Tag: lean logistics

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A five-year shift that’s making Stellantis’ aftersales faster, smarter and even more flexible

Stellantis charts an agile course for service parts and aftersales logistics overhaul

Overseeing one of the industry’s largest service parts and aftersales networks, James Parker Jr. of Stellantis is leading a multi-year transformation that fuses technology, consolidation and flexible delivery models to meet rising customer and market demands.

Emily Uwemedimo

Increasing lean logistics’ influence during a paradigm shift

In an era defined by disruption, the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2025 conference cast a spotlight on lean logistics as a stabilising force across the automotive value chain.

Megan Kelly

Watch: GM’s Marcio Lucon on agility, packaging strategy and EV logistics transformation

Marcio Lucon, executive director of global logistics and containers at General Motors, discusses how GM is embedding logistics early in decision-making, optimising packaging, adapting to EV growth and transforming aftersales supply chains.

Automotive Logistics

Editor's recap blog: The most important insights from ALSC Global

Following the 25th edition of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global, where industry leaders discussed the new supply chain paradigm of creating stability in an era of uncertainty, we'll be posting updates including Red Sofa interviews, analysis and features with the key insights from this year's event.

Megan Kelly

Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025: Download now

Download the inaugural Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025 for the definitive playbook to navigate disruption, cut through uncertainty and stay ahead of global competition.

Automotive Logistics

VW Group offers US localisation in tariff negotiations

VW Group is in advanced talks with the US government about making substantial investments in the US, as part of its ongoing negotiations for favourable tariffs.

Megan Kelly

Cross-border automotive freight consolidation to mitigate US tariffs

Logistics service provider CH Robinson is aiming to tackle the impact of higher US tariffs by consolidating freight in its cross-border logistics.

Megan Kelly

Inside the transformation putting logistics at the heart of GM’s growth strategy

How logistics has become key to GM’s growth and footprint

GM's executive director Marcio Lucon highlights how smarter investments, a resilient network and strategic alignment are reducing risk and boosting results.

Christopher Ludwig

Emily Uwemedimo

The leadership and strategy behind Volkswagen Group’s regional rise in South-East Asia

Volkswagen builds a bridge for ASEAN’s auto supply chain from Malaysia

Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Dr Susanne Lehmann speaks to Automotive Logistics about guiding the company’s regional strategy, using Malaysia as a base to build an integrated, future-ready footprint across South-East Asia, linked through enhanced logistics.

Emily Uwemedimo

Christopher Ludwig

VinFast secures funding for scaling operations

Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has secured funding for its restructuring plan to scale operations for the next 12-18 months with the spin off and sale of its research and development assets to its founder.

Megan Kelly

Lean machine: Top 10 Red Sofas on lean logistics

From multimodal innovation to AI-powered control towers, industry leaders share practical strategies for driving leaner, more resilient logistics operations – and reveal why efficiency is as much about mindset as it is about technology.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

JLR profits halve due to US tariffs

JLR’s profits before tax almost halved in the second quarter of this year compared to the same time in 2024, down from £693m to £351m, with an EBIT margin of 4%, due to the impact of the US tariffs.

Megan Kelly

US tariff changes: Visual map of key trade rates

Recent trade deals have been changing tariff rates for various countries, seeing some drop from previously threatened higher tariffs, while others have increased. Each rate holds consequences for the automotive industry, potentially shifting supply chains and flows as OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers alike attempt to ascertain the most optimal, efficient and cost-effective transport routes and markets.

Anushka Dixit

US announces new tariff rates, delays implementation again

US president Donald Trump has again delayed tariffs on individual countries, extending the implementation deadline from today (1 August) until next week.

Megan Kelly

Trump tariffs cost GM over a billion dollars in Q2

GM has reported that tariffs on imported vehicles and automotive parts have cost it $1.1 billion in the second quarter of this year, a major contributor to its 21% drop in net income over the quarter.

Marcus Williams

What the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger means for automotive logistics

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have confirmed plans to merge to create a single trans-coastal railroad in the US.

Megan Kelly

OEMs face financial losses as tariffs bite

OEMs are beginning to see the real impact of the tariffs imposed by the US, with profits and operating income for the first half of the year taking hits of billions of dollars.

