Tag: battery supply chain

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Navigating the EV transition: Building better and more flexible supply chains

The uneven adoption of electric vehicles worldwide is adding complexity to automotive supply chains, meaning carmakers are seeking comprehensive logistics support, says DP World’s David D’Annunzio.

Automotive Logistics

Toyota buys 25% in LG Chem cathode plant to comply with US regulations

Toyota Tsusho, which manages raw material procurement for the Toyota Group, has bought a 25% stake in the LG Chem cathode materials plant in Gumi, South Korea.

Marcus Williams

Ceva invests millions into battery logistics centres in Europe

Ceva Logistics is launching a reverse logistics service for the recycling and reuse of lithium-ion batteries in Europe and building a network of 15 battery logistics centres across ten countries by 2027.

Marcus Williams

Proton launches eMAS 7 assembly from CKDs in Malaysia

Malaysian vehicle maker Proton has launched its first electric vehicle assembly plant in Tanjong Malim.

Marcus Williams

Wolfspeed appoints Bret Zahn to develop automotive products

Wolfspeed has appointed Bret Zahn as vice-president and general manager of its automotive division.

Marcus Williams

OEMs and suppliers call on EU for subsidies to support EV growth

Associations representing European OEMs and suppliers including Mercedes-Benz and Schaeffler have called on the European Commission to provide subsidies, tax reductions and lower energy costs to increase consumer demand for EVs.

Megan Kelly

Ford begins local battery cell production at BlueOvalSK in Kentucky

Ford has started production of battery cells at one of its joint venture BlueOvalSK plants in Glendale, Kentucky.

Marcus Williams

Ford highlights in-plant logistics gains in $5 billion rollout of new EV platform and production system

Ford’s $5 billion EV platform and factory investment

Ford launches Universal EV Platform and “assembly tree” production process, backed by $5 billion in US investment and a strong emphasis on supply chain localisation and in-plant logistics efficiency.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

GM to import EV batteries from CATL despite tariffs

GM is planning to import EV batteries from Chinese battery producer CATL, despite the tariff of 30% on imports to the US from China.

Megan Kelly

Panjit International secures chip line in Philippines to meet auto demand

Amid shifting trade dynamics and escalating EV semiconductor demand, the new partnership enhances Panjit's global supply strategy with added capacity and regional diversification.

Marcus Williams

UK Government set to invest £2.5 billion in auto industry over next decade

Part of the wider Industrial Strategy, the programme hopes to boost advanced manufacturing capabilities and reinforce electrification efforts.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

CATL begins work on new battery plant in Indonesia

The $1.2 billion plant is part of a wider $6 billion EV-focused battery supply chain project announced by the Chinese tier-1 supplier in 2022.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

A shortage of rare earth magnets caused by limited Chinese exports has potential to disrupt global supply chains

Rare earth magnet shortage disrupts global auto production

China produces almost 70% of rare earth magnets but exports are now tied up in lengthy license applications, prompting supply and shortage concerns.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

In the face of global trade wars and tempered demand, has the battery supply chain in North America lost its charge?

The Trump administration has reversed legislation designed to bolster localised electric vehicle manufacturing and incentivise sales in the US but native and foreign carmakers continue to invest to strengthen infrastructure and supply chain.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

CATL to raise $4bn in Hong Kong listing to fund Debrecen EV battery gigafactory in Europe

Chinese EV battery maker CATL has said it is set to raise at least $4bn in its secondary listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange, to fund its giigafactory in Debrecen, Hungary.

Megan Kelly

Europe’s EV forecast has dropped – and here’s what it means for the supply chain

As Europe’s EV transition hits regulatory and market speedbumps, automakers face tough decisions on where and how to adapt operations for the EV supply chain. From battery traceability to shifting trade flows and affordability pressures, supply chain strategies are being re-engineered in real-time.

Emily Uwemedimo

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN to debut in Singapore with senior OEMs, suppliers and tech leaders shaping regional strategy

ALSC ASEAN debuts in Singapore on 28 Oct, uniting OEMs and suppliers to shape the region’s supply chain and EV strategy.

Automotive Logistics

When disruption won’t quit, the 2025 Finished Vehicle Logistics conference shared how to stay balanced and agile

The Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 conference revealed how leading OEMs are redesigning logistics to thrive amid trade shocks, EV disruption and capacity constraints. From agile planning to modular networks and EV-ready lanes, Automotive Logistics unpacks the sector’s shift from fragile to future-ready.

Emily Uwemedimo

Thailand’s automotive supply chain under pressure from weak demand, rising tariffs and economic volatility, but investment offers hope

Thailand’s automotive supply chain challenges and opportunities for competitiveness in ASEAN

Weak demand, US tariffs and slowing EV growth are challenging Thailand’s auto sector, but new incentives may revive competitiveness.

Megan Kelly

US-China tariff escalation disrupts rare earth exports and puts pressure on automotive supply chains

The trade conflict between the US and China has entered a volatile new phase, with potential ‘reciprocal’ tariffs rising as high as 245% and a new suspension of China’s rare earth mineral exports adding further uncertainty for the global automotive industry. Manufacturers and suppliers face increasing costs and supply chain risks as critical vehicle components, including batteries and electronics, are caught in the crossfire.

Marcus Williams

Megan Kelly

Toyota plans to produce next-generation lithium batteries in Japan on hold

Toyota is revising its plans for battery production in Kyushu, Japan in the light of electric vehicle demand and rising material prices.

Marcus Williams

Hyundai Motor commits $21 billion to US vehicle manufacturing, supply chain and logistics

Hyundai has announced an investment in US vehicle production, supply chain and logistics of $21 billion and in the same week has officially opened its metaplant in Georgia at which it now plans to make 500,000 electric vehicles a year.

Marcus Williams

How nearshoring and battery localisation are reshaping Europe’s EV supply chain amid shifting demand, Chinese competition, and policy shifts

With battery investments in flux, Europe’s OEMs push for local supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and Chinese EV competition.

Megan Kelly

Exemptions will apply to carmakers in line with USMCA, following talks with GM, Ford, Stellantis

The US has officially imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, giving carmakers a one-month exemption if they comply with USMCA, while imposing additional 20% tariffs on China. With OEMs and suppliers already navigating tight margins, these measures are set to significantly increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and force strategic shifts in North American manufacturing and logistics.

Megan Kelly

Flexis optimises electric van production with shared platform and localised supply chain in Europe

Flexis, a joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM, has unveiled its new range of electric light commercial vehicles; three models all sharing a skateboard platform. Scheduled to begin production this year, the company is making use of its logistics expertise through a dedicated localisation strategy in Europe. Automotive Logistics reports from the Flexis headquarters in Paris.

Megan Kelly

Toyota is making its own batteries at a plant in North Carolina and will be begin local supply in April

Toyota will be begin shipping lithium batteries from its own plant in North Carolina from April this year, beginning with deliveries by truck to its Kentucky assembly plant in Georgetown

Marcus Williams

Trump’s tariff pose on imports from Canada and Mexico tests resiliency of supply chain planners

Even with a month’s grace period, the threat of US tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico made by Donald Trump over the weekend is creating supply chain uncertainty across the North American automotive industry. Carmakers are calling for attention to USMCA rules and warning of the impact on jobs, investment and consumers.

Marcus Williams

North American supply chain under Trump: How the IRA pause affects the EV supply chain

As Trump halts EV incentives, North America’s EV supply chain faces uncertainty. Automotive Logistics explores the logistics and market implications.

Megan Kelly

Global automotive industry shifts intensify challenges for logistics providers

The automotive supply chain is facing many hurdles this year, as set out in our key automotive logistics trends for 2025. Here, we look deeper at the fragmented nature of the industry, structural changes in flows and demand, and the effects of job losses in the second part of our series.

Daniel Harrison

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.

Marcus Williams

What day one under the Trump administration signals for the North American automotive supply chain

Donald Trump, who was sworn in as president of the US yesterday, said that his administration is planning to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada from 1 February, threatening the North American automotive supply chain.

