VW Group Logistics launches Venice port terminal to optimise exports, reduce emissions and improve resilience across vehicle logistics Volkswagen Group Logistics will expand its port network for finished vehicles of the Volkswagen Group with a terminal at Venice port in Italy, which will reduce lead times for many plants, increase rail transport, and shorten shipping times with Asia. Christopher Ludwig Megan Kelly
James Todd Kloeb, former head of material planning and logistics for the Americas at Ford, joins Lucid Motors as global vice president of MP&L James Todd Kloeb announced the news on social media, with it following a three-decade long stint at Ford. His role is expected to encompass global supply chain planning. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
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
Grimaldi is introducing additional liner services and investing in terminal operations around Europe Grimaldi is strengthening services for finished vehicle trade in Europe while at the same time building services for EV imports to there from China. Marcus Williams
Tanger Med increases vehicle exports from Morocco in 2024 with majority heading to Europe Renault’s two plants in Morocco increased output in 2024 with the great majority exported to Europe through Tanger Med port. Marcus Williams
Crew of hijacked Galaxy Leader car carrier finally released by Houthi captors Houthi captors have released the 25 members of the Galaxy Leader crew who taken hostage in November 2023 when the ro-ro vessel was hijacked transiting the Red Sea. Marcus Williams
How diversity of thought turns challenges into competitive gains As the automotive industry navigates nearshoring shifts and the rise of electric vehicles, diversity emerges as a strategic advantage. By fostering inclusivity, cross-cultural collaboration and equitable talent pipelines, leaders like Harry Kwakye Davies highlight how diverse perspectives transform challenges into opportunities. Emily Uwemedimo
Red Sofa interview | Digitalisation and Diversity: Saba Azizi on CATL’s strategy for success in EMEA At the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies Europe conference in Munich, Saba Azizi, Overseas Service Network and Development Manager for CATL, shared her remarkable journey from Iran to her pivotal role at the world’s largest EV battery company.
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
Leaps and bounds across the strait: How Morocco has become the new hub driving exports to Europe Morocco leads North Africa as a vehicle manufacturing base for exports to Europe, based on the sort of long-term commitments and investment that its neighbours need to embrace if they are to compete. Vladislav Vorotnikov
Maersk: Container volume to rise, Red Sea disruption continues Shipping company AP Møller-Maersk has raised its outlook for the global container market volume growth for the full year, despite supply chain disruption caused by the situation in the Red Sea which is now expected to continue at least until the end of the year. Megan Kelly
Stellantis revenue and profits fall in ‘challenging’ automotive market Stellantis’ revenue and profits have dropped in the first half of the year, with the OEM blaming a “challenging industry context” and a product blitz underway. Meanwhile, its CEO has triggered a “strategic review” of UK business because of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Megan Kelly
Global IT outage affects ports in US, Europe and Africa The global IT outage that hit industries across the world today has affected ports and airports across the US, Europe, Africa and more, causing problems for the automotive supply chain globally. Megan Kelly
Manuel Purwin moves to CCO role at Scan Global Logistics Manuel Purwin has moved to take the role of chief commercial officer (CCO) for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) region (excluding the Nordic countries) at freight forwarder Scan Global Logistics. Purwin moves from his role as global head of Automobility+ at logistics provider DB Schenker. Marcus Williams
Tensions in Middle East trigger war risk premiums in freight rates As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Iran has captured a container ship linked to Israel, leading to heightened volatility in shipping markets. Container trading firm Container xChange is predicting a rise in war risk premiums. Megan Kelly
Ford’s Dubai PDC will distribute service parts to GCC, Africa and Asia Pacific Following the news that Ford has broken ground on a new parts distribution centre (PDC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the carmaker has revealed further details of the forthcoming operations there. Marcus Williams
Maersk opts for land bridge due to Panama Canal drought Container shipping line Maersk has changed its services due to the ongoing drought affecting the Panama Canal and is instead opting for a ‘land bridge’ to mitigate disruptions. Megan Kelly
Red Sea blog: Live updates Houthi attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea are increasing, causing container ship and ro-ro operators to reroute vessels to avoid danger. Follow Automotive Logistics’ live blog below for the latest updates. Megan Kelly
Escalation in Taiwan could cause further semiconductor crisis in 2024 The escalation of tensions in Taiwan could cause a further semiconductor shortage in the year ahead, presenting a risk to automotive logistics. Megan Kelly
