AD Ports’ Noatum enters European FVL market through Sesé acquisition Following its acquisition of Spanish maritime logistics provider Noatum last year, Abu Dhabi-based logistics firm AD Ports, has acquired finished vehicle logistics (FVL) firm Sesé Auto Logistics, part of Grupo Logístico Sesé. Megan Kelly
Škoda begins exports from Europe to Vietnam Škoda has begun exporting its Kodiaq and Karoq models from the Czech Republic to Vietnam and has opened its first dealership in Hanoi. Megan Kelly
Škoda Auto partners with Allur Company in return to vehicle assembly in Kazakhstan Škoda Auto is returning to produce vehicles in Kazakhstan in early 2024 and will be working with local partner Allur Company. Marcus Williams
Maersk opens battery logistics warehouse in the Czech Republic AP Moller-Maersk is pushing forward its development of integrated logistics services with the opening of a 14,000 sq.m warehouse for handling batteries for electric cars (EVs) in Teplice, in the north of the Czech Republic. Marcus Williams
Ukraine struggles to restart auto production and supply Vehicle assembly has resumed in Ukraine and sales show signs of recovery but the ongoing Russian hostilities in the country continue to threaten production and supply, with the production of key materials and components severely constrained. Automotive Logistics
Skoda works with suppliers to secure cable harness production Skoda has been working with its suppliers to relocate production of cable harnesses from Ukraine to the Czech Republic because of the disruption caused by Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. The carmaker is also working with suppliers to increase production of the components in Morocco. Jason Dunn
Toyota makes major shift to rail for vehicle moves in Europe Toyota has started exporting vehicles made at its Burnaston plant in the UK to Europe on rail via the Channel Tunnel. It is also importing vehicles produced at the Valenciennes plant in France to the UK along the same route. Marcus Williams
German border controls threaten inbound parts supply Germany’s decision to suddenly impose travel restrictions across borders with Austria and the Czech Republic, and to those travelling from Slovakia, has drawn criticism from across the automotive industry as freight queues threaten to delay parts deliveries. Marcus Williams
Shifting gears: How Skoda automated Vrchlabí Skoda’s transmissions plant at Vrchlabí has made a huge shift towards digitalisation by implementing automated technology including handling and transport robots. Automotive Logistics met plant manager Ivan Slimak Victoria Johns
Flight club: Why more logistics operations are signing up to drone technology Impressive advancements have been made in drone technology over the last few years and many believe that drones will play a key role in the logistics of the future, for internal business functions as well as deliveries to consumers. In fact, NASA estimates that there will be 7m drones in US skies alone by 2020. Victoria Johns
Reality check: How AR can improve efficiency in logistics A growing number of companies in the automotive industry are embracing the use of augmented and virtual reality technology for tasks such as part picking and inventory management, as well as for training. We look at some of the latest applications Abigail Williams
