Tag: mercedes-benz

Mercedes expands low-carbon aluminium partnership with Hydro

Through its expanded partnership with Hydro, Mercedes-Benz is aiming to cut down on carbon emissions and bolster the resilience of its aluminium supply chain.

James McLoughlin

BMW and Mercedes struggle while Stellantis, Ford and GM demonstrate resilience amid industry headwinds

Mixed earnings reflect diverging strategies as OEMs battle tariffs and Chinese competition.

Megan Kelly

Mercedes-Benz strengthens local-for-local strategy with opening of plant extension in Kecskemét, Hungary

Parts and batteries are assembled on site at Mercedes-Benz's newly extended Kecskemét plant in Hungary, supporting its local-for-local strategy while improving flexibility and resilience.

James McLoughlin

Mercedes-Benz to manufacture electric C-Class and small G-Class at newly extended site in Hungary

Following the extension of Mercedes-Benz's Kecskemét plant, the electric C-Class, electric GLC and compact G-Class will manufactured at the site in Hungary.

Timo Gilgen

Daimler Truck Global Parts Center in Halberstadt fully operational

Opened in 2025, the Daimler Truck Global Parts Center in Halberstadt, Germany, is now fully operational, distributing spare parts to dealers around the world.

James McLoughlin

Daimler Truck opens new plant in Zárate, Argentina

Daimler Truck inaugurated its Zárate Industrial Center in Argentina, featuring a new plant, a spare parts logistics centre and a remanufacturing plant.

James McLoughlin

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Mercedes-Benz' Cassandra Morgan on the impact of tariffs, fuel price spikes and new carrier contracts on finished vehicle logistics

Cassandra Morgan, Mercedes-Benz USA's manager of finished vehicle logistics, discusses tariffs, fuel price spikes and the need for transparency with carriers.

Automotive Logistics

Baltimore builds on resilience for auto throughput despite headwinds

The port of Baltimore has had a tough couple of years following the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Recovery of volumes in 2025 was not helped by the disruption to vehicle imports caused by US tariffs imposed in April 2025.

GAC confirms Mexico assembly plant will be operational in 2026

GAC will become the first Chinese automotive OEM to operate an assembly plant in Mexico when its new site becomes operational in the second half of 2026.

James McLoughlin

Marcus Ekman to join Mercedes-Benz Trucks as head of engineering from Volvo Group

Marcus Ekman, currently senior vice president of truck quality at Volvo Group, will take the reins as head of engineering at Mercedes-Benz Trucks from October this year.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Tawin Holdings acquires transport provider inTime Group

Tawin Holdings, which owns of Priority Freight, has agreed with Mutares SE & Co to purchase inTime Express Logistik and its subsidiaries: TLT and Routewise.

James McLoughlin

Mercedes-Benz reshapes purchasing supply chain leadership

Mercedes-Benz Group AG has implemented senior leadership changes across procurement, supplier quality and supply chain operations, appointing Yanni von Roy-Jiang to lead procurement from January 1 and naming Stefanie Choritz as her successor in supply chain operations from April.

Emily Uwemedimo

EU proposes 90% emissions target for 2035 rather than ICE ban

The European Commission proposed a 90% CO₂ reduction target for new cars and vans from 2035 instead of an ICE ban, prompting mixed reactions from automakers.

James McLoughlin

EU delays proposals on 2035 ban on new ICE vehicle production

The European Union has delayed the release of proposals on its 2035 ban on new ICE vehicles, as countries like Germany, Italy and Hungary urge an extension.

James McLoughlin

Mercedes-Benz boosts production and logistics visibility with Celonis

Mercedes-Benz has improved on-time delivery of inbound and service parts, boosted decision making and made efficiency gains across more than 30 global production plants thanks to a strategic collaboration with digital technology provider Celonis.

Volvo Cars, VW and more warn about Nexperia chip shortage

Volvo Cars and VW have warned that the ongoing shortage in supply of Nexperia semiconductors could affect production.

Megan Kelly

James McLoughlin

CATL to raise $4bn in Hong Kong listing to fund Debrecen EV battery gigafactory in Europe

Chinese EV battery maker CATL has said it is set to raise at least $4bn in its secondary listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange, to fund its giigafactory in Debrecen, Hungary.

