Richard Brown
ArticleHow ‘self-healing’ cars could change the aftermarket
As OEMs adopt over-the-air vehicle diagnostics and maintenance, what effect will this developing technology will have on inventory and the surrounding logistics network?
ArticleQ&A: Mike Pilver, APL Logistics
Coronavirus has shut down automotive production operations across whole regions, disrupting supply chains and causing backlogs of both parts and finished vehicles. APL’s vice-president and global head of automotive at APL Logistics gives a 3PL perspective
ArticleAl-air: a better battery for EVs?
A long-range, lightweight, cost-efficient, recyclable and ethically sourced battery is, arguably, the Holy Grail of the EV market. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are currently the main focus of multibillion-dollar investments by OEMs and tier suppliers, but there are other contenders that could offer a breakthrough with alternative technology. One of them is the aluminium-air (Al-air) battery.
ArticleFighting back against fake parts
Counterfeit parts in the automotive industry will soon be worth more than the annual gross domestic product of Canada, Brazil or Italy. According to World Trademark Review, the estimated global economic cost of counterfeiting in the automotive industry could reach $2.3 trillion by 2022. In Europe, it is estimated that €2.2 billion ($2.4 billion) is lost annually to counterfeit tyre sales alone, while counterfeit battery sales effectively steal €180m ($198m) from OEMs. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce is making it ever easier for consumers to knowingly or unknowingly access counterfeit, possibly dangerous vehicle parts.
InterviewMena aftermarket: Playing a bigger part
Overall economic growth may be lacklustre, but automotive aftermarket sales are on the increase in the Middle East and North Africa…
ArticleShifting 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.