BMW
BMW launches Idealworks subsidiary to supply logistics automation technology
BMW Group has founded a subsidiary called Idealworks to supply autonomous robots to the logistics sector, including companies outside of the automotive industry. The subsidiary, which is based in Munich, Germany, and currently has a team of 30, takes its name from the acronym for industry-driven engineering for autonomous logistics (Ideal).
Can the UK supply chain keep up with a 2030 ban on new ICE vehicle sales?
The UK government has announced it is bringing forward its plans to phase out the sale of new cars and vans powered by internal combustion engines. Daniel Harrison, automotive analyst at Ultima Media, examines how realistic that is and whether supply chains are ready to produce enough electric vehicles and batteries.
Rhenus Cuxport looks forward to more deep-sea trade after latest BMW exports
BMW has shipped exports of 3,500 vehicles bound for China through the German port of Cuxhaven to avoid delays caused by peak demand at the port of Bremerhaven
BMW trials vehicle exports by rail from Germany to China
BMW has started pilot rail shipments of the 5 Series between its Dingolfing plant in Germany and Chengdu in China.
WHS Plastics invests in distribution to support UK automotive sector
WHS Plastics, which provides plastic injection moulding products to the automotive sector, has opened a £3.5m ($4.5m) national distribution centre in Sutton Coldfield, in the UK Midlands.
Second Covid wave will cripple vehicle sales and distribution
Carmakers are looking at a damaging month of sales as new lockdowns in Europe hit the dealer network. At the same time they are closely monitoring inbound supply chains ahead of a winter that could see continued disruption to automotive supply chains.
BMW selects Penske Logistics for LLP services at Spartanburg
Penske Logistics will be providing lead logistics provider (LLP) services for BMW Manufacturing in South Carolina following the signing of a multi-year contract. It is the first time that BMW has outsourced LLP services in the US and the first time Penske has had an LLP contract with the carmaker, though it has been providing other services at Spartanburg since 2007. Penske also provides LLP services for Ford in North America and GM in Mexico.
Carmakers focus on China for electric vehicle exports to Europe
A growing number of carmakers are looking to China for the production of electric vehicles (EVs) destined for sale in Europe, including Tesla, BMW and Renault.
The medium is the message
Over the last two years leading players in the European automotive industry have been collaborating on a standard for digital messaging that covers outbound logistics processes from the factory to the dealership. The project has involved almost 30 other organisations, including carmakers, logistics providers, software companies, shortsea car carrier lines and terminal operators
Anita Pieper returns to plant logistics at BMW Leipzig
Anita Pieper (pictured) has moved from her role as vice-president of vehicle distribution at BMW Group to a new role leading plant logistics at the carmaker’s Leipzig plant in Germany. Eugen Schantini has taken over her previous role and will now be responsible for global vehicle logistics.
BMW signs deal with Northvolt for battery cell supply
BMW has signed a deal worth €2 billion with Northvolt for supply of battery cells from 2024…
Land of opportunity: INEOS Automotive
British company INEOS Automotive’s Grenadier is being developed as a resolute 4x4 from the ground up, but can the start-up’s lack of legacy and supply chain history cover new terrain and open up options for logistics?
Coronavirus and beyond: Europe vehicle demand and finished vehicle logistics outlook 2020-2030
Download this report for a forecast of European new vehicle demand from 2020-2030 across the region and the top five markets, and analysis of impacts and changes for the European finished vehicle logistics sector. This report is the latest from ECG Business Intelligence, a collaboration between the Association of European Vehicle Logistics and Automotive from Ultima Media
BMW now working with NVIDIA to advance AI in logistics
BMW is prioritising intelligent logistics robots in its stated objective of using higher performance computer technology across vehicle making operations..
CFR Rinkens launches first China-Germany blocktrain for Dongfeng
Freight forwarder CFR Rinkens has made its first westbound rail shipment of containerised vehicles between China and Germany..
Marelli and BMW light the way with blockchain
Marelli Automotive Lighting is working with the BMW Group on the introduction of blockchain technology to connect suppliers’ and carmakers’ plants to improve the management of automotive supply chains. Together, the companies have designed and developed the PartChain application, which is being used initially as a pilot focused on the traceability of headlamps, rear lamps and lighting modules supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting to a number of BMW Group vehicles
Preparing for the next phase of the Covid-19 crisis: European vehicle forecast and logistics changes
Download this report for monthly forecast of European vehicle registration and production, and an analysis of the manufacturing, supply chain and logistics changes required as OEMs begin restarting assembly plants. This report is the latest from ECG Business Intelligence, a collaboration between the Association of European Vehicle Logistics and Automotive from Ultima Media
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.