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.

US provides auto industry tariff relief offsets and new limits on stacking duties

US president Donald Trump has offered relief to carmakers in the form of tariff rebates while clearing up some uncertainty on tariff stacking.

VW Group one of a number of carmakers revising exports of vehicles from Mexico to US

Carmakers, including VW Group, are suspending the export of vehicles from Mexico into the US and revising production plans in the face of US tariffs brought in last week by the Trump administration. The German carmaker is also now holding all vehicles delivered after April 3 at US ports of entry.

Spain’s Vigo port records increase in vehicle throughput including trade out of Morocco

Spain’s port of Vigo has maintained a top position in the ranking of European vehicle-handling ports in 2024, helped by an increase in trade with Morocco. It is also installing an onshore power supply from renewable sources for berthed vessels.

Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace deal signals major shifts in automotive logistics, reshaping markets in Russia, Europe, and China

A 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration on March 11, designed to be a prelude to a lasting peace deal, can pave the way to tremendous changes for the automotive industry in Russia, Europe and China.

How nearshoring and battery localisation are reshaping Europe’s EV supply chain amid shifting demand, Chinese competition, and policy shifts

With battery investments in flux, Europe’s OEMs push for local supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and Chinese EV competition.

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.

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.

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.

Hödlmayr using Mercedes-Benz eActros truck to shuttle finished vehicles from Magna plant in Graz

Hödlmayr International is now using an Mercedes-Benz eAtros 300 truck to shuttle finished vehicles between Magna Steyr’s plant and its nearby vehicle compound in Graz, Austria.

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.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks delivers first eActros 600 units to transport customers and announces upgrades to Wörth plant charging infrastructure

Mercedes-Benz Trucks will provide eActros 600 trucks to its own logistics providers from Q2 next year and is supporting emission-free inbound logistics with upgraded charging infrastructure at the Wörth plant in Germany

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.

Kristy MacGregor replaces Rory Hepner as director of vehicle logistics and customs operations at Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA has appointed Kristy MacGregor director of vehicle logistics and customs operations following the departure of Rory Hepner.

Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Center in Germany is being built on sustainable foundations

Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Center will open in the second quarter of 2025 with sustainability at the core of its construction and logistics planning.

JLR, Mercedes-Benz and Renault join logistics providers to discuss sustainable collaboration at ECG conference

Carmakers in Europe are not afraid of collaborating with logistics partners to decarbonise inbound and outbound logistics. At this year’s ECG conference in Hamburg, Germany, speakers from JLR, Mercedes-Benz and Renault outlined what they were doing to secure more sustainable deliveries.

Mercedes-Benz opens lithium battery recycling facility in Germany to close the loop on material supply

Mercedes-Benz has opened a battery recycling centre in Kuppenheim, Germany with technology partner Primobius, a joint venture between German plant and mechanical engineering company SMS group, and Australian process technology developer Neometals.

Aligning logistics partnerships and ROI with sustainability

Six months after the 2024 Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany, we look at the output of a sustainability workshop involving logistics leaders at JLR and Mercedes-Benz and explore the action points needed to scale green logistics, including collaboration and co-investment. We also look forward to what needs to be done by the 2025 event.

Director of vehicle logistics and customs operations, Rory Hepner, retires after 33 years of dedicated service with Mercedes-Benz USA

Rory Hepner, director of vehicle logistics and customs operations, is retiring from Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) after 33 years. Hepner leaves behind a legacy of exceptional leadership, centred on developing people and teams, and contributions that have shaped key operations, such as the West Coast Campus and the VOIS sales system.

ALSC Mexico 2024 set to return to Mexico City for 10th year

More than 550 leading OEMs, logistics providers, supply chain technology specialists and officials will reunite during the event.

ACC halts construction of two European gigafactories

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies’ subsidiary Saft, has halted the construction of two of its three planned European gigafactories.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to electrify inbound deliveries

German logistics provider Große-Vehne Speditions is deploying two battery-electric eActros 300 semitrailer tractor units for transporting car engines between Mercedes-Benz Truck’s Bad Cannstatt engine plant and its truck assembly plant in Sindelfingen, both on the periphery of Stuttgart.

