Recent growth in Vietnam's manufacturing sector set to continue over the next decade Vietnam, one of the fastest developing automotive markets in south-east Asia, has a growing manufacturing base of foreign joint ventures and a homegrown EV industry. Marcus Williams
Mitsubishi keeps an eye on capacity in Vietnam Mitsubishi is navigating rising demand in Vietnam by balancing CKD assembly and regional imports, while investing in parts distribution and evaluating transport capacity amid high logistics costs. Marcus Williams
Vehicle imports to Vietnam increase in first half of 2025 Vietnam’s automotive imports are on track to set a new record in 2025, with customs data showing a sharp rise in volumes and value as domestic production and global trade flows drive increased supply chain activity. Marcus Williams
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
Alliance members Mitsubishi and Nissan consider joint US production plant to mitigate tariff hikes Mitsubishi has revealed that is has been talking to fellow Alliance member Nissan about joint production opportunities in the US. Details have not been released yet, but it may involve using already existing Nissan plants. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
The “great divergence” reshapes vehicle production and logistics in Europe amid market forces, Chinese OEMs and tariff shifts The European automotive market is at an inflection point. Lower vehicle volumes post-pandemic, a shift from net exports to net imports and the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers are fundamentally changing the region’s logistics dynamics. Meanwhile, tariffs and localisation efforts are altering trade flows. As automakers and logistics providers adapt, the success of their strategies will determine who thrives in this new era of European automotive supply chains. Emily Uwemedimo
Honda and Nissan in talks to form joint holding company; Mitsubishi also looking at involvement The carmakers are also in discussions with Mitsubishi over potential collaboration on standardised products and processes. Marcus Williams
Toyota leads sales hike in Ukraine ahead of war tax Ukrainian finished vehicle imports and sales have been booming in recent months, partly in anticipation of the 15% war tax, which is planned for introduction in September this year and could badly affect the market. Automotive Logistics
Nissan signs EV and software feasibility studies with Honda and Mitsubishi Nissan has signed memorandum of understanding with Honda to begin a joint feasibility study that includes automotive software platforms, sourcing of core components related to electric vehicles (EVs) and complementary products. It has also signed an agreement with Mitsubishi to explore a joint initiative in next-generation mobility and energy-related services using EVs. Marcus Williams
Supercharging service: Mitsubishi’s Mississauga makeover elevates aftersales Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada is investing in space to strengthen its aftersales service across the country. Brian McGrath, director of aftersales, tells Marcus Williams about an expansion strategy built on good technology, strong partnerships and customer loyalty Marcus Williams
Mