Tag: inventory management

Automotive logistics and supply chains in 2025: Tariff turmoil, investment uncertainty and further cost pressures

The automotive industry is reeling from the US’s hugely disruptive reset of the world economic order, and this will have profound ramifications for logistics providers around the world.

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.

Chandan Trehan of Bosch North America on failing correctly and ensuring digital fluency

Leveraging failure can be paramount to success, especially when adopting new digital processes and tools, Trehan says.

Stellantis centralises service parts distribution in Ellesmere Port, UK

The newly built facility will distribute 4m spare parts a year to a network of nearly 1,000 service centres via 19 regional hubs.

John Godfrey at Pirelli Tire on incorporating next-gen digital management systems

Upgrades focusing on cost control, improved ROI and predictive capabilities are at the core of Pirelli Tire North America’s digitalisation strategy. John Godfrey takes to the Red Sofa to explan the supplier’s adoption of advanced data collection and management processes.

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.

Accuride’s Skotti Fietsam on increased collaboration between logistics and IT teams

Skotti Fietsam, senior vice president, supply chain and CIO at Accuride, sat down on the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies North America to share her insights into how teams in both fields can collaborate, as well as the importance of digital tools in compliance and supply chain mapping.

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025 – Day two

Watch the wrap up of day two from the second annual Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025

Nissan’s Gerardo de la Torre on using digital tools to improve supply chain visibility

The regional senior director of SCM on how Nissan has implemented its supplier visibility platform, and how he foresees it developing.

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.

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.

Vehicle throughput remains steady at Vancouver but is expected to increase when Annacis VPC opens

Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports have affected volumes through the Canadian port of Vancouver but vehicle sales in Canada are up and imports from Mexico have remained consistent.

Trump tariffs back on following appeal of US Trade Court's block

Trump has appealed a decision made by US court that blocked his ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, ruling he lacked authority under emergency powers to impose reciprocal trade measures.

Toyota is considering moving production of the GR Corolla from Japan to the UK

While the news is not yet official, sources say that Toyota will add an additional production line to its Burnaston plant to try and meet demand for the sports model. If the move goes ahead, production is expected to begin mid-2026.

Stellantis to open Metro Detroit Megahub for Mopar parts distribution in Michigan in 2027

Stelllantis is opening a Mopar service parts megahub in Van Buren Township in 2027 that will use the Autostore automated storage and retrieval system.

Ceva Logistics using Stradot conveyor robots for vehicle handling at Nanteuil-le-Haudouin facility

Ceva Logistics will start using automated robot conveyors to move vehicles at its distribution yard in Nanteuil-le-Haudouin from September this year.

Panattoni completes work on Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Centre

[Updated May 27] Mercedes-Benz is ready to open its International Consolidation Centre in Germany, which will bundle and preassemble parts for distribution to its global production locations.

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.

US automotive import tariffs hit prices and aggravate consumer uncertainty, says National Automobile Dealers Association

The combined impact of vehicle and parts import tariffs could cut production and sales forecasts in the US this year, according to figures from the National Automobile Dealers Association, with consumer spending and manufacturing investment revised.

Reimagining Finished Vehicle Logistics: Highlights from FVL North America 2025

Watch all the highlights from #FVLNA 2025.

Reimagining Finished Vehicle Logistics: Key Themes from Day 1 at FVL North America 2025

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics, wraps up the first full day of sessions at Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025. From regional strategies to VIN-level visibility, he reflects on how the sector is reimagining itself in the face of continuous disruption, evolving partnerships and rising quality expectations.

FVL North America 2025 opens with optimism, strategy and connection amid trade uncertainty

Christopher Ludwig shares insights from the welcome drinks reception of FVL North America 2025, as the vehicle logistics sector tackles tariffs, technology and transformation.

Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 Golf day

Red Sofa interview | Toyota Motor Europe’s head of parts supply chain shares approach to complex service parts demands

Toyota’s approach to service parts logistics is focused on reliability and efficiency, ensuring dealers always have the right parts at the right time. Karel Verpoorten outlines how Toyota is adapting to evolving market demands with a flexible, customer-first strategy.