Ford breaks ground on Dubai PDC with DB Schenker Ford has held a ground-breaking ceremony with its logistics provider DB Schenker on a parts distribution centre (PDC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Senior leaders from property developer Atlantic Warehousing DWC were also in attendance. Marcus Williams
Houthi forces seize NYK car carrier in Red Sea [Updated Nov 22] A pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) chartered by NYK Line en route to India has been seized by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen, near Hodeida. Marcus Williams
Sallaum Lines expands ro-ro capacity with new PCTC orders Shipping firm Sallaum Lines, which moves finished vehicles between the US, Europe and Africa, has ordered six new pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels from China Merchants Shipyard to increase its ro-ro capacity. Megan Kelly
Stellantis plans to make cars in South Africa by 2025 Stellantis has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to build a plant in the country by 2025. Currently, the carmaker imports all the vehicles it sells there. Marcus Williams
Lithium-ion battery gigafactory database Track electric vehicle lithium battery gigafactories by manufacturer, location, manufacturer, current and planned gigawatt (GWh) capacity. Automotive from Ultima Media
Dave Bozeman to replace Frederiek Toney at Ford Frederiek Toney, who has led the Ford Customer Service Division for more than a decade and previously led material planning and logistics, will retire from Ford later this year after a career with the carmaker across 22 years. Marcus Williams
Ukraine’s vital link in the European supply chain The shutdown of much industry, trade and logistics out of Ukraine is hurting automotive production and driving up logistics and bunker costs for European logistics providers. Namrita Chow
DSV Panalpina buys Global Integrated Logistics for $4.1 billion Logistics giant DSV Panalpina is buying Global Integrated Logistics (GIL), the freight forwarding and contract logistics division of Agility Logistics. The latest acquisition positions DSV as one of the top three transport and logistics providers globally. Marcus Williams
Sean Bricknell appointed head of inbound logistics and packaging at Volvo Cars Volvo Cars has appointed Sean Bricknell (pictured) as head of global inbound logistics and packaging. Bricknell will be responsible for engineering and operations across both functions supporting Volvo’s plants in the Asia, EMEA and US regions. Marcus Williams
Smart tools for sustainable logistics at Hellmann Hellmann Worldwide Logistics steered a careful course through the Covid crisis last year and, with Monika Thielemann-Hald at the helm of its automotive logistics division, the company is well-positioned to continue its drive toward sustainable regional expansion and technological innovation. Marcus Williams reports Marcus Williams
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
Light at the end of the Suez Canal but challenges for automotive Of the many disruptions the pandemic has caused, the chain reaction of delays and spiralling costs in container global container shipping must have been one of the hardest to deal with. The delays in the Suez Canal were just the icing on an already unappetising cake. Illya Verpraet
Signs of movement on the Suez Canal One week after the Evergreen container vessel MV Ever Given became lodged across the Suez Canal, it appears as of March 29 that efforts to shift the 400-metre-long, 200,000-tonne vessel have been successful and the backlog of other ships is starting to move along the waterway once again. Marcus Williams
Executive changes at Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (RNM) Alliance has announced top executive changes within its purchasing and operations functions. Marcus Williams
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!
GM Middle East to import more vehicles from China GM will be importing more vehicles from China to supply the Middle East following a re-evaluation of its sourcing strategy triggered by Covid-19, according to Sulaiman Pallak, head of purchasing and supply chain for GM Africa and Middle East. Marcus Williams
Analysis: Middle East and Africa recovery will depend on better trade relations, logistics and investment The wider Middle East and North Africa region is set for vehicle sales and production declines of 25% year-on-year in 2020, but there are prospects for recovery in automotive markets and in trade, if OEMs and suppliers can overcome supply chain barriers. Download our latest analysis. Automotive from Ultima Media
Watch: Middle East and North Africa supply chains – the route to recovery (EP.3) Watch this Livestream for the latest insight on vehicle demand, production and trade across Middle East and North Africa automotive supply chains, plus insights with General Motors’ head of purchasing and supply chain for the Middle East, Sulaiman Pallak. Forecast available for download.
Watch: Finding opportunities in changing global trade rules Many factors have been impacting global automotive trade and freight flows, including changing trade agreements, cost considerations and of course the pandemic. In this session, independent logistics strategist Wolfgang Lehmacher discusses opportunities with experts from Gallega Global Logistics and ICR360.