Megan Kelly

Mazda localising battery supply with Panasonic Energy for electric vehicle production in Japan

Panasonic Energy will be supplying Mazda with battery cells for assembly of modules produced locally for a new electric vehicle made in Iwakuni City.

Marcus Williams

Honda and Nissan in talks to form joint holding company; Mitsubishi also looking at involvement

The carmakers are also in discussions with Mitsubishi over potential collaboration on standardised products and processes.

Marcus Williams

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.

Marcus Williams

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

Marcus Williams

GM’s strategy to tackle EV logistics challenges: Digitalisation, nearshoring, and improving supplier relations

Strengthening supplier relationships, nearshoring strategies and digitalisation are enabling GM to enhance supply chain resilience across North America. From securing critical EV components to optimising cross-border logistics, the carmaker is fostering innovation and operational efficiency amid growing challenges.

Megan Kelly

Stellantis invests in €4.1 billion Spanish gigafactory with CATL to boost localised battery supply chain and reduce cost

Stellantis has partnered with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL to invest up to €4.1 billion ($4.3 bn) for a large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Spain.

Megan Kelly

LG Energy Solution to buyout GM share in Ultium Cells plant but partners extend agreement for prismatic cell development

GM is selling its stake in one of the three Ultium Cells battery cell plants it set up with LG Energy Solutions

Marcus Williams

Analysis: Automotive logistics providers are experiencing increasing cost pressures

Cost pressures across automotive logistics are escalating as OEMs prioritise profitability to finance EV transitions and counter rising competition.

Daniel Harrison

Comau developing automated battery disassembly processes for end-of-life batteries as part of EU Reinforce sustainability project

Comau is developing dismantling technology for recycling end-of-life batteries and stationary packs as part of EU’s Reinforce sustainability project.

Marcus Williams

UK budget aims to support EV sector but it’s not enough says SMMT

As part of the UK Labour government’s Autumn Budget announcement on October 30, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced several measures to support transition to electric vehicles (EV) in the country.

Marcus Williams

Mercedes-Benz opens lithium battery recycling facility in Germany to close the loop on material supply

Mercedes-Benz has opened a battery recycling centre in Kuppenheim, Germany with technology partner Primobius, a joint venture between German plant and mechanical engineering company SMS group, and Australian process technology developer Neometals.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis and LG Energy Solution begin battery production in Canada

Stellantis’ battery-making joint venture with LG Energy Solution – NextStar Energy – has started battery module production at its new Windsor facility in Ontario, Canada.

Marcus Williams

CATL and digital collaboration: Transforming battery logistics and EV supply chains

CATL’s Aleksej Kruekov discusses with Megan Kelly the challenges in digitalising automotive logistics, including lack of truck interoperability, geopolitical restrictions, and operational silos that reduce efficiency, and how CATL is addressing these issues through transparency and investments in new technologies

Megan Kelly

Dräxlmaier to use first MAN electric truck for Porsche battery deliveries

MAN Truck & Bus has delivered its first fully electric 40-tonne truck for use by tier one supplier Dräxlmaier to deliver batteries to the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany which makes the Macan Electric model.

Marcus Williams

BMW using etrucks for inbound battery deliveries to Leipzig plant

BMW has started using two fully electric trucks to move battery cells and modules to its high-voltage battery production halls at the Leipzig plant in Germany from its nearby warehouse in BMW Allee. Rudolph Logistik Gruppe is providing the inbound transport service.

Marcus Williams

Automotive market faces slower growth and capacity challenges amid electrification shift, S&P Global’s Mike Wall reveals

The automotive industry outlook is rapidly evolving and OEMs, tier suppliers and logistic providers alike are all having to swiftly adapt to rapidly changing regional market dynamics. Mike Wall, executive director, automotive analysis, S&P Global Mobility provides his expert insight at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference.

Daniel Harrison

GM’s battery leader Kurt Kelty reveals latest roadmap for development at Investor Day 2024

At this week’s General Motors 2024 Investor Day, Kurt Kelty vice-president of battery cell and pack, outlined the carmaker’s new direction on EV battery development. That includes a new battery cell development centre in Warren, Michigan which will open in 2027, and a new battery development roadmap that will move GM beyond the Ultium Cells common battery module.