Red Sofa interview | Renault’s Jean-Marc Carlicchi on AI, control towers and reshaping supply chain strategy with digital visibility and smarter planning

Discover how Renault is boosting resilience and dynamic planning with AI-driven control towers for inbound and outbound logistics.

Kuehne + Nagel consolidates cross-dock services with doubled capacity on US-Mexico border

Kuehne + Nagel is helping customers navigate the complex demands of nearshoring at a time of tariff threats in North America from a new consolidate cross-dock in Laredo, Texas.

Smurfit Kappa’s compact bumper packaging solution halves truckloads, cuts emissions, and streamlines assembly for automotive suppliers

Automotive suppliers can replace their existing bumper packaging with a compact solution halves truckloads, reduces emissions, and saves storage space. At the same time, an automatic floor speeds up assembly.

ILA and USMX sign six-year Master Contract securing wage increases and controls on automation

In the latest development in the dispute between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), both parties have reached an agreement on a new six-year master agreement, subject to review and ratification by members on both sides.

ALSC Europe 2025 - Highlights video

ALSC Europe 2025: Conference Day 2 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics closes out the final day of the ALSC Europe 2025 conference in Bonn…

ALSC Europe 2025: Conference Day 1 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer at Automotive Logistics, takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe exclusive Networking Dinner after a full day packed with cutting-edge insights, insightful discussions, and networking…

ALSC Europe 2025: Welcome Cocktail Reception

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer at Automotive Logistics and Ultima Media, takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe exclusive Welcome Coctkail Reception and discusses key agenda topics fo this year’s event…

Port Freeport strengthens automotive logistics with record growth, new infrastructure, and multimodal connections

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Port FreeportWith soaring vehicle and container volumes, Port Freeport is investing in capacity, multimodal links and nearshoring-driven growth.

How smarter packaging design is becoming a competitive advantage in autonomous automotive logistics

Packaging has historically been a siloed aspect of the automotive supply chain that hasn’t evolved in pace with the rest of the industry, but evolution from the status quo could be forced to take place, as existing packaging is not compatible with logistics automation. Automotive Logistics explores why the industry needs to start viewing packaging as a strategic function, and how it could give OEMs a competitive advantage through increasing efficiency and sustainability.

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.

Automotive OEMs are slashing costs amid margin squeeze and market shifts in 2025

The automotive supply chain is in constant flux, and this year it’s facing many growing challenges. Following on from our reporting of key automotive logistics trends for 2025, we are diving deeper into the cost pressures OEMs are facing, and how they are cost-cutting across their operations and supply chain to reduce the financial pressure.

VW Group moves more than 1.2m vehicles through German port of Emden in 2024; almost 5% down on previous year

Volkswagen Group imported and exported 1.2m vehicles through Emden port in 2024, including 419,000 battery electric vehicles and hybrids, and is bringing in a new dock and yard management system.

Buelent Ileri moves to global sales and operations planning (S&OP), supply chain and logistics at AGCO

Buelent Ileri recently expanded his scope at the global agricultural equipment manufacturer, bringing a strong focus on digitalisation and planning to AGCO’s global supply chain operations.

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.

Volkswagen Group appoints Holger Bätz as its head of supply chain development for the After Sales division

Holger Bätz has moved from OTLG to become VW Group’s head of supply chain development for the After Sales division.

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.

Join BMW, Tesla, JLR, and more at ALSC Europe 2025 in Bonn for key automotive logistics insights

Europe’s premier automotive logistics and supply chain conference returns to Bonn this 18-20 March.

Hyundai offers customers option to browse and buy on Amazon Autos website

[Updated January 16] Hyundai has become the first carmaker to start using Amazon Autos’ online service to sell its vehicles to customers in the US.

Ford unexpectedly drops Jack Cooper mid-contract, with Teamsters union urging OEM to reconsider

Ford has unexpectedly ended its agreement with North American vehicle hauler Jack Cooper mid-contract.

