Six OEMs join AIAG in requiring additional forced labour due diligence from suppliers For the first time, six leading carmakers with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) have come together in a joint letter to require suppliers to complete new forced labour due diligence. Megan Kelly
Vehicle imports to Vietnam increase in first half of 2025 Vietnam’s automotive imports are on track to set a new record in 2025, with customs data showing a sharp rise in volumes and value as domestic production and global trade flows drive increased supply chain activity. Marcus Williams
US reaches trade deal with Japan, puts 93% tariff on Chinese graphite The US has struck a trade deal with Japan, reducing the threatened tariff rate of 25% on goods imported to the US to 15%, providing Japan invests $550 billion in the US. Megan Kelly
Actions taken by OEMs to curb effects of tariffs Since January, OEMs have been making strategic decisions to reshape their supply chains to mitigate against the effects of US president Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade shifts. Megan Kelly James McLoughlin
Supplier index: Toyota on top, Stellantis sinks lower Toyota, Honda and GM improve supplier relations as Ford and Stellantis fall further in North America’s OEM rankings. Megan Kelly
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
Transforming automotive logistics: Key insights from ALSC DS Europe 2024 day 1 Catch the key moments from Day 1 in Munich! From diversity and talent forums to cutting-edge AI and robotics, we explored how innovation is transforming the automotive supply chain.
Mexico’s port and rail network has improved since the failures in 2023 with expanded terminals and tracks Veracruz port has dealt with last year’s congestion problems by adding capacity for more than 30,000 vehicles and there have also been improvements to previously disrupted rail services, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference 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 leads sales hike in Ukraine ahead of war tax Ukrainian finished vehicle imports and sales have been booming in recent months, partly in anticipation of the 15% war tax, which is planned for introduction in September this year and could badly affect the market. Automotive Logistics
Red Sofa Interview | Logen Lytle, Honda on organisational change to enable supply chain digitalisation At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, Logen Lytle, Operations Technology lead at Honda took to the Red Sofa to talk about organisational change and restructuring business units to enable and enhance digitalisation in the automotive supply chain.
Communication is critical when managing organisational change The demand for digital technology to manage risk and build in resiliency to the automotive supply chain has accelerated since the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic and the consequent semiconductor shortage. That technological adoption is also driving organisational change at the carmakers and tier suppliers, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Marcus Williams
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.
ALSC Digital Strategies North America: Recap blog Follow our recap blog below for key highlights and knowledge shared at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024, which focused on digitalising North America’s end-to-end automotive supply chain. Following the event in Nashville on 26-27 June, we will continue sharing news and features that relate to the speakers and companies involved in the event. Keep following the blog, as we will share videos straight from the main stage and the Red Sofa at the event! Automotive Logistics
Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America - Day one wrap-up As Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024 kicks off for the first time ever, join us to take a look at all the inspiring content of the day. From discussions on organisational and supply chain transformation, to risk-sensing and increasing visibility through digital tools.
Sharing risk drives supplier relations for GM, Stellantis, Honda, Nissan The key driver in improving supplier relations is sharing risk and cost in an equitable way, according to an annual study by Plante Moran. Megan Kelly
Honda begins vehicle exports from India to Japan Honda is now exporting its Elevate mid-size SUV from India to Japan via the port of Pipavav. The Elevate went on sale in Japan badged with the brand name WR-V last month and so far around 6,800 models have been delivered. It is the first time Honda has exported a model made in India to Japan. Marcus Williams
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
Suppliers Partnership for the Environment publishes latest guidance on expendable packaging The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) has published new guidelines to help OEMs and their suppliers source sustainable packaging designs for use in expendable packaging. Marcus Williams
Red Sofa Interview: Honda’s dynamic logistics routing in US a breakthrough in flexibility Dan Pace, transportation unit leader at Honda in the US, sits on the Red Sofa to discuss how the OEM has made its inbound logistics routing more agile to actual demand, and improved part-level visibility.
Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global: Recap Follow our recap blog below to get the most important insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Detroit. Megan Kelly
Suppliers demand OEM accountability on EV plans to support supply chain investment Suppliers need “commitment and accountability” from OEMs across departments on EV strategy and purchasing, according to a major North America OEM-supplier relations index Megan Kelly
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. Marcus Williams
Mamadou Diallo to lead national operations at American Honda Mamadou Diallo is taking over as executive vice-president of national operations at American Honda Motor in April this year, replacing Dave Gardner who is retiring from the carmaker. Marcus Williams
The swing of the post-Covid pendulum If the Covid pandemic and the consequent supply chain disruption has taught the North American finished vehicle sector anything, it is that better communication and stronger partnerships are essential to for a competitive and connected future. Dennis Manns, executive vice-president of North Motors Group talks to Automotive Logistics Hazel Southwell Marcus Williams
LG and Honda formalise joint battery venture for North American supply Honda and LG have formalised their joint battery venture, which was first announced in August 2022, with a view to build a brand new North American facility to provide EV batteries for Honda’s production there, creating over 2000 jobs. Hazel Southwell
US DoE announces $2.5 billion loan to accelerate Ultium Cells plants The US Department of Energy (DoE) has confirmed a $2.5 billion loan for the Ultium Cells battery joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution. The money will go toward construction costs on three battery factories in Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee that will supply GM’s electric vehicle (EV) assembly lines in North America. Hazel Southwell
Global automotive outlook: no return to normal Leading analyst Joe McCabe shares insight on the key trends shaping the market, including EV forecasts, semiconductors and OEMs’ inventory and business models.
George Grahovac leaves Honda for global consulting role George Grahovac has left Honda Development and Manufacturing of America for a senior consultant role at Ernst and Young Global Consulting. Marcus Williams
The benefits of a better pack mentality As a members of the Supplier Partnership for the Environment association, carmaker GM and parts supplier Magna International have been helping to push forward a more sustainable and cost-effective use of packaging for parts shipments Marcus Williams
Honda joins GM, Stellantis in US battery joint ventures with LG Honda has become the latest OEM to partner with Korean battery giant LG to build lithium battery capacity for electric vehicle (EV) production the US, after announcing a joint investment of $4.4 billion and a new joint venture, expected to be finalised by the end of 2022. Hazel Southwell
Blueprints for the rebound at North America’s vehicle ports Crisis management has become normalised for the automotive industry over two years of supply chain disruption but the North American vehicle-handling ports have withstood volatility and invested in a more sustainable recovery Marcus Williams
Suppliers Partnership releases updated guidance for automotive packaging The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) recently updated its guidance on sustainable packaging for automotive manufacturing operations. Marcus Williams
A gateway for growth in the Gulf Carmakers looking for a quick and cost-effective port to move their vehicle volumes in and out of the southern US have a new option at the port of Mobile on the Alabama coast, featuring a fully equipped terminal run by AutoMobile International Terminal
An ongoing crisis for terminal throughput Delays in the supply of parts and vehicles were seen as a Covid-19 hiccup after the first wave of the pandemic but microchip shortages compounded by shipping delays are prolonging the pain on both inbound and outbound trades, writes Malcolm Ramsey Malcolm Ramsay
IBM to integrate and manage Honda Europe’s finance and procurement Honda Motor Europe has recently signed a five-year agreement with IBM under which the consultancy plans to manage and run Honda’s finance and procurement operations across Europe. Marcus Williams
Localising the balance of power at GM GM is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to stated goals for electric and autonomous vehicle production in North America. Closer integration with its battery suppliers is key to success, as is its strategic alliance with Honda, writes Marcus Williams 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 Automotive Logistics
Building a better North American supply chain with Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen To cap off the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live conference, senior supply chain and logistics leaders discuss and debate the key challenges and opportunities defining their organisations’ pathway to success.
Accelerate to net zero in the supply chain Sustainability leaders from General Motors, Toyota, Honda and Kuehne and Nagel discuss how they are working together on common standards, actions and performance to better measure and reduce emissions in the global supply chain, including through The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment.