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.

Brunswick port increases vehicle traffic and invests for further growth

The US port of Brunswick processed 740,000 passenger cars and light trucks last year, up 13.5% on the previous year, with imports accounting for 75% of the volume (555,000). Mercedes-Benz, which has a vehicle processing centre at the Colonel’s Island terminal, was the carmaker that moved the most volumes.

Highlights from ALSC Europe day one

At our recent Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 conference in Bonn, Germany we heard from some of the biggest OEMs, logistics partners and tier suppliers in the continent, who discussed how to deliver a competitive edge through logistics. While the event may be over, Automotive Logistics will continue to bring some of the most important and insightful highlights from the conference.

Mercedes-Benz looks at logistics uses for Apollo humanoid robots

Mercedes-Benz Group has signed a contract with robotics supplier Apptronik to look into applications for humanoid robots in the carmaker’s manufacturing facilities. The Apollo robots that Apptronik developed and unvieled last year are designed to operate in warehouses and manufacturing plants.

Revamping supply chains: Carmakers’ shift to local sourcing for EV efficiency

Carmakers in Europe, including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, are reshaping their logistics by localising supply chains. This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and reduce emissions, marking a significant step towards sustainable electric vehicle production.

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

Mercedes-Benz Group cuts ties with Kamaz in Russia

Mercedes-Benz Group has sold its remaining 15% stake in Russian commercial vehicle maker Kamaz. A spokesperson for the carmaker said that the necessary regulatory approvals had been granted and contractual agreements implemented.

ACC raises €4.4 billion for three gigafactories in Europe

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has raised €4.4 billion ($4.7 billion) in debt funding for the construction of three gigafactories in Europe.

Brunswick port boosts vehicle and machinery handling in 2023

The US port of Brunswick moved more than 775,560 finished vehicle and machinery units last year, an increase of 15.6% on ro-ro performance in 2022.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks electrifies fleet for inbound deliveries to Wörth plant

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered 12 battery-electric trucks to its logistics providers, the first of 20 eActros 300s for use in inbound logistics. The first 12 trucks will be used for just-in-time delivery of parts to the Wörth plant in Germany from the first quarter of 2024 and together they will make around 50 journeys a day.

Toyota pushes forward with Battery 3R circular economy strategy

Toyota is implementing a number of sustainable strategies aimed at the creation of a circular economy for its electric vehicles, including the reuse and recycling of lithium batteries under its Battery 3R initiative to reduce, rebuild/reuse and recycle.

VW Group steers production in line with dropping demand for EVs

In its performance update for the first nine months of 2023 Volkswagen Group said the automotive industry is “currently experiencing a general reluctance [by customers] to buy battery-powered models” and that “the overall market trend… fell short of expectations”.

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.

EVs “in good condition” after Fremantle Highway ro-ro fire

EVs on board car carrier Fremantle Highway are reported to be “in good condition” and salvageable after a fire that broke out on the vessel on 25th July, according to first inspections.

Watch: Balancing sustainability, resilience and profitability in the automotive supply chain

This livestream with Mercedes-Benz explores how supply chain stakeholders can use machine learning to develop a more resilient, sustainable logistics network.

Aston Martin partners with EV specialist Lucid for battery systems

Aston Martin Lagonda is set to use luxury electric vehicle (EV) specialist Lucid Group’s battery and electrical supply systems as part of its new EV platform.

Mercedes Benz: People are our most critical asset in vehicle logistics

Rory Hepner points to the partnerships and human capital that will help the Mercedes-Benz USA meet its ambitions for service and electrification.

The FVL party has started: capacity, ETA, standards and network changes

Halfway through this year’s conference on the sidelines of the evening reception, Christopher Ludwig sums up the highlights so far.

Shared standards for an electric future

The transformation the automotive industry is undergoing this decade to phase out the combustion engine and manufacture battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is having a significant impact on the way those vehicles are distributed the world over. As a result, carmakers need to transform the way they work with their outbound vehicle logistics providers.

US Senate investigates forced labour in auto supply chain

The US Senate Committee on Finance is looking into the use of Chinese forced labour in the automotive supply chain, and has sent letters to global carmakers and tier one suppliers to ascertain how they are sourcing materials and overseeing their supply chains.