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.

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

Stellantis appoints Tammy Ruelland and Maya Tumilowski to lead vehicle logistics and fleet operations in North America

Tammy Ruelland has replaced Jon Schwartz as director of finished vehicle logistics in North America at Stellantis, with Maya Tumilowski leading the carmaker’s in-house trucking and haulaway companies, FCAT and ATS. The regional supply chain division now reports to Scott Thiele, who also leads commercial performance and emissions.

Nissan has a partnership with scenario planning provider Anaplan to digitalise business optimisation in Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania

Nissan’s has set up a strategic partnership with Anaplan to digitalise the vehicle flow process from production to sales

Using data to assess automotive supply chain risk relies on cross-functional coordination and convincing the board

Risk and complexity go hand in hand in the automotive supply chain but knowing how to manage the consequences of disruption with accurate data can mean the difference between success and failure, according to speakers from JLR, Daimler Truck and Celonis at this year’s ALSC Digital Strategies Europe conference.

Kristy MacGregor replaces Rory Hepner as director of vehicle logistics and customs operations at Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA has appointed Kristy MacGregor director of vehicle logistics and customs operations following the departure of Rory Hepner.

Jean-Christophe Deville on digital strategies in Toyota Motor Europe’s mega hub

Toyota Motor Europe’s digitalisation strategy involves collaboration, precision and leveraging its mega hub to move into performance mode.

Carlos Tavares resigns at time of critical decision-making for the carmaker

The departure of Carlos Tavares as CEO of Stellantis has left the carmaker looking for new leader at a critical time.

Volkswagen union workers in Germany launch warning strike, threatening VW’s supply chain

Thousands of Volkswagen workers at nine of the OEM’s factories in Germany have begun rolling two-hour strikes after the carmaker announced plans to close at least three factories in the country.

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.

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.

How Trump’s promised tariffs on Mexico and Canada could threaten the North American auto supply chain

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all goods being imported into the country from Mexico and Canada, deepening fears for the automotive industry in North America and threatening the trend of nearshoring.

Red Sofa | Adapting vehicle logistics: Carlos Eudave on building resilient networks for Nissan Mexico

Nissan Mexico’s head of FVL, Carlos Eudave, took to the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico 2024.

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.

How Nissan is reinventing supply chain partnerships in a nearshoring era: Red Sofa insights from Dayan León, parts logistics subdirector

Dayan León, parts logistics subdirector at Nissan Motor Corporation, shares how nearshoring is reshaping partnerships in the automotive supply chain, highlighting the importance of trust, flexibility, and digitalisation in building resilient logistics strategies for the future.

Mexico needs a long-term framework of certainty to make good on its future as North America’s automotive hub

The majority of Mexico’s vehicle and parts output goes to the wider North American market and that demand is increasing, but to keep up with that demand automotive companies need to work more closely with the government to improve infrastructure and security, according to speakers at the tenth Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference.

Volkswagen extends Unipart contract to include SAP Enterprise Warehouse Management across service parts network in UK

Volkswagen Group has signed a two-year contract with Unipart Signite to support its SAP Enterprise Warehouse Management rollout for service parts distribution in the UK.

GPA reports increased vehicle and equipment handling at Brunswick port in the fiscal year to October

The port of Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island ro-ro terminal has increased finished vehicle and equipment volumes by 10.6% in the fiscal year to October.

Frank Göller explains how Catena-X is making manufacturing logistics processes more efficient and resilient

Catena-X, the worldwide initiative to create an open data-sharing network, has moved into a new phase of international development. Audi’s head of digital strategy and portfolio management for production and logistics, Frank Göller, is head of internationalisation at the Catena-X association. He explains to Automotive Logistics how developing global standards for cross-border data exchange will make manufacturing logistics processes more efficient and resilient.