Megan Kelly

UK automotive market under stress, but moving towards return to growth

The UK automotive industry faces its toughest year yet, with production down, high energy costs impacting competitiveness, and confusion over EV government incentives.

Megan Kelly

Actions taken by OEMs to curb effects of tariffs

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

Renault announces interim CEO Duncan Minto, issues profit warning

The group's CFO will be tasked with tackling difficult first half financial results in his new role as interim CEO of Renault Group.

Megan Kelly

How Audi strengthens its supply chain: The key role of employee resilience

Times are volatile. But the challenges facing logistics and supply chains can be overcome if teams are accustomed to dealing with adversity. Practitioners share how employees can become more resilient in times of crisis.

Chris Löwer

European FVL market faces AI regulation, tariffs and Chinese competition

Flat markets, geopolitical risk and digital transformation dominate the agenda at ECG’s 2025 Congress, as finished vehicle logistics leaders look to adapt, collaborate and globalise.

Megan Kelly

A platform built for a smarter, faster automotive logistics community

Welcome to the new Automotive Logistics experience

We’ve redesigned the Automotive Logistics website to deliver sharper insight, faster access and a smoother, more intuitive experience at a time when you need it most.

Emily Uwemedimo

GM commits $4bn to US, moves assembly from Mexico and Canada

GM will invest $4bn to expand vehicle production in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee, shifting models from Mexico and Canada in a move that highlights localisation, EV growth and trade policy anticipation.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

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 awards top North America logistics partners and calls to go ‘full speed ahead’ in supply chain recovery

Nissan awards logistics partners and calls to go ‘full speed ahead’

Supply chain and aftersales logistics leads in the Americas, Chris Styles and Darrin Lucas, stressed the role that logistics will play in Nissan’s growth plan.

Christopher Ludwig

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

A shortage of rare earth magnets caused by limited Chinese exports has potential to disrupt global supply chains

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

“Do it right and in the right time,” Nissan’s De la Torre says, as he details the four-pillar strategy for real-time resilience across the Americas

Nissan’s supply chain playbook for real-time resilience

From regulatory risk to cyberattacks, Nissan’s senior director for supply in the Americas outlines how clarity, collaboration and digital readiness are redefining what it means to act with purpose.

Emily Uwemedimo

Christopher Ludwig

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

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

Volvo Cars announces 3,000 redundancies as part of new lean plan

As part of its recently launched cost and cash action plan, the OEM announces it will reduce its global office-based workforce by 15%, mostly based in Sweden.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

VW Group Logistics launches Venice port terminal to optimise exports, reduce emissions and improve resilience across vehicle logistics

Volkswagen Group Logistics will expand its port network for finished vehicles of the Volkswagen Group with a terminal at Venice port in Italy, which will reduce lead times for many plants, increase rail transport, and shorten shipping times with Asia.

Christopher Ludwig

Megan Kelly

JLR alternative fuels, digital tools and close supplier collaboration

JLR has been shifting its priorities through its Reimagine Strategy in recent years, laying out a clear vision to become a carbon net zero business by 2039. While the company pushes forward in this vision, its head of freight operations is leading the way for the carmaker’s logistics operations. Automotive Logistics speaks to Levent Yuksel to discover how he is using alternative fuels and data tools to find efficiencies and opportunities for sustainability.

Megan Kelly

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

In the latest management change from Stellantis, current COO Antonio Filosa has been promoted to CEO

The resignation of previous CEO Carlos Tavares kickstarted a wave of changes in Stellantis’ boardroom. The appointment of a new CEO could point to a return to stability, as Antonio Filosa brings decades of experience from across several Stellantis brands to the role.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

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.

Marcus Williams

Toyota tops supplier relations index as Ford and Stellantis continue to decline amid rising cost and trust challenges

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

From chatbots to control towers: How OEMs and suppliers are using AI to strengthen automotive supply chains and manage risk

The use of digital strategies in automotive logistics is becoming ever more necessary to mitigate risks in an increasingly uncertain global market. With natural disasters, shaky economies, the global pandemic and economic trade on uneven ground due to tariffs and trade wars, the need to plan, predict and prevent risk is more pressing than ever to ensure a resilient supply network.

