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.
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’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
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
James Todd Kloeb, former head of material planning and logistics for the Americas at Ford, joins Lucid Motors as global vice president of MP&L James Todd Kloeb announced the news on social media, with it following a three-decade long stint at Ford. His role is expected to encompass global supply chain planning. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
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. 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
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
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
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
Red Sofa interview | Levent Yuksel on JLR’s push for greener corridors and industry-wide logistics collaboration Levent Yuksel explores JLR’s approach to sustainability, the role of green corridors, and the need for industry-wide cooperation.
Hyundai Motor commits $21 billion to US vehicle manufacturing, supply chain and logistics Hyundai has announced an investment in US vehicle production, supply chain and logistics of $21 billion and in the same week has officially opened its metaplant in Georgia at which it now plans to make 500,000 electric vehicles a year. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
National Transportation Safety Board report finds Francis Scott Key bridge was at high risk of collapse The risk of catastrophic collapse to the Francis Scott Key bridge was 30 times higher than the established safety threshold, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The report also finds that 68 other bridge in the US could be at risk. Marcus Williams
How MSC is driving efficiency and sustainability in automotive logistics with intermodal solutions and customer-focused supply chain strategies Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, Johanna Wrage, global accounts automotive deputy manager at MSC discusses company’s role in enhancing global automotive supply chains through intermodal solutions and customer-centric service.
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
Exemptions will apply to carmakers in line with USMCA, following talks with GM, Ford, Stellantis The US has officially imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, giving carmakers a one-month exemption if they comply with USMCA, while imposing additional 20% tariffs on China. With OEMs and suppliers already navigating tight margins, these measures are set to significantly increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and force strategic shifts in North American manufacturing and logistics. Megan Kelly
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
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
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
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
Automotive Logistics livestream on trends to watch in 2025: How trade shifts, tariffs and tech are reshaping networks The first in this year’s series of Automotive Logistics livestreams focused on key trends to watch out for in 2025, including changing trade compliance, regulations and tariffs. Megan Kelly
US-Panama Canal tensions escalate as US threatens action, raising fears of disruption for automotive logistics Tensions between the US and Panama over the use of its major logistics waterway have continued to boil, with the US secretary of state making accusations that the Panama Canal is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Megan Kelly
Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley warns of serious financial impact on auto sector if Trump tariffs persist [Updated February 11] Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley used its Q4 earnings call last week to warn that any extended use of tariffs on automotive products from Canada and Mexico would have a huge adverse impact on the entire value system of the US automotive industry. He drove home the warnings at this week’s Wolfe Research Auto, Auto Tech and Semiconductor Conference in New York. Marcus Williams
Trump’s tariff pose on imports from Canada and Mexico tests resiliency of supply chain planners Even with a month’s grace period, the threat of US tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico made by Donald Trump over the weekend is creating supply chain uncertainty across the North American automotive industry. Carmakers are calling for attention to USMCA rules and warning of the impact on jobs, investment and consumers. Marcus Williams
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
Expert perspectives on nearshoring: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on supply chain strategy Updated July 2 2025 – The strategy of nearshoring is reshaping supply chains, bringing immense opportunities and challenges to the forefront. We sat down on the Red Sofa with experts leading the trend across the automotive supply chain. Megan Kelly
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. Automotive Logistics
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
Trade disputes accelerate nearshoring trend with implications 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 at the accelerating trend of nearshoring in the first 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
What day one under the Trump administration signals for the North American automotive supply chain Donald Trump, who was sworn in as president of the US yesterday, said that his administration is planning to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada from 1 February, threatening the North American automotive supply chain. Megan Kelly
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
Flooding caused by climate change is set to be the biggest threat to the automotive supply chain in 2025 Climate change, and particularly flooding, will be the biggest threat to the supply chain in 2025, according to analysis by Everstream Analytics. Megan Kelly
Red Sofa Interview: How California State is investing in finished vehicle logistics Christine Casey, deputy secretary for Freight Policy, California State Transportation Agency takes to the Red Sofa to tell Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about the investments into California’s FVL sector.
Red Sofa Interview: VW’s Oliver Bronder on turning disruptions into strategic advantages With a focus on reliability, transparency, and the strategic importance of logistics, Bronder delves into how Volkswagen is navigating the complexities of the automotive supply chain to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s Dr Michael Nikolaides on cross-functional decisions in the supply chain BMW has learned how to better steer its network through volatile times through combining business divisions to make cross-functional programming decisions in its supply chain.