Day 2 highlights and conference wrap-up: Digital transformation and talent development take centre stage

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics closes out the final day of the ALSC Mexico 2024 conference in Mexico City…

ALSC Mexico 2024: Investment in nearshoring continues in Mexico’s automotive supply chain

At this year’s Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico conference, automotive logistics experts voted on the trends they’re seeing in nearshoring, investment, operations and opportunities for growth in the Mexican supply chain.

Failure to find viable rescue plan means Audi’s troubled plant in Brussels will close in February 2025

Audi’s troubled Brussels plant which makes the Q8 e-tron will close in February next year after the carmaker’s failure to find a substitute investor.

Day 1 highlights: Logistics leaders tackle Mexico’s supply chain challenges at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico 2024

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico exclusive gala dinner after a full day packed with cutting-edge insights, insightful discussions, and networking…

Stellantis and B-Parts distribute Sustainera reconditioned service parts in North America

Stellantis has expanded its remanufactured service parts range in North America, now offering 1m reconditioned parts across 35 product lines. This expansion, launched six months ago in partnership with B-Parts, aims to provide faster shipping, a six-month warranty, and lower-cost alternatives to new parts.

Better visibility supported by digital technology makes for a more resilient supply chain at Brose Group

Uncloaking blind spots in the automotive supply chain requires a continuous and collaborative strategy aimed at greater scrutiny of inventory management, transport and manufacturing processes, supported by the latest digital tools, according to Agnieszka Kubiak, senior vice-president logistics at Brose Group.

Toyota inaugurates vehicle mega hub in Czech Republic with support from Ceva Logistics

Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) new €17m ($18m) mega hub in Kolín, Czech Republic, now processes up to 350,000 vehicles annually, streamlining pre-delivery customisation. With integrated rail links, the hub also helps TME reduce carbon emissions, supporting its sustainability goals over previous logistics models.

A digital transformation at Seat Martorell

Seat is working to enhance its Martorell assembly plant and integrating advanced digital technologies in what it describes as the biggest transformation in its history. Automotive Logistics talks to its logistics director Enric Martí

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.

Mexico now seventh largest auto producer with 3.8m vehicles made and exporting 3.3m units globally

There is a high demand for the parts supplied by Mexicoʼs tier one suppliers, with 87% production going for export, making it a powerhouse for the wider North American automotive market. Automotive Logistics talks to some of the leaders about maintaining a resilient supply chain.

GM’s “act as one team” philosophy is redefining supplier partnerships and strengthening internal culture

Heather Latham is uniting General Motors’ (GM) production and customer care operations to create a more integrated, customer-focused supply chain, reshaping its approach to both manufacturing and aftersales service.

VW’s Paulo Monteiro tackles “super extra complexity” with strategic matrix amid supply chain disruptions

VW Group of America is tackling the complexity of supply chain disruptions with a flexible matrix of strategies, including commodities multiple sourcing, multiple product assembly capabilities and a strong, resilient and diverse workforce.

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.

ALSC Digital Strategies Europe 2024 set to return to Munich

More than 200 automotive supply chain and logistics leaders are set to gather for Europe’s premier automotive digital supply chain conference, providing insights into the latest best practice in digital advancements for the industry.

Stellantis, GKN Automotive partner with logistics providers to mitigate disruption

At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global, logistics leaders from Stellantis and GKN Automotive shared they are partnering with providers and suppliers to de-risk the supply chain.

Red Sofa Interview | Iván Dávila, Nissan on scaling automation in inbound logistics

Nissan’s Iván Dávila discusses logistics automation, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and the importance of team engagement in optimizing inbound logistics…

Red Sofa Interview | Sid Philar, Lucid Motors on forging win-win partnerships

Lucid Motors’ Sid Philar takes to the Red Sofa to discuss how to build and promote trust in the automotive logistics and supply chain, through effective partnerships, investments and leadership

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…

ALSC Global 2024: Day 2 wrap-up and conference close

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer, Automotive Logistics closes out the final day of the ALSC Global 2024 conference in Dearborn, Michigan

ALSC Global 2024: Conference Day 1 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer, Automotive Logistics takes us on a river cruise in Detroit after day one of the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2024 conference…

ALSC Global 2024: Cocktail reception wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig takes us behind the scenes at ALSC Global 2024…

GKN Automotive’s, Mair, on navigating supply chain turbulence with people and technology

GKN Automotive adapts to supply chain challenges by prioritising people and flexibility, enhancing logistics across the automotive industry, and leveraging data to ensure agility and sustainability.

