In Depth – Page 83
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Feature
Automotive sector can do better on innovation
When it comes to innovations in logistics, the automotive industry is good at confirming the merits of its own success, but it might do better to look beyond its own factories towards solutions from other industries, as there are signs it is losing ground in logistics developments as it continues ...
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FeatureBehind the great automotive cover-up
Damage analysis is one way OEMs try to determine which materials and methods will best protect vehicles. Additional reporting by Christopher Ludwig.Foams, films, tapes and more;Transport mode setting;A false faith in protection.Scratches, chips, dents and other minor blemishes disappoint consumers, annoy dealers, lead to warranty claims and sometimes even result ...
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FeatureSailing on uncertain seas in South America
Stormy arrival;Uncertain legislation;Fiat forges ahead;Chinese imports tamed;Ford goes it alone;Expanding in the south;Argentina and red tape;CAT taps Delta Dock.The Latin American vehicle trade was strong in 2011, with its ports ranking among the largest in the western hemisphere for new car handling. But operators in Brazil and Argentina face new ...
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FeatureMoving towards modernisation at FAW
The logistics arm of China’s FAW Group is investing in resources and strengthening its organisation in preparation for the challenges that will come with being a public company, according to its head, Kan Shanggang.An important group entity;FAW logistics;Rail and waterway;Expanding the business;The customer is the important challenge.As China’s carmakers have ...
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FeatureA price to pay for premium success
Balancing cost with growth;Very similar networks;Diversity makes the difference;The NAFTA project;Comparing the VW Group;A study in VPC management;Return of the capacity question;A rewarding culture.German OEMs like BMW and Mercedes-Benz find themselves in a difficult yet enviable position as they work to match strong US sales growth with the necessary outbound ...
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FeatureSearching for the best connection
Size does count;Converting the masses;The name of the aim;Scheme goes large;Potential for progress.Malcolm Wheatley reports on the development of an open-source EDI connector that aims to extend electronic business-to-business connectivity to the smaller and medium-size suppliers in Europe’s automotive industry.Based just outside of Barcelona, aluminium diecasting manufacturer Ruffini counts among ...
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FeatureTied to the green principle
Regulatory realities;The real cost of regulations;Strategies for reducing emissions and cost;How to measure emissions;Future trends.Andrew Williams reports on how LSPs are attempting to reduce emissions and costs in response to environmental concerns and changing regulationsIn recent years, automotive logistics companies have come under increasing pressure to improve the environmental performance ...
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FeatureBreaking down barriers
Vendor challanges;Building a safe supply chain;Choosing the right packaging;The devil and the deep blue sea.Ramesh Kumar talks to those involved with India’s complex logistics operations at Hyundai and Fiat about issues such as supplier challenges, seasonal changes, crossdocking aspirations, packaging priorities and controlling supply.Complexity is the name of the game ...
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FeatureTaking everything on board at Ford
Interview with Dr Hans-Bert Bong, Ford’s manager of vehicle logistics and customs, about changes in the carmaker’s European distribution network.Emissions and regulation;Capacity and Service;Advantage for the UK;OTD System;RFID.Improvements in service and efficiency within a mature distribution network, such as that used by Ford of Europe, are more likely to come ...
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FeatureTracking for potential across the Russian expanse
Broad networks;Rail growth;Pricing and Investment;Efficiency Improvements.Restrictive price structures, poor infrastructure and capacity shortages must be addressed if Russia’s railways are to carry its share of the vast country’s increasing vehicle demand.Considering Russia’s size, railways would seem to be the ideal mode for long distance transport. While rail has certain competitive ...
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FeatureIndia expects to remain a fast-moving market
Indian sales have hit a snag, but many in the industry see growth resuming quickly, with demand for logistics also rising amid growing investment and supply chain complexity. Ramesh Kumar reports from India. Additional reporting by Malcolm Wheatley.Days in the life;Growth continues;A move towards effficiency and consolidation;What will the legal ...
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FeatureDiversity in distribution
Central supply, but moving eastward; A limited role for rail; Increasing delivery frequency; A changing landscape; Targeting better service. As aftermarket demand increases in Russia's central and eastern regions, Anthony Coia reports how logistics services need to adapt.As the development of Russia’s automotive market thrives, the geographical variation of the ...
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FeatureGlobal round up
Santos Brasil and Schaeffler sign distribution agreementTerminal operator Santos Brasil has signed a five-year contract with the German engineering multinational Schaeffler, which has a manufacturing plant in the Brazilian city of Sorocaba, from where it supplies the entire domestic and export automotive production sector with a range of ...
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FeatureV-Scope for improvement
MarciaMacLeod learns about how Vascor integrates its software with that of OEMs to ensure efficient deliveryWhen Toyota opened its first US plant in Kentucky, a joint venture was formed between APL Logistics and Fujitrans to handle logistics. Today, Vascor–celebrating its 25th anniversary this year–operates across North America, working primarily ...
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FeatureThe needless damage done
Damage prevention Who foots the bill? Putting the pieces back together Less damage, greater savingsThird party possibilities?Malcolm Weatley finds out how insurance claims handling companies are working with manufacturers and logistics providers to identify damage trends and make claims process faster and smoother, with the aim of reducing incidents and ...
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FeaturePacking a knockdown punch
With CKD operations crucial to many manufacturers’ global strategies, Anthony Coia looks at the issues of cost, reusability and customisation in packaging the vital kits One way packaging; 3PL services; The cardboard way; Economic efficiencies; Packaging solutions; Logan's run; Three-pronged approach.As a method of vehicle assembly, the complete knockdown system ...
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FeatureLooking to Turkey for optimism
Impact of the eurozone crisis Light coming from commercial vehicles Improving distribution...by rail ...by road ...by seaEntering new markets With the European economy and automotive sales outlook uncertain, logistics providers have looked to Turkey for expansion. Last year set records as production increased 9% and the domestic market rose by ...
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FeatureGateway to a new era for GAZ
Bo Andersson has been leading a remarkable turnaround and a tough restructuring at Russia’s GAZ Group, with a significant focus on improving supply chain management and logistics. Christopher Ludwig presents a pertinent example of how logistics can provide a competitive advantage in Russia.
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FeaturePotential and problems in equal measure
Different strokes Heavy investment Coping with growth Finding partners for growthAccess and infrastructureA flexible futureDespite political uncertainty and its recent propensity for economic boom and bust, Russia is still a major growth market for automotive. With LSPs investing heavily in ports, inland terminals and transport assets, Chris Lewis looks at ...
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FeatureBalanced verticals are good for business at CEVA
Gaining market share;Becoming supply chain designers;When will Apollo exit?.The past year has been a particularly strong one in the automotive sector for Ceva Logistics, with some significant business wins in fast growing regions such as China, India and Brazil, as well as in markets with otherwise stagnant volume, such as ...