Japan-UK free trade deal will benefit automotive industry
Japan and the UK have secured a free trade agreement estimated to increase trade between the two countries by £15.2 billion ($19.25 billion). It will give UK companies exporting to Japan a competitive advantage in a number of areas as and promises to reduce duties and regulatory barriers on imported vehicles and parts from Japan. According to the UK government’s Department for International Trade, UK businesses will benefit from tariff-free trade on 99% of exports to Japan and government analysis shows that a deal with Japan would deliver a £1.5 billion boost to the UK economy
Yazaki’s proactive, risk-averse approach to the crisis a success, says Bo Andersson
Yazaki is taking a more strategic and coordinated approach to the automotive supply chain as it continues to stabilise production in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Bo Andersson, Yazaki’s president of Europe and CEO and president of North America, says the company is looking for opportunities to consolidate and improve logistics planning and control, including through the use of third party logistics (3PL) providers, greater localisation, communication and inventory planning
Fully automated microfactories mean more resilient manufacturing says Arrival
Electric commercial vehicle maker Arrival could have as many as 1,000 automated microfactories operating by 2026, with the first now under construction. Localised supply is a priority and the manufacturing and logistics will be supported by industry 4.0 technology
Digital tools promise a more resilient supply chain post-Covid
If Covid has taught the automotive sector anything it is about the importance of resilience in the supply chain. The investment needed to ensure that however, comes at a time of economic uncertainty when the industry as a whole is looking for cost reduction.
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
Now is the time to get vehicle distribution out of the stone age
The number one strategic challenge for the automotive logistics sector right now is in matching vehicle distribution with demand through new channels of communication and different levels of service. According to Martin Corner, vice-president of global supply chain logistics at Volvo Cars, the future of the automotive sector also depends on better collaboration between carmakers and their logistics service providers (LSPs) on adapting the outbound supply chain to accommodate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs).
Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live Overview
The first Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live virtual conference is here, with more than 70 speakers and 30 sessions. Read this overview for insight into the key topics and theme, including electric vehicle and battery supply chains, sustainable supply chains, digital transformation and supply chain resilience. Featuring interviews and keynotes from leading carmakers, tier suppliers, logistics providers and supply chain and trade experts.
A cloud with a silver lining
Renault’s collaboration with technology giant Google extends back to 2019, when the companies announced that the French carmaker had begun using Google data services to refine its manufacturing process. Roll forward a year and the global pandemic has disrupted supply chains and distribution channels across the automotive sector, accelerating the need to accurately forecast demand and optimise supply by integrating data from multiple sources and analysing it in real time.
Meeting increasing demand for EVs in Europe depends on better battery supply
Carmakers are investing colossal sums of money into low and zero-emission powertrain technologies. Even before the coronavirus crisis infected the finances of most manufacturers the survival of many of them hinged upon a return on investment and a successful transition to electrification over the coming years.
Deboeuf moves to senior manufacturing and supply chain role at Groupe PSA
Arnaud Deboeuf has moved to the role of executive vice-president of manufacturing and supply chain French carmaker Groupe PSA. replaces Yann Vincent who has moved to become CEO of the Automotive Cell Company (ACC), a joint venture founded by Groupe PSA and Total.
Slovakian transport industry overcomes supply disruptions
The disruption to the Slovakian automotive industry caused by the Covid-19 pandemic was short-term and has already subsided, according to Alexander Matusek, president of the Slovak Automotive Industry Association. However, for the future stability of the sector Matusek said there needs to be greater government support in stimulating sales.
Covid crisis boosts digital technology in supply chain
Despite the huge health and economic problems caused by the coronavirus, the pandemic has also had a positive impact on some of the supply chain and logistics strategies of automotive and other manufacturing companies. Experts have said greater supply chain visibility and a new sense of purpose across often fairly independent corporate divisions are just two trends that are becoming more pronounced across manufacturing companies.
AL FVL Summer 2020
Collaboration between the automotive, logistics and the tech sectors is growing by the day, with the coronavirus crisis accelerating digitalisation across the supply chain. Our latest digital edition explores systems standards and tech innovations, including new communication protocols for vehicle logistics in Europe, and a range of new supply chain technology at Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Audi México, VW Zwickau, Seat Martorell and Renault F-1.
The logistics driving Renault Formula 1
The world’s F1 series evokes an image of speed, precision and prestigious podium finishes. However, behind the scenes is a labyrinthine logistics effort. Victoria Johns finds out more from the team keeping Renault on track
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.
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
Global automotive leaders convene in September
September this year sees the launch of a three-day virtual summit bringing together leading logistics and supply chain industry experts to discuss the future of an automotive industry recovering from the Covid-19 crisis. Running between September 15-17, Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live will feature a programme of livestreams, webinars, Q&As and panel discussions in an online forum that will feature 20 hours of live broadcasts.
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