Megan Kelly

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN to debut in Singapore with senior OEMs, suppliers and tech leaders shaping regional strategy

ALSC ASEAN debuts in Singapore on 28 Oct, uniting OEMs and suppliers to shape the region’s supply chain and EV strategy.

Automotive Logistics

Stellantis opens $64m Mopar Parts Distribution Center in New York to boost service, automation and supply localisation

Stellantis’s new $64m Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in East Fishkill, New York helps localise its supply chain within the US.

Megan Kelly

Artificially intelligent: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on supply chain digitalisation

Updated July 3 2025 – Industry experts from GM, Nissan, BMW and more have joined us on the Red Sofa to give their opinions on digitalisation in the automotive supply chain. Check out our list of key takeaways, which will be updated as more expertise is shared.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

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.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

DSV finalises €14.3bn acquisition of DB Schenker, doubling size and strengthening global logistics network

DSV acquires DB Schenker, adding 160,000 staff and boosting revenue to €41.6bn amid rising demand for global logistics solutions.

Megan Kelly

Thailand’s automotive supply chain under pressure from weak demand, rising tariffs and economic volatility, but investment offers hope

Thailand’s automotive supply chain challenges and opportunities for competitiveness in ASEAN

Weak demand, US tariffs and slowing EV growth are challenging Thailand’s auto sector, but new incentives may revive competitiveness.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa interview | Nissan’s Ben Shain on optimising delivery performance and carrier collaboration

Ben Shain, senior manager of vehicle logistics at Nissan North America, shares how the carmaker is driving performance improvements across its outbound logistics network by enhancing pipeline visibility, improving forecasting, and working in close collaboration with its carrier partners.

Red Sofa interview | Nissan’s Todd Myers on optimising FVL through data, digital tools and holistic planning

Todd Myers, director of finished vehicle logistics North America at Nissan, shares how the carmaker is continuously optimising logistics with data-led tools, system-wide planning and a focus on agility, skills and visibility.

Red Sofa interview | GM’s Amy Paulsen shares how lessons from EV start-ups are accelerating agility, innovation and infrastructure across GM’s FVL

Amy Paulsen, director of finished vehicle logistics at GM, joins the Red Sofa at FVL North America to discuss how the company is modernising its logistics systems, digitalising its networks and strengthening EV infrastructure to support its growing electric vehicle portfolio. Drawing on her experience in EV start-ups, she highlights how GM is applying new thinking and technologies to build a more agile and resilient supply chain.

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.

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.

Megan Kelly

FVL NA 2025 - “Get ready to re-imagine logistics: Creating a faster, agile, more competitive vehicle supply chain”

Welcome to the recap blog from Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025, which took place at Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach, California, on 8-10 April. The conference brought over 400 delegates and leaders, and featured discussion on real-world issues and offering innovative and implementable solutions in the inbound logistics, transportation, supply chain strategy and much more. While the conference has ended, our coverage has not - keep following this recap blog for more insights and interviews from the event, and register now for next year here!

Anushka Dixit

Emily Uwemedimo

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa interview | Audi and Helrom discuss scaling sustainable rail logistics at ALSC Europe

In this Red Sofa interview, Audi and Helrom discuss the future of multimodal logistics and the power of collaboration in decarbonisation.

The race before the border closes, as auto logistics braces for a 25% tariff reckoning

[Updated 1 April] Automakers and logistics providers are scrambling to move vehicles before the US imposes a 25% tariff on automotive imports. With USMCA exemptions narrowing and global supply chains under pressure, manufacturers face a costly and complex reckoning.

Emily Uwemedimo

Crafting luxury and moving with precision, Aston Martin meets the challenges of low-volume logistics and high-complexity supply chains

Aston Martin’s supply chain management involves overcoming the hurdles of low-volume production and bespoke designs. Martin Corner explains how the company is stabilising its supply chain, enhancing data transparency and finding efficiencies while maintaining luxury quality standards.

Automotive Logistics

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 | Peter Hörndlein on how VW is building a more flexible, sustainable and future-ready vehicle logistics network

Peter Hörndlein outlines VW’s flexible logistics strategy, from tackling disruption to investing in sustainable transport solutions.

Audi’s supply chain in 2033 and beyond: Designed to combine logistics, automation and people

Dieter Braun and his team know exactly where they want Audi’s supply chain to be over the next decade, even if technology and conditions will vary by plant and region.

Christopher Ludwig

Audi’s supply chain organisation: Logistics and the 360factory strategy

Under Dieter Braun, Audi’s Supply Chain function is highly integrated with objectives closely aligned to the carmaker’s 360factory strategy, including for sustainability, cost control and flexibility.

Christopher Ludwig

Economic headwinds shake CEE automotive logistics as cost pressures, nearshoring, and geopolitical shifts reshape supply chains

The economic crosswinds sweeping across the continent threaten to stir into a big storm for the automotive industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Automotive Logistics explores how, in the face of uncertainty, logistics providers are streamlining their operations.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

BMW’s hydrogen strategy embraces a technology-agnostic approach to reshape automotive logistics

With increasing regulatory pressures and the urgent need to decarbonise operations, automotive leaders are exploring a range of technologies to future-proof their fleets. BMW Group’s latest move – introducing its first hydrogen-powered trucks as part of the European H2Haul pilot project – demonstrates how traditional logistics models are evolving. While electric trucks have been at the forefront of fleet decarbonisation, BMW’s investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology offers another versatile, scalable alternative for long-haul freight that warrants close analysis.

Emily Uwemedimo

Dieter Braun on how Audi is turning supply chain motion into progress

In the first part of a special interview series, read how Audi is confronting challenges in the automotive market with an emphasis on a holistic supply chain function that makes a positive contribution to the carmaker’s production and products. Head of supply chain Dieter Braun reveals how logistics can add value across the order-to-delivery process.

Christopher Ludwig

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.

Megan Kelly

Daimler Truck wins VDA logistics award for use of electric trucks across inbound logistics

Daimler Truck took top prize for scaling the use of electrified trucks in inbound logistics for German plants through its ‘Electrify Inbound Logistics’ project.

Megan Kelly

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.

Megan Kelly

Trump’s reciprocal trade tariffs set to reshape global automotive supply chains and disrupt industry investment

The US aims to impose reciprocal tariffs around the world, triggering potential trade wars that could impact automotive logistics networks and dampen investment.

Megan Kelly

Could Europe’s €200 billion AI initiative accelerate automotive tech and supply chains?

[Updated February 17] The European Union’s (EU’s) €200 billion ($214 billion) InvestAI Initiative gains momentum across sections including robotics, biotech, mobility and manufacturing. With a focus on innovation and workforce development, could this funding also accelerate the integration of AI-driven robotics and smart manufacturing solutions across Europe’s automotive supply chains?

Emily Uwemedimo

Why regionalisation, digital innovation and sustainability are the key to BMW San Luis Potosí’s resilient supply chain

BMW’s San Luis Potosí embodies a forward-looking approach to supply chain resilience, leveraging regional suppliers, smart supply chains and sustainability. Automotive Logistics explores how the plant tackles logistical challenges to set industry benchmarks.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

How the automotive industry is tracking and reducing logistics and supply chain emissions

As global standards shift and geopolitical factors influence logistics, OEMs and suppliers must implement more sophisticated tracking methods to comply with emissions mandates. From the European Union’s stringent policies to China’s evolving standards and the uncertainty in US regulations, understanding the latest emissions reporting frameworks and digital solutions is crucial for a sustainable and competitive automotive logistics sector.

Megan Kelly

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.

Daniel Harrison

How Trump’s Panama Canal threat could reshape the automotive supply chain

In his inauguration speech, second-term US president Donald Trump promised to “retake” the Panama Canal, claiming it was operated by China.

Megan Kelly

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.

Daniel Harrison

Automotive logistics and supply chains in 2025: Challenges, cost pressures & nearshoring

As the automotive industry enters 2025, three primary trends are reshaping the landscape for logistics providers. These trends highlight the challenges and opportunities resulting from industry restructuring, cost pressures, and evolving trade dynamics. Before we dive into each, here’s an executive summary.

Daniel Harrison

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.

Automotive Logistics

How diversity of thought turns challenges into competitive gains

As the automotive industry navigates nearshoring shifts and the rise of electric vehicles, diversity emerges as a strategic advantage. By fostering inclusivity, cross-cultural collaboration and equitable talent pipelines, leaders like Harry Kwakye Davies highlight how diverse perspectives transform challenges into opportunities.

