Tag: china

Scania signs three-year deal with Unipart to manage service parts centre in Kunshan, China

Unipart is managing logistics operations at Scania’s new Chinese service parts distribution centre in Kunhan, China as the truckmaker grows operations across the country.

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

Rare earth magnets are used throughout vehicle components, and their supply can be a key part of inbound planning. However, the global supply of the magnets has dwindled after China introduced stricter export restrictions in April, prompting concerns about a shortage.

Despite minor setbacks, the Chinese automotive industry may come out as a winner in the tariff war

As the US and China remain in a standoff in their tariff war with neither side willing to budge, observers say the world is witnessing the end of the era of globalisation in the automotive industry as we know it.

Localisation hopes fade for Russia as it struggles to attract China

Russia’s efforts to boost domestic vehicle production by courting Chinese automakers are running into obstacles, from economic volatility to strategic caution among OEMs. As Russian policymakers push new incentives, analysts warn that structural challenges could undermine the country’s localisation ambitions.

Greek port of Piraeus reports decline in vehicle volumes in 2024 but increase in revenue

Vehicle throughput at the Greek port of Piraeus was down in 2024 but the port authority has recorded an increase in revenue and will benefit from a new joint venture between Cosco Shipping and Neptune Lines.

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.

Cosco Shipping Car Carriers and Neptune Lines working together on Chinese vehicle distribution in Europe

Cosco’s car carrier division has signed an agreement with European short-sea car carrier Neptune Lines to manage finished vehicle shipments from China to Europe via the Greek port of Piraeus.

Grimaldi has grown its fleet of hybrid short-sea ro-ro vessels to 14 with the addition of the Eco Napoli

Grimaldi’s latest hybrid-power ro-ro vessel will arrive in the Mediterranean from China in May this year and will support services calling between Italy, Greece and Turkey

BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers to work together on China vehicle and equipment imports to Europe

An agreement between BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers will make the German port of Bremerhaven a hub for Chinese vehicle and equipment imports to Europe.

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.

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.

Chinese carmaker Chery builds on containerised vehicle shipments to Turkey with DP World service

Chery is building the volumes of cars it ships in containers from China to Turkey supported by DP World operations at the Yarímca container terminal.

Kawa Shipping makes first call at JadeWeserPort on China-Europe Express container service

Zhejiang Seaport Logistics has received its first express container ship call at JadeWeserPort in Germany with the arrival of the Kawa Ningbo.

Hyundai-Kia expands contract with car carrier Eukor to five years and strengthens presence in Asia

Eukor has succesfully extended the terms of its contract to ship Hyundai and Kia vehicles from Korea as well as adding extra trade from China.

Volkswagen is investing in digital architecture for competitive and localised battery EV production in China

Volkswagen is focusing on a strong localisation drive in China and the development of a digital architecture for faster EV development and production as the market competes aggressively on price.

Volkswagen to cut production in Germany and reduce staff across factories, with Golf production moved to Mexico

Following some intense negotiations through December, Volkswagen reached an agreement with its Works Council and the IG Metall union just before the Christmas break that will see it cut 35,000 jobs by 2030 and reduce production capacity by 734,000 units

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

Latest ECG business intelligence report shows increase in global vehicle exports but slight decline in EVs to EU

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) reports there has been 25% increase in global vehicle exports from China but EU has imported fewer EVs in first nine months of 2024

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.

Volkswagen looking to restructure across Passenger Car, Group Components and Commercial Vehicles divisions

Volkswagen is planning to close at least three plants in Germany, make further staff redundancies and cut pay by 10% across its workforce, according to the head of VW’s works council, Daniela Cavallo. It is the first time in the company’s 87-year history that it has considered shutting down plants in its German industrial heartland.

VDA says China EV tariffs a step in the wrong direction

On October 4 the European Union voted in favour of imposing additional tariffs on the import of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to the region for at least five years. The tariffs will be introduced from the end of October. Ten member states supported the measure, with 12 abstaining and five voting against (see table).

BYD to share vessel capacity for vehicle shipments with Hyundai Glovis

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Glovis to share vessel capacity for deep-ocean finished vehicle shipments between China and BYD’s export markets.

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.

China trade crisis leaves Russia’s spare parts market in turmoil

Car drivers in Russia are waiting longer for their cars to be repaired, with delays stretching up to six months because of a crippling shortage of spare parts.