How GM is boosting resiliency through predictive AI tools

On day two of ALSC Global 2024 David Leich, executive director, Global Supply Chain at GM took to the stage to discuss the roadmap for connected and predictive supply chains.

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!

Continental starts work on tyre distribution centre in Dallas-Fort Worth

Continental has started construction of its first fully owned tyre distribution centre in the US. The tier one supplier said the $69m facility in the Dallas-Fort-Worth Metroplex in Texas will improve services for customers.

GM halts assembly at Fort Wayne because of supply problem

GM is pausing production at its Fort Wayne Assembly plant in Indiana for one week from September 23 because of “a temporary supply-chain issue” according to the carmaker.

DP World’s strategic vision for finished vehicle logistics

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with DP WorldPutting cars in containers has proven to be a valuable alternative to capacity-strapped ro-ro and multilevel rail transport and it is just one way that DP World is enhancing service capabilities for its automotive customers, writes Christoph Seitz, global vice-president of finished vehicles.

Shopping and shipping with Volkswagen in Emden

Volkswagen’s Mirko Bührmann appears to have a clear and simple order. The logistics planner has only written down three things on his shopping list: Nutella, two jars, Mett (raw pork), five portions, and hard cheese, also five portions. However, the ’supermarket’ Bührmann is shopping in is in fact his professional home – VW’s assembly plant in Emden, northwest Germany. This is where he coordinates orders for small parts.

GM collaborates with Hyundai on sourcing and production

GM has signed an agreement with Hyundai Motor to collaborate on vehicle and engine production, including electric and hydrogen technologies. The two carmakers said they will also review combined sourcing of battery materials and steel.

How process-mining in the automotive supply chain drives efficiency

The automotive supply chain has been adopting digital technologies to improve visibility, particularly in the finished vehicle logistics (FVL) sector, helping to speed up deliveries and keep costs at a minimum.

Director of vehicle logistics and customs operations, Rory Hepner, retires after 33 years of dedicated service with Mercedes-Benz USA

Rory Hepner, director of vehicle logistics and customs operations, is retiring from Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) after 33 years. Hepner leaves behind a legacy of exceptional leadership, centred on developing people and teams, and contributions that have shaped key operations, such as the West Coast Campus and the VOIS sales system.

David D’Annunzio joins DP World to lead automotive logistics

DP World has appointed David D’Annunzio global vice-president and vertical lead for automotive logistics. He replaces Bill Garrett who established the global automotive vertical at DP World and has built a solid foundation for future growth, according to the company.

Alex Krichel to take over Automobile and Contract divisions at BLG

Alex Krichel will take over from Matthias Magnor as chief operating officer (COO) for BLG Logistics’ Automobile and Contract divisions from January 1 next year. Magnor is moving to the role of CEO of the BLG Group, taking over from Frank Dreeke.

From supply chain stockpiles to customisation

After adapting to the disruptions caused by Covid while still navigating the transition to battery EVs, the automotive industry faces a new challenge: meeting modern consumer expectations, writes Dorothy Ashford of ITS Logistics

Canada rail strikes live blog: Authority orders arbitration between Teamsters and rail companies

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union has appealed against the arbitration that ended the work stoppage at CN and CPKC

BMW Group rotates logistics leads as Ulrich Wieland will lead in Spartanburg and Oliver Bilstein leads overseas supply

Dr Ulrich Wieland will lead logistics and production control for BMW’s Spartanburg plant, as Oliver Bilstein takes over overseas supply, responsible for consolidation and packaging across global kits and parts shipments.

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.

