Plus Automation and Churchill IX merge to form PlusAI, with AI-led virtual drivers for autonomous trucking An AI-based autonomous trucking software has seen success in trials completed with DSV and IVECO. PlusAI, the company behind the software, eyes partnerships with OEMs such as Traton Group and Hyundai as integral to scaling adoption. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
The power of data, AI and digital transformation in the supply chain Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025 brought together senior leaders from OEMs, suppliers and tech innovators to explore AI, data, automation and the future of connected supply chains. Now that the conference has finished, find out what these experts said about North America’s digital transformation in automotive logistics. Megan Kelly Emily Uwemedimo Charlie Blackie-Kelly Anushka Dixit
NYK to operate automated finished vehicle facility at the port of Barcelona port from 2027 Port de Barcelona has awarded NYK a concession to operate a inished vehicle logistics terminal that will feature a fully automated, multilevel parking facility, due to become operational in 2027. Marcus Williams
Seat’s logistics director Enric Brau wants to inspire boldness in digitalisation and electrification Enric Brau, who replaced Enric Martí as logistics director six months ago, is building on Seat’s foundation in logistics digitalisation, automation and AI to expand EV output, be more resilient and meet changing customer demands in the supply chain. Christopher Ludwig
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.
CMA CGM to invest $20 billion in US shipbuilding, port infrastructure and automotive platforms CMA CGM plans to invest $20m in shipbuilding, ports, warehousing and automotive platforms over the next four years. Marcus Williams
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
PSA is using the latest automation technology to increase container throughput at the port of Tuas Container terminal operator PSA has moved 10m containers through the port of Tuas in Singapore using the latest automation technology for dockside and ajacent supply hub operations. Marcus Williams
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
Carmakers working with robot suppliers to test flexible humanoids for lineside logistics operations Carmakers are bringing humanoids onto the factory floor and using the latest software to help them function and learn in complex lineside environments. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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
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. Marcus Williams
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
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
Watch: Digital transformation trends in automotive logistics at day two of ALSC DS Europe Christopher Ludwig, chief content editor at Automotive Logistics, highlights key themes from Day 2 of ALSC Digital Strategies Europe in Munich. The event highlighted actionable strategies, real-world use cases and tools shaping the future of automotive logistics.
Red Sofa interview | BMW’s Carolin Richter on the OEM’s humanoid robots redefining automotive logistics At ALSC Digital Strategies Europe in Munich, BMW’s Carolin Richter, head of next generation robotics, spoke about humanoid and multi-purpose robots capable of automating intricate logistics tasks that were previously deemed impossible.
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…
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
GM invests in automation at North Carolina service parts centre General Motors plans to invest $23m in its Charlotte Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in North Carolina, US. The announcement builds on the $120.5m announced in 2023 in technology at three Customer Care and Aftersales (CCA) facilities in Tennessee and Michigan. Marcus Williams
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: 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: 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.
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
DHL invests $15m in warehouse automation from Boston Dynamics DHL Supply Chain has invested $15m in warehouse automation technology supplied by engineering and robotics provider Boston Dynamics. Marcus Williams
XPO spinoff GXO could see big gains in warehouse automation GXO Logistics has debuted on the New York Stock Exchange, with around 5% of the contract logistics market in North America and Europe. It has its eyes set on warehouse automation growth, with automotive as a potential growth area. Christopher Ludwig
Watch: How automation and data analytics can elevate supply chain performance Digital supply chain experts from CNH Industrial, IT and software specialist Blue Yonder and freight automation startup Einride discuss how digitalisation can boost reliability, control and end-to-end visibility in logistics.
AI and automation need people and quality data to succeed In the automotive industry’s relentless quest for efficiency, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) may seem like silver bullets, and panellists at the recent automation livestream on our Automotive Manufacturing Solutions sister site agreed that these rapidly improving technologies can indeed bring enormous benefits. However, the road to successful automation is one with a fair few obstacles. Illya Verpraet
Watch: Supporting production through automation – from AI to cobots (Ep.4) This Livestream Hour episode discusses how automation and AI can support automotive manufacturing with technology leaders from BMW and Ford, together with systems and software specialists.
BMW launches Idealworks subsidiary to supply logistics automation technology BMW Group has founded a subsidiary called Idealworks to supply autonomous robots to the logistics sector, including companies outside of the automotive industry. The subsidiary, which is based in Munich, Germany, and currently has a team of 30, takes its name from the acronym for industry-driven engineering for autonomous logistics (Ideal). Marcus Williams
Watch: Increasing automotive logistics automation Manufacturers are looking for opportunities to automate more logistics processes and operations, with significant opportunities to be found in packaging equipment. In this panel from Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, hear how Ford India and Macro Plastics are exploring new systems and equipment.
Autonomy ahoy: Shipping industry moves toward crewless vessels Autonomous vehicles have been attracting a lot of attention as the automotive industry pushes towards future mobility. But what is the potential for autonomous ships? Malcolm Ramsay