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. Marcus Williams
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.
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.
International Motors’ Paule Wandji on logistics and IT collaboration AI, alignment and accountability – how International Motors is navigating digital change from the inside out.
Leveraging digital tools to turn compliance into competitive advantage Experts from Nissan, Accuride, Aptiv and Greatway reveal how they are navigating escalating compliance demands. Charlie Blackie-Kelly Emily Uwemedimo
Neptune Group to open first vehicle terminal in Port-La-Nouvelle Neptune Land Services will start operations from Q1 2026 at a new terminal able to process 200,000 vehicles annually. Marcus Williams
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.
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.
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
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
Amports maintains strong throughput at Benicia with strict vehicle scheduling Amports Mark Boucher outlines the strong and consistent throughput the vehicle terminal operator has maintained through 2024 at the Californian port of Benicia. Marcus Williams
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
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. Marcus Williams
How digital data strategies are helping automotive supply chains manage trade volatility, compliance risks and tariff disruptions Digital strategies are becoming increasingly important in automotive supply chains to predict and protect against risks and improve resilience, and data lies at the foundation of these digital tools. In our latest livestream, supply chain experts weighed in on the importance of creating and maintaining data you can trust, educating teams on how to use, store and share data, and how to avoid data silos within organisations and the wider supply chain. Megan Kelly
BMW Group is using AI tools for Purchasing and Supplier Network from tech centre in Romania BMW Group is developing GenAI applications for its Purchasing and Supplier Network at a tech hub in Romania focused on monitoring supply chain data. Marcus Williams
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
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
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
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
How digital tools and real-time data are transforming automotive supply chains through improved integration, transparency and compliance Automotive leaders explore data silos, compliance and supplier risk ahead of Automotive Logistics’ livestream on data silos, security and sovereignty. 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.
Anu Goel on how Volkswagen Group of America’s regional strategy is mitigating tariff disruption and transforming vehicle logistics Simplified metrics, regional teamwork and agile tools: VW’s Anu Goel shares how logistics is powering resilience across borders, at this years’ FVL North America 2025 conference.
Reimagining Finished Vehicle Logistics: Highlights from FVL North America 2025 Watch all the highlights from #FVLNA 2025.
EV logistics, charging infrastructure and strategic decision-making take centre stage on the final day of FVL North America 2025 Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics, wraps up the final day of Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 with key insights into electric vehicle logistics, charging constraints, quality control and strategic resilience amid uncertainty.
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.
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
Red Sofa interview | Autoliv’s Gisela Linge on empowering women, driving AI transformation, and reshaping supply chains How AI, digitalisation, and inclusion are transforming supply chains. Autoliv’s Dr Gisela Linge shares insights from AL Europe 2025.
Red Sofa interview | Schaeffler’s digitalisation strategy: AI, collaboration and the future of supply chain transformation AI is reshaping supply chains. Schaeffler’s Fabian Pobantz explores digitalisation, collaboration, and innovation at ALSC Europe 2025.
How Europe’s automotive supply chain is embracing digitalisation, collaboration and sustainability to drive agility and long-term success European OEMs, tier-suppliers and LSPs are co-creating smarter supply chains with digital tools, data sharing and decarbonisation strategies. At Automotive Logistics & supply Chain Europe 2025, they shared their exclusive insights, strategies, and advice. Megan Kelly
Renault embeds circular economy principles in packaging to cut emissions and logistics costs across its global supply chain Renault is actively embedding circular economy principles into its industrial packaging strategy, aiming to reduce waste, optimise logistics and extend the lifespan of packaging assets across its global operations. Megan Kelly
Red Sofa interview | GKN Automotive’s Chris Payne on co-creation, visibility and sustainable logistics partnerships for the future GKN’s Chris Payne discusses logistics partnerships, data visibility and sustainable freight at ALSC Europe 2025.
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.
JLR and Plug and Play launch Innovation Challenge to find a future-focused supply chain mapping technology JLR and its innovation partner Plug and Play have launched a second Innovation Challenge aimed at innovators who can develop ways of enhancing the accuracy of traceability, risk mapping and visibility across the full length of the supply chain. Marcus Williams
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
Watch: Dr Rainer Kiefer discusses cost pressures, supply chain resilience, and the future of global automotive logistics Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, DB Schenker’s Dr Rainer Kiefer explains how the logistics company is tackling supply chain costs, disruptions, and nearshoring trends in the fast-changing automotive industry.
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
BMW Dingolfing improves packaging efficiency with AI-powered container management The OEM’s German plant has partnered with Landshut University of Applied Sciences to develop an AI tool that makes container management more efficient. Megan Kelly
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
Harnessing technology and human expertise to build resilient automotive supply chains PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Priority FreightIn the fast-paced and demanding world of automotive logistics, businesses face the challenge of balancing technological innovation and the value of human expertise. With tight timelines, fluctuating supply chains, and mounting complexities, the need for precision, reliability, and adaptability has never been greater. Automotive Logistics
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
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
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
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
Vehicle ro-ro exports continue to recover at Barcelona while containerised imports double The port of Barcelona has registed an increase in vehicle exports in 2024 and while imports have dropped overall, cars in containers imported have more than doubled. Marcus Williams
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
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
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. 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
Outgoing Biden Administration rules to ban import of Chinese and Russian connected vehicle technology Outgoing Biden Administration rules prohibit the sale and import of connected vehicle hardware and software systems, as well as completed connected vehicles. 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
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. 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
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.
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 | John Torres on how Mercedes-Benz uses data quality to drive AI-powered efficiency John Torres took to the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies Europe to discuss how Mercedes-Benz prioritises data quality as a strategic necessity rather than a supplementary function. By monitoring real-time metrics such as data completeness, transparency, and analysis, the organisation ensures that its processes are precise and aligned with business objectives. This foundational step underpins the integration of AI and analytics across the company’s operations.
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 Marcus Williams
Red Sofa interview | Harry Davies on building resilient supply chains through DEI Join us on the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies Europe as Harry Davies, a senior procurement, logistics and supply chain expert with over a decade of experience, shares his expertise on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the automotive sector.
Red Sofa interview | Seat’s Alexandre Lerma and Jorge Miguel Corral Díaz discuss how Vortex AI is driving logistics innovation At ALSC Digital Strategies Europe 2024, Seat’s Alexandre Lerma and Jorge Miguel Corral Díaz described how the carmaker is revolutionising logistics with its Human AI strategy, leveraging Vortex AI to enhance data quality, streamline operations and foster cross-functional collaboration.
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.
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. 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.
The results are in! Download the Automotive Logistics Systems & Software Survey 2024 Report now The results of Automotive Logistics’ survey of its global experts from OEMs, tier suppliers and logistics providers show key challenges in interoperability, visibility and the push toward industry-wide digital solutions. For a preview of the key takeaways, read our article on some of the trends here . For full access to all the findings, including trends broken down by company type, region, types of software and more, download now Daniel Harrison
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: BMW’s progress in US-Mexico network strategy Raúl Gamboa, head of Logistics, Production Control and Production Systems at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí speaks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about the progress and challenges facing the carmaker in the finished vehicle sector.
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: 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: 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.
A crystal ball for the supply chain Disruption has become commonplace and there is no longer a ‘situation normal’ for the automotive supply chain, but there are digital tools to help evaluate supply chain risks and costs, as Marcus Williams finds out from recently coupled technology providers Llamasoft and Coupa Software Marcus Williams
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