Tag: audi

Car and truck makers are adapting transport planning to increase the use of electric vehicles

The rise of the electric passenger car has a longer history than most suppose but now carmakers are engaged with making inbound and outbound transport modes electric as well, which makes for a greener supply chain altogether.

Automotive Logistics magazine – Summer 2025

The Automotive Logistics Summer 2025 issue dives deep into the forces reshaping the industry – from digital transformation and port reinvention to next-gen sustainability. This essential edition offers exclusive insights, high-level interviews, and global analysis designed to help logistics professionals stay ahead in an era of rapid change.Purchase print edition

Audi announces production of its second-generation Q7 SUV has begun at the DRB-Hicom manufacturing plant in Malaysia

In a move to strengthen regional supply chain resilience, Audi has begun local production of its Q7 SUV at Malaysia’s DRB-Hicom facility, the brand’s first fully localised assembly project in South-East Asia. The current output for the Pekan plant is at three vehicles per day, but with the expectation of this rising to 5,000 units per annum.

How digital tools and real-time data are transforming automotive supply chains through improved integration, transparency and compliance

Automotive leaders explore data silos, compliance and supplier risk ahead of Automotive Logistics’ livestream on data silos, security and sovereignty.

How Trump’s changing tariffs are disrupting automotive supply chains across China, Mexico, Canada and the EU

Following a week of negotiations and trade wars, Automotive Logistics looks at what has changed for the automotive supply chain globally, and what effects are already being seen in regional supply networks.

VW Group one of a number of carmakers revising exports of vehicles from Mexico to US

Carmakers, including VW Group, are suspending the export of vehicles from Mexico into the US and revising production plans in the face of US tariffs brought in last week by the Trump administration. The German carmaker is also now holding all vehicles delivered after April 3 at US ports of entry.

Red Sofa interview | Audi and Helrom discuss scaling sustainable rail logistics at ALSC Europe

In this Red Sofa interview, Audi and Helrom discuss the future of multimodal logistics and the power of collaboration in decarbonisation.

Audi and BMW call for tariff-free trade in North America as Trump tariffs take their toll

German carmakers are holding their breath for the next Trump tariff announcement to see if USMCA local content rules will necessitate higher prices and production adjustments in North America.

Automotive Logistics magazine – Spring 2025

This Spring Issue offers an in-depth analysis of the trends and innovations shaping the industry, with a focus on supply chain strategies and resilience, emissions control, packaging, European port review, digitalisation, EV localisation, European market overview, and more.Purchase print edition

Breaking new ground: How Helrom’s Block Train is transforming Audi’s supply chain network

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Helrom.Helrom is redefining supply chain logistics with an innovative intermodal system that slashes emissions and improves efficiency.

Audi’s supply chain in 2033 and beyond: Designed to combine logistics, automation and people

Dieter Braun and his team know exactly where they want Audi’s supply chain to be over the next decade, even if technology and conditions will vary by plant and region.

Audi’s supply chain organisation: Logistics and the 360factory strategy

Under Dieter Braun, Audi’s Supply Chain function is highly integrated with objectives closely aligned to the carmaker’s 360factory strategy, including for sustainability, cost control and flexibility.

Infographic: A snapshot of Audi’s production network and supply chain

Audi’s manufacturing and logistics network spans multiple continents across its own plants and shared facilities with the Volkswagen Group and partners, all of which is undergoing significant changes. Learn more about each location and the logistics and transport complexity that supports it.

Dieter Braun on how Audi is turning supply chain motion into progress

In the first part of a special interview series, read how Audi is confronting challenges in the automotive market with an emphasis on a holistic supply chain function that makes a positive contribution to the carmaker’s production and products. Head of supply chain Dieter Braun reveals how logistics can add value across the order-to-delivery process.

Carmakers working with robot suppliers to test flexible humanoids for lineside logistics operations

Carmakers are bringing humanoids onto the factory floor and using the latest software to help them function and learn in complex lineside environments.

DIN and DKE publish guidance for firms to meet mandatory EU Battery Passport rules

The new guidance – Requirements for Data Attributes of the Battery Passport – is designed to help companies meet the mandatory requirements for the EU’s digital battery passport.

Join BMW, Tesla, JLR, and more at ALSC Europe 2025 in Bonn for key automotive logistics insights

Europe’s premier automotive logistics and supply chain conference returns to Bonn this 18-20 March.