Watch: Believe the hype! What Hyperloop technology means for the (near) future of logistics Hyperloop technology sounds futuristics but Hyperloop TT is already implementing a number of projects in logistics, including infrastructure in Dubai to port operations at the port of Hamburg. Chief strategy officer Juan Quintana details the company’s plans at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 10 – How Volkswagen is transforming plant logistics with AI, analytics and cloud technology In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the technology and processes that are accelerating more connected, data-driven supply chains, and the greater role they will play in the post-coronavirus automotive industry. With special guests from Volkswagen, research institute Fraunhofer ISST and tech startup SYNAOS.
Watch: How Ford digitalised and insourced global supply chain processes | Your Questions Answered Part II with Amlan Bose Ford is transforming its supply chain and logistics processes in a number of key regions, including creating an in-house 4PL and rolling out a dynamic transport management system. Following discussion on our popular Livestream Hour edition focused on digitalisation in supply chain and logistics, Ford’s Amlan Bose rejoins Christopher Ludwig to address audience questions on topics including challenges to rollout, whether the system and insourcing will spread to other regions, and how digital control towers are helping Ford in the Covid-19 crisis.
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 8 – Ford’s insourcing of logistics through technology Join this special digital transformation livestream session on how IT and technology solutions are supporting supply chain during the crisis, including a major digitalisation project for Ford’s logistics and supply chain management across key regions. Hosted by Christopher Ludwig and featuring updates and insights from the crisis and beyond for automotive supply chain and manufacturing.
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 4 – Tier Suppliers on the Road to Recovery The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. In Episode 4, we discuss the key areas that suppliers especially need to consider as the automotive industry stirs back into action, including supply chain and logistics processes, sourcing considerations, digital tools and collaboration.
Watch: Livestream Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain April Update Part of our ongoing Livestream series, the monthly supply chain update provides insight on what the coronavirus crisis will mean for automotive manufacturing and logistics. In this episode you will hear from Matteo Fini, Executive Director, Automotive Supply Chain and Technology, IHS Markit and Fathi Tlatli, President Global Sector Auto-Mobility DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 2 – Restarting Automotive Production in the New Normal The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. In Episode 2, supply chain expert Ralf Bechmann discusses how OEMs and tier suppliers together with Christopher Ludwig and AMS editor Nick Holt.
Watch: Your Questions Answered | The Coronavirus Series: Automotive Supply Chain March Update Following our first Livestream Coronavirus Automotive Supply Chain Update, our panellists reconvene to discuss audience questions that were not answered during the broadcast. Watch this exclusive video recording of the discussion covering the long-term impacts of the coronavirus crisis on global vehicle demand, economic and environmental policy, logistics and manufacturing operations.
Watch: Livestream | The Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain March Update Presented by Automotive from Ultima Media, hear from our analysts as they share insight on how the coronavirus crisis will impact global vehicle sales and what it will mean for automotive manufacturing and logistics. You will also hear from Supply Chain and Technology Strategist, Wolfgang Lehmacher, and his views on how supply chains could the crisis could lead to permanent changes in the wider supply chain.
Fighting back against fake parts Counterfeit components can be dangerous for road users and are a growing problem for the automotive industry. Automotive Logistics examines the lucrative fake parts trade Richard Brown
Mena aftermarket: Playing a bigger part Overall economic growth may be lacklustre, but automotive aftermarket sales are on the increase in the Middle East and North Africa Richard Brown
Q&A: Sulaiman Pallak, GM Middle East and North Africa In the absence of a production hub, OEMs operating in the Middle East must import both vehicles and parts. GM’s head of purchasing and supply chain for Africa and the Middle East tells Automotive Logistics about the challenges and opportunities in the region Victoria Johns
At the centre of change for Volkswagen Group Martin Hofmann, chief information office of the Volkswagen Group (pictured, right), explains how the carmaker is transforming its IT system backbone and legacy infrastructure across manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain and engineering – and how Volkswagen is now able to attract top software talent. Christopher Ludwig
Map: Volkswagen’s growing network of IT expertise Volkswagen Group IT has opened or expanded global IT and software centers, with growing significance across the company’s IT research and operations. Check out a map of their key locations and functions. Christopher Ludwig