Taking the smoke out of the chain

Vehicle makers are working with logistics providers to make the movement of parts and finished vehicles in Europe more sustainable. Malcolm Ramsay looks at localised battery supply, the use of etrucks and use of more rail

Mercedes-Benz breaks ground on battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim

Mercedes-Benz Group has broken ground on a 7,000 sq.m lithium battery recycling plant in Germany, with annual capacity to handle 2,500 tonnes of battery material from hybrid and pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs). That material will be fed back into to produce more than 50,000 battery modules for new Mercedes-Benz models, said the carmaker.

Cofinity-X platform aims to improve supply chain transparency

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are among ten companies that have set up a new joint venture platform for the automotive supply chain called Cofinity-X.

Merc Trucks to open global service parts centre in Halberstadt

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is building a service parts centre in Halberstadt, Germany this year that it said will help make its spare part logistics more flexible, efficient and sustainable. It is the biggest logistics project in the company’s history.

Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian pause production plans in Europe

Rivian has pulled out of the agreement it signed with Mercedes-Benz Vans in September this year to make electric commercial vehicles (eCVs) in Europe. The US EV maker said it would instead be focusing on producing its R1T and R1S vehicles for customers.

Strategies for a sustainable US auto sector

The latest legislation on domestic EV production in the US will strengthen a more sustainable vehicle industry there, but it will also lead to a significant shift in the balance of imports and exports

Russia pins hopes on electric future as carmakers continue exodus

Russia is hoping to salvage its automotive sector by pumping billions in investment into electric vehicle (EV) production, rather than trying to rescue production of combustion-engine vehicles at the car plants left redundant by western carmakers who are leaving the country en masse.

Carmakers look to restructure European dealer network

Dealers will remain central to the way car manufacturers sell and distribute their vehicles though there may be fewer outlets. However, current difficulties in distribution mean the agency model, by which the OEM sells directly to the customer online for a fixed fee, is growing as an alternative to the normal way of doing business.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks partners with XPO to open UK distribution hub

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has opened a new, dedicated service hub that will store spare parts and act as the logistics centre for all of its UK-based trucks, and also those of Daimler sister brand Fuso. At 13,000 sq.m it adds a fifth more space capacity than current facilities and is based in Willen, just outside Milton Keynes.

Mercedes to use Microsoft data platform to streamline supply chain

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Microsoft to deepen their collaboration on production systems, creating a data platform that gives transparency across every passenger car factory and allows inventory management and supply chain oversight to maximise production.

Mercedes-Benz and VW choose Canadian lithium supply for German gigafactories

Merecedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group have signed agreements with the Canadian government to secure future lithium supply for battery production in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz making electric SUVs in US with local battery supply

Mercedes-Benz has started production of its EQS fully electric SUV in the US, supported by local lithium-ion battery supply. The new EV, and the forthcoming EQE SUV, will be made exclusively at the Tuscaloosa plant in Vance, Alabama, by Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI).

Mercedes-Benz first to benefit from CATL battery plant in Hungary

Chinese battery giant CATL has chosen Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city, as the site for a 100GWh gigafactory that will supply batteries directly to carmakers making electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe, beginning with Mercedes-Benz.

Threadbare trade on the Silk Road

The war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Russia have hit container shipments by rail between Europe and China, with repercussions for automotive supply and the further complications for ocean freight

Low river levels hamper vehicle shipments in Europe

Soaring temperatures and a prolonged dry spell in Europe this summer means river levels are at an all-time low, most notably in the Rhine, which was closed to freight traffic this week.

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

Walter Ludwig to lead logistics at Lucid while Evelyn Chiang transforms processes

Electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors has appointed Walter Ludwig as its vice-president of global logistics and ex-Tesla supply chain leader Evelyn Chiang as vice-president of process transformation.

Mercedes hampered by Q2 parts shortages

Supply chain disruption has hampered sales for Mercedes-Benz in the second quarter of this year, according to the carmaker’s most recent figures.