Volkswagen benefits from green logistics services provided by Duvenbeck and MAN Truck and Bus

Duvenbeck’s use of MAN eTGX trucks will contribute to VW Group’s goTOzero impact logistics programme which aims to reduce CO2 emissions on road transport

Seismic shifts in the global trade of electric vehicles: 2024 in review

The car industry is going through a volatile adaptation as it seeks to decarbonise mobility and clean up the logistics supporting production. This year it has also been dealing with trade and labour disruption but the focus is adamantly on a more resilient supply chain and the adoption of digital technology.

Audi and FAW start production of Q6L e-tron in Changchun supported by sustainable automated logistics and production

Audi FAW NEV will manufacture mid-sized and full-sized PPE vehicles at the new factory, which has annual capacity for 150,000 vehicles and the batteries to power them

Transforming automotive logistics: Key insights from ALSC DS Europe 2024 day 1

Catch the key moments from Day 1 in Munich! From diversity and talent forums to cutting-edge AI and robotics, we explored how innovation is transforming the automotive supply chain.

Audi supply chain leaders talk global supply chain and manufacturing alignment, and the need for logistics power

At this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference supply chain leaders from Audi talked about the reciprocal benefits of a global strategy with a local approach.

Frank Göller explains how Catena-X is making manufacturing logistics processes more efficient and resilient

Catena-X, the worldwide initiative to create an open data-sharing network, has moved into a new phase of international development. Audi’s head of digital strategy and portfolio management for production and logistics, Frank Göller, is head of internationalisation at the Catena-X association. He explains to Automotive Logistics how developing global standards for cross-border data exchange will make manufacturing logistics processes more efficient and resilient.

Failure to find viable rescue plan means Audi’s troubled plant in Brussels will close in February 2025

Audi’s troubled Brussels plant which makes the Q8 e-tron will close in February next year after the carmaker’s failure to find a substitute investor.

ALSC Mexico 2024 set to return to Mexico City for 10th year

More than 550 leading OEMs, logistics providers, supply chain technology specialists and officials will reunite during the event.

Audi debates future of Brussels plant as Q8 e-tron orders drop

Audi is considering the early closure of its Brussels assembly plant and the restructuring of the site. A decline in demand for the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron, which are made there, comes on top of long-standing structural challenges at the Brussels site along with high logistics costs, according to the carmaker. That has made production costs higher for the Brussels plant compared to other sites.

Audi switches parts cargo to intermodal service with Helrom and Duvenbeck

Audi is using an intermodal a trailer-to-train service provided by Helrom for the movement of materials between its Ingostadt and Neckarsulm plants in Germany and its Györ plant in Hungary.

The power of digitalised, automated and sustainable automotive supply chains and logistics

Here are the key Automotive Logistics insights from Torsten Müller (Audi), Adam Jones (Unipart Group), and Gabriel Werner (Blue Yonder) on digitalisation, automation, AI, the role of data, and sustainability from ALSC Europe 2024.

How Group Logistics is overcoming crises and shaping Volkswagen's future supply chain

Volkswagen Group Logistics can increasingly master disruptions thanks to greater resiliency, but its managing director Simon Motter is making sure the group is ready to deliver on long-term goals for electrification, sustainability and cost.

Digital competency is needed to predict the unexpected

The automotive supply chain has become more complex since the disruption of the Covid pandemic and will continue to be complex as the industry moves toward electrification. It means that traditional key performance indicators (KPIs) have also had to evolve.

Red Sofa Interview: Audi Mexico’s agile supply chain strategies

Francisco Bravo discusses Audi Mexico’s journey towards supply chain excellence, addressing challenges, embracing technology and aligning with the brand’s vision for a sustainable future.

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico: Day two wrap-up

To finish this year’s ALSC Mexico conference, Christopher Ludwig, editor-in-chief, Automotive Logistics runs through the highpoints of day two of the event.

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico: Day one wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, editor-in-chief, closes out day one of the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico conference at the Time:Matters hosted Gala Dinner.

The FVL party has started: capacity, ETA, standards and network changes

Halfway through this year’s conference on the sidelines of the evening reception, Christopher Ludwig sums up the highlights so far.

VW Group of America: what data points in the delivery chain help us act?

Anu Goel says it’s important for Volkswagen to determine what visibility logistics teams need versus what the customer needs – as they are not always the same.

Audi’s ambitious strategy for a cleaner future

The automotive industry continues to fight supply chain disruption on a number of fronts, from the ongoing shortage of electronic parts, the war in Ukraine, high inflation, and a critical shortage of transport capacity and labour. The impact of these factors is estimated by analysts S&P Global to account for a 50m shortfall in vehicle deliveries between January 2021 and February 2023 (with 19m accounted for by the semiconductor shortage).

