Coronavirus
Pent-up demand drives European car market recovery in July
The European car market was expected to be one of the hardest hit regions because of the shutdowns caused by the coronavirus but the UK, France and Spain actually performed better than expected in July, with positive gains on the same month in 2019. Longer-term economic hardships could jeopardise the momentum of that recovery but there are signs of long-term growth in the take up of electric vehicles
Latest demand forecast: Vehicle sales will drop up to 40%, with second dip expected this year
The recovery in new vehicle sales in the wake of the coronavirus crisis will not only be varied in speed across major automotive markets, but it will also be uneven. Further pullbacks in sales are likely later in 2020 and into 2021 for many countries, according to a new report and forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media, the business intelligence arm of Automotive Logistics.
Increased demand post-Covid threatens driver shortage in North America
The shortage of freight drivers in the US has been exacerbated by industrial shutdowns and curbs on movement caused by the coronavirus, a problem made more complicated by limited working hours and a rise in post-furlough absenteeism
Watch: Livestream Hour Season Finale | Part 2: Update from North America with Honda and Benteler
Don’t miss the last Livestream Hour episode this season as our guests provide insight on how the coronavirus crisis is currently affecting the supply chain in North America, featuring Hector Martinez from Honda de Mexico and Maxim Serov from global tier 1 Benteler.
Watch: Q&A on North American vehicle ports – Livestream Hour
Experts including Chris Connor from the American Association of Port Authorities and IT specialist Inform answer questions on North American port vehicle-handling operations, investments, digitalisation and insight on managing through the coronavirus crisis.
Better communication remains key for VW Group’s global logistics post-Covid
Good communication and operational transparency helped Volkswagen react quickly to the impact of the coronavirus on its global operations. Concurrently, collaborative support from its logistics providers has helped it restart operations, with improvements to the flow of inbound materials
INEOS in discussions with Daimler to produce Grenadier in Hambach
British start-up INEOS Automotive may be making its new 4x4 vehicle in France instead of South Wales after German OEM Daimler announced it wanted to sell its Hambach factory in France. Head of supply chain management at INEOS, Marko Weisshaar (pictured), spoke about the possibility of a French connection during last week’s Livestream Hour
Watch: Livestream Hour Season Finale Part 1: Global logistics lessons with the Volkswagen Group
As part of our finale for this season’s Livestream Hour, watch this exclusive interview with our special guest Matthias Braun, who leads digitalisation and concept development for group logistics at the Volkswagen Group, on how the carmaker has managed its supply chain through all phases of the coronavirus crisis so far, and lessons for the future
Gefco now handling vehicle deliveries in France for Ford
Ford has chosen logistics provider Gefco to distribute new vehicles to the carmaker’s dealers in France, equal to 40,000 units annually…
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 13 – Start-up OEM supply chains with INEOS Automotive
Watch this discussion to hear key insights and ask questions to our special guest panel including INEOS Automotive’s head of supply chain management, Marko Weisshaar
Groupe PSA and FCA merger will be called Stellantis
Following last year’s announcement of the 50:50 merger between Group PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), the two companies have announced that the merged company will be called Stellantis. The word derives from the Latin ‘to brighten with stars’…
Port of Vancouver USA: Watch this space
The Covid-19 pandemic has put unrelenting pressure on US ports and their connecting supply chains. While adapting to new operational realities, the marine transport and logistics sector, like other industries, is addressing considerable business uncertainty. Dealerships have been unable to sell scheduled inventory and carmakers across the region have all expressed the same concern – the need for space…
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 12 – North American vehicle ports
This week’s show will feature insights into how leading automotive ports have adapted rapidly to manage the crisis, how they are using digital technologies and investing in smart infrastructure to better support the automotive supply chain.