Watch: Right Parts, Right Place, Right Time with Mercedes-Benz

In this Automotive Logistics Livestream on June 22, 2022 Mercedes-Benz USA experts from IT and aftersales logistics share how they are partnering with Blue Yonder to resolve inventory shortages before they impact the customer experience and using data analytics to create more predictive, dynamic and resilient supply chains.

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

Russia struggles to repair its broken supply chain

In a bid to save what is left of its automotive industry, Russia is taking measures to establish new supply chains and logistics networks following the breakdown caused by the international sanctions applied in the wake of the Ukraine war.

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

Mercedes-Benz opens battery logistics centre in Poland

Following the opening of its battery logistics centre in Bremen, Germany in February, Mercedes-Benz Cars is also opening a new 2.6-hectare logistics facility at its Jawor plant in Poland. Mercedes-Benz recently added lithium-ion battery production alongside engine assembly at the Jawor plant.

Mercedes-Benz opens sustainable battery logistics centre in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has opened a battery logistics facility near its plant in Bremen, Germany, that it will run with its logistics provider DB Cargo.

Mercedes and Stellantis sign deals with solid-state start-up

Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis have signed investment agreements with US battery start-up, Factorial Energy, for the development and supply high-voltage traction solid-state battery technology.

Outsmarting the capacity crunch

There is no single solution to the challenges facing North American vehicle logistics, but watch what Mercedes-Benz USA’s Rory Hepner is doing to manage the crisis with vehicle logistics providers, along with insights from top vehicle logistics brokers Acertus and outbound specialists RPM

Jörg Burzer joins Daimler management board amid company restructure

Daimler is realigning its management board responsibilities with the Mercedes-Benz division to create more streamlined decision-making following the announcement that it is separating its passenger car and truck divisions.

Outbound sector grapples with reality of reaching carbon neutrality

The demand is clear: a carbon neutral Europe by 2050. However, the complexities in achieving this target are myriad, especially for the vehicle logistics industry.

Daimler separates business into strategic management of cars and trucks

At the end of this year, Daimler is spinning off its commercial vehicles business into a separately listed and fully independent company called Daimler Truck Holding. The company is also renaming Daimler AG as Mercedes-Benz Group in the first quarter of 2022, emphasising its focus on cars and vans in the luxury and premium segments. The company is calling the reorganisation Project Focus.

Mercedes joins Stellantis and Total to expand European battery cell capacity

Mercedes-Benz has joined Stellantis and Total in taking shares in Automotive Cells Company, with plans to further expand battery cell production and regional supply chains in Europe. The German carmaker is planning eight global gigafactories, including four in Europe.

Daimler installs automated parts warehouse in Düsseldorf

Daimler has installed an automated small parts warehouse at its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van assembly plant in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Material shortages are forcing a supply chain rethink in automotive

Widespread shortages in range of materials used to make cars are impacting production but OEMs and suppliers are responding by accelerating the development of alternative closed-loop supply chains

Tramosa using robots for vehicle yard management

Stanley Robotics is supplying Tramosa with mobile robots for the movement of vehicles at its outbound logistics compound in Creutzwald, France. Tramosa, which is the French subsidiary of Spanish logistics provider Tradisa, is aiming to deploy the robots at its other compounds in Europe following this first trial.

Cross-sector partnership to promote sustainable materials sourcing in Chile

A new cross-industry partnership has been set up to ensure more responsible materials sourcing for the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

OEM and lithium-ion battery cell supplier database

Keep up with changing supplier relationships between electric vehicle manufacturers and battery cell suppliers in this database by powertrain type (battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, mild and full hybrid electric vehicles, and commercial electric vehicles).

Electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle plant database

Track factory locations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles by manufacturer, model and location, in a comprehensive listing of the changing geography of electric vehicle manufacturing

Daimler Buses launches mobile 3D parts printing for aftersales

Daimler Buses and its aftersales service brand Omniplus have set up a mobile 3D printing centre that fits in a container for the local production of spare parts. The 36 sq.m facility will speed the delivery of spare parts to bus customers and cut down on the transport of those parts from fixed production and storage centres.

How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply

OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor supply bases to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet

Dianna du Preez takes over as head of customer services at MBUSA

Dianna du Preez (pictured) moves to a new role at Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) as vice-president of customer services at the beginning of May, succeeding Christian Treiber who is leaving the company.