Interview: Audi’s Dieter Braun on leading a long-term sustainable supply chain strategy

Dieter Braun says the key to reducing emissions and making supply chains more sustainable is committment to Audi and the Volkswagen Group’s long-term strategy – as well as focusing on total emission calculations in transport and purchasing decisions, including for energy sources.

Recovery and discovery: five lessons from ALSC Mexico 2022

Risk might be an inevitable part of our future but experts at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference highlighted opportunities to manage that and build resilience into the automotive supply chain with collaboration and the latest technologies.

Audi’s digital culture change – interview with Francisco Bravo, Audi Mexico

Francisco Bravo Gomez, Senior Director of Supply Chain at Audi Mexico explains the technology, processes and mindset changes that the carmaker is pursuing in Mexico as it transforms it further digitalises its logistics.

Future proofing Mexico’s logistics network

Watch how logistics leaders in Mexico, including Francisco Bravo from Audi, are prioritising, implementing and scaling digitalisation strategies to streamline customs transactions, enable decision making in real-time, harness data and automate logistics processes.

Clean energy, flexibility, digital mindsets: conference day one in review at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico

Mexico’s recovery depends on stronger logistics and more coordinated government policy to support clean energy, infrastructure, trade and electrification. Editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig assesses the significance after discussions with leaders from Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, American Axle and more.

Crisis management is about better communication

The semiconductor shortage is not the last global supply chain crisis the automotive industry is likely to see. Vehicle makers at last week’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference said that proactive management based on better communication across the supply chain was the only way they were going to deal with future disruptions.

Mind over machine: why the human factor is crucial to digitalisation

Digital tools are only effective if they are implemented correctly and used to their full potential. Experts at this week’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference argued that digitalisation has to be user friendly if it is to be of any practical use.

Charting a course to bypass Russia

Carmakers have been looking for alternative routes to deliver finished vehicles and automotive parts between Europe and China since the latter invaded Ukraine. Prior to that, Russia was the preferred route for shipping cargo between the two regions because of the lower costs and lower number of customs checkpoints.

How Audi wants to use its supply chain as a force for good

Audi’s head of procurement strategy, Marco Philippi, is pushing its supply chain towards meeting ethical and environmental targets, while managing structural changes for global purchasing in a new world order

Oliver Blume to replace Diess as CEO of Volkswagen Group

Oliver Blume will take over as chief executive of the Volkswagen Group in September this year, replacing Herbert Diess. Blume, currently Porsche CEO and a former head of production and logistics for the premium OEM, will take over as the VW Group transforms its manufacturing and supply chain to meet electrification targets.

Watch: Shanghai rises again for Volkswagen’s supply chain

Despite Covid lockdowns and disruptions, SAIC Volkswagen remains a production powerhouse. In a wide-ranging video interview, executive director of logistics at the joint venture, Dr Susanne Lehmann, discusses managing scale with partners, digitalising logistics and creating more transparency across the supply chain.

Watch: Why supply chain management is a competitive advantage at Audi and Volvo

Audi’s Dieter Braun and Volvo Car’s Sean Bricknell debate they strategic role that supply chain and logistics can play in the long-term business success of the automotive industry.

Speed and standards are key to the automotive future

Things are changing fast in the automotive industry. The Covid pandemic set off a chain of disruptive events that forced many into crisis management they are still living. There have been more changes in the last two years than there probably have been in the previous 20.

Felicity Ace car carrier sinks in Atlantic

Two weeks after fire took hold of the car carrier vessel Felicity Ace, the vessel has sunk in the Atlantic, around 220 nautical miles south of the Azores.

VW Group vehicles burn aboard abandoned MOL vessel in Atlantic

The Mitsui OSK Line (MOL) vessel Felicity Ace is on fire in the mid-Atlantic with large consignment of VW Group vehicles aboard. The 22-person crew has been forced to abandon the vessel. All have been rescued safely.

Walker replaces Kössler as head of Audi’s production and logistics

Peter Kössler will hand over responsibility for Audi’s production and logistics to Gerd Walker (pictured) at the beginning of February next year. Walker is currently head of production at the Wolfsburg plant of parent company Volkswagen Group in Germany.

Audi recycling packaging to make 3D assembly tools at Neckarsulm

Audi is recycling the plastic packaging used to deliver sensitive components to its Neckarsulm assembly plant in Germany and using it to produce 3D-printed tools for vehicle production.

Audi using AI to assess supply chain sustainability

Audi has been piloting an AI tool that analyses information about suppliers to assess their sustainability in terms of environmental pollution, human rights and corruption. It also monitors information about potential cyber-crimes.

Vehicle electrification shakes up export and import flows

The electric vehicle revolution has reached some countries sooner than others, both in terms of customer uptake and manufacturing. As a result, outbound import and export flows are changing.