Marcus Williams

Jeffrey Morrison discusses GM’s supply chain shift toward electrification, cost optimisation and evolving supplier partnerships

In a Red Sofa interview at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference, GM’s Jeffrey Morrison outlines the company’s strategic shift towards electrification, emphasising the importance of cost optimisation and strengthened partnerships with suppliers to foster innovation and sustainability within the automotive supply chain.

Emily Uwemedimo

Addressing transport capacity shortfalls in North America with collaboration and investment

Moving finished vehicles in North America has been made difficult by a shortage of transport capacity, but speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference revealed the benefits ahead through investment in transport assets, a better multimodal strategy and stronger contracts between OEMs and logistics providers.

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa Interview | GM’s Jeff Morrison on deepening partnerships with suppliers

As the sector pivots toward electrification and automated driving, the need for deeper supplier partnerships and innovative logistics solutions has never been more critical, said GM’s Jeff Morrison…

Container ports at LA, Long Beach and Montreal disrupted by lithium battery fires

The US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach were forced to shut container terminals on September 26 because of a fire caused when a truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned on the Vincent Thomas Bridge at Terminal Island. The LA Fire Department moved and contained the load at another location in the port of LA, where the container of batteries continued to burn out.

Marcus Williams

Northvolt puts the brakes on battery cell plans in Sweden

Lithium battery maker Northvolt has halted the expansion of its gigafactory in Skellefteå, Sweden, which aimed to add 30 GWh of annual cell manufacturing capacity. Instead, it said it will focus on the ramp-up of the first 16 GWh phase of the Northvolt Ett facility and prioritise commitments to its current automotive customers.

Marcus Williams

The latest insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2024

Hello everyone and welcome to the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024 recap blog, from our event which took place on 24-26th September at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. Stay tuned to get the latest updates and insights on our conference speakers and the sessions here!

Megan Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

Marcus Williams

Sándor Gacsó moves from Great Wall Motor to XPeng

Sándor Gacsó has moved from his European logistics manager role at Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) to Chinese EV manufacturer XPeng.

Megan Kelly

BMW localising North American battery supply chain despite EV slowdown

BMW’s drive toward a regionalised battery supply chain in North America may have lost some momentum in the face of lower EV demand but the carmaker is still loyal to its electric strategy

Simon Warburton

GM and Samsung SDI to build batteries in Indiana

GM finalised a joint venture deal with Samsung SDI at the end of last month for the production and supply of batteries for GM’s forthcoming electric vehicles (EVs).

Marcus Williams

Subaru secures EV battery supply with Panasonic Energy

Panasonic Energy will supply Subaru with lithium-ion batteries to power the battery EVs (BEVs) the Japanese carmaker will produce in the second half of this decade. The two companies are also opening a jointly owned battery factory in Oizumu in Japan’s Gunma prefecture.

Marcus Williams

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.

Automotive Logistics

Toyota says battery EV outlook remains secure and flexible

Toyota said it is assessing customer demand for electric vehicles and responding flexibly with a range of model options, despite reports it was cutting its EV output. The carmaker was responding to a report in the Nikkei financial news source which said it has revised targets for pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) production and will cut its forecast for 2026 to 1m cars, around 30% lower than its previous forecast.

Marcus Williams

Valmet Automotive spins off battery business

Valmet Automotive is making its Electric Vehicle Systems business an independent company with its own leadership. Valmet Automotive said that for the time being it remains the sole owner and shareholder of the new company.

Marcus Williams

Localising EV supply chains isn’t a trend, it’s a necessity

Recent years have illuminated the fragility of global supply chains, with the Covid-19 pandemic serving as a stark example of the challenges faced by industries worldwide, including the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The pandemic underscored the perils of dependence on extensive, international supply networks, especially for critical components such as the batteries and microchips required for EV manufacturing.

Minespider providing Microvast with battery passports

Lithium-ion battery developer Microvast Holdings has signed a partnership with Minespider, a technology company offering battery passports that comply with the EU Battery Regulation update that comes into effect in 2027.

