Middle East and Africa News
Tangible progress: Morocco boosts automotive production and logistics
There is no doubt that shipping professionals are familiar with the Moroccan city of Tangier, as it is ranked 50th among container ports worldwide. The first container terminal opened in 2007 and has since been joined by three others; two at Tanger Med port 1 and two at Tanger Med port 2.
Easing off the gas: Is the shipping industry ready for Sulphur 2020?
The IMO’s new regulation to cut sulphur emissions, which is coming into force next year, will require operational changes by ports and shipping lines. But some parts of the world are far from prepared.
Into Africa: China’s ambitions for a transcontinental logistics network
Much of the focus on China’s Belt and Road programme has been on trade routes between Europe and Asia, but Chinese organisations are also investing in African infrastructure.
Shifting sands of time: The changing nature of Saudi Arabia’s automotive industry
Changes to social and economic conditions, including the recent removal of a ban on female drivers, could give a welcome boost to the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia.
Ghent on a roll with new rail terminal and crossdock
North Sea Port, the merged port authority at the European ports of Ghent, Vlissingen and Terneuzen, has signed a letter of intent with Turkish logistics firm Ekol Logistics and Belgian groupage firm Transuniverse Forwarding to build a multimodal site at Kluizendok, Ghent…
Iran’s automotive industry left to rust
US-led sanctions have devastated Iran’s automotive industry, disrupting its supply of components and causing production to fall. Automotive Logistics assesses the damage
Automotive Logistics to hold first Middle East and North Africa conference in Dubai
Automotive Logistics is increasing its focus on the Middle East and Africa with a new conference and increased editorial coverage
Spate of violent attacks against trucks in South Africa threatens automotive industry
South African truckers will hold a ‘Black Friday’ protest on July 12 to highlight a series of attacks across the country that has destroyed hundreds of vehicles and left dozens dead and injured.
Blockchain: Potential unlocked?
Vehicle-makers, tier supplies and logistics providers are progressing with ‘digital ledger’ technology that provides greater visibility and control over complex supply chains
Centre of the world: How the Middle East is growing in importance for automotive
With vehicle sales on the rise and multiple free trade zones under development, the Middle East is attracting greater attention from the automotive industry than ever before
Kenya halts import of used car parts
Kenya is enforcing a ban on the import of used vehicle spares in a bid to tackle the existing chaos in the trade of used cars and spares. However, the move could impact tens of thousands of unofficial dealers…
Why all eyes are on Israel for AI
In the race to perfect autonomous driving, Israel has proven to be a hotspot of technological innovation – driven, in part, by its military expertise and surveillance tools
Ford to export Ranger from Port Elizabeth
Ford South Africa is to begin using the port in the southern city of Port Elizabeth to export its locally assembled Ranger line, following unexpectedly high demand. This will alleviate pressure on its primary export port, Durban, on the east coast of the country.
Trust in Turkey: How exports are carrying the country through its economic crisis
Turkey faces some difficult economic headwinds that have already impacted on its automotive industry. But there are still several reasons for optimism, especially the country’s strength as a vehicle export hub with easy access to the European market
Electricity crisis hits South Africa’s automotive industry
Rolling power cuts across South Africa are threatening the automotive logistics chain, as the country’s overburdened state electricity provider Eskom struggles to meet the needs of business.
LSPs eye potential cut at Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant
Logistics service providers (LSPs) catering to Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant in Germany may need to be ready to adapt to lower volumes, after the OEM was reported to be halving output there in the Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. The plant builds the Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, as well as the ...
Bridgestone to buy TomTom Telematics
Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone Europe has agreed to buy TomTom’s telematics business for €910m ($1.03 billion).
Mercedes-Benz to produce batteries in Poland
Mercedes-Benz Cars is to build a lithium-ion battery factory in Jawor, Poland, at the same site where the German OEM is building its new engine plant.
VW sets up new components division to drive efficiency
Volkswagen has established a new division – Volkswagen Group Components – tasked with reducing costs by €2 billion ($2.27 billion) while improving efficiency and taking on board the increasing importance of electric vehicles. Thomas Schmall (right), chairman of VW’s new Group Components division, with Stefan Sommer, VW Group board member ...