EV battery supply chains on the move

As electric vehicles become serious business for OEMs, they are reassessing their battery supply and manufacturing bases, putting their eggs in multiple baskets and taking more control of the process.

Audi cuts production again because of chip shortage

Audi has confirmed that it will be putting 10,000 of its employees working at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm assembly plants in Germany on reduced hours in June. A shortage in the supply of semiconductors, which is affecting the automotive industry globally, means Audi is having to cut output at the plants.

How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply

OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor supply bases to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet

VW begins exporting Taos from Mexico to US

Volkswagen has started exporting Taos models from its plant in Puebla, Mexico to the US. The vehicles are moving through the port of Lázaro Cárdenas to different northbound destinations.

A fab future for the automotive sector

A shortage of semiconductors is hampering global automotive production. Bettina Weiss, chief of staff and global smart mobility lead at electronics association SEMI, tells Marcus Williams why this is happening and why OEMs need to forge more direct links with the chip manufacturers

Semiconductor shortage will hit auto industry well into 2021

An ongoing shortage in semiconductor supply is disrupting production of parts and vehicles around the world. The supply bottleneck, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the impact of Covid-19 on production in the first half of 2020 and on manufacturing investment, is affecting a number of major carmakers and their suppliers.

Audi using augmented reality for logistics and production planning

Audi is using 3D holograms to better plan production logistics processes at its vehicle assembly plants. The use of augmented reality technology removes the need to produce prototypes of equipment or containers, making planning more cost and time efficient, according to the carmaker.

Audi switches to LNG trucks for inbound delivery at Neckarsulm

Audi has started using trucks powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) to deliver parts to its Neckarsulm factory in Germany. The carmaker said the two trucks would replace conventional diesel vehicles and save up to 20% of CO2 and around 85% of nitrogen oxides.

Covid-19 has accelerated digital sales and servicing say carmakers

The impact of Covid-19 has accelerated the adoption of digital tools in the sale and delivery of vehicles, as well as aftersales maintenance.

VW begins shipping finished vehicles from Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico to California

Volkswagen and Audi have begun shipping Mexican-made cars headed for the US from the Pacific coast port of Lázaro Cárdenas to California.

Watch: Delivering innovation at Volkswagen and Toyota’s service parts logistics

As service parts demand in the US recovers, OEMs like Volkswagen Group and Toyota are carefully monitoring shortages in parts supply and inventory, while accelerating new delivery channels, including ecommerce sales and direct customer deliveries. VW’s Anu Goel and Toyota’s Mike Schober share their views during Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.Featuring:Mike Schober, vice-president parts supply operations, Toyota Motor North AmericaAnu Goel, executive vice-president group after sales and service, Volkswagen Group of AmericaModerated by Christopher Ludwig, editor-in-chief, Automotive Logistics and Ultima MediaThis interview took place on September 17th during the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live virtual conference. Click here to view all videos from the conference on demand.

VW to use sustainable electricity for all shipments by rail in Germany

The medium is the message

An industry-wide initiative in Europe aims to set a standard for digital communication across all outbound delivery processes from factory to dealer. Joanne Perry talks to some of those involved

VW will stay with Amports at Jaxport

Audi using drone to locate vehicles at Neckarsulm

Volkswagen opens vehicle terminal at Baltimore with Tradepoint Atlantic

The busiest vehical handeling port in the country is set on the historic site of the Bethlehem Steel facility, is poised to process around 120,000 vehicles annually from VW’s European and Mexican plants, serving over 300 dealers in the mid-Atlantic region. This development represents a key milestone in enhancing VW’s distribution efficiency and reaffirms the port of Baltimore’s pivotal role in the automotive logistics landscape.

Audi introduces smart logistics with Supermarket 2.0 system

Bad news for VW and Audi as Puebla rules out restart

Audi confirms it will restart operations in Puebla on June 15

VW gets the green light to reopen in Puebla on June 15

VW Chattanooga to restart this week as Mexico revs up auto industry

Thiemo Rusch takes on senior retail and dealer role at Audi

Germany allows car dealerships to reopen as assembly restarts

Production could resume at end of April, says Seat

Audi exploring paperless possibilities with smart logistics

Exoskeletons to support lineside employees at Audi

Galvanising the aftermarket for an electric future

The rise in EVs in Europe will have an impact on the aftermarket and the logistics supporting it, not least in the management of replacement lithium batteries

Markus Duesmann to move to Audi’s top job

CEE: At the heart of Europe’s electric future

OEMs and tier suppliers are investing in Central and Eastern Europe with a particular focus on electric, connected and autonomous mobility. Delegates at the Automotive Logistics CEE Summit in Budapest heard about the latest challenges and opportunities