Marcus Williams

Ford changes EV outlook and realigns battery sourcing

Ford has changed tack on its electric vehicle (EV) plans and will now use hybrid technology for its three-row SUVs. The carmaker said it will take a special non-cash charge of about $400m for the write-down of product-specific manufacturing assets for the previously planned all-electric versions, which it will no longer produce.

Marcus Williams

BMW working with Runbang Damei on expanding parts distribution facility in Shenyang

BMW is investing $37.8m in a second-phase 80,000 sq.m expansion of its parts distribution centre at the Runbang Damei Automotive Supply Chain Industrial Park in Shenyang, China.

Marcus Williams

Global EV sales hit record highs in 2024 despite supply chain and automotive logistics industry fears, continuing their upward momentum

How will slowing growth in EVs impact auto industry investment strategies? As the industry navigates challenges from rising costs and charging infrastructure gaps, to consumer range anxiety and rising competition, Daniel Harrison explodes some EV myths.

Daniel Harrison

Tesla pauses Mexico gigafactory until after US election

Tesla has paused its plans to build a new gigafactory in Mexico until after the US presidential election in November, as Donald Trump has pledged to impose a 100% tariff on vehicles made in Mexico.

Megan Kelly

CEE battery sector resilient in the face of European EV slowdown

Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) market has slowed in the first half of 2024, forcing automakers to scale back their ambitions. So far, however, central and eastern Europe (CEE) has remained relatively untouched by this trend, and analysts believe the region has a good chance to keep its competitive edge, at least if local authorities play their cards right.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

Amplify Cell Technologies starts work on LFP battery cell plant

Amplify Cell Technologies has broken ground on a manufacturing plant in Mississippi that will make lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells for the commercial vehicle sector. The announcement follows the formation of the joint venture by Cummins’ zero-emission unit Accelera, Daimler Trucks and Buses US, and Paccar.

Marcus Williams

BMW’s Hendrik Lang on achieving sustainable automotive supply chains

Hendrik Lang, BMW’s senior vice-president of supply chain strategy and sustainability, attended London Climate Action Week in June. He talks BMW’s successes with carbon contracts, collaboration and convincing suppliers of sustainability’s benefits. Report by Ilkhan Ozsevim

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America - Day two wrap-up

As Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024 comes to a close, join us to take a look at all the inspiring content of the day. From discussions on supply chain transformation, to advancements in technology and what the automotive logistics sector of the future will look like.

Europe imposes tariffs up to 38% on Chinese EV imports

The European Commission (EC) has made the decision to impose additional tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EVs, following preliminary results of its anti-subsidy investigation which found that prices are being distorted by Chinese state support.

Megan Kelly

BMW’s Michael Nikolaides on a localised, digital supply chain

Dr Michael Nikolaides, senior vice-president, Production Network, Supply Chain Management and Logistics at BMW Group, talks to Automotive Logistics about making cross-functional decisions to make the OEM’s supply chain more localised, digitalised and efficient

Megan Kelly

BEV adoption in North America will take ‘longer than thought’

The full-scale adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the North American market will take longer than predicted, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

Megan Kelly

VW responds to EU imposing up to 38% tariffs on Chinese EVs

Volkswagen Group has responded to the European Commission’s (EU) decision to impose additional tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EVs, following preliminary results of its anti-subsidy investigation which found that prices are being distorted by Chinese state support.

Megan Kelly

BMW and Nissan make Mexican networks flexible for changing market demands

Both BMW and Nissan are preparing their Mexican networks for changes in market demand, with BMW set to begin producing EVs using its battery manufacturing facility next to its San Luis Potosi assembly plant, and Nissan upping its skills in the supply chain to cater to fluctuations in demand from consumers.

Megan Kelly

ACC halts construction of two European gigafactories

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies’ subsidiary Saft, has halted the construction of two of its three planned European gigafactories.

Megan Kelly

Volkswagen relies on localisation in Europe for EV project

Volkswagen Group has decided to make all-electric entry-level mobility more widespread, with affordable electric vehicles (EVs) made in Europe for sale in Europe, and will do so by relying on localisation on the continent.