Emily Uwemedimo

Hyundai boosts factory automation through partnership with tech provider Nvidia

Hyundai is working with Nvidia to apply AI technologies across its operations and optimise manufacturing and logistics.

Marcus Williams

Watch on demand: Packed to perfection - Delivering supply chain gains from automotive packaging

Discover how packaging is becoming the next competitive edge in the automotive supply chain.

Top automotive logistics Red Sofa insights of 2024: Sustainability, digitalisation, nearshoring and robotics strategies from leading OEMs

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of our best Red Sofa interviews from this year, where we spoke to experts across the globe about automotive logistics and strategies for success in the supply chain.

Megan Kelly

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

Marcus Williams

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.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa interview | Daimler Truck’s Marion Gillich on tracking supplier risk with AI and digital tools

Marion Gillich, head of supplier risk management at Daimler Truck took to the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies Europe to discuss the company’s digital transformation, including how Daimler collects data from suppliers and uses it to predict and manage supplier risk.

Sergio Gutierrez has moved to take up the newly created role of chief operations officer at Glovis America

Logistics veteran Sergio Gutierrez has moved to Glovis America as chief operations officer, a newly created role at the finished vehicle logistics provider

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.

JLR leads logistics innovation with closed-loop seat foam recycling, advancing circular economy principles through the automotive supply chain

JLR is transforming automotive logistics with closed-loop seat foam recycling. Through partnerships and innovation, it is advancing a circular economy, cutting emissions, and securing sustainable supply chains for luxury vehicles.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Recap blog: Insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies Europe 2024

Leaders from BMW, VW, Audi, and more gathered at ALSC Digital Strategies Europe 2024 in Munich, where experts discussed digital solutions for sustainable, resilient and co-creative supply chains. Follow our recap blog below for all the insights, including news, features and Red Sofa video interviews.

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.

Marcus Williams

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.

Marcus Williams

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.

Megan Kelly

Marcus Williams

ALSC Mexico 2024 recap blog: Discussing nearshoring, digital transformation and cross-border strategies

The tenth Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico conference has wrapped up, after industry leaders, logistics experts and automotive pioneers gathered to discuss the latest trends, challenges and innovations transforming Mexico’s automotive supply chain. That transformation comes at an uncertain time for the North American supply chain, with shifting global dynamics and a pivotal US election.

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

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

Marcus Williams

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.

Emily Uwemedimo

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment report offers guidance on recycling plastic dunnage

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) has published a new report in collaboration with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) to provide information and practical guidance on increasing the recycling of plastic packaging, including internal dunnage, used to ship parts in returnable containers.

Automotive Logistics

BMW focuses on a secondary first process in material sourcing to make its vehicles sustainable says Roberto Rossetti

BMW’s vice-president of engineering Roberto Rossetti explains the carmaker’s innovative and sustainable approach to recycling production materials to solve the problem of scarce resources, volatile commodity prices and geopolitical disruption to the supply chain

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Jeffrey Morrison discusses GM’s supply chain shift toward electrification, cost optimisation and evolving supplier partnerships

In a Red Sofa interview at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference, GM’s Jeffrey Morrison outlines the company’s strategic shift towards electrification, emphasising the importance of cost optimisation and strengthened partnerships with suppliers to foster innovation and sustainability within the automotive supply chain.

Emily Uwemedimo

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.

Megan Kelly

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.

Marcus Williams

AI, logistics automation will play central role in reducing Stellantis manufacturing costs

At its Factory Booster Day, chief manufacturing officer Arnaud Deboeuf and process engineering lead Jean-Christophe Marchal reveal AI projects with partners for digital twins and retrofitting equipment, including for plant logistics.

Christopher Ludwig

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.

Megan Kelly

APM Terminals boosts vehicle throughput at Pipavav

APM Terminals has recorded almost 4,000 vehicles processed through the Indian port of Pipavav for the month of May, and the highest number of rail wagons handled at the port in a single month. The terminal processed 40 newly modified goods (NMG) rakes, up on its previous record of 30 in March this year.

