BMW
BMW to expand blockchain applications for parts purchasing
BMW has announced it will expand the use of blockchain technology for the purchasing of components this year. Blockchain creates a distributed electronic ledger that allows parties involved in often complex supply chains to view, share and update critical documents such as bills of lading, invoices, terms and agreements relating to a particular shipment or transaction…
Calling stop on automotive supply chains: how long can companies survive the Covid-19 crisis?
With the coronavirus pandemic causing a level of automotive plant shutdowns not seen since the second world war, suppliers and logistics providers will face failures without direct support from government, and close collaboration with OEMs and industry.
Coronavirus latest: Europe puts a brave face on supply chain problems in China and Italy
While European vehicle makers appear resilient in the face of supply chain disruption caused by the coronavirus, there are a number of factors coming into play that could see production affected over the coming weeks.
abatUS to support OEMs and LSPs in South Carolina
IT systems service provider, abatUS, is investing $10m to set up operations in Greenville, South Carolina to support the local automotive industry…
BMW Dingolfing developing industry 4.0 technology for logistics
BMW Group and three partner companies from the Bavarian region of Germany are expanding the use of industry 4.0 innovations in production logistics at the OEM’s Dingolfing plant. The move comes as part of a three-year research project supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy.
BMW increases automation at Mexico plant
BMW has introduced automated storage and buffer systems at its new car-making plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, for more efficient, demand-based production…
Trade barriers threaten automotive sector after Brexit
The UK government has confirmed that almost all imports from Europe will be the subject of trade barriers when the UK leaves the EU at the end of this year. All imported goods will need customs declarations and mandatory safety and security certificates..
Coronavirus forces OEMs in China to extend shutdowns
Continued disruption to the automotive supply chain caused by the coronavirus outbreak in China is leading many OEMs, including VW, Toyota, BMW and FCA, to extend plant closures by two weeks beyond the average ten days allocated for closure over the Chinese New Year holiday…
BMW plans for local assembly in Russia hit a dead end
BMW’s plans to invest in a local assembly plant in Kaliningrad, Russia have been shelved following its failure to agree on investment terms with the local authority. Stefan Teuchert, CEO of BMW Group Russia, said inconsistencies in government policy at the federal level meant it was unable to reach a conclusion. Avtotor will continue to build vehicles from SKD imports under contract
BMW selects tough tablets for logistics operations
German car manufacturer BMW has opted to buy a new batch of rugged mobile devices from Getac Technology of Taiwan, a supplier for six years…
Explaining EU vehicle emissions targets: can OEMs avoid heavy fines?
The new average fleet targets that came into force in Europe on January 1st 2020 are having big impacts on the supply chain, pushing OEMs to produce and sell more hybrids and EVs. But the rules are complex and varied by brands, volume and sales. Here we provide a summary of the key rules and terminology.
BMW’s balance of power
BMW already has a 6% share of the market for new registered battery electric and photovoltaic electric vehicles but to meet the increase in demand in the coming years it has plans to have 1m fully electric and hybrid vehicles on the road by the end of 2021. In preparation it is moving battery production closer to its main areas of global assembly
German domestic car market expands, but exports and output fall
Registrations for new passenger cars in Germany last year grew by 5% year-on-year to 3.607m vehicles…
Damage control: How technology can assist vehicle inspection
With approximately 80m new cars being produced globally each year, the automotive industry has a big job to do when it comes to checking the condition of finished vehicles, something that has long relied on human labour…
BMW signs five-year lithium deal with Ganfeng
As part of its electromobility expansion, BMW has signed a 540m euro ($598m) supply contract with Ganfeng Lithium of Jiangxi province, China. The deal will guarantee 100% of the OEM’s lithium hydroxide needs for fifth-generation battery cells in its high-voltage batteries, according to the carmaker…
BMW joins climate coalition
German OEM BMW claims it is the first carmaker to join the Getting to Zero Coalition, which has the goal of using zero-emission cargo vessels from 2030…
Supplier network puts spotlight on Mini’s new plant in China
BMW Group is to expand global production of the Mini with Chinese partner Great Wall Motor by setting up an assembly plant in Zhangjiagang in eastern China…
Bergé Gefco secures BMW distribution contract in Spain
Finished vehicle logistics provider Bergé Gefco will be responsible for the Spanish disribution of 75,000 new and 15,000 used vehicles for the BMW group on average each year…
Markus Duesmann to move to Audi’s top job
Markus Duesmann will become CEO of Audi on April 1 next year and will also join the board of management of German parent company Volkswagen Group
BMW and shipping companies look to develop low-carbon fuel
German carmaker BMW, shipping lines Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) and Maersk and other international companies have formed the LEO Coalition to discover if LEO, a blend of lignin and ethanol, could be used in cargo vessels…
