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.
Nissan and Stellantis supplier Marelli files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US The tier one supplier confirms it has applied for bankruptcy to continue operations while it looks to secure additional funding or buyout. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
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. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
North America’s vehicle handling ports are investing in strength to manage volatility Upgrades to port infrastructure through 2024 have given some of the top volume processors room for manoeuvre amid uncertainty. Marcus Williams
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. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
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 Marcus Williams
Red Sofa interview | JC Deville on how Toyota is driving digitalisation in vehicle logistics Toyota Motor Europe’s vice-president of supply chain, Jean-Christophe Deville, shares key insights on Toyota’s innovative projects aimed at enhancing vehicle logistics through digitalisation.
Navigating cross-border logistics challenges in complex automotive supply chains At this year’s ALSC Global 2024 conference an expert panel discussed mitigation strategies to ensure seamless international part flows in the face of infrastructure constraints, network disruption and a shifting regulatory landscape. Daniel Harrison reports Daniel Harrison
Digital tools that deliver optimised and sustainable networks The adoption of digital technology has accelerated in the last five years to manage complexity, provide greater visibility and drive sustainable change. Four leading providers of that technology explained some of their most recent developments at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany – Alps Alpine, FedEx, FreightVerify and s2 data & algorithms. Marcus Williams
Red Sofa Interview: Why Toyota Motor Europe isn’t looking for flexibility Jean Christophe Deville, vice-president of supply chain at Toyota Motor Europe said he isn’t looking for flexibility in his logistics partners, and is instead looking for forecasting capabilities.
Revving up supply chains: A digital leap for resilience and transparency In the wake of recent global disruptions, Europe’s leading carmakers and tier-one suppliers are harnessing advanced digital technologies to fortify their supply chains. These innovations aim to increase transparency, cultivate trust and mitigate losses, ensuring a more secure and efficient future for the automotive industry. Simon Warburton reports Simon Warburton
‘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. Christopher Ludwig
Material mission impossible: digital control of BMW’s inbound logistics BMW has enhanced material planning and control systems for its Spartanburg plant across JIS, JIT and global flows, in close collaboration with Munich and partners in North America. Christopher Ludwig
Knowing where to be lean and where to be robust in GM’s supply chain GM has pursued multiple strategies to increase resilience, from strategic inventory buffers to increasing localisation in North America, according to purchasing chief Jeff Morrison. Christopher Ludwig
Europe needs to take charge of its battery supply chain Vehicle makers have some ambitious goals to make their products and operations emission-free in line with strict government legislation on carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the European automotive industry is lagging a long way behind China in supporting that transition with a localised lithium-ion battery industry. Now it has little time left to meet the exponential demand for EV batteries expected in the coming decade. Marcus Williams
Building vehicle supply chains fit for a digital world The automotive industry now has the opportunity to reorganise the delivery of a more standardised choice of vehicle supported by the digital revolution in retail. However, there needs to be significant investment by the retailers and more centralised control by the carmakers to ensure the outbound supply chain is more robust, agile, effective and efficient, writes Ben Waller Ben Waller
Watch: Just-in-time for a new era – can supply chains become more resilient and still stay lean? Toyota’s Leon van der Merwe makes it clear that lean and just-in-time principles are as relevant for the OEM today as ever. But hear why for aspects of the approach are changing both for Toyota, 3PL Ceva and data systems expert E2Open.
Toyota’s tried and tested approach to disruption Supply chain disruption has been in the headlines for a couple of years now. There seems to be a different problem on a daily basis and they seem to be come from all points of the compass. Brexit disruption, Covid lockdowns, parts and labour shortages, war or extreme weather events, as seen in the recent floods in South Africa, have come one after the other. Marcus Williams
A shift in priorities for the supply chain Supply chain logistics has taken centre stage as the automotive sector fights for recovery in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. Jason Dunn reports on the advances made in digital applications designed to tackle disruption and why stronger partnerships are every bit as important as the technology being used Jason Dunn
Real-time visibility platforms keep automotive supply chains moving The global automotive market is competitive and volatile, and manufacturers and OEMs were already under pressure thanks to new market challengers such as Tesla, and consumer preferences shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs). Andreas Seide
Why just-in-time will remain the way forward for Toyota Leon van der Merwe is leading inbound, outbound and service parts logistics for Toyota Motor Europe. At this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe Live conference he told Christopher Ludwig about the carmaker’s strategy to modernise just-in-time and make Toyota’s logistics more sustainable Marcus Williams Christopher Ludwig