Ford facing shutdowns in US because of engine shortage
Ford is reported to be facing assemly shutdowns in the US this week because of engine supply problems out of Mexico caused by the coronavirus. Output at the carmaker’s engine plant in Chihuahua has been halved because of restrictions on production and supply caused by the virus, while its plants in the US are running at full production
Toyota’s Phoenix PDC cuts aftermarket fulfilment times
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) expects its new parts distribution centre (PDC) in Phoenix, Arizona to be fully operational this week after spending a month increasing its fulfilment volume…
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 10 – The Rise of AI & Analytics in Logistics
In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the technology and processes that are accelerating more connected, data-driven supply chains, and the greater role they will play in the post-coronavirus automotive industry. With special guests from Volkswagen, research institute Fraunhofer ISST and tech startup SYNAOS.
Watch: Automotive Supply Chain June Update with Volkswagen Group and Visteon – Leadership in a Crisis
Our coronavirus series provide critical information and strategic insight to help design more resilient automotive supply chains. In our June update, key decision makers, including from Volkswagen Group and Visteon, share insight on the challenges of leadership in a crisis and how to respond to build stronger supply chains.
Watch: How Ford digitalised and insourced global supply chain processes | Your Questions Answered Part II with Amlan Bose
Ford is transforming its supply chain and logistics processes in a number of key regions, including creating an in-house 4PL and rolling out a dynamic transport management system. Following discussion on our popular Livestream Hour edition focused on digitalisation in supply chain and logistics, Ford’s Amlan Bose rejoins Christopher Ludwig to address audience questions on topics including challenges to rollout, whether the system and insourcing will spread to other regions, and how digital control towers are helping Ford in the Covid-19 crisis.
Spain’s auto industry to get billion-euro boost from government
The Spanish government has announced a €3.75 billion ($4.2 billion) stimulus programme for the country’s automotive sector, designed to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus and boost the sale of low-emission vehicles.
WWO diversifies to mitigate impact of Covid-19 on Russian vehicle imports
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit demand for maritime car carrying services to Russia from Europe by as much as 40%, according to Dmitry Vostrikov, general director of the Russian branch of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean’s (WWO)…
Watch: ‘Covid is accelerating digital supply chain and production’ | Your questions answered with EY’s Bart Huthwaite
Following our popular Livestream Hour edition focused on digitalisation in supply chain and logistics, Bart Huthwaite, principal for automotive and transportation at EY, rejoins Christopher Ludwig to address audience questions on topics including digital twins, industrial IOT, trade wars and changing production models.
Gefco makes spot blocktrain shipment of car parts from China to France
Gefco has revealed this week that it moved 500 tons of automotive spare parts from China to France in the midst of the coronavirus lockdown on a dedicated blocktrain out of Wuhan…
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 9 – Automotive Supply Chain in Focus – Europe
In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we discuss key challenges facing Europe’s automotive manufacturers and suppliers with electronics and wiring harness supplier LEONI and with PWC, covering the strategies required to continue to restart and recover, as well as the structural changes that may change the shape of the supply chain. Hosted by editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig. Register or login to watch.
Permanent change and prospects for logistics post-Covid
Having battled to cope with sudden disruptions to the automotive supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic, logistics providers are now looking at the more permanent changes to the sector that the continued threat of the virus poses…
BLG reports strongest growth in vehicle handling last year
Germany’s BLG Logistics has reported that its Automobile division showed the strongest performance in 2019 with sales growing more than 9% to €603.7m in 2019…
Listen: A new deal for the finished vehicle logistics industry
As vehicle sales and production continue to restart in North America following coronavirus-related shutdowns, dealerships are facing huge challenges in inventory management and customer service. Brion Stapp, dealer principal, Toyota, Colorado shares his insights on ‘no touch’ servicing, changing customer expectations and why the industry needs to take stock and evolve
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 8 – Driving innovation in production and logistics
Join this special digital transformation livestream session on how IT and technology solutions are supporting supply chain during the crisis, including a major digitalisation project for Ford’s logistics and supply chain management across key regions. Hosted by Christopher Ludwig.
Hyundai Glovis back on track in US by next month despite rail concerns
Hyundai Kia’s logistics division, Hyundai Glovis, hopes for “some sort of level of normalcy” for the manufacture and distribution of vehicles in the US by July 4, despite railroads being currently under capacity, according to the group’s senior national manager of vehicle logistics, Darren Acker.