Megan Kelly

ECG European market outlook shows gradual recovery amid constraints and rise of protectionism against China

At the ECG Spring Congress 2024, Justin Cox, director of global production at LMC Automotive, offered keen insights into the European automotive market’s current state. With inflationary woes and China’s sway looming large, Cox’s address highlighted the imperative for agile adaptation amidst market flux.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Red Sofa Interview: How California State is investing in finished vehicle logistics

Christine Casey, deputy secretary for Freight Policy, California State Transportation Agency takes to the Red Sofa to tell Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about the investments into California’s FVL sector.

US hikes import tariffs on EVs, batteries and critical materials

The US government is increasing import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) by more than 100% with an eye on controlling imports from China. There are also tariff increases on lithium batteries, semiconductors, critical minerals, and steel and aluminium, among other products, to be phased in over the next two years as part of the review of Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The measures will affect $18 billion-worth of imports from China.

Marcus Williams

DHL to provide EV warehousing for Chery brands

DHL Supply Chain has partnered with Chinese-owned Omoda and Jaecoo on a three-year warehousing contract that will enable specialist storage of parts and components including batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Megan Kelly

Ascend Elements and Call2Recycle launch battery recycling service

Ascend Elements and Call2Recycle have signed an agreement to provide dealerships, recyclers and repair customers with EV battery management, logistics and recycling services. Working together, the companies aim to collect and recycle the equivalent of over 300,000 EV battery packs by 2030.

Marcus Williams

BMW localising battery supply for Neue Klasse in Mexico

BMW Group is taking its ‘local for local’ approach to manufacturing and supply chain to Mexico, and has started construction on an 80,000 sq.m battery manufacturing facility next to its assembly plant in San Luis Potosi. The plant is due to start making the Neue Klasse electric sports activity vehicle there from 2027.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis reduces inventory ahead of new product launches

Stellantis is reducing inventories and adjusting production ahead of the launch of new and mid-cycle product launches on the STLA platform this year.

Megan Kelly

Transforming automotive supply chains by navigating complexities

Beat Simon, group chief commercial officer for logistics at DP World, looks at some of the big changes currently affecting the global automotive supply chain and the strategies logistics providers need to put in place to support customers through the transformation.

Automotive Logistics

Northvolt starts work on German gigafactory

Northvolt has begun work on its battery gigafactory in Heide, northern Germany. Northvolt Drei will have a maximum installed annual capacity of 60 GWh and will begin production in 2026, eventually making enough battery cells for 1m electric vehicles (EVs) a year.

Marcus Williams

Renault, Volvo and CMA CGM launch Flexis joint venture

Renault, Volvo and logistics provider CMA CGM, have officially launched their electric van joint venture – Flexis SAS. Renault and Volvo each hold 45% stakes and are planning to invest €300m each over the course of the next three years. CMA CGM said it will invest €120m ($130m) by 2026 and has already acquired a 10% stake in the business.

Marcus Williams

Global and European vehicle production and the impacts on logistics

Henner Lehne, vice-president, Global Vehicle Forecasting, Automotive, S&P Global Mobility presents his analysis and predictions for the global and regional vehicle sales and production outlook.

Daniel Harrison

Red Sofa Interview: JLR’s Levent Yuksel on scaling green logistics solutions

At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 in Bonn, Germany, Levent Yuksel, freight operations director at JLR sits down on the Red Sofa to discuss how we can scale green logistics solutions by working in partnership.

Nissan signs EV and software feasibility studies with Honda and Mitsubishi

Nissan has signed memorandum of understanding with Honda to begin a joint feasibility study that includes automotive software platforms, sourcing of core components related to electric vehicles (EVs) and complementary products. It has also signed an agreement with Mitsubishi to explore a joint initiative in next-generation mobility and energy-related services using EVs.