Canada imposes tariffs on EVs and materials from China

The Government of Canada is imposing a 100% tariff on all imported Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) beginning October 1 this year, one of four measures the country has announced this week to address unfair international competition.

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.

Stellantis joint venture with Leapmotor imports first batch of battery EVs from China to Europe

Following the establishment of the joint venture between Stellantis and Chinese EV maker Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology in May this year, Leapmotor International shipped its first volume of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China to Europe in July.

Russia faces a shortage of Chinese automotive imports as sanctions intensify

Until recently, Chinese automotive exports to Russia continued to grow. During the first half of 2024, light passenger vehicle exports from China jumped by 35.4% and were valued at $6.2 billion, according to China’s General Administration of Customs. Imports of trucks dropped by 24% to $1.3 billion, though this was not enough to undermine the overall positive trend in vehicle trade.

Yusen Logistics builds on Asia-Europe rail alternative for cargo

Yusen Logistics has started a rail freight service between Vietnam and Europe. The logistics provider said the service provided an alternative to ocean container services that continue to be disrupted by attacks on shipping in the Red Sea at the same time that capacity is being tested by an increase of exports from Asia.

Cosco Shipping cuts emissions on vehicle shipments

Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers has deployed two 7,500 CEU dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels. The newly launched vessel Liao He Kou is set to embark on its journey carrying over 5,000 commercial vehicles to Europe and the Min Jiang Kou, will transport more than 4,800 commercial vehicles following the completion of loading operations in Shanghai, according to the Cosco Shipping subsidiary.

Chinese finished vehicle exports to Russia in jeopardy

Rosteс, the parent company of Russia’s leading automaker Avtovaz, wants government authorities to limit the flow of Chinese finished vehicles into the country. The request follows a number of tariff measures taken by western nations, including Europe and the US, to tackle subsidised imports specific to electric vehicles.

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.

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.

Data snapshot: Volume increases at Mexico’s finished vehicle handling ports

Finished vehicle handling ports in Mexico have seen volume increases across the board in 2023, with three of them now in the top five vehicle-handling ports in the wider North American market.

Hoerndlein to lead vehicle logistics for Volkswagen Group Logistics; Bronder moves to SAIC JV

Volkswagen Group Logistics has appointed Peter Hoerndlein as its new head of vehicle logistics, taking over from Oliver Bronder, who is moving to head up logistics at VW’s largest Chinese joint venture, SAIC-VW in Shanghai.

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.

Leapmotor International in the race for European EV sales

Stellantis has formed a joint venture with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up Leapmotor that will bring EV models to European markets in the fourth quarter 2024, beginning with Leapmotor’s T03 and C10 models.

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.

Red Sea crisis resurrects China-Europe rail freight transit through Russia

The ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have given the transit of automotive freight from China to Europe a second breath, according to state-run railway monopoly, Russian Railways (RZD)

Uzbekistan aims to become regional automotive superpower with BYD contract

Under a recently stuck agreement, BYD Uzbekistan Factory, a joint venture between the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker and Uzbek state-owned Uzavtosanoat, aims to assemble 500,000 EVs and hybrids per year, turning the country into the largest automotive manufacturer in the post-Soviet space.

Restrictions tighten on Chinese semiconductor firms

Restrictions on China’s semiconductor sector are tightening, as the US has asked Europe and Asia to further restrict China’s access to advanced chips and chipmaking equipment, according to data analytics firm Everstream Analytics.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen secures sustainable capacity with PCTC orders

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has ordered four additional next-generation Shaper Class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels from Jinling Shipyard in China, bringing its total order to eight. The first of the Shaper Class vessels already ordered are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. The four additional vessels will be delivered between May and November 2027.

China’s EV surge in Europe amid ro-ro capacity challenges

As the first results for 2023 start coming in from Europe’s finished vehicle-handling ports, it is clear that China is targeting Europe for electric vehicle sales at a time when ro-ro capacity is recovering and shipping is facing geopolitical disruption.

Russia cracks down on parallel imports through EEU

Dozens of logistics companies across Central Asia and the Caucasus engaged in parallel imports of finished vehicles into Russia are expected to go bankrupt in the next few months following intervention by authorities to bring the industry in order. The new rules could also hamper the import of Chinese-made vehicles to Russia.