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
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 7 - Finished Vehicle Logistics: Restarting the network
This special livestream episode focuses on the finished vehicle logistics network and how it is preparing to restart for the new normal, with insights from Hyundai Glovis, ProAct and more. Hosted by Christopher Ludwig and featuring updates and insights from the crisis and beyond for automotive supply chain and manufacturing.
No V-shaped recovery for automotive industry
Automotive analyst Daniel Harrison predicts the Covid-19 crisis will cause a global decline in vehicle sales this year of around 14m units, including both passenger and commercial vehicles, down 15.4% from last year…
Protocols for protecting the restart of production in Mexico
There are logistics lessons to be learned from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Mexican automotive sector and Penske Logistics has quickly developed protocols for protecting the supply base and its employees…
VW gets the green light to reopen in Puebla on June 15
Olivia Salomón, economic secretary of the Mexican state of Puebla, has just announced that German carmaker Volkswagen can reopen its plant there from June 15. However, it can only use 30% of its workforce in staggered shifts…
Watch: Livestream Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain May Update
Our monthly supply chain updates provide critical information for automotive production, purchasing and logistics professionals in the current crisis, and strategic insight to help companies design more resilient supply chains for the future. Watch the May update for the latest market forecasts from our automotive analyst and insight on how supply chains could be made more resilient from automotive supply chain expert Peter Weiss from Gartner.
Health and safety portal opens door for Mexico automotive restart
There have been a series of mixed messages surrounding the restart of operations in Mexico over the past few weeks but carmakers and suppliers in Mexico can now return to production providing they register their safety protocols on a government portal certifying that they will follow the guidelines designed to halt the spread of Covid-19
Coronavirus causes job losses in Copenhagen and Malmö
Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) has been forced to terminate 55 jobs in Copenhagen as a result of the financial impact of the coronavirus. The move follows the announcement in April that 40 jobs would be lost from Malmö, Scandinavia’s largest vehicle handling port…
Volatile demand testing distribution of automotive service parts
Discussions at last week’s Livestream Hour on the aftermarket revealed that unstable demand for service parts has been testing those responsible for their manufacture and distribution and a full recovery of the aftermarket parts sector is not expected this year. However, leading service parts companies have been maintaining services for customers
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 6 – Aftermarket and Service Parts: Keeping the wheels moving
In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the pandemic’s impact on aftersales supply and the aftermarket, including the long-term effects on supply chains and what this means for managing inventory. With special guests from Toyota North America, LKQ Europe and CLEPA. Hosted by editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig.
Mexico parts shortage hits production at Mercedes-Benz in Vance
Parts supply shortages from Mexico mean that Mercedes-Benz will temporarily suspend production at its US plant in Alabama – Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) next week…
USMCA will go ahead in July but automotive approval could take 18 months
The new free trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico automotive sector will not have full consensus from the automotive industry by July 1 according to Al Zapanta, CEO, US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, because agreement on labour and vehicle content still need approval
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..
VW Chattanooga to restart this week as Mexico revs up auto industry
After nearly two months of inactivity because of the coronavirus crisis, Volkswagen’s US assembly plant in Chattanooga will resume operations this week. Dr Susanne Lehmann, senior director of production North America, Volkswagen, revealed the plans during the latest Livestream – Mexico Automotive Supply Chain in Focus.
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 5 – Mexico Automotive Supply Chain in Focus
In Episode 5 of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the key risks in the Mexican automotive supply chain, and strategies for successfully restarting manufacturing and supply chains, whilst preparing for USMCA implementation. With special guests from Volkswagen, Honda, the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and CNW. Hosted by editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig.
Watch: Kia maintains investment, launches and stability in Europe
Kia Motors Europe chief operating officer, Emilio Herrera, and director of marketing, Carlos Lahoz, outline how the Korean brand is learning from supply chain and production disruptions, digitalising sales channels and maintaining investment in electrification to chart a route towards recovery in Europe.