The way we buy cars has changed forever

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a latent online sales trend, with more than 50% of vehicles across Europe currently sold across some form of online channel, according to new research. This has solidified automakers’ roll out plans for new sales structures across the continent and beyond.

German carmakers race to secure European battery cell production

The millions of electric vehicles being produced also need millions of batteries. But where do the German manufacturers source their cells from?

Carmakers ramp up plans for North American BEV manufacturing

As Europe develops an appetite for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with Volkswagen’s ID.3 even becoming the second-best selling car overall in December, North America continues to lag behind. Although it is unlikely to catch up to Europe any time soon, things are beginning to move when it comes to local manufacturing, with some major OEMs and some credible start-ups announcing big investments for new models.

Ineos finalises supply for Hambach takeover

Ineos Automotive has officially taken over operations of the Daimler plant in Hambach, France, after completing the purchase of the facility in December last year. It will start building the firm’s Grenadier off-roader in 2021, as well as continue to build the Smart EQ Fortwo until the end of its model cycle

AL FVL Winter 2020 Digital Edition

The winter digital edition of Automotive Logistics is out now, featuring an overview of how automotive supply chains have adapted during the crisis, and how digitalisation will reshape logistics. Plus insight on battery supply chains, used car logistics, vehicle logistics quality systems at Daimler and much more!

Mercedes-Benz demands carbon neutrality from supply base

Mercedes-Benz is tasking its supply base with the supply of carbon-neutral battery cells and other parts as it strives toward a carbon-neutral vehicle fleet within the next 20 years, part of its Ambition 2039 environmental initiative.

More than one way to buy a car – subscription models and FVL

The Covid-19 crisis has forced dealers faced with closure to adopt online sales and subscription models. We take a look at what it means for the logistics sector and how start-up Lynk & Co is going all-in on it.

Second Covid wave will cripple vehicle sales and distribution

Carmakers are looking at a damaging month of sales as new lockdowns in Europe hit the dealer network. At the same time they are closely monitoring inbound supply chains ahead of a winter that could see continued disruption to automotive supply chains.

Mercedes-Benz to increase stake in Aston Martin

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz division is increasing its stake in Aston Martin Lagonda from 5% to 20% in what the carmakers are calling a ‘strategic technology agreement’.

Watch: How Daimler digitalised its damage claims process for vehicle logistics

In a case study presentation at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, Dr Monica Schmickler explains Mercedes-Benz’s new global quality management system, Q.DOME, and how the carmaker is gaining more visibility and data over vehicle transport damage in its global distribution network.

Watch: Keeping the metal moving in Europe

As the European vehicle logistics sector faces huge challenges and changes, senior logistics leaders from Daimler, Volvo Cars and Hyundai Glovis discuss capacity requirements, digitalisation and requirements from their logistics partners during a panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.

Managing a dynamic global service parts network from Germersheim

Mercedes-Benz has added a state-of-the-art service parts warehouse to its global spare parts logistics centre in Germersheim, Germany. Klaus Ziemsky, director of global parts operations and site manager at the centre, tells Marcus Williams about the latest automation technology being used there

The medium is the message

An industry-wide initiative in Europe aims to set a standard for digital communication across all outbound delivery processes from factory to dealer. Joanne Perry talks to some of those involved

Daimler automates inbound communications at Wörth plant

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 30 years at Germersheim with high-tech warehouse

INEOS in discussions with Daimler to produce Grenadier in Hambach

Land of opportunity: INEOS Automotive

British company INEOS Automotive’s Grenadier is being developed as a resolute 4x4 from the ground up, but can the start-up’s lack of legacy and supply chain history cover new terrain and open up options for logistics?

Mexico parts shortage hits production at Mercedes-Benz in Vance

Germany allows car dealerships to reopen as assembly restarts

Preparing for the next phase of the Covid-19 crisis: European vehicle forecast and logistics changes

Download this report for monthly forecast of European vehicle registration and production, and an analysis of the manufacturing, supply chain and logistics changes required as OEMs begin restarting assembly plants. This report is the latest from ECG Business Intelligence, a collaboration between the Association of European Vehicle Logistics and Automotive from Ultima Media

Brazil’s automotive industry paralysed in the second half of March

Calling stop on automotive supply chains: how long can companies survive the Covid-19 crisis?