Greater visibility is a wonderful and challenging thing The ongoing disruption caused by the Covid pandemic has put the spotlight on the hidden world of supply chain and logistics organisation. At the same time, crisis management, which shows no signs of abating, has necessitated greater visibility within the supply chain itself, something that has accelerated the application of digital tools and highlighted the need to ditch slower and less flexible legacy systems. Marcus Williams
Data quality and collaboration key to sustainable future The automotive industry needs to move with a sense of urgency toward a more sustainable model of production because climate change is happening now. There is no time to lose in making good on sustainability goals, both in terms of the vehicle produced and the supply chain feeding its production. Marcus Williams
GM and Honda to share parts in joint EV development As part of plans first announced last year to jointly develop electric vehicles (EVs) for sale in North America, GM and Honda are reported to be sharing 50% of the parts being used in them. Marcus Williams
Driving home the reality of global market changes: Honda Swindon factory closure makes way for logistics site Typifying developments in both the global and domestic automotive industry, the shifting demand for electric vehicles has become the catalyst for the end of Honda production in the UK, which will be replaced with a new logistics site. However, amid a broader push to reduce carbon emissions, the British car industry is investing strongly in electrification. Jason Dunn
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. Marcus Williams
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. Illya Verpraet
OEM and lithium-ion battery cell supplier database Keep up with changing supplier relationships between electric vehicle manufacturers and battery cell suppliers in this database by powertrain type (battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, mild and full hybrid electric vehicles, and commercial electric vehicles). Automotive from Ultima Media
Changes in senior logistics roles at American Honda Alan Kwan has taken up a new role at American Honda Motor as assistant vice-president and division head for sales and logistics planning. Marcus Williams
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. Illya Verpraet
Good things come in sustainable packages Carmakers in the US are collaborating on more sustainable packaging and a new guidance document promises to promote a more environmental take on inbound logistics. Two of the carmakers involved – GM and Toyota – discuss the merits of the approach with Marcus Williams Marcus Williams
Semiconductor shortage will hit auto industry well into 2021 An ongoing shortage in semiconductor supply is disrupting production of parts and vehicles around the world. The supply bottleneck, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the impact of Covid-19 on production in the first half of 2020 and on manufacturing investment, is affecting a number of major carmakers and their suppliers. Marcus Williams
Sustainable packaging a priority for the automotive sector Carmakers and tier suppliers affiliated under the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) have published guidance on sustainable packaging aimed at reducing waste in the automotive sector and increasing the amount of packaging that can be recycled. Marcus Williams
Watch: Spotlight on a changing North American automotive supply chain In a panel discussion held during Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, leading experts and decision makers unpick the immense operational, market and trade changes happening across North America and how companies like Honda and Carter Logistics are adapting their processes and networks.
Watch: Livestream Hour Season Finale | Part 2: Update from North America with Honda and Benteler Don’t miss the last Livestream Hour episode this season as our guests provide insight on how the coronavirus crisis is currently affecting the supply chain in North America, featuring Hector Martinez from Honda de Mexico and Maxim Serov from global tier 1 Benteler. Wednesday July 29th at 9.30 EST | 14.30 BST | 15.30 CET
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 5 – Mexico Automotive Supply Chain in Focus In Episode 5 of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the key risks in the Mexican automotive supply chain, and strategies for successfully restarting manufacturing and supply chains, whilst preparing for USMCA implementation. With special guests from Volkswagen, the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and CNW. Hosted by editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig.
6 questions in 60 seconds…with George Grahovac George Grahovac, senior manager, Honda North America supply chain, talks welding, optimism and why Covid-19 provides an opportunity to be more efficient than ever Victoria Johns
A problem shared Packaging experts working across the automotive industry are continually looking for better visibility when tracking the container and its contents to the point of delivery and back. Tony Danby
Production & logistics part 4: Logistics organisations and skills How has your company’s supply chain and logistics management organisation changed over the past 20 years? Christopher Ludwig
Production & logistics part 3: Operations, packaging and IT How have supply chain operations for logistics changed over the past 20 years? Christopher Ludwig
Production & logistics part 2: Questioning the future This article is one of a series of pieces celebrating Automotive Logistics’ 20th anniversary issue that together take an extended look at the way top executives feel automotive production and logistics have changed in the last two decades – and where they see them heading in the future. Christopher Ludwig