Michael Schad leads Toyota North America service parts supply chain after Mike Schober retires

Since late spring this year, Schad oversees Toyota’s service parts and accessory supply chain in North America with a strong focus on delivery speed and automation. Mike Schober has retired after 25 years with Toyota and drastically reducing order-to-delivery times for dealer part orders.

Marcio Lucon brings cross-functional view to GM’s global logistics; Renee Wawrzynski retires with legacy of partnerships

Lucon will take over as the new head of logistics and containersation after driving enterprise change in South America. Wawrzynski retires after helping restore logistics stability, and signing long-term agreements with LSPs, especially North American rail providers.

How manufacturers like Toyota and Forvia ensure digital interoperability in the automotive supply chain

OEMs and logistics firms are finding interoperability and integration of digital tools across the end-to-end supply chain challenging, according to industry leaders at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024, held in Nashville, Tennessee.

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.

Red Sofa Interview | Toyota’s David Herb on the future of AI in supply and demand planning

At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, David Herb, Business Insights and Strategy manager, Demand and Supply Management, Toyota North America took to the Red Sofa to talk about the benefits and opportunities of AI in supply and demand forecasting.

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.

Stellantis revenue and profits fall in ‘challenging’ automotive market

Stellantis’ revenue and profits have dropped in the first half of the year, with the OEM blaming a “challenging industry context” and a product blitz underway. Meanwhile, its CEO has triggered a “strategic review” of UK business because of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

Digital Catapult launches online supply chain hub for problem-solving innovation

Digital Catapult, the UK technology innovator that brings together government, industry and academia, has launched a platform designed to facilitate collaboration between manufacturers and technology providers across the country.

Solar power for Daimler Truck’s Halberstadt global PDC

Daimler Truck is fitting photovoltaic modules to the roof of the new global parts distribution centre (PDC) it is building in Halberstadt, Germany. Having already covered 30,000 sq.m (12%), the solar panel system will eventually cover 90% of a total roof area around 250,000 sq.m. It is expected to generate more than 20m kWh of electricity per year. Surplus energy will be fed into the grid.

Global IT outage affects ports in US, Europe and Africa

The global IT outage that hit industries across the world today has affected ports and airports across the US, Europe, Africa and more, causing problems for the automotive supply chain globally.

Red Sofa Interview | Nissan’s Gerardo de la Torre on cyber security and digital action plans for automotive supply chains

At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, keynote speaker Gerardo de la Torre took to the Red Sofa to talk about Nissan’s digitalisation strategy and its next steps.

Gerardo de la Torre: Digital shift ‘absolutely necessary’ for Nissan’s supply chain

Nissan Group of North America has been restructuring to prioritise integrated digitalisation across its business units, to improve visibility and data analytics while remaining compliant and cyber-secure.

Audi debates future of Brussels plant as Q8 e-tron orders drop

Audi is considering the early closure of its Brussels assembly plant and the restructuring of the site. A decline in demand for the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron, which are made there, comes on top of long-standing structural challenges at the Brussels site along with high logistics costs, according to the carmaker. That has made production costs higher for the Brussels plant compared to other sites.

Muthu Maruthachalam heads operations and logistics at DICV

Muthu Maruthachalam C will take over as president and chief of operations and logistics at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) in August this year. He replaces chief operating officer Anshum Jain, who left the Daimler Truck subsidiary in April.

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.

Red Sofa Interview | Bosch’s Chandan Trehan on the need for open, digital, agile mindsets

At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, Trehan took to the Red Sofa to discuss the importance of openness, trust and agility in the workforce during the digital transformation of the supply chain.

Red Sofa Interview | Vinturas’ Ronald Kleijwegt on interoperability and private blockchain in automotive logistics

At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, Kleijwegt took to the Red Sofa to discuss the importance of interoperability in the digitalisation of the supply chain, and the barriers that can come into play.

Red Sofa Interview: Skotti Fietsam on calculating ROI of digitalisation for Accuride’s supply chain

At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, the head of supply chain for tier one supplier of wheels for commercial vehicles, Accuride, took to the Red Sofa to discuss how to calculate hard and soft savings and return on investment for digital technologies.