ASEAN automotive supply chain leaders share strategies for long-term resilience
Schaeffler's Tuan Vi and Bridgestone's Eric van Steen told Automotive Logistics during its recent ASEAN livestream how visibility, flexibility and scenario planning can improve a business' preparedness when dealing with supply chain disruption.
In this clip from Automotive Logistics' recent ASEAN livestream, Tuan Vi, vice president of supply chain management and logistics for Asia Pacific at Schaeffler, shared a number of measures that companies can take to support long-term resilience at a time when disruption is defining the industry:
Building buffers into transit times
Maintaining safety stock
Engaging in scenario planning
Staying aware of sources of disruption
Increasing visibility through the right digital tools and technology partners
Staying flexible and agile to respond quickly to disruption
When it comes to resilience, Eric van Steen, vice president of supply chain at Bridgestone Asia Pacific, shared his belief that getting it right is a matter of picking focus areas carefully and strategically. He highlighted localisation as a key focus area enabling both flexibility and resilience. He also noted that digitalisation can be a key enabler of resilience, allowing firms to address gaps in their capabilities.
"It's about being in tune with the market developments of the here and now, but also projecting what will come in the future and then making the consistent investments that are needed to build those capabilities and to enable that resilience," van Steen said.
Responding to geopolitical disruption in the Middle East
One source of disruption that has continued to impact global automotive supply chains throughout 2026 has been the conflict in the Middle East. Attacks in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have forced companies to reroute shipments and reassess plans, all while dealing with increased fuel costs.
"For us and for everyone else, rerouting vessels has become more or less the new normal and rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope has become the new default" explained Schaeffler's Vi.
During crises such as this, Vi highlighted just how important the right partnerships can be. Trusting that your logistics partner is working to ensure the most efficient way to move commodities goods from A to B is a significant advantage in these situations, especially as firms balance their operational requirements with their sustainability targets.
"With the recent fuel price hike – as well as some of the limitations on container shipping around the Middle East and raw material supply – we had to make a few adjustments," noted Bridgestone's van Steen. "In some cases we were able to find a secondary supplier or shift to an existing secondary supplier."
Van Steen reiterated Vi's points that developing a close relationship with partners is critical, especially when facing challenges such as the situation in the Middle East. Transactional relationships are no longer sufficient to ensure long-term resilience – collaborative partnerships are essential.
Watch the full livestream on demand here and don't forget to register for Automotive Logistics' next livestream, all about packaging, on October 8, 2026.