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

GM, Tesla, BYD, Toyota & VW at risk of forced labour in Chinese aluminium supply chains

Global carmakers including GM, Tesla, BYD, Toyota and Volkswagen are failing to minimise the risk of Uyghur forced labour being used in aluminium sourcing.

Antwerp-Bruges increases vehicle traffic in face of tight capacity

The European ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge have recorded a 9% increase in the number of finished vehicles handled in calendar year 2023 to 3.56m. The merger of the Belgian ports under one operating authority was finalised in April 2022 and since last year it has reported joint volumes.

Avtovaz looks for ro-ro capacity to strengthen vehicle exports

Russian carmaker Avtovaz is looking to boost production through exports abroad in 2024, including target markets in Iran and Egypt, according to the carmaker’s president, Maxim Sokolov. It follows a two-year decline in foreign sales. Russian cargo carrier, Fesco said it would support the carmaker’s export plans with a specialised fleet of car-carrying vessels, which is subject to Avtovaz receiving a concrete export order.

GMC set to expand to China, Australia and New Zealand

GMC is expanding its global footprint into three new international markets by launching its SUV Yukon full-size model in China, Australia and New Zealand.

Escalation in Taiwan could cause further semiconductor crisis in 2024

The escalation of tensions in Taiwan could cause a further semiconductor shortage in the year ahead, presenting a risk to automotive logistics.

BYD boosts battery EV sales and plans localisation in Europe

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD Auto reported global sales of more than 526,400 pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2023. Of that BEV sales figure, 13,000 units were sold in Europe in November alone, led by the Atto 3 model. The vehicle maker is now looking to localise passenger BEV production in Europe to increase its market share and has announced plans to build a passenger car factory in Szeged, Hungary.

Containerised vehicle deliveries by rail from China to Russia are on the rise

During the first nine months of 2023, Russia imported 414,000 finished vehicles, 250% up compared with the previous year, with 97% of deliveries coming from China, according to estimates from the Federal Customs Service. That compares to 2022, when China exported 117,000 finished vehicles to Russia.

Chery puts car exports in containers to Turkey with help from DP World

In the face of congestion at Turkey’s main finished vehicle handling ports, Chery Automobile has opted to put cars in containers for import through DP World’s Yarímca port terminal. Other Chinese carmakers are expected to follow suit and benefit from services DP World is providing.

Chinese vehicle exports keep Russian vehicle logistics afloat at sea – and by rail

Russia has become the top destination for Chinese vehicle exports, rising almost 500% year-on-year. But vehicle logistics modes, cost and capacity are a challenge, leading to new delivery methods, including cars in containers.

Fisker meets with officials in China to plan logistics for new delivery centre

Luxury electric vehicle (EV) maker Fisker’s leadership team has visited Shanghai to plan logistics and supply chain opportunities, ahead of opening its new delivery centre in China.

Battery supply chain could bottleneck in 2025, says analyst

The supply of lithium batteries for electric vehicle (EV) production could bottleneck from 2025 as demand for EVs outstrips the available capacity for battery production.

Meilin Auto unveils plans to begin sales to Russia

Meilin Auto has become the first automotive dealer outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to register a subsidiary on the Russian market and begin vehicle sales to local customers.

Chinese automakers surge amid western withdrawal from Russian market

Delegates at last week’s Spring Congress of the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) heard that China’s vehicle exports surged in the first quarter of 2023, as global demand for electric vehicles helped spur a strong start to the year.

Automotive logistics can empower Asian manufacturers globally

Ports and terminals giant DP World is building a network of technologically advanced vehicle handling terminals that Asian carmakers stand to benefit from as they export globally, writes Glen Hilton, CEO and managing director of Asia Pacific

Ceva Logistics to offer carmakers sustainable ro-ro capacity

Ceva Logistics has signed a ten-year lease on four new-build ro-ro vessels from its parent company CMA CGM, and will manage and operate them directly. The logistics provider will be able to move 140,000 vehicles annually using the vessels, which will be powered by both LNG and electric battery.

US Senate investigates forced labour in auto supply chain

The US Senate Committee on Finance is looking into the use of Chinese forced labour in the automotive supply chain, and has sent letters to global carmakers and tier one suppliers to ascertain how they are sourcing materials and overseeing their supply chains.

