VW begins shipping finished vehicles from Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico to California
Volkswagen and Audi have begun shipping Mexican-made cars headed for the US, from the port of Lázaro Cárdenas to California.
Ro-ro shipping line UECC joins UN sustainability pact
Norwegian ro-ro shipping line UECC has signed up to the United Nations Global Compact, which supports and unites companies to become more sustainable in terms of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
CLdN and Rhenus add finished vehicle capacity ahead of Brexit
Shortsea ro-ro provider CLdN has been adding capacity on its cross-channel routes, with an extra vessel to be deployed. Meanwhile, LSP Rhenus has announced it is launching an FVL department in the UK.
Mosolf expands into seaport logistics with Wilhelmshaven terminal
Finished vehicle logistics provider Mosolf has officially opened its new seaport terminal at Wilhelmshaven in northwestern Germany. It will handle vehicles and other rolling cargo, with an eye to expand to other lines of business.
Watch: Building Lucid’s electric vehicle logistics network
Electric vehicle startup Lucid is launching its first production model with support from Glovis America in finished vehicle logistics. Head of logistics Greg Henninger shares details together with partners from Glovis on the unique challenge for EV outbound logistics.
Watch: Believe the hype! What Hyperloop technology means for the (near) future of logistics
Hyperloop technology sounds futuristics but Hyperloop TT is already implementing a number of projects in logistics, including infrastructure in Dubai to port operations at the port of Hamburg. Chief strategy officer Juan Quintana details the company’s plans at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.
Watch: Rethinking supply chain resilience
The crisis has underlined how vulnerable the supply chain is to shocks and is leading some manufacturers to reconsider inventory and planning strategies to mitigate disruption and instability. In this session at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, experts debate whether this means a rethink in lean and just-in-time.
Watch: Real world supply chain dynamics with DSV
During Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, DSV’s automotive logistics experts set out a path to navigate a turbulent year ahead with an overview of supply chain stability, trends, insights, and strategies that will impact on logistics operations and pricing across transport modes.
Watch: Rethinking vehicle logistics network design and optimisation in North America
OEMs like Nissan and Volkswagen are working with logistics specialists like Jack Cooper and Inform to deliver the recovery amidst low vehicle inventory, uncertainty from Covid-19 and driver shortages, while looking at how to use technology to optimise networks over the long term. Check out this lively discussion from Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.
Watch: How to improve agility and flexibility in finished vehicle logistics
While vehicle logistics faces ongoing challenges in managing capacity utilisation and visibility, this panel from Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live points to key strategies from FCA North America, Hyundai Glovis and CFR Rinkens for improving load factors and responding to customer needs.
Watch: Keeping the metal moving in Europe
As the European vehicle logistics sector faces huge challenges and changes, senior logistics leaders from Daimler, Volvo Cars and Hyundai Glovis discuss capacity requirements, digitalisation and requirements from their logistics partners during a panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.
Watch: Optimising supply chain demand and capacity planning
Manufacturers are facing recovering but uncertain automotive demand, while limits in ocean and air freight capacity risk disruption and cost increeses. In this session at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, experts from Toyota North America, Adient and CNW discuss strategies for improving demand forecasting and network planning across transport modes.
Watch: How Daimler digitalised its damage claims process for vehicle logistics
In a case study presentation at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, Dr Monica Schmickler explains Mercedes-Benz’s new global quality management system, Q.DOME, and how the carmaker is gaining more visibility and data over vehicle transport damage in its global distribution network.
Watch: Setting a new standard for vehicle logistics communication
An industry-wide initiative in Europe aims to set a standard for digital communication across all outbound delivery processes from factory to dealer. In this excluive panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, leaders from key stakeholders explain the systems and benefits, including from Renault Nissan Mitsubishi, ECG, Odette and VDA.
Watch: Redefining sustainable automotive supply chains
Manufacturers and logistics providers are increasingly putting sustainability at the heart of their supply chain networks. In this panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, learn how Kuehne + Nagel and CSR Europe are driving a greener, socially, and environmentally responsible future.
Collaboration is key to achieve sustainability goals
Sharing information between companies and ensuring regulatory alignment between regions is crucial if the automotive industry wants to take real steps towards more sustainable supply chains. Panellists from logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel and CSR Europe, the European Business Network for Corporate Sustainability, came to the conclusion at this week’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live conference
K Line awaits delivery of first LNG car carrier
In line with environmental efforts being made by the world’s car carrier operators K Line will take delivery of its first vessel powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) in the fourth quarter of this year, following its launch from the Tadotsu Shipyard. The vessel has capacity to carry more than 7,000 vehicles
Digital process planning and control project moves to second stage at Bremerhaven
Following the successful completion of project Isabella at the German port of Bremerhaven, BLG Logistics is working with its project partners, the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics (Biba) and software specialist 28Apps Software, on the next phase of development – Isabella 2 – which will digitally integrate multimodal transport links for the optimised movement of finished vehicles
Dachser moves auto heavy-lift from Brazil to Mexico despite crisis
Dachser has moved 138 tons of automotive project cargo between Brazil and Mexico using road and shortsea routes in the midst of restrictions caused by. the coronavirus. The breakbulk consignment contained a compressor machine and 14 accessory items.
VW will stay with Amports at Jaxport
Volkswagen has extended its vehicle handling contract with the US east coast port of Jacksonville (Jaxport) for three years and will continue to work with terminal operator Amports…
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.