Mosolf outlines protection programme for logistics sites
German finished vehicle logistics provider Mosolf has introduced a package of measures to help protect employees during the coronavirus crisis, which is updated according to the latest government findings and standards…
Kia UK opens online sales and provides maintenance services
Kia dealers in the UK have been given the go-ahead to take remote orders from customers (though dealer showrooms remain closed) and some are reopening workshops to carry out aftermarket services, including repairs and MOTs…
Inaccurate EDI call-offs a risk for tier suppliers
The majority of OEMs will return to some level of production this month as pandemic-enforced lockdowns are eased, but there is concern about whether their schedules match customer demand and how this is being communicated to tier suppliers. ..
Thiemo Rusch takes on senior retail and dealer role at Audi
Thiemo Rusch will take over as senior vice-president of sales operations at Audi of America from July 1 this year. Rusch will be responsible for retail operations and dealer network development in the US…
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 4 – Tier Suppliers on the Road to Recovery
Hosted by Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief at Ultima Media, the Livestream Hour will take place each week on Wednesdays. It will also be part of other Livestream special episodes and guests, including previews and follow-ups from our series of live and digital events for Automotive Logistics, Automotive Manufacturing Solutions and Car Design News. In Episode 4, we discuss the key areas that suppliers especially need to consider as the automotive industry stirs back into action, including supply chain and logistics processes, sourcing considerations, digital tools and collaboration.
Decline in UK car sales worse than financial crisis, says SMMT
The UK new car market declined by just over 44% in March this year, according to figures published last month by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)…
Maersk offers weekly rail service from China to Turkey
Maersk has set up a weekly rail service running between Turkey and China which it said stands to benefit the automotive and industrial sectors..
Decisive action needed for realignment of India’s supply chain
There are opportunities to be had for automotive companies that survive the coronavirus pandemic. However, those companies need to take decisive action on restarting, reshaping and reimagining a supply chain that will change quite significantly and is likely to be characterised by greater localisation…
Watch: Livestream Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain April Update
Part of our ongoing Livestream series, the monthly supply chain update provides insight on what the coronavirus crisis will mean for automotive manufacturing and logistics. In this episode, hear from Matteo Fini from IHS Markit; Fathi Tlatli from DHL together with host Christopher Ludwig.
Comment: Crisis leads to change
In ordinary times, when we talk about something being viral we normally mean social media – a wildly popular video of someone falling over, or perhaps a puppy montage. In the extraordinary times that we now find ourselves, the meaning of the word has reverted back to being deadly serious. The emergence of Covid-19 (coronavirus) this year has ravaged the global population, sent entire nations into lockdown and brought business virtually to a standstill.
ACEA map shows production and employment losses across Europe
An interactive production map released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) shows that EU-wide vehicle production losses because of the coronavirus epidemic have now reached over 2m units, with an average plant shutdown across the region of 26 days. The figure includes all passenger cars, vans, buses and coaches…
Covid recovery will test resilience of outbound supply chain, says report
As vehicle manufacturers tentatively restart production in Europe after shutdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, there are concerns that insolvencies in the outbound logistics sector could hamper distribution and sales…
Seat to restart production this week
Spanish carmaker Seat has announced it will restart production gradually from April 27 after agreeing testing procedures on employees with union representatives. Seat aims to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on its employees to screen for the coronavirus…
Challenges in store for UK supply chain
The coronavirus crisis is having a major impact on the storage options available to UK companies, according to a recent survey from the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), which revealed warehousing space in the country is now approaching maximum capacity with a potential for zero scope within weeks…
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 3 – India Automotive Supply Chain in Focus
The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts at Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, Automotive Logistics and Car Design News. In Episode 3, we explore the global export, supply chain and logistics challenges and opportunities in India together with ACMA, Sona Group Meritor, JK Fenner and other major suppliers.