Barcelona port increases finished vehicle throughput in 2022

The port of Barcelona reported an 18.4% increase in finished vehicle handling in 2022, moving more than 591,000 vehicles through the year. That growth was driven by imports and transhipment volumes, which increased +63% and +145.7% respectively.

Bringing battery production in Europe up to speed

As carmakers in Europe scramble to localise pure electric vehicle (EV) production they have one major obstacle to overcome – Europe has no legacy of lithium-ion battery production. China has long dominated the mining, refining and production of battery cells, a situation that European carmakers were happy to go along with until very recently.

BYD delivers first vehicles to UK but rules out local production

BYD Auto delivered its first fully electric passenger car to the UK in March but the Chinese vehicle maker has ruled out building a manufacturing plant in the country because of Brexit.

A Russian market close to catastrophe

With grey imports on the rise and natural disasters adding to the limiting effects of international sanctions, any optimism about re-establishing Russian supply chains may be eclipsed by further harsh realities

CIMC to build automated parking facility at Lianyungang port

China’s CIMC Group has won the tender to build an automated vehicle parking facility at the port of Lianyungang with capacity for 5,200 vehicles. The facility will use automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to park vehicles bound for export from the port.

Avtovaz looks for more capacity despite supply disruption

Russia’s largest carmaker, Avtovaz, has said it will take over the former Nissan plant in St Petersburg and put it back into operation in 2023. Nissan pulled out of St Petersburg shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.

Ro-ro capacity crunch means carmakers are looking for containers

The decrease in ro-ro capacity for vehicle shipments since August 2022, which is pushing up unit rates for carmakers significantly, is prompting them to look for space in containers, an option that that simply was not there six months ago.

Seven new car carriers to be built for Anji shipping

Two vessels from Jinling are expected to be delivered by November 2025, with a second batch of two at the end of March 2026. The three from Jiangnan are also expected in two batches, the first in October 2025 and the second also in March 2026.

Chinese carmakers look to own ro-ro capacity

A shortage in available capacity for finished vehicle shipments by ocean ro-ro vessel out of China, which has intensified over the last two quarters, has provoked a number of carmakers to look for control of their own assets.

Russian carmakers begin CKD assembly from Chinese imports

Russian carmakers are making efforts to resume production at plants in Kaliningrad and Moscow from complete knockdown kits (CKDs) imported from China.

Russia pins hopes on electric future as carmakers continue exodus

Russia is hoping to salvage its automotive sector by pumping billions in investment into electric vehicle (EV) production, rather than trying to rescue production of combustion-engine vehicles at the car plants left redundant by western carmakers who are leaving the country en masse.

GM secures 100% renewable energy for all US sites by 2025

General Motors has finalised energy sourcing agreements to supply all of its US facilities with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The announcement brings forward by five years the carmaker’s original goals for renewable energy sourcing, which were announced in 2021.

JCB signs up Maersk and Unipart Logistics for parts handling

JCB has signed two major contracts with logistics providers Maersk and Unipart Logistics for global parts management.

GM tackles costly supply chain disruption

Speakers from GM at last week’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference in Detroit, detailed how the carmaker was dealing with disruption and building in resiliency to its network, including through collaboration with its lower tier suppliers.

Factory closures extended in China as drought continues

Carmaker Toyota and electronics supplier Foxconn are among companies that have been forced to shut down their operations in China’s Sichuan province because of a heatwave that has prompted a water and electricity supply crisis.

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.

Threadbare trade on the Silk Road

The war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Russia have hit container shipments by rail between Europe and China, with repercussions for automotive supply and the further complications for ocean freight

China’s Nio to expand battery swap network, including overseas

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio has said it will expand its battery swap network to approximately 4,000 stations over the next few years. The company currently has 1,021 stations in China, including on eight of the main national highways.

Russia struggles to revive Soviet brands because of parts shortages

In the wake of a mass exodus of Western carmakers from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, the country plans to revive the production of two Soviet car brands, the Volga and Pobeda, according to Russian Industry and Trade Minister, Denis Manturov.

Outbound sector needs accurate deliveries in the nick of time

In the midst of continuing disruption to the automotive supply chain from a variety of causes there has never been a greater importance attached to getting finished vehicles to market on time.

Geely launches satellites that will monitor logistics

A subsidiary of Chinese carmaker Geely has now launched nine satellites into low-earth orbit that it said will that support services for autonomous driving, ocean and land logistics, drone navigation and mapping, amongst other services.

