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.
The supply and demand of power
The UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) was set up in 2013 to support research and development (R&D) projects into low-carbon emission powertrain technologies. It is headquartered at the University of Warwick in Coventry and sits at the heart of a £1 billion programme that is funded 50% by industry and 50% by the UK government. Jon Beasley, director of technology and projects at the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre talks to Daniel Harrison about the technology pushing the sector forward
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…
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..
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
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.
Changjiu moves Volvo S90 through Suifenhe Railway Port
Chinese logistics provider Changjiu Logistics has recently added an alternative rail entry point between China and Russia for Europe-bound shipments of Volvo’s S90 passenger car, which is made at the carmaker’s plant in Daqing…
Coronavirus policy complicates Mexican automotive recovery
After significant declines in production and sales through March and April this year, Mexico is restarting its automotive manufacturing, but the country’s states are setting different rules regarding ramp up, which is restricting the movement of parts across borders. What could further complicate the situation in the near-term is the US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement (USMCA), which comes into effect on July 1, enforcing complex changes in trade, parts sourcing and labour rules.
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…
Battery consortiums and regional supply lie ahead for EV production
Fisker is working on the release of the fully electric Fisker Ocean SUV for release in 2022. The development of battery supply chain since the company was founded, including the emergence of consortiums for battery purchasing, has put the company is a strong competitive position to challenge the bigger players. Volume forecasts have been too unreliable for lithium-ion battery supply chains to develop outside China and Korea so far, and cumulative sales will have to pass 10m before they do so, something Henrik Fisker believes will happen between 2022 and 2023
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.
Coronavirus pandemic could force supplier consolidation
The Covid-19 pandemic will exact a heavy toll on automotive manufacturers and suppliers, who will face mounting financial losses and growing debt. Some may not survive, at least in their current form or without further government bailouts. Such financial fallout, and the need for companies to reduce costs and consolidate investments, could prompt more consolidation at all levels of the automotive industry in the coming years.
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…
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…
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