Watch: Your questions answered | Restarting automotive production in the new normal
In a follow up to our Livestream Hour episode on restarting production, we bring our guest panel back together to answer audience that we couldn’t get to during the live session, including topics on automation, inventory and future sourcing. Featuring Ralf Bechmann from ROI Management Consulting, and Automotive Manufacturing Solutions editor Nick Holt, hosted by Christopher Ludwig
Skoda’s Mladá Boleslav parts centre supporting global aftermarket
Czech carmaker Skoda is ensuring the global delivery of service parts from its genuine parts centre in Mladá Boleslav, which is now once again operating on three shifts. The 180,000 sq.m parts centre, which is the biggest such facility in the Czech Republic, is one of three European master depots in the VW Group, of which Skoda is a subsidiary….
Germany allows car dealerships to reopen as assembly restarts
German car dealerships have been given the go-ahead to reopen by the federal government as carmakers across the country restart production. The actual timing for reopening of the dealerships will be determined by individual states…
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
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 2 – Restarting Automotive Production in the New Normal
In this Livestream episode, we share insights with special guest Ralf Bechmann from ROI Management Consulting, and AMS editor Nick Holt into the supply chain and manufacturing strategies that OEMs and suppliers are pursuing as companies like Daimler and Volkswagen are set to restart some plants in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Hosted by Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, the Livestream Hour features weekly insights and live interactions with the global automotive industry
Toyota revises production in Japan as sales decline and supply is disrupted
As part of wider adjustments to production schedules at its Japanese plants, Toyota has announced it will halt production for three days between April 20-22 at its Takaoka plant (line 2) and at two production lines of the Toyota Industries division..
US outbound sector fighting a storage war in coronavirus crisis
The US finished vehicle sector is fighting for space because the outbound supply chain has become congested with excess inventory, resulting in risk of theft and vandalism to vehicles and haulage equipment
Brazil’s automotive industry paralysed in the second half of March
Robust growth in Brazil’s automotive market for the first two weeks of March has been sharply undermined by the collapse of the industry in the second two weeks because of coronavirus, according to National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Anfavea)…
Carmakers need to get cross-functional after coronavirus pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has swept the world and closed car plants from east to west. Production has begun again in China, where the virus originated, and that recovery is also likely to sweep the globe in the coming months…
VW Group continues global aftermarket supply from Germany
Volkswagen Group is maintaining the supply of genuine aftermarket parts from its original parts centre (OPC) in Kassel, Germany despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic…
Production could resume at end of April, says Seat
Spanish carmaker Seat could restart operations at its Martorell and Componentes plants near Barcelona by the end of April, in view of the latest government announcements and the negotiations the carmaker has had with its union representatives…
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 1 – US coronavirus crisis in focus
This episode, hosted by Christopher Ludwig, features global updates and automotive supply chain insight on the coronavirus crisis in the US, including an in-depth Q&A with Kristin Dziczek, vice-president of the renowned Center for Automotive Research (CAR) covering US federal stimulus, supply chain disruption and manufacturing process changes aimed at containing the spread of the virus and protecting workers.
Gefco uses air charter for parts shipments from China to France
Gefco has transported 750 tons of key automotive spare parts from China to France using eight chartered flights…
Covid-19 and Brexit – a double whammy for UK automotive
Following the Automotive Supply Chain March update, broadcast on March 27, there were a number of questions from viewers relating to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the automotive industry that still needed to be answered…
Ford extends European plant closures until May
Ford has confirmed that the temporary closure of most of its European plants will be extended until May 4, following an announcement on March 17 that it would be for a number of weeks…
VW and Faurecia collaborate to combat coronavirus
In the latest example of how car manufacturers and their suppliers are turning their operations over to fight the coronavirus pandemic,Volkswagen is collaborating with Faurecia to produce medical gowns and facemasks at the latter’s Puebla facility in Mexico…
Coronavirus leads to capacity crisis at Zeebrugge
Europe’s biggest vehicle handling port in Zeebrugge, Belgium, is taking emergency measures to deal with congestion at its ro-ro terminals caused by the coronavirus pandemic…
Watch: Your Questions Answered | The Coronavirus Series: Automotive Supply Chain March Update
Following our first Livestream Coronavirus Automotive Supply Chain Update, our panellists reconvene to discuss audience questions that were not answered during the broadcast. Watch this exclusive video recording of the discussion covering the long-term impacts of the coronavirus crisis on global vehicle demand, economic and environmental policy, logistics and manufacturing operations.