Red Sofa Interview: Jean-Marc Carlicchi on Renault’s next step in digitalisation At ALSC Europe in Bonn, Germany last week, Jean-Marc Carlicchi, VP of Supply Chain Engineering at Renault Group took to the Red Sofa with Christopher Ludwig, Chief of Content, to talk about the OEM’s digitalisation journey.
Red Sofa Interview: Empowering excellence for women in the supply chain Watch Sabine Isenbort, manager of inbound logistics operations at Ford Europe, Isa Kalinska, lead of logistics and distribution at JLR, and Sonia Santors, vice-president of worldwide manufacturing at Bosch on the Red Sofa at ALSC Europe 2024 in Bonn.
Red Sofa Interview: VW Truck & Bus Mexico’s plans to increase localisation Halley Vieira, plant manager in Production and Logistics, VW Truck & Bus Mexico discusses the decision to localise in Mexico rather than import parts from Brazil, and how synergies with VW Group and Traton Group are playing an increasingly important role in the plant’s logistics.
Red Sofa Interview: VW Chattanooga is sharing EV logistics learnings with the VW Group Watch Paulo Monteiro, head of Logistics, VW Group of America Chattanooga Operations discuss how the Chattanooga plant is leading the way in terms of EV logistics, and why it is sharing its findings with the wider Volkswagen Group and its resurrected Scout brand.
Red Sofa Interview: How Volkswagen is readying for electrification in México Peter Koltai, senior director of logistics at Volkswagen de México discusses how the division is getting ready for electrification across the country and how to find synergies between the plants and the wider VW Group.
Red Sofa Interview: VW logistics using rail and digital twins to boost sustainable operations in US and Mexico Christoph Hartmann, head of Transport Networks, VW Group Logistics is using digital twins to help improve inbound logistics, and is adapting lessons learned in Europe to boost digitalisation and sustainability.
Red Sofa Interview: VW’s global logistics experts on synergy in the supply chain Watch Volkswagen Group’s top global logistics experts weigh in on why synergy and collaboration between business units is critical to improving operations, sustainability and advancements within the supply chain.
Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s creativity is helping solve its supply chain problems in Mexico Raúl Gamboa, director of material and transport control, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi talks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about BMW’s creative innovations to mitigate supply chain problems in Mexico.
Red Sofa Interview: Audi Mexico’s agile supply chain strategies Francisco Bravo discusses Audi Mexico’s journey towards supply chain excellence, addressing challenges, embracing technology and aligning with the brand’s vision for a sustainable future.
Red Sofa Interview: Unveiling Nissan’s approach to talent and tech in Mexico Chris Styles, vice-president of supply chain management at Nissan North America, discusses talent needs and technological evolution with Automotive Logistics’ editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference. Styles emphasises messaging for the younger workforce, digitalisation and automation in supply chain operations, and Nissan’s priorities for advancing Mexican infrastructure alongside teh country’s established OEM ecosystem
Red Sofa Interview: Collaborating with Mexican authorities to ease logistics constraints Lizette Gracida, senior director of external affairs and trade compliance at Toyota Motor de Mexico joins the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico to share how collaboration can ease bottlenecks and improve logistics within the country.
Red Sofa Interview: How Bocar is championing Mexican localisation Leonardo Martins, global logistics director at Bocar Group, joins the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico to share how Bocar is championing localisation in Mexico.
Red Sofa Interview: Bosch’s Ekaterina Serban on Supply chain cybersecurity risks and opportunities In this interview, Ekaterina Serban talks about the biggest risks and challenges posed by today’s security environment. With high levels of interconnectivity in products, and compliance and security issues surrounding legacy systems, supply chain cyber concerns are a major challenge for automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
Red Sofa Interview: Seat’s Alexandre Lerma on control tower creation for automated, robust and flexible supply chains From automation-driven advancements to the reformation of operational frameworks, Lerma envisions a future shaped by cross-functional teams impacting both pre-production and commercial activities. Yet, the primary challenge lies in rallying more suppliers to collaborate within this innovative framework.In Lerma’s vision, collaboration, fueled by data alignment and pioneering functionalities, will be the cornerstone of Seat SA’s quest for a robust, adaptable, and interconnected automotive ecosystem.
