Tag: ev and battery production

Catch up on the highlights of ALSC Digital Strategies North America 2025

Last week, Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America returned to Nashville. Watch the highlight reel to see what delegates experienced at event.

Day two of ALSC Digital Strategies North America saw AI, data visibility, and compliance as key talking points

As our guests gathered to round off the conference with peers last night at our evening drinks reception on the Carlton Terrace, our Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig managed to take a few moments away from the bustle to catch you all up on the discussions from the day as ALSC Digital Strategies North America drew to a close for another year.

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025 - Day one wrap up

As our guests gathered to continue the conversations and catch up with peers last night at our evening drinks reception, hosted by Cognosos, Inc., our Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig managed to take a few moments away from the bustle to catch you all up on the discussions being had and what to expect from day two.

Rivian exec confirms its software will form the basis of Volkswagen EVs, following joint venture

The EV company’s chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, has revealed that Volkswagen will leverage Rivian’s software across all its upcoming vehicles. The announcement follows a $5 billion joint venture between the two companies.

As part of cost and cash action plan, Volvo Cars announces almost 3,000 jobs lost in move to become leaner

The plan seeks to reduce Volvo Cars’ expenditure by SEK 18 billion ($1.8 billion), with this first wave of redundancies primarily impacting Swedish employees. Further restructuring and job losses are expected elsewhere as the carmaker conducts an internal strategic review.

Nissan looking at ways to secure UK vehicle production including through Chinese joint venture

Nissan is looking at ways to secure production at its Sunderland plant amidst global cuts and that could include joint production with a Chinese EV partner.

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.

Nissan Motor is scrapping plans to build a $1.1bn EV battery plant in Kyushu, Japan

Despite only announcing the new plant in January, Nissan has cancelled its proposed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant, planned to be built in Kitakyushi, Japan. The plant would have created around 500 internal jobs and helped the company reinforce its domestic EV production.

Rivian commits to building a $120m supplier park attached to its EV manufacturing plant in Illinois

The construction of a supplier park is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 in addition to the already underway expansion of the manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. Rivian claims that the supplier park will be a “key enabler” to its operations as it begins manufacture of the R2 van.

Nissan is to cease Wuhan production by March 2026 amid fierce competition and financial strain in China

Nissan Motor Co. will shutter its Wuhan plant by March 2026, grappling with low output, fierce competition from Chinese EV makers, and a projected ¥750 billion ($5bn) loss. This retreat underscores the challenges facing foreign automakers in China.

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 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.

BMW’s Debrecen plant accelerates EV production with just-in-sequence delivery and virtual assembly planning

BMW’s Debrecen plant is using digitalisation and just-in-sequence delivery to speed towards series production of the iX3.

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.

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.

The US tariff timeline of trade tensions and tariff changes

The US election outcome triggers uncertainty for automotive logistics, with tariffs, trade wars, and supply chain risks ahead.

Megan Kelly

Mazda invests $148m in Thailand to expand EV exports across ASEAN and Japan

Mazda plans to strengthen Auto Alliance Thailand, its joint venture manufacturing base with Ford in Thailand, with an investment of 5 billion Thai baht ($148m), aiming to develop its facilities and become a regional manufacturing hub.

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.

Automotive Logistics livestream on trends to watch in 2025: How trade shifts, tariffs and tech are reshaping networks

The first in this year’s series of Automotive Logistics livestreams focused on key trends to watch out for in 2025, including changing trade compliance, regulations and tariffs.

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

The “great divergence” reshapes vehicle production and logistics in Europe amid market forces, Chinese OEMs and tariff shifts

The European automotive market is at an inflection point. Lower vehicle volumes post-pandemic, a shift from net exports to net imports and the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers are fundamentally changing the region’s logistics dynamics. Meanwhile, tariffs and localisation efforts are altering trade flows. As automakers and logistics providers adapt, the success of their strategies will determine who thrives in this new era of European automotive supply chains.

Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley warns of serious financial impact on auto sector if Trump tariffs persist

[Updated February 11] Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley used its Q4 earnings call last week to warn that any extended use of tariffs on automotive products from Canada and Mexico would have a huge adverse impact on the entire value system of the US automotive industry. He drove home the warnings at this week’s Wolfe Research Auto, Auto Tech and Semiconductor Conference in New York.

BYD and other Chinese OEMs accelerate vertical integration with dedicated ro-ro fleets for global vehicle exports

Chinese OEM BYD has added a new vessel to its fleet, with the BYD Shenzhen ro-ro car carrier having undocked earlier this month.

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.

