OEMs
Shifting sands of time: The changing nature of Saudi Arabia’s automotive industry
Changes to social and economic conditions, including the recent removal of a ban on female drivers, could give a welcome boost to the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia.
Collaboration and communication needed for finished vehicle logistics
A vehicle distribution network is only as good as the lines of communication between the OEM and its logistics partners, and given the pressures the industry is currently under – ageing infrastructure, sub-optimised networks and uncertainty over trade – better communication and closer collaboration are more important than ever.
Can Central Asia be transformed into an automotive hub?
Two of the largest former soviet republics, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, have set their sights on growing an automotive sector as they industrialise and modernise their economies. These Cental Asian nations are now focusing on strengthening their supply bases to boost local production.
Sizing up growth opportunities in a changing market
US ports and logistics providers are being challenged by a consumer shift towards bigger vehicles, while OEMs are operating under the shadow of global trade wars. Speakers at the 2019 FVL Import Export in Baltimore discussed the obstacles and the opportunities
Navistar to open PDC in Memphis
US truck and bus manufacturer Navistar International is opening a new parts distribution centre (PDC) in Olive Branch, Memphis, on 26 August to cater to the demand for parts and quicker maintenance turnaround times.
GM expands service parts distribution in Michigan
The vehicle-maker has officially opened a $65m service parts centre in Michigan that will pack 120m parts per year for the AC Delco and GM Genuine Parts brands. The new facility, which covers 102,000 sq.m in the suburb of Burton in Flint, is triple the size of the facility it is replacing and employs 800 people, according to GM.
The facts don't support the idea of 'global Britain'
One of the claims repeated by proponents of Brexit is that ‘global Britain’ will be able to exploit the many opportunities of free trade open to it when the country leaves the EU, whether on World Trade Organization (WTO) terms or not. But this view fails to take into account how the global automotive industry works – and, specifically, the UK’s place in it. Let’s look at the facts.
Comment: Why the UK’s aim to be a world leader in EVs is nothing but a dream
We haven’t yet heard from members of the UK’s new, Boris Johnson government on its vision for EVs, but every time a member of Theresa May’s government spoke about the car industry, you were almost guaranteed to hear them say that the UK was going to be a world leader in electric vehicles (EVs). The idea is, in fact, laughable…
Distribution Down Under: How AIVs are smartening up Toyota’s new parts centre
Japanese carmaker Toyota has now commissioned what it describes as “the most advanced automotive distribution centre in Australia” as part of its strategy of transitioning from manufacturing to purely logistical operations in the country. Intelligent robots and sophisticated design are helping the carmaker to achieve new levels of warehousing efficiency…
Non-EU markets will not save UK automotive in a no-deal Brexit
One of the regular mantras repeated by proponents of Brexit is that ‘global Britain’ will be able to exploit the many opportunities of free trade open to it when the country leaves the EU, whether on World Trade Organization (WTO) terms or not. As far as the UK’s automotive manufacturing ...
A letter to the UK’s new prime minister, Boris Johnson, from the SMMT
Mike Hawes, CEO of the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) explains to the country’s new leader why the automotive industry should be one of his top priorities, especially in the drive to deliver Brexit.
Nissan Sunderland exports new Leaf to Australia and South America
Nissan has started delivering volumes of the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle (EV) to Australia and South America. The cars are being exported from the carmaker’s Sunderland plant in the UK…
Hödlmayr shipping Dacia vehicles to Germany
German finished vehicle carrier Hödlmayr has taken over the contract to ship Dacia volumes from parent company Renault’s plant in Pitesti, Romania, to dealers in Germany.
Iran’s automotive industry left to rust
US-led sanctions have devastated Iran’s automotive industry, disrupting its supply of components and causing production to fall. Automotive Logistics assesses the damage
BMW employs AI for logistics processes in Europe
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in the logistical aspects of production at BMW’s plants, with the first smart AI control application making its debut at the Steyr engine factory in Austria.
Seat begins drone deliveries to assembly lines at Martorell
Spanish carmaker Seat is trialling the use of drones to move parts lineside at its Martorell plant near Barcelona. Lightweight components are being flown 2km from a warehouse in Abrera run by compatriot logistics company Grupo Sesé. The journey time is 15 minutes.
Brazilian car market on the up but drop in exports is hitting production
Brazil’s automobile manufacturers’ association, Anfavea, posted higher production and sales figures for May but the dramatic fall in exports is predicted to continue, mainly because of the economic crisis in neighbouring Argentina.
Data and the digitisation of the supply chain
The automotive industry is being transformed by new vehicle technology, but operational processes are also undergoing profound changes driven by unprecedented levels of data
Tariffs, trade and technology drive the European supply chain into a new era
The European logistics sector is undergoing unprecedented change. Britain’s exit from the EU and the red tape of regulation are among its biggest challenges, delegates heard at the Automotive Logistics Global Munich conference last week.
Ukraine introduces embargo on vehicle imports from Russia
Since the beginning of July Ukraine’s government has prohibited the import of any vehicles or parts made in Russia, regardless of from where the shipment is coming or whether it is staying in Ukraine. The move is part of wider retaliatory sanctions on a range of products from Russia.