Marcus Williams

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for the key highlights and knowledge shared at ALSC Europe 2024. Even though the event is over, the insight doesn’t stop, and we will continue to update this blog with the most valuable insights, data and quotes from automotive experts discussing how to deliver a competitive edge, through reducing complexity, increasing flexibility and maximising capacity. Jump to key highlights:Dr Michael Nikolaides, BMW on market volatilityMartina Graser, Ford Europe on securing ocean-based capacityIza Kalinska, JLR, Sabine Isenbort, Ford Europe and Sonia Santos, Bosch on the Red SofaLevent Yuksel, JLR Red Sofa Interview and article on ‘win win’ opportunities for collaborationJean-Marc Carlicchi, Renault Group on the ‘new never-normal’Jean Christophe Deville, Toyota Motor Europe Red Sofa Interview and article on advantageous partnershipsOliver Bronder, VW Group Logistics keynote panel

Automotive Logistics

Revamping supply chains: Carmakers’ shift to local sourcing for EV efficiency

Carmakers in Europe, including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, are reshaping their logistics by localising supply chains. This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and reduce emissions, marking a significant step towards sustainable electric vehicle production.

Megan Kelly

An end-to-end logistics mission at DP World

Bill Garrett, head of the automotive vertical at DP World, talks to Automotive Logistics about the company’s transition to become a global provider of end-to-end logistics services for the automotive industry at a time of disruption and opportunity

Marcus Williams

Tesla’s Berlin factory set to restart after arson attack

Tesla’s gigafactory in Grünheide, in Berlin, Germany is set to regain power this week, having been shut down following a suspected arson attack.

Megan Kelly

Speed to market is critical for affordable electric vehicles

With more Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers planning to launch products in the UK in 2024, the race is on for UK and European OEMs to make their mass-market ranges available as quickly as possible. The question is, can they catch up and how should they go about it, ask Vendigital’s Dom Tribe and Sheena Patel

Sheena Patel

Dom Tribe

JLR’s strategic shift towards a carbon-free future

JLR is on a transformative journey to drastically reduce its Scope 3 freight carbon emissions. Under the leadership of freight operations director Levent Yuksel, the company is redefining its logistics services to align with its carbon net-zero ambitions, setting a new standard for supply chain sustainability in the automotive industry.

Megan Kelly

BMW to localise battery supply in Thailand for forthcoming EV

[Updated March 6] BMW has started construction of a 1.6 billion baht ($45.6m) battery manufacturing facility to supply Gen-5 high-voltage batteries for a battery electric vehicle (BEV) the carmaker will start making at its Rayong assembly plant in Thailand. Production is set to begin in the second half of 2025.

Marcus Williams

Steve Gawronski joins Harbinger as it prepares to ramp up output

Steve Gawronski has joined commercial EV start-up Harbinger as vice-president of supply chain and logistics. He will oversee procurement, logistics and material planning as the California-based company prepares to scale production of a medium-duty commercial vehicle.

Marcus Williams

Tata’s Agratas confirms location of UK gigafactory for anchor client JLR

Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, will build Britain’s biggest battery manufacturing facility at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, Somerset.

Megan Kelly

Fisker reports loss of $762m in 2023, negotiates with OEM over strategic partnership

Fisker has reported a net loss of $463.6m in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023 and $761.9m for the year, with the carmaker calling it a “challenging year”, in part because of delays with suppliers. The OEM announced in the filings that it will cut its workforce by 15% and streamline operations.

Megan Kelly

The electrifying influence of logistics

Volkswagen’s ramp up of battery and electric vehicle production is transforming its supply chain, and Simon Motter wants to make sure that it takes the right decisions for logistics costs and performance, including an increased use of rail for battery-related transport.

Christopher Ludwig

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.

Christopher Ludwig

VW Group UK partners with Ecobat to recycle EV batteries

VW Group UK has signed an agreement with battery recycling firm Ecobat to collect and recycle its EV batteries and close the loop in the carmaker’s circular energy economy.

Megan Kelly

Maxime Picat, Stellantis talks strategy and influencing supply chain and manufacturing design

The chief purchasing and supply chain officer, who leads all procurement functions including logistics, gives an exclusive interview on improving supplier relations, planning for the future of the battery supply chain, the growing influence of supply chain costs and localisation, and why Stellantis needs to ensure it has access to critical logistics capacity.