BYD continues international expansion with plant in Indonesia due to come online by end of 2025

As part of its international EV manufacturing drive, BYD is building a plant in Indonesia which is due to be complete by the end of 2025.

Polestar widens global production locations to include Europe for electric SUV from 2027

Polestar is looking at Europe to build its next premium compact SUV and will expand sales to France this summer using agency model distribution.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Continental to make Automotive a separate European company and sell OESL business

Continental is spinning off its Automotive business unit and selling the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business of ContiTech as it looks for greater flexibility in responding to automotive market trends

Kjell Gruner takes over as head of VW Group of America; Henning Habicht to lead operations at Chattanooga

Kjell Gruner is now president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA), while Henning Habicht has been promoted to lead operations at the carmaker’s Chattanooga plant.

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

German Association of the Automotive Industry has published a new auditing standard for logistics – VDA 6.8 Process Audit Supply Chain

The VDA’s Logistics Committee chairman, Simon Motter, who is head of Volkswagen Group Logistics, said the new VDA auditing standard addresses the importance of smooth supply chain processes for the entire automotive industry

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.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks delivers first eActros 600 units to transport customers and announces upgrades to Wörth plant charging infrastructure

Mercedes-Benz Trucks will provide eActros 600 trucks to its own logistics providers from Q2 next year and is supporting emission-free inbound logistics with upgraded charging infrastructure at the Wörth plant in Germany

Hyundai working with Glovis America on Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck rollout at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America

Hyundai Motor Group is working with Glovis America on the use of Xcient hydrogen fuel cell trucks for inbound logistics operations at its EV metaplant in the US

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.

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

The UK government is set to review its ZEV mandate, while Stellantis looks to close its plant in Vauxhall

The UK government is fast-tracking a consultation on ending the sales of new ICE vehicles by 2030, due to the UK automotive industry’s grievances about the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

Daimler Truck is making the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 at Wörth assembly plant in Germany with inbound parts from Gaggenau, Kassel and Mannheim

Daimler Truck is using flexible assembly, inbound electric trucks and clean manufacturing to make the long-haul Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 at its Wörth plant in Germany.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s creativity is helping solve its supply chain problems in Mexico

Raúl Gamboa, director of material and transport control, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi talks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about BMW’s creative innovations to mitigate supply chain problems in Mexico.

‘Performing while transforming’ BMW's logistics in Spartanburg: Special series

In the first of our special focus on the logistics for the carmaker’s largest vehicle plant, VP of logistics Oliver Bilstein explains how BMW is investing in digitalisation, space and people to manage complexity, prepare for electrification and mitigate capacity shortages in the US.

Aston Martin partners with EV specialist Lucid for battery systems

Aston Martin Lagonda is set to use luxury electric vehicle (EV) specialist Lucid Group’s battery and electrical supply systems as part of its new EV platform.

ACC opens gigafactory in France, first of a “colossal project”

Automotive Cells Company (ACC) has officially opened the first of three planned European battery gigafactories in Billy-Berclau, Douvrin, France.

Freyr Battery to launch test production in Norway

Freyr Battery is inaugurating lithium-ion battery production on its demonstration line in Mo i Rana, Norway in March this year.

Building a blueprint for battery logistics at PowerCo

As PowerCo sets up battery cell production for VW Group, its logistics organisation, led by Matthias Braun, has set out a vision and framework that will take the best from automotive and chemical sectors, and forge a new benchmark in supply chain transparency and connectivity

An electric shock for VW Group’s supply chain in Europe

Volkswagen Group is investing €10 billion ($10.6 billion) to build a lithium battery gigafactory in Sagunto, Spain as it accelerates the localisation of battery production for its electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe. At this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain (ALSC) Europe conference, Matthias Braun, head of battery cell logistics at the VW brand, explained why the carmaker is investing more in European battery production and what that means for its logistics and supplier base.

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.

Carmakers ramp up plans for North American BEV manufacturing

As Europe develops an appetite for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with Volkswagen’s ID.3 even becoming the second-best selling car overall in December, North America continues to lag behind. Although it is unlikely to catch up to Europe any time soon, things are beginning to move when it comes to local manufacturing, with some major OEMs and some credible start-ups announcing big investments for new models.

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.

Battery consortiums and regional supply lie ahead for EV production

Battery production and supply have come a long way since Henrik Fisker founded his first EV company back in 2007, and he believes that building a price-competitive product now depends on establishing local production and less risky purchasing consortiums, write Daniel Harrison and Marcus Williams

Supplier network puts spotlight on Mini’s new plant in China