North America
FCA–PSA fusion: first of the electric shock waves?
The merger attempt by FCA and PSA will be complicated but makes economic and operational sense, including for supply chain management and logistics. Whether or not it goes ahead, more consolidation is likely as the automotive industry gears up for electrification
You gotta carry that weight: how bigger vehicles and EVs will challenge logistics
With forecasts for strong growth in marketshare for electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle sales over the next decade, moving parts and vehicles will require new equipment, processes and standards across OEMs and logistics providers
Global trade disputes could dim electric vehicle supply chain potential in key markets
Trade uncertainties such as those between the US and China, or the UK and the EU, could put the brakes on growth in the electric vehicle and battery supply chain for some OEMs and countries, despite bullish forecasts for alternative powertrains
Oh so simple? US start-up confident of delivering autonomous trucks
As the global logistics industry continues moving towards the introduction and use of autonomous vehicles, a growing number of companies are competing for a slice of this burgeoning market. One such firm is Californian start-up TuSimple, which is developing a range of innovative self-driving truck technologies.
Powertrain forecast to 2030: Navigating the road to electrification
Download this report for forecasts of eight different powertrains across regions, including all degrees of hybridisation, electrification and internal combustion engines, which reveal changes that will have huge implications for the future of the automotive supply chain. The latest insight by the business intelligence unit of Automotive from Ultima Media
Acertus to streamline shipping with latest TMS
US finished vehicle logistics provider, Acertus, has launched a transport management system (TMS) for its automotive customers.
Volvo Trucks opts for Geotab to comply with safety regulations
Volvo Trucks’ US division has turned to Geotab for an integrated electronic logging device (ELD) to be coupled to the truck manufacturer’s own factory-fit telematics. Geotab provides global positioning system fleet management and vehicle tracking technology.
GM strike brings widespread disruption to US supply chain
Month-long strike action taken by GM workers is costing the carmaker dearly and is now impacting the inbound and outbound supply chains across North America
Holzammer returns to Autoneum to tackle North American challenge
Matthias Holzammer (pictured) is back at Swiss parts manufacturer Autoneum, this time as CEO with the task of improving performance at the company’s loss-making North American operations.
Teenage dreams and EVs – why it's not as simple as Thunberg thinks
“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words… How dare you continue to look away and come here saying that you’re doing enough, when the politics and solutions needed are still nowhere in sight?” With such powerful language did 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg reproach world leaders at the UN’s Climate Action Summit last month. The ferocity of the pink-cheeked teenager provoked a tidal wave of reactions. I have a few observations myself….
Honda adapts transport processes in North America as supply chain costs rise
With 20 manufacturing centres across North America, 12 of them in the US, and 607 US-based suppliers, Honda has a highly complex supply chain in the region. Moreover, the volume of parts being transported to its assembly plants is on the increase; just last year, Honda purchased a record $29.2 ...
US automotive market to struggle against backdrop of global challenges
Vehicle sales in the US are predicted to slow down from next year, and with a possible recession on the way carmakers and their suppliers could face a difficult few years, delegates heard at last week’s 20th Automotive Logistics Global Detroit conference.On top of that the push towards electric vehicles ...
Challenges (and opportunities) for US automotive industry
As overall US vehicle sales slow down and EV sales remain stagnant, there are concerns that some OEMs are chasing new-generation technologies at the expense of their existing business – potentially setting up a ‘make or break’ scenario in the near future.
Industry waits for USMCA to be finalised
In North America a lot of investment is on hold as companies wait to see whether the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) is finally approved by Congress in October. Conflicting ideologies in the US and Mexico are causing some concern about whether that will actually happen, as delegates heard at the ...
Emissions regulations pose existential risk for OEMs
Escalating fines over CO2 and fuel standards, especially in Europe and China, are set to have significant impacts across the supply chain and OEM investment plans, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
Trade wars compound economic risks for automotive supply chain
The impact on tariffs and especially of uncertainty in key trading regions including the US, China and Europe are having real impacts on the automotive supply chain, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media’s new business intelligence unit.
Daimler tests automated trucks on public roads
Daimler Trucks and its newly acquired business, Torc Robotics, which specialises in automated driving technology, have moved to the next stage of their autonomous truck trials in the US. The companies announced that they have been trying out automated lorries with Level 4 technology on highways in southwest Virginia, where ...
Robert Christensen to manage parts operations for Zotye in US
Robert Christensen has been named vice-president of parts operations for Haah Automotive Holdings and Zotye USA
Collaboration and communication needed for finished vehicle logistics
A vehicle distribution network is only as good as the lines of communication between the OEM and its logistics partners, and given the pressures the industry is currently under – ageing infrastructure, sub-optimised networks and uncertainty over trade – better communication and closer collaboration are more important than ever.
FVL Import Export: Sizing up growth opportunities in a changing market
US ports and logistics providers are being challenged by a consumer shift towards bigger vehicles, while OEMs are operating under the shadow of global trade wars. Speakers at the 2019 FVL Import Export in Baltimore discussed the obstacles and the opportunities
