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
Schiebe replaces Burzer in lead production and supply chain role at Mercedes Michael Schiebe will take over from Jörg Burzer as management board member overseeing production, quality and supply chain management at Mercedes-Benz Group on December 1 this year. Marcus Williams
OEMs and suppliers call on EU for subsidies to support EV growth Associations representing European OEMs and suppliers including Mercedes-Benz and Schaeffler have called on the European Commission to provide subsidies, tax reductions and lower energy costs to increase consumer demand for EVs. Megan Kelly
Actions taken by OEMs to curb effects of tariffs Since January, OEMs have been making strategic decisions to reshape their supply chains to mitigate against the effects of US president Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade shifts. Megan Kelly James McLoughlin
How trade shifts are reshaping FVL strategies Trade changes and tariffs are reshaping vehicle logistics routes and leading to delays, port congestion and compliance complexity. As OEMs strategically redesign their networks to gain opportunities from the chaos, communication with the FVL sector is key. Megan Kelly
Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Altmann strive to close gaps between ambition and reality In a panel held to mark the 50th anniversary of European vehicle logistics providers ARS Altmann, and moderated by Automotive Logistics, logistics leaders spoke about the investment, policies and partnerships needed to reduce emissions, especially for rail and electric trucks. Christopher Ludwig
Panattoni completes work on Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Centre [Updated May 27] Mercedes-Benz is ready to open its International Consolidation Centre in Germany, which will bundle and preassemble parts for distribution to its global production locations. Marcus Williams
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. 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
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. Megan Kelly
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Vladislav Vorotnikov
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. Megan Kelly
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
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. 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
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. 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
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 Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams Emily Uwemedimo
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. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
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. Emily Uwemedimo
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. Automotive Logistics
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. Megan Kelly
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. 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
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. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
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. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
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 Simon Warburton
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. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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”. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
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. Megan Kelly
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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 Malcolm Ramsay
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Hazel Southwell
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 Marcus Williams
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. Automotive Logistics
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. Marcus Williams
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. Hazel Southwell
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. Hazel Southwell
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. Hazel Southwell
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). Marcus Williams
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. Hazel Southwell
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 Malcolm Ramsay
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. 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
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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
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
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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. Jason Dunn
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. Jason Dunn
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. Namrita Chow
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. Marcus Williams
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. Jason Dunn
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. Marcus Williams
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 Namrita Chow
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
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). Automotive from Ultima Media
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 Automotive from Ultima Media
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. Marcus Williams
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 Namrita Chow
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. Marcus Williams
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. Namrita Chow
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? Werner Beutnagel Illya Verpraet
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. Illya Verpraet
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 Illya Verpraet
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. Marcus Williams
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. Illya Verpraet
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. Marcus Williams
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’. Marcus Williams
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 Marcus Williams
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 Joanne Perry
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? Victoria Johns
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 ECG Business Intelligence
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. Christopher Ludwig
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 Victoria Johns
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 Victoria Johns
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 Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
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 Joanne Perry
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 Victoria Johns
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? Gavin du Venage
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 Karen McCandless
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 Malcolm Ramsay Malcolm Wheatley
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? Christopher Ludwig
Production & logistics part 3: Operations, packaging and IT How have supply chain operations for logistics changed over the past 20 years? Christopher Ludwig
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. Christopher Ludwig