global networks

Track: Achieving net zero, end-to-end supply chain vision, digitalising logistics, navigating the new ‘never normal’

Retaining and securing top talent across logistics operations and supply chain management is crucial for the continued recovery and success of the automotive sector. The ‘Great Resignation’ has impacted companies globally, and automotive companies compete across sectors for new workers. Attracting and retaining logistics employees, including internally, is more challenging than ever, considering the extreme pressures and demands on today’s supply chains, as well as fast changing technology. However, the heightened recognition of supply chain disciplines, along with more focus on digitalisation and sustainability, is a huge opportunity for companies to develop talent, too.

Join this session to hear how industry leaders are motivating and upskilling their teams and attracting and developing the next generation of logistics and supply chain talent.

Track: Developing Logistics Talent