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.

Logistics in another dimension for SAIC VW in China

Last autumn Dr Susanne Lehmann joined Volkswagen Group’s joint venture with Chinese vehicle maker SAIC – SAIC VW – as executive director of logistics. She talks to Automotive Logistics about managing Covid lockdowns and supply chain disruption in China with new tools and closer supplier collaboration, and the fast pace of digitalisation

Toyota forced to revise global production on Shanghai lockdown

Toyota has been forced to extend production restrictions at plants around the world because of the parts shortages caused by the Covid lockdowns in Shanghai

A time of risk and uncertainty for vehicle logistics in Europe

At this year’s General Assembly and Spring Congress for the Association for European Vehicle Logistics (ECG), members from the top outbound logistics providers and their OEM customers discussed the current disruption affecting the business and the creative solutions used to deal with it

Global container shipping the worst for 50 years reports Drewry

A continuous deterioration in the accuracy of transit and arrival times in global container shipping means the sector is in the worst state it has been in for 50 years, according to Drewry Shipping Consultants.

Amy Xiong now head of vehicle logistics at BYD Europe

Amy Xiong has taken over as head of vehicle logistics at BYD Europe, the Chinese-owned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer and battery supplier.

Tesla delays production rebound in China

Tesla has delayed plans to return production at its plant in Shanghai, China to full capacity by at least a week, according to the Reuters news agency.

Stellantis reshuffles talent as part of transformation strategy

Maxime Picat is taking over as chief purchasing and supply chain officer at Stellantis from June 1 this year, replacing Michelle Wen. Meanwhile, Florian Huettl has taken over as CEO of the Opel Vauxhall division, replacing Uwe Hochgeschurtz, who is moving to Picat’s current role as COO of what the company designates ‘Enlarged Europe’.

Carmakers call for transparency in chip supply

The shortage of semiconductors has hit the automotive industry hard. As cars become more sophisticated, there is hardly any part of the vehicle, or the way that it is made, that does not rely on a microchip. Securing the supply of those chips has, therefore, become a key driver of operations.

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.

Renault takes a rational approach to logistics network redesign

The daily and multiple disruptions affecting the global automotive supply chain are forcing major carmakers to reassess the design of their supply operations.

Vehicle export growth from China stalled by port congestion

Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (Caam) shows that between January to March this year total vehicle exports from China reached 582,000 units. This is an annual increase of 58.3% according to Caam, up from the 357,000 vehicles exported in the first quarter of 2021.

Critical port congestion in China threatens carmakers

China’s zero-Covid policy has led to a serious lockdown in Shanghai. Suppliers are unable to get key components out of the world’s busiest container port because stringent Covid-testing procedures have halted operations and there are currently record numbers of vessels waiting to dock.

China’s zero-Covid strategy hampers auto output in Shanghai

Vehicle output in China is being disrupted by the government’s introduction of a coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai, which is now in its second week and has forced automakers to cease operations.

SAIC targets higher sales overseas with logistics support

China’s Anji Logistics has ordered two ro-ro vessels from Jiangnan Shipbuilding to support the vehicle export plans of its affiliate carmaker SAIC, which is targeting higher sales in export markets, including Europe.

Ford says Lincoln is among the fastest-growing luxury brands in China

Ford increased overall deliveries in China last year by 3.7% to 624,000 units but there was a more dramatic increase in sales of its Lincoln luxury brand vehicles, with sales surpassing 91,000 units, an increase of more than 48% year-on-year. That has put China sales above those in the US where the Lincoln brand sold just under 87,000.

Tesla exporting Model 3 from China to Europe with Glovis

Tesla has signed a one-year contract with global logistics provider Hyundai Glovis to import vehicles made in China for sale in Europe.

Start-up pace, high-end experience at Lotus

It is all change as Lotus gears up to make itself a global contender in the production of high-end, electric sportscars. Michael Dickinson, executive director of supply, describes how integrating supply chain functions and scaling operations will help Lotus keep pace with launches while remaining as agile as any new player would be. By Christopher Ludwig and Marcus Williams

AL FVL Autumn 2021 digital edition – Moving forward together through disruption

The autumn digital edition of Automotive Logistics and Finished Vehicle Logistics magazine is out now, featuring a four-part, in-depth special on Renault Group, in which its top executive for supply chain and logistics, Jean-François Salles, explains the supply chain revolution underway at the carmaker

Chinese carmaker GAC begins selling SUVs in Mexico

Chinese vehicle maker Guangzhou Automobile Group (Gac) is exporting vehicles to Mexico in its first major push into the North American market. The firm said it plans to sell 4,000 vehicles in Mexico by the end of 2021.

