Taking control of the supply chain Carmakers and their suppliers are investing in AI-enabled control towers to gain transparency on the magnitude of supply chain data they need to make supply chain logistics operations more efficient, according to experts at this year’s ALSC Global conference in Michigan. Marcus Williams
Carmakers embrace AI agents to improve vehicle logistics processes Experts revealed how technologies such as agentic mesh systems, JEPA models and data-sharing protocols are transforming route optimisation, ETA accuracy and OEM-carrier negotiations. Marcus Williams
Watch: Mazda's John Rich on AI and data integration in automotive supply chains John Rich, manager of data analytics & AI programmes at Mazda, discusses AI, machine learning and maximising the end-to-end impact of these technologies on the automotive sector. Automotive Logistics
Enstructure to move Mazda and Toyota volumes through Jaxport Enstructure Auto Logistics (EAL) will start handling finished vehicles for Mazda and Toyota through the US port of Jacksonville from December this year. Marcus Williams
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
Vehicle imports to Vietnam increase in first half of 2025 Vietnam’s automotive imports are on track to set a new record in 2025, with customs data showing a sharp rise in volumes and value as domestic production and global trade flows drive increased supply chain activity. Marcus Williams
US reaches trade deal with Japan, puts 93% tariff on Chinese graphite The US has struck a trade deal with Japan, reducing the threatened tariff rate of 25% on goods imported to the US to 15%, providing Japan invests $550 billion in the US. Megan Kelly
Car and truck makers adapt transport planning to increase the use of EVs The rise of the electric passenger car has a longer history than most suppose but now carmakers are engaged with making inbound and outbound transport modes electric as well, which makes for a greener supply chain altogether. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
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
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
Mazda invests $148m in Thailand to expand EV exports across ASEAN and Japan Mazda plans to strengthen Auto Alliance Thailand, its joint venture manufacturing base with Ford in Thailand, with an investment of 5 billion Thai baht ($148m), aiming to develop its facilities and become a regional manufacturing hub. Megan Kelly
Mazda localising battery supply with Panasonic Energy for electric vehicle production in Japan Panasonic Energy will be supplying Mazda with battery cells for assembly of modules produced locally for a new electric vehicle made in Iwakuni City. Marcus Williams
Mazda’s Chinese joint venture with Changan to export Mazda 6e EV to Europe Mazda’s joint venture with Changan Automobile will export its Mazda 6e electric vehicle (EV) to Europe this year, in the face of EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports. Marcus Williams
Baltimore port on the rebound after bridge collapse Trade at the US’ busiest vehicle handling port in Baltimore has been overshadowed since March 26 by the destruction of the Francis Scott Key bridge, which has disrupted the flow of vessel traffic in and out of the port. Marcus Williams
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
XPO Logistics and Mazda use HVO trucks to cut aftersales emissions XPO Logistics and Mazda UK are working together to cut the carbon dioxide emissions from the carmaker’s aftersales parts distribution network. Megan Kelly
Mazda begins exports of CX-50 from US to Mexico Mazda has started exporting its CX-50 crossover to Mexico from the US joint venture plant it runs with Toyota in Huntsville, Alabama. Marcus Williams
Jaxport promotes James Bennett to chief operating officer role Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) has promoted James Bennett to chief operating officer. He moves from his role as senior director of engineering and construction and will use that expertise to oversee projects including a major automotive and container expansion on Blount Island. Hazel Southwell
Blueprints for the rebound at North America’s vehicle ports Crisis management has become normalised for the automotive industry over two years of supply chain disruption but the North American vehicle-handling ports have withstood volatility and invested in a more sustainable recovery Marcus Williams
A gateway for growth in the Gulf Carmakers looking for a quick and cost-effective port to move their vehicle volumes in and out of the southern US have a new option at the port of Mobile on the Alabama coast, featuring a fully equipped terminal run by AutoMobile International Terminal
Automotive logistics in Russia is in tatters Already debilitated by the impact of Covid, the Russian automotive market was hoping for better times ahead, but the invasion of Ukraine and the consequent sanctions imposed on Russia have undermined production and sales, and hit the logistics providers hard Automotive Logistics
Mazda begins direct imports to UK from Japan Mazda has made its first direct delivery of Japanese exports to the UK through the port of Bristol. Marcus Williams
Martijn ten Brink to lead Mazda reshuffle in Europe Martijn ten Brink will take over as president and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe (MME) on June 24 this year. He replaces Yasuhiro Aoyama, who returns to the headquarters in Japan to take up the role of director, senior managing executive officer for oversight of global marketing, sales and customer service. Marcus Williams
A stronger supply chain since Fukushima In the ten years since the earthquake and tsunami hit the Japanese region of Tohoku, carmakers disrupted by the disaster have been working on mitigation strategies to better prepare and respond to the next supply chain threat. Marcus Williams talks to Mazda, Nissan and Toyota about what has been achieved over the last decade Marcus Williams
Tom Donnelly expands role at Mazda North America Operations As part of wider organisational changes at Mazda North America Operations (MNAO), Tom Donnelly is taking on additional responsibilities to his role as senior vice-president of retail operations. Yoji Nukina will lead vehicle distribution. Marcus Williams
Stretching to the limit: How Sollers and Lorus move finished vehicles across Russia Operating across the largest country in the world – Russia – would be a challenge for any logistics operation, even without economic difficulties. OEM Sollers decided to distribute its finished vehicles in partnership with 4PL Lorus SCM Vladislav Vorotnikov
Hail, Caesar: How ECG’s template is giving power to distribution planning Inadequate forecasting is one of the biggest causes of inefficiency in finished vehicle logistics. Victoria Johns finds out how ECG’s Project Caesar is setting the standard for supply chain planning Victoria Johns
The twilight of global trade? Globalisation and free trade may be reversing towards regional supply chains for a mix of policy and economic reasons Malcolm Ramsay Malcolm Wheatley