Marcus Williams

Watch on demand - Accelerating change: the power of process-led transformation in automotive logistics

Join this exclusive livestream to learn how carmakers like Toyota can leverage process mining and optimisation to contain costs, maximise revenue, and free up working capital in supply chain and logistics.

Antolin, Gestamp and Fersa embrace AI to transform industrial processes

Autoparts from Spain, a collaborative digital project among automotive suppliers that provides intelligence on the automotive equipment and components industry, reports that the radical transformation of the industry supported by artificial intelligence (AI), is providing opportunities for tier suppliers, with benefits already registered by members Antolin, Fersa Bearings and Gestamp.

Marcus Williams

BMW’s secret to success is preparation

The heads of global vehicle distribution at BMW Group – Eugen Schantini and Thomas Wiech – tell Marcus Williams about the network strategy and tools the carmaker is using to manage disruption, secure capacity and plan ahead for a more sustainable outbound supply chain

Marcus Williams

DHL Supply Chain shakes up its global leadership team

DHL Supply Chain has announced changes to its global leadership team with the appointment of Patrick Kelleher to CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America, replacing Scott Sureddin who will retire from DHL Group on at the end of this year.

Marcus Williams

The power of digitalised, automated and sustainable automotive supply chains and logistics

Here are the key Automotive Logistics insights from Torsten Müller (Audi), Adam Jones (Unipart Group), and Gabriel Werner (Blue Yonder) on digitalisation, automation, AI, the role of data, and sustainability from ALSC Europe 2024.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

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

Maxime Picat, Stellantis talks strategy and influencing supply chain and manufacturing design

The chief purchasing and supply chain officer, who leads all procurement functions including logistics, gives an exclusive interview on improving supplier relations, planning for the future of the battery supply chain, the growing influence of supply chain costs and localisation, and why Stellantis needs to ensure it has access to critical logistics capacity.

Megan Kelly

Auto1 Group rolls out Inform optimisation tools across European network

Used car trading platform Auto1 Group has expanded its agreement with Inform and is rolling out the logistics software specialist’s yard management and workshop optimisation systems across ten refurbishment locations in Europe.

Marcus Williams

Gestamp redefines supply chain management for industry 4.0

Under the guidance of Diego Mallada, chief information officer for digitalisation, Gestamp is emerging as a leader in integrating digital networks and AI across its supply chain. Gestamp, an expert in metal automotive components and body-in-white, is revolutionising automotive supply chain management through advanced industry 4.0 strategies, emphasising federated networks and superior data quality.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

GM wins big in 2023, Stellantis and Ford lose out

GM had the strongest sales in North America last year compared to other OEMs, having sold nearly 2.6m units in 2023, up 14% over 2022 according to market analyst Cox Automotive.

Megan Kelly

Core connections for quality output at JLR

JLR is one carmaker that has been working hard over the last few years to transform manufacturing and supply chain operations up to an Industry 4.0 standard of efficiency and connectivity.

Marcus Williams

Toyota cultures ambassadors for its digital strategy

The automotive supply chain has become more complex since Covid, demanding from carmakers a more cross-functional strategy supported by the latest digital technology. At Toyota Motor Europe (TME) it also means making its 2,000-strong supply chain team ambassadors for that strategy.

Marcus Williams

BMW battery cell centre integrates engineering, purchasing and production to scale supply chain

BMW’s new battery cell pilot plant close to Munich will help the carmaker standardise and increase production and supply chain process across battery manufacturing and supply

Christopher Ludwig

BMW works with Trailer Dynamics to cut road emissons

BMW Group Logistik has been testing an electric semi-trailer for inbound parts deliveries to its factories in Germany using both a diesel tractor and one driven by battery electric power.

Marcus Williams

Rinse and repeat to make your supply chain robust

Carmakers are confronted with a wide array of potential disruptions when trying to get service parts to the right place in a timely fashion.

Marcus Williams

Insourcing and localising supply chains help BMW stay flexible

Insourcing and localising are two of the ways that BMW Spartanburg is staying flexible and lean while growing, according to Oliver Bilstein, vice-president of logistics and production control, BMW Manufacturing.

Megan Kelly

‘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

BMW rides the path of logistics automation

BMW is expanding physical logistics at Spartanburg ahead of EV production, whilst implementing more digital and autonomous technology.

Christopher Ludwig