Pros and cons on the Pacific Coast
The main vehicle handling ports on the US west coast shared some common challenges last year and dealt with them in different ways, but no matter where you were in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic had the same impact on volume throughput and led to a build-up of vehicle inventory.
FVL North American Ports 2020
Last year the top vehicle handling ports in North America continued to deal with capacity issues and volume fluctuations while the US, Mexico and Canada hammered out a new trade agreement. Our review takes in the top 30 ports and analyses what impact the coronavirus has had on trade in the first half of 2020.
Inform’s Justin Newell discusses software to optimise port operations
Ports are immense operations both in terms of size and complexity, and this is where digital technology can make a big impact: optimising processes, reducing paperwork, organising the workforce and improving efficiency. Justin Newell, chief operating officer at Inform Software, speaks to editor Joanne Perry about the company’s recent work ...
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.
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 11 – Rebuilding greener supply chains
In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we look at the how the automotive industry is using new technology to design and execute greener, more sustainable supply chains including reduced emissions and responding to changing legislation. With insight from Kuehne + Nagel, University of Applied Science Stuttgart and CSR Europe.
Volvo Cars strengthens service network in South Korea
Volvo Cars has announced an investment plan worth 150 billion won ($124m) to boost its aftermarket service network in South Korea as part of an initiative called Service by Volvo…
FVL European Ports 2020
Our review of activity in 2019 at Europe’s vehicle handling ports includes insight into how Zeebrugge and Le Havre dealt with capacity issues through investments in infrastructure and digital technology, and how ports in Spain maintained throughput during the European downturn thanks to a resilient export trade.
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…
Fire breaks out on Höegh Xiamen after loading at Jaxport
Firefighters were called to the Blount Island vehicle handling terminal at the US port of Jacksonville (Jaxport) last Thursday when a fire broke out on the Höegh Xiamen car carrying vessel.
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
Andreas Enger to take over as CEO at Höegh Autoliners
Norway’s Höegh Autoliners has announced that Andreas Enger will take over as its CEO from September 8 this year, replacing Thor Jørgen Guttormsen who will continue to support the company as a non-executive director and senior advisor…
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.
WW Ocean provides direct service to Chilean mining hub
Maritime logistics provider Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean (WW Ocean) is providing a direct monthly service from the US and Mexico to the mining hub of Puerto Angamos in Chile.
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…
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.
Blowing a bigger bubble at Zeebrugge
The world’s biggest vehicle handling port saw an increase in vehicle handling in 2019. It is speeding up throughput to keep pace using the latest technology and some major reconstruction projects. was closing on the 3m mark for the number of finished vehicles handled through its terminals when it got to the end of 2019, up 4.4% on the previous year. That was thanks to some major reconstruction projects and developments in digital technology supporting a more sustainable industry
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…
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
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…
Onnen-Lübben oversees Mosolf’s expansion at Wilhelmshaven
German logistics provider Mosolf has appointed Inke Onnen-Lübben (pictured) as manager of operations at its facility in the Jade-Weser-Port complex in Wilhelmshaven, Germany…
Stronger connections for a competitive future
Capacity constraints have tested the resourcefulness of Haropa ports, which oversees activity at the sea port of Le Havre, and the inland ports of Rouen and Paris, but the company is responding with investment, redevelopment and the application of smart technology
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
VW Autoeuropa to import gearboxes through port of Sines
Volkswagen is to start shipping gearboxes made at its components plant in Córdoba, Argentina, to its Autoeuropa assembly plant in Portugal. Containers are being shipped from the Argentine port of Buenos Aries to the Portuguese port of Sines for onward shipment by road to the plant in Palmela
Coronavirus takes its toll on maritime sector
Ro-ro operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean (WW Ocean) is to reduce its fleet of around 125 vessels by up to 15 in wake of car plants closing down, automotive supply chains being interrupted and coronavirus-related disruption to normal business activity looking set to continue for months…
6 questions in 60 seconds…with Kristin Decas
Kristin Decas, CEO/port director, Port of Hueneme, talks, boxing, chocolate and why it’s important to be a sponge
Reaching for the stars: how Galileo’s satellites could help automotive logistics
Since launching its first test navigation satellite in 2005, the European Space Agency (ESA) has steadily built up the Galileo global positioning network and today operates 22 satellites. With four further launches due in 2020, the Galileo network is set to become the first fully operational high-accuracy global navigation satellite system (GNSS) – heralding a new era of precision navigation and, for the automotive industry, bringing opportunities for improved vehicle logistics.
Colombia’s Santa Marta port sees 30% surge in imports
Santa Marta port is now responsible for importing 25% of Colombia’s finished vehicles and is also rising in importance as a transhipment hub. Vehicle traffic through the port increased by more than 30% last year as sales in the country to more than 257,000
Port of Vitória sees 40% rise in imported vehicles
Stability in the Brazilian economy is reported to be behind the 40% surge in imported finished vehicles through the port of Vitória in January 2020, compared to the same month last year, with 3,569 units imported
Interview with Antonio Zepeda Torres, CSI Group
At the Automotive Logistics Mexico 2020 conference, Antonio Zepeda Torres, commercial director for CSI Group, tells editor Joanne Perry about the company’s recently completed, six-storey car storage facility at Veracruz – the busiest port in the country for automotive traffic. He also discusses the wider challenges of transporting finished vehicles in Mexico.