Building Volkswagen’s Industrial Cloud Volkswagen Group’s landmark project with Amazon Web Services will help to connect all its global factories, and eventually the spply chain as well. At the core of the project is a drive to establish a standard software stack that will transform the way production IT is developed and implemented across Volkswagen locations. Christopher Ludwig
The new shape of IT at Volkswagen Over the past two years, Volkswagen’s central Group IT division, led by CIO Martin Hofmann, has been expanding staff numbers, investment and digital projects across the group’s business processes, and working more closely with brands like Audi, Porsche and Skoda. In the first of a multi-part article special on Group IT, we explain the evolving shape of the organisation. Christopher Ludwig
Powertrain forecast to 2030: Navigating the road to electrification Download this report for forecasts of eight different powertrains across regions, including all degrees of hybridisation, electrification and internal combustion engines, which reveal changes that will have huge implications for the future of the automotive supply chain. The latest insight by the business intelligence unit of Automotive from Ultima Media Automotive from Ultima Media
Safe and secure: How new warehouses will support African supply chains Supply chain and logistics operations in Africa are beset by difficulties including a lack of infrastructure and suitable storage facilities. One logistics provider, Agility Africa, hopes to tackle this by establishing a chain of high-quality warehouses throughout the continent Gavin du Venage
Tangible progress: Morocco boosts automotive production and logistics North African countries have attracted the attention of vehicle-makers due to their development programmes. One example is Morocco, which has invested in special industrial zones such as Tanger Automotive City, and is now seeing an automotive uptick Herve Deiss
Easing off the gas: Is the shipping industry ready for Sulphur 2020? A new rule to cut sulphur emissions, coming into force next year, will require operational changes by ports and shipping lines. But some parts of the world are far from ready Gavin du Venage
Into Africa: China’s ambitions for a transcontinental logistics network Much of the focus on China’s Belt and Road programme has been on trade routes between Europe and Asia, but Chinese organisations are also investing in African infrastructure Gavin du Venage
Shifting sands of time: The changing nature of Saudi Arabia’s automotive industry Changes to social and economic conditions, including the recent removal of a ban on female drivers, could give a welcome boost to the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia Richard Brown
Iran’s automotive industry left to rust US-led sanctions have devastated Iran’s automotive industry, disrupting its supply of components and causing production to fall. Automotive Logistics assesses the damage Ian Henry
Automotive Logistics to hold first Middle East and North Africa conference in Dubai Automotive Logistics is increasing its focus on the Middle East and Africa with a new conference and increased editorial coverage Automotive Logistics
Spate of violent attacks against trucks in South Africa threatens automotive industry Gavin du Venage
Blockchain: Potential unlocked? Vehicle-makers, tier supplies and logistics providers are progressing with ‘digital ledger’ technology that provides greater visibility and control over complex supply chains Malcolm Wheatley
Centre of the world: How the Middle East is growing in importance for automotive With vehicle sales on the rise and multiple free trade zones under development, the Middle East is attracting greater attention from the automotive industry than ever before Manik Mehta
Why all eyes are on Israel for AI In the race to perfect autonomous driving, Israel has proven to be a hotspot of technological innovation – driven, in part, by its military expertise and surveillance tools Jonathan Ward
Trust in Turkey: How exports are carrying the country through its economic crisis Turkey faces some difficult economic headwinds that have already impacted on its automotive industry. But there are still several reasons for optimism, especially the country’s strength as a vehicle export hub with easy access to the European market Nick Gibbs
The long way home For inbound automotive supply chains, returnable packaging just makes sense. No carmaker wants to spend money on wood, paper and cardboard again and again, only to have to fork out straight away for costly waste disposal. Jonathan Ward
Hanging in the balance Lower production output, slower growth in export markets and several regulatory and operational issues are threatening to unbalance Poland’s finished vehicle market Vladislav Vorotnikov
It may not be popular, but collaboration is still the only smart option Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
VW chief warns of ‘immediate end to South Africa’s motor industry’ if incentives are reduced and ownership targets are enforced Gavin du Venage
China conference: preparing for the new and the old, for growth and decline Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
Ford part 2: Global strategies Ford intends to support dealers through its Professional Service Network, a proliferation of Quick Lane stores and extended parts retention. Christopher Ludwig
Ford part 1: Always looking ahead In the first of a four-part feature, Christopher Ludwig talks to Ford Customer Service Division president Frederiek Toney (pictured) about changing times for logistics and providing global customer service Christopher Ludwig
Ford part 3: Supply chain upgrades Ford is rolling out advanced global inventory and demand management tools in pursuit of greater efficiency in logistics and service Christopher Ludwig