Megan Kelly

NMG to supply GM with graphite anode material for EV battery production

GM has signed an agreement with battery materials producer NMG for the supply of graphite active anode material used to make batteries for its electric vehicles (EVs). The agreement, which begins on an initial six-year term, will see NMG supply 18 tonnes of the material per year when production is fully ramped up.

Marcus Williams

Gestamp redefines supply chain management for industry 4.0

Under the guidance of Diego Mallada, chief information officer for digitalisation, Gestamp is emerging as a leader in integrating digital networks and AI across its supply chain. Gestamp, an expert in metal automotive components and body-in-white, is revolutionising automotive supply chain management through advanced industry 4.0 strategies, emphasising federated networks and superior data quality.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

ACC raises €4.4 billion for three gigafactories in Europe

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has raised €4.4 billion ($4.7 billion) in debt funding for the construction of three gigafactories in Europe.

Megan Kelly

GM bolsters EV supply chain in North America with LG cathode deal

GM has signed a long-term contract with LG Chem worth 25 trillion Korean won ($18.7 billion) for the localised supply of more than 500,000 tons of cathode material in support of the carmaker’s electric vehicle (EV) production in the US

Marcus Williams

GM appoints ex-Tesla executive to new vice-president of batteries role

GM has appointed Kurt Kelty, a battery expert and former Tesla executive, to its new role of vice-president of batteries

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview: VW Truck & Bus Mexico’s plans to increase localisation

Halley Vieira, plant manager in Production and Logistics, VW Truck & Bus Mexico discusses the decision to localise in Mexico rather than import parts from Brazil, and how synergies with VW Group and Traton Group are playing an increasingly important role in the plant’s logistics.

Red Sofa Interview: VW Chattanooga is sharing EV logistics learnings with the VW Group

Watch Paulo Monteiro, head of Logistics, VW Group of America Chattanooga Operations discuss how the Chattanooga plant is leading the way in terms of EV logistics, and why it is sharing its findings with the wider Volkswagen Group and its resurrected Scout brand.

Red Sofa Interview: How Volkswagen is readying for electrification in México

Peter Koltai, senior director of logistics at Volkswagen de México discusses how the division is getting ready for electrification across the country and how to find synergies between the plants and the wider VW Group.

Red Sofa Interview: VW’s global logistics experts on synergy in the supply chain

Watch Volkswagen Group’s top global logistics experts weigh in on why synergy and collaboration between business units is critical to improving operations, sustainability and advancements within the supply chain.

UK outlines strategy to protect supply of critical materials

The UK government’s Department for Business and Trade has launched a Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy to safeguard the supply of goods including minerals and semiconductors, seen as essential for the future of the country’s domestic automotive industry. It also includes measures to protect other manufacturing sectors as well as pharmaceutical supplies.

Marcus Williams

PowerCo and Umicore JV Ionway appoints Philip Fimmers as supply chain head

Ionway, a battery materials producer, has appointed Philip Fimmers as its global supply chain manager.

Megan Kelly

BMW chooses Raúl Gamboa to lead production control and logistics in Mexico

Raúl Gamboa has taken over as head of production control, production system and logistics at BMW Group’s plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He reports to Harald Gottsche, president and CEO of the plant.

Marcus Williams

An automotive supply chain in transition – the year in review

This year has seen investments in supply chain resilience and the adoption of digital technology across the global automotive sector continue, with some positive developments in terms of inbound parts deliveries and greater supply chain transparency supported by digital technology, though strike action by the United Auto Workers union has taken its toll on production in the US in the fourth quarter.

Marcus Williams

Delay to introduction of new rules of origin is a window of opportunity

The proposed delay to the introduction of the new rules of origin is a window of opportunity for UK and European carmakers to accelerate all-electric vehicle (EV) design programmes, strengthen supply chains and put the right technical support and capabilities in place to meet demand in a fast-growing market.

Sheena Patel

European Commission calls for three-year extension to EV trade deal with UK

The European Commission has proposed a three-year extension to the current rules of origin for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and batteries under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

Marcus Williams