With the coronavirus pandemic causing a level of automotive plant shutdowns not seen since the second world war, suppliers and logistics providers will face failures without direct support from government, and close collaboration with OEMs and industry.

6 questions in 60 seconds…with Rory Hepner

Rory Hepner, general manager duty drawback and finished vehicles, logistics/customs, Mercedes-Benz USA, talks leadership, law and why you should never be afraid to ask questions

XPO Logistics to manage Mercedes-Benz parts network in UK

Chamberlain appointed head of Mercedes-Benz in Canada

Procurement a priority in Mercedes’ sustainability plan

Daimler Buses to start 3D printing of spare parts

Damage control: How technology can assist vehicle inspection

The quality of finished vehicles has traditionally been checked by eye, but this convention is being challenged by automated image technology such as that developed by British start-up DeGould

Celadon collapses because of ‘legacy and market headwinds’

Global trade disputes could dim electric vehicle supply chain potential in key markets

Trade uncertainties such as those between the US and China, or the UK and the EU, could put the brakes on growth in the electric vehicle and battery supply chain for some OEMs and countries, despite bullish forecasts for alternative powertrains

CEE: At the heart of Europe’s electric future

OEMs and tier suppliers are investing in Central and Eastern Europe with a particular focus on electric, connected and autonomous mobility. Delegates at the Automotive Logistics CEE Summit in Budapest heard about the latest challenges and opportunities

Cuxport on a roll with 2m BMW exports

Mercedes-Benz truck trial reveals positive results

Trial truck deployed in Mercedes-Benz supply chain

Steering the future using AI

German start-up Kopernikus has developed self-driving technology that can be used to move vehicles inside production facilities and workshops, and potentially even at ports

Hard Brexit fear haunts UK's finished vehicle sector

South Africa's dream of an EV supply base

Despite negligible EV sales at home, South Africa is looking to become an exporter of their components and is putting an incentives scheme into place. But can it succeed?

Changes at the top of Daimler’s logistics and supply chain

Mercedes-Benz dealer improves performance in Chile

Still got it: How reuse and recycling can give EV batteries a new lease of life

As the EV trend continues, it raises the question of what to do with their hazardous lithium-ion batteries once they have reached the end of their useful life. Options include reuse and recycling, but both of these require special expertise in reverse logistics

Mercedes-Benz to produce batteries in Poland

Mercedes-Benz plans production in Egypt

Stepping up the quality

Packing a punch

Progress for all to CEE

Mercedes-Benz takes to rail to move cars to China

Mapping for Mercedes

Russian carmakers appeal for a stop to state aid

Smart logistics behind Mercedes-Benz US van plant

BLG expands US services for Mercedes-Benz

Valmet starts production of new Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz to expand South African plant

Vehicle imports to Russia increase in the first quarter

Sweet home Alabama

MBUSI: In a state of contentment

Real-time tracking: Is it Here yet?

Real-time cargo tracking has always had its appeal. The problem has been finding a technology that could actually deliver on the aspiration

Harman expands Suzhou factory

The ethics of sourcing for electrics

Trump sanctions leave Gaz exports in doubt

Mercedes-Benz: Taking an end-to-end approach

Proficient Auto Transport appoints new president and CEO

VW cancels contracts with Prevent Group after supply problems

Pasajes suffers sharp drop in throughput

Russian regulation: Get local or get going

Production & logistics part 4: Logistics organisations and skills

How has your company’s supply chain and logistics management organisation changed over the past 20 years?

Production & logistics part 3: Operations, packaging and IT

How have supply chain operations for logistics changed over the past 20 years?

Production & logistics part 2: Questioning the future

This article is one of a series of pieces celebrating Automotive Logistics’ 20th anniversary issue that together take an extended look at the way top executives feel automotive production and logistics have changed in the last two decades – and where they see them heading in the future.

Different digital paces

Mercedes-Benz switches from one to three LSPs in Alabama

Mercedes-Benz USA: ‘One way or another, we always get the job done’