NEW Digital Edition: April - June Issue…coming soon
See what’s in the next issue of AL/FVL magazine, which will be in a new digital format
EVs – Al-air batteries
Aluminium-air (Al-air) battery could offer a breakthrough with alternative technology.
A better battery for EVs?
The deficiencies of Li-ion batteries contribute to consumer doubts about EVs, but switching to a different type of technology could solve crucial problems. Richard Brown investigates
Cover story – BMW Mexico
Last year BMW Group celebrated the 25th anniversary of its sales operation in Mexico, during which time it has sold over 246,000 vehicles.
A new home in Mexico
According to Karl Friedrich Koch, vice-president, production control, BMW Mexico, the OEM’s new plant in the country has a logistics operation that leads the way in terms of Internet of Things tracking technology. Joanne Perry interviewed him to find out more
Components – counterfeiting
Fighting back against fake parts
Counterfeit components can be dangerous for road users and are a growing problem for the global automotive industry. Richard Brown examines the lucrative fake parts business – and efforts to shut it down
Technology – Satellite tracking
Reaching for the stars
With visibility in the supply chain more critical than ever, technologies to provide data on vehicle position and movement have proliferated. But this year’s expansion of the Galileo satellite system will take tracking to a whole new level, says Malcolm Ramsay
Voice of the Industry
Steve Robb, CEO of software provider Cognosos, believes that the finished vehicle industry is still struggling to locate inventory and assets.
Tag team
Locating inventory and assets in real time can be a challenge for the finished vehicle logistics industry, but US company Cognosos says its IoT asset tracking tag finds them in seconds
Start-ups and innovations – TuSimple
Simplifying self-driving
TuSimple is developing a range of innovative self-driving truck technologies.
Much of the focus on autonomous driving has been on passenger cars, but such technologies are being applied to commercial vehicles too. Andrew Williams looks at US start-up TuSimple, which believes it can overcome the key challenges
North America – US rail
Rail transportation remains a popular mode for moving vehicles, despite drawbacks such as limited flexibility.
Tracking in the right direction
Shifts in consumer preferences have left the rail industry struggling to catch up, but as Karen McCandless reports, providers are investing in new technology and equipment
In it for the long haul
With a changing model mix and the perennial problem of driver shortages, the US car hauling industry is battling challenges on multiple fronts. But companies are now investing in technology and capacity to future-proof their fleets. Victoria Johns reports.