All features articles – Page 9
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ArticleSuppliers set CEE on firm foundations
In the decades since the end of the Cold War, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has been attracting automotive components suppliers by virtue of its cheap labour, low taxes and convenient geographical location. Now, the region is aiming to maintain or even build on its gains in the face of vehicle electrification, rising global competition and other challenges.
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ArticleRunning short: US trucking sector battles driver deficit
Car transporters across the US are feeling the effects of a significant shortage of drivers across the finished vehicle logistics sector – and are searching for the best solutions to tackle the continuing difficulties it poses to operations…
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ArticleDamage 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…
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ArticleRoom for manoeuvre with Glovis at Philaport
Glovis America is now operating a new $110m vehicle terminal at the port of Philadelphia on the US east coast, providing much-needed capacity at a time when larger car-carrying vessels are loading and discharging greater volumes
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ArticleFresh floes: What does the Northern Sea Route mean for automotive logistics?
The Northern Sea Route (NSR), a growing shipping lane linking South-East Asia with Northern Europe through Arctic waters, is set to become a competitor to the Suez Channel for cargo delivery between these two regions. Russian authorities believe that the NSR would could be used for all types of cargo – and automotive product, both parts and vehicles, would be no exception.
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NewsMiddle East and North Africa: Leading the way in innovation
Despite a sustained period of decline over the last few years affected by a fall in oil prices and geopolitical strife, the Middle East and Africa is fast becoming a region of automotive and supply chain opportunity…
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ArticleGalvanising the aftermarket for an electric future
The rise in EVs in Europe will have an impact on the aftermarket and the logistics supporting it, not least in the management of replacement lithium batteries
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ArticleMap: Volkswagen’s growing network of IT expertise
Volkswagen Group IT has opened or expanded global IT and software centers, with growing significance across the company’s IT research and operations. Check out a map of their key locations and functions.
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ArticleA program of change for Volkswagen Group IT
Over the past two years, Volkswagen’s central Group IT division, led by CIO Martin Hofmann, has been expanding staff numbers, investment and digital projects across the group’s business processes, and working more closely with brands like Audi, Porsche and Skoda. In the first of a multi-part article special on Group IT, we explain the evolving shape of the organisation.
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ArticleAt the centre of change for Volkswagen Group
Martin Hofmann, chief information office of the Volkswagen Group (pictured, right), explains how the carmaker is transforming its IT system backbone and legacy infrastructure across manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain and engineering – and how Volkswagen is now able to attract top software talent.
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ArticleBuilding Volkswagen’s Industrial Cloud
Volkswagen Group’s landmark project with Amazon Web Services will help to connect all its global factories, and eventually the supply chain as well. At the core of the project is a drive to establish a standard software stack that will transform the way production IT is developed and implemented across Volkswagen locations.
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ArticleOh so simple? US start-up confident of delivering autonomous trucks
As the global logistics industry continues moving towards the introduction and use of autonomous vehicles, a growing number of companies are competing for a slice of this burgeoning market. One such firm is Californian start-up TuSimple, which is developing a range of innovative self-driving truck technologies.
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NewsSlovakia stays strong in straightened times
The news announced earlier this year that Volkswagen (VW) was going to scrap 3,000 of the 15,000 jobs at its Slovakian plant came virtually out of the blue and sparked off speculation that the country’s authorities might have been so absorbed with labour reform during the ongoing election campaign that they have unintentionally made the domestic automotive sector less attractive for foreign investors.
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ArticleSafe and secure: How new warehouses will support African supply chains
Operating in Africa can be a big challenge, and the establishment of a new supply chain there even more so. The acquisition or construction of decent storage facilities, the recruitment of suitable staff and the need to contend with local laws are all potential barriers to setting up business. However, Agility Africa, aims to change this by providing a series of well-managed logistics facilities across the continent.
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ArticleCEE: At the heart of Europe’s electric future
OEMs and tier suppliers are investing in Central and Eastern Europe with a particular focus on electric, connected and autonomous mobility. Delegates at the Automotive Logistics CEE Summit in Budapest heard about the latest challenges and opportunities.
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ArticleTangible progress: Morocco boosts automotive production and logistics
There is no doubt that shipping professionals are familiar with the Moroccan city of Tangier, as it is ranked 50th among container ports worldwide. The first container terminal opened in 2007 and has since been joined by three others; two at Tanger Med port 1 and two at Tanger Med port 2.
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NewsHail, Caesar: How ECG’s template is giving power to distribution planning
Inadequate forecasting is one of the biggest causes of inefficiency in finished vehicle logistics, but ECG’s Project Caesar is setting new standards for distribution planning.
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NewsHarmonising the supply chain
As supply chains grow more complex, automotive companies need a reliable way to keep track of parts movements and alert them to any delays. Andrew Williams investigates a ‘visibility platform’ from German start-up Synfioo
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ArticleChallenges (and opportunities) for US automotive industry
As overall US vehicle sales slow down and EV sales remain stagnant, there are concerns that some OEMs are chasing new-generation technologies at the expense of their existing business – potentially setting up a ‘make or break’ scenario in the near future.
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ArticleEasing off the gas: Is the shipping industry ready for Sulphur 2020?
The IMO’s new regulation to cut sulphur emissions, which is coming into force next year, will require operational changes by ports and shipping lines. But some parts of the world are far from prepared.