Automotive Logistics magazine – Winter 2026
The Automotive Logistics Winter 2026 issue explores the geopolitical, technological and operational forces reshaping global automotive supply chains. As the industry navigates tariffs, shifting trade policies, geopolitical instability and freight disruption, this edition examines how manufacturers and logistics providers are adapting through digitalisation, AI, electrification, regionalisation and stronger supply chain partnerships.
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Through exclusive interviews, market analysis and event-led coverage, the Winter edition explores the strategies and innovations shaping automotive logistics across North America, Europe, the UK, ASEAN and beyond. From Stellantis’ evolving aftersales strategy and Volkswagen’s approach to plant logistics to AI implementation, vehicle logistics capacity and the expansion of Chinese EV manufacturing in Southeast Asia, this issue examines how the industry is responding to changing operational demands and uncertainty.
Key highlights include:
Stellantis aftersales: keeping pace with customer expectations
Stellantis’ five-year aftersales transformation remains on schedule, but customer expectations continue to evolve. Anthony Fioritto II, vice-president of supply chain North America, parts and services, explains why the next phase depends on more precise, part-by-part forecasting and how the business is adapting its approach to service parts logistics.
Plant logistics powered by people and technology
Volkswagen Group and Schnellecke Logistics explain how their work at Chattanooga earned Schnellecke Volkswagen Group’s first in-house logistics award. The feature explores how two years of investment in standards, recruitment and frontline trust created the foundations for digital Gemba and automation, highlighting the importance of people and processes in successful operational transformation.
Vehicle logistics: capacity, consolidation and theft
North American finished vehicle logistics networks face mounting pressure from record diesel prices, carrier consolidation, driver attrition and organised theft. Drawing on perspectives from Ford and Nissan, the feature examines how OEMs are reassessing carrier relationships, balancing cost with service and security, and exploring alternatives as capacity becomes more constrained.
A separate feature examines Subaru’s long-standing relationship with the Port of Vancouver USA, which has handled its two-millionth Subaru and extended its lease through to 2040. Subaru of America’s Lisa (Kline) Quan discusses how the gateway is adapting to changing vehicle flows, including the arrival of the Outback and Japan-built EVs.
Digitalisation and AI at scale
With research suggesting that more than 80% of AI projects fail, this issue examines the barriers preventing businesses from moving beyond experimentation. Experts from Autoliv, BMW and Cognosos share lessons from ALSC Global 2026, exploring the importance of clear problem statements, reliable data and the operational foundations needed to scale AI effectively.
AI data centres and the competition for logistics capacity
The rapid growth of AI data centres and battery energy storage is creating new competition for logistics resources, including open-deck transport capacity, hazmat-certified drivers and warehouse space. C.H. Robinson and Gallagher-Kaiser explain how these emerging demands are affecting automotive logistics and how providers are adapting to a changing capacity landscape.
Chinese EVs and localisation across ASEAN
Chinese carmakers are shifting from exporting finished vehicles to assembling them across Southeast Asia, creating increasingly complex two-way flows of batteries, components and vehicles. However, with battery electric vehicle plants in Thailand operating at around 20% of capacity, weaker demand is testing the strategy. This feature explores what the shift means for regional manufacturing, localisation and automotive supply chains across ASEAN.
Supply chain partnerships during disruption
As disruption becomes a persistent challenge, effective partnerships are moving beyond visibility towards connected data, earlier joint planning and proactive contingency testing. Leaders from Nissan, Toyota, Ryder and DP World share perspectives from ALSC Global 2026 on how closer collaboration can help businesses anticipate disruption and build more resilient operations.
Packaging, automation and regulatory pressures
Drawing on Automotive Logistics’ packaging livestream, Stellantis’ Dan Hankinson and Toyota’s Andy Winebloom examine how automation, tightening regulation and cost pressures are changing packaging decisions. The feature highlights the growing need to consider packaging earlier in vehicle programmes and the importance of reliable materials data.
News, people and analysis
Stay informed about the latest developments affecting global automotive logistics. This issue examines changing vehicle logistics volumes in Mexico, where declines at Nissan, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz contrast with growth at Stellantis, creating new challenges for cross-border capacity planning.
Our coverage also explores the growing workforce pressures facing automotive logistics, including shortages of drivers, planners, data specialists and technicians for automated plants. Leadership updates include Renault Group’s Thomas Denis setting out his supply chain priorities, Toyota Motor North America expanding Kevin Austin’s quality responsibilities and Kensuke Morita’s role, and Frank Steinleitner becoming managing director of VW Group Malaysia.
Additional features include:
Partner insight from DP World: David D’Annunzio examines how tariffs, policy reversals and competition from low-cost Chinese EVs are making long-term planning more difficult for carmakers, and why logistics should be involved earlier in strategic decisions.
Red Sofa interviews: BMW’s Julia Fuchs, Nissan’s Ben Shain and GM’s Marcio Lucon discuss control towers, end-to-end visibility, logistics cost forecasting and the flexibility OEMs need from their partners.
Event-led coverage: Insights from ALSC Global 2026 and perspectives on the strategies shaping automotive supply chains across key markets.
A forward look at 2027: Preview the final Automotive Logistics livestream of 2026 on 2 December, alongside the 2027 event calendar, including ALSC Europe in Bonn, FVL North America in Huntington Beach and events across North America, the UK and ASEAN.
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