US west coast ports extend hours to deal with congestion

The US west coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are making moves to improve freight movement and reduce delays to container throughput following months of congestion. Both ports are expanding hours of service during which trucks can pick up and return containers, among other measures to address the backlog.

CATL partners with BASF for EV battery material recycling

China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has announced a strategic partnership with German chemicals firm BASF in battery materials solutions that will support recycling of batteries and CATL’s plans for the production of battery cells in Europe.

Marcelo Navarro to lead logistics at Lotus as it expands global supply chain

As it gears up to launch new, electric models and produce in China, Lotus Group has reorganised its supply chain management, with Mike Dickinson now leading an integrated purchasing and supply chain division, and Marcelo Wilson Navarro responsible for logistics.

Covid outbreaks causing congestion at ports in China

Congestion is worsening at the Chinese ports of Ningbo and Shanghai as restrictive measures introduced to control the spread of coronavirus slow throughput at container terminals.

Renault to partner with Geely on hybrid vehicles in China and South Korea

Renault has agreed a framework with Geely to share production and supply chains for hybrid vehicles in Asia, including using Geely plants in China and localising Lynk & Co platforms in South Korea.

Kuehne + Nagel cuts CO2 by 70% by switching inbound to rail for Dongfeng Honda

As part of its Net Zero Carbon programme, Kuehne + Nagel’s joint venture in China – KN Sincero – has helped Dongfeng Honda Automotive to move inbound parts deliveries to its plant in Wuhan, China onto rail.

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.

Nio targets Norway for first vehicle exports

Chinese electric vehicle start-up Nio will start exporting vehicles to Norway in September this year, beginning with the ES8 SUV. The carmaker will also introduce the ET7 luxury sedan in 2022.

Nio suspends assembly in China because of chip shortage

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up Nio has been forced to temporarily suspend operations at the plant it shares with state-owned carmaker JAC Motors in Hefei because of a shortage of semiconductors. The line stoppage will last five days between March 29-April 2.

From doom and gloom to fast and furious

Ocean-going container vessels have been anchored off the west coast of the US in January because of congested port terminals. Dr Noel Hacegaba, deputy executive director and COO at the Port of Long Beach tells Marcus Williams about the misalignment of supply and capacity, and how the port is tackling it

GM Middle East to import more vehicles from China

GM will be importing more vehicles from China to supply the Middle East following a re-evaluation of its sourcing strategy triggered by Covid-19, according to Sulaiman Pallak, head of purchasing and supply chain for GM Africa and Middle East.

BMW trials vehicle exports by rail from Germany to China

BMW has started to pilot rail shipments of cars between its Dingolfing plant in Germany to Chengdu in China, together with Changjiu Logistics.

Carmakers focus on China for electric vehicle exports to Europe

A growing number of carmakers are looking to China for the production of electric vehicles (EVs) destined for sale in Europe, including Tesla, BMW and Renault.

Can Tesla shift the balance of EV battery and cell supply chains away from China?

At Tesla’s recent Battery Day presentation, the company promised to shake up its battery supply chains by moving into cell production and even the mining of raw material. Most of those moves require considerable technological advancements making it questionable how realistic they really are.

Watch: Why Volvo’s Martin Corner thinks there has never been a more exciting time for automotive logistics

Volvo Cars’ head of global logistics thinks the supply chain has a long way to go to match the digital, visibility and flexibility requirements of the automotive sector, but he also tells the audience of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live that electrification and new distribution models provide an opportunity for positive transformation.

Watch: China automotive production to rise but trade wars and coronavirus crisis will have lasting impact

Chinese vehicle sales and production are set to continue to recover, but IHS Markit Automotive forecasts that the crisis will still hit demand, while exporting vehicles from China to the US especially will remain a difficult prospect

DP World to take majority stake in Unico Logistics

Sanjeev replaces Bose as head of Ford Global Centre of Excellence