Finding the space in a crisis with two speeds
Jochen Freese, chief commercial officer (CCO) at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, says that the automotive supply chain is not built for large numbers of huge warehouses in which to stock inbound parts, but it is a problem the industry is having to deal with in the face of a global production shutdown brought about by the coronavirus pandemic
Next step into the unprecedented
The disruption to the global automotive supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic is being exacerbated by uncertainty fed by a lack of accurate information. At last week’s Automotive Supply Chain update webinar, presented by Ultima Media’s business intelligence unit, analysts tried to provide some clarity on the current situation and what lay ahead for the industry
Ford brings in ‘no touch’ servicing during coronavirus outbreak
Cars and vans are now being thoroughly sanitised before being returned to customers in Europe after repairs and servicing, says Ford…
Geodis enlisted in France’s fight against coronavirus
Global automotive sector transport service provider Geodis has delivered the first masks to France to help combat Covid-19…
Watch: Livestream | The Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain March Update
Presented by Automotive from Ultima Media, hear from our analysts as they share insight on how the coronavirus crisis will impact global vehicle sales and what it will mean for automotive manufacturing and logistics.
Global vehicle demand forecast 2020-2030: The drastic impact of the coronavirus crisis
Download our full report and analysis on the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis on global vehicle demand across major regions. Our forecast includes assessments according to best case, base case and worst case scenarios across North America, Europe, China, Japan, South America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
Mazda curbs production during coronavirus crisis
Mazda is suspending output in Japan, Mexico and Thailand, because of difficulties procuring parts, plummeting sales and uncertainty of future sales amid the Covid-19 pandemic..
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.
Russian car industry caught between coronavirus and currency fluctuations
Automotive plants in Russia are reported to be running out of components as supply shortages caused by the coronavirus continue out of China and South Korea, and disruption spreads across Europe. At the same time the Russian ruble has hit a four-year low against the US dollar, which is taking its toll on production costs
Coronavirus latest: plant closures spread across Europe
Temporary car plant closures are spreading across Europe this week as the escalation of coronavirus in the region disrupts the automotive supply chain and hits sales…
Coronavirus latest: mandated lockdowns in Italy are impacting automotive output
The sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Italy has led the government to extend strict quarantine measures to the whole country. The restrictions are the toughest outside of China and affect 60m people. Health and safety measures being taken by OEMs are now affecting production with FCA announcing temporary closures as it puts in measures to minimise the risk of contagion. The situation is changing rapidly and automotive companies across Italy are reviewing production, supply and logistics contingencies on a daily basis.
Coronavirus latest: a message to our audience
To all of our automotive audiences, customers and partners globally, the Automotive Logistics team is keen to let you know that we are mindful of the effect that the coronavirus (Covid-19) is having on businesses and individuals, as well as families and friends.
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.
Coronavirus hits FCA in Europe, but signs of restart for OEMs in China
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has confirmed that it has had to halt production at its Kragujevac plant in Serbia because of a shortage of unnamed components supplied from China, which are thought to be electrical…
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…
Coronavirus hits automotive supply chain in China and beyond
The outbreak of the coronavirus respiratory disease in China has led to carmakers extending the closure of their plants beyond the Chinese new year and (currently) into the second week of February, something that is going to hit first quarter output and revenue…
Comment: Slow-growth China holds more challenges for OEMs than coronavirus
Coronovirus and its sudden impact on the Chinese economy might be occupying the news headlines, but there are broader changes afoot over the longer term. After many years of enjoying high-speed growth, the automotive industry is facing its third consecutive year of shrinking vehicle sales in China. For foreign vehicle-makers operating in the country, this is a challenging situation, and while most will be planning to tough it out, some could be forced to exit the market – requiring a shift in patterns of production and logistics.