Heading for the EV tipping point

Logistics 4.0: how smart technologies are lifting logistics to another level

After a period of exploration, OEMs, tier suppliers and logistics providers are getting serious about making their operations smarter and more connected – Logistics 4.0 is here

Steering the future using AI

German start-up Kopernikus has developed self-driving technology that can be used to move vehicles inside production facilities and workshops, and potentially even at ports

VW sets up new components division to drive efficiency

Stepping up the quality

Packing a punch

A problem shared

Packaging experts working across the automotive industry are continually looking for better visibility when tracking the container and its contents to the point of delivery and back.

Progress for all to CEE

CEE auto markets gear up for sustained growth

Grappling with the capacity crunch

Real-time tracking: Is it Here yet?

Real-time cargo tracking has always had its appeal. The problem has been finding a technology that could actually deliver on the aspiration

Audi México: Risk and reward

Harman expands Suzhou factory

Skoda restores vehicle assembly in Ukraine

Logistics IT: Is there an app for that?

Road transport in Mexico: no time for reflection

Audi’s logistics part 1: Prepared for a new reality

The recent history of the Audi brand is written deeply into the company’s supply chain and logistics, and can be read across the carmaker’s expanding geography, plant and parts handling operations

Audi’s logistics part 2: Pursuing practical progression

There is little question that finished vehicle logistics has been among the least automated segments of the overall automotive production and supply chain process. From loading and unloading vehicles to and from trucks, ships and rail wagons to inspection and parking, as well as scanning vehicles into inventory and tracking systems, outbound logistics has remained, by and large, a manual, labour-intensive operation

Production & logistics part 4: Logistics organisations and skills

How has your company’s supply chain and logistics management organisation changed over the past 20 years?

Production & logistics part 3: Operations, packaging and IT

How have supply chain operations for logistics changed over the past 20 years?

Production & logistics part 2: Questioning the future

This article is one of a series of pieces celebrating Automotive Logistics’ 20th anniversary issue that together take an extended look at the way top executives feel automotive production and logistics have changed in the last two decades – and where they see them heading in the future.

Volkswagen Group part 2: Talking ‘then and now’ with head of group logistics, Thomas Zernechel

The group’s head of group logistics talks about the major changes seen over the past two decades – and why he is optimistic about the future of logistics

Volkswagen Group part 1: Present and prepared for the future

Volkswagen Konzernlogistik (group logistics), the carmaker’s central logistics steering and purchasing organisation, has taken on new dimensions in managing the group’s complex and expanding supply chain

Different digital paces

Volkswagen Group Logistics: Come together, right now

Supply Chain Conference: Service parts logistics try to keep up with e-commerce

The end of the line?

Looking for the human-machine touch

Volkswagen & Audi in Mexico part 1: Sharing logistics in a state of expansion

Puebla and Volkswagen have long gone together and are vitally important to one another. Now that Audi is joining the Mexican fray, the group has established new organisations and networks across North America. Automotive Logistics finds out more about this multi-brand, multi-country approach to purchasing and logistics

Brussels attacks raise further questions over Schengen zone

Video interview: Peter Koltai, director of production control and logistics, Audi Mexico

Audi special report: A question of complexity and convergence

The plethora of models, derivatives and options that has boosted Audi’s success over the past decade would not have been possible without an evolution in its logistics management and processes

Audi special report: Vorsprung durch Logistik

Audi is a major profit and innovation centre for the entire Volkswagen Group – and that includes its logistics processes, systems and infrastructure. The company’s in-plant and inbound logistics in Europe have helped to maintain high volumes and product variety despite space constraints in factories and have set the standard for global expansion in China, Mexico and elsewhere.

Audi special report: Managing from the centre and the periphery

As ever with a sprawling entity like the Volkswagen Group, power shifts between the centre and its satellites. In Wolfsburg, Konzernlogistik (group logistics), led by Thomas Zernechel, has responsibilities that include group programme planning, setting standards (including IT and returnable packaging) and transport tenders. It also manages bundled and network transport flows, including ocean containers and ro-ro shipping, and consolidated logistics for all suppliers in the transport network.

Audi special report: Outbound delivery accuracy

The concept of Liefertreue, or delivery reliability, is central to Audi’s customer promise and consequently crucial in every aspect of the supply chain right up to the point of receipt at dealers, says Dr Michael Hauf, head of brand logistics (pictured)

Audi special reports: A global outlook

Audi is exporting European best practices to support growing production ventures as far afield as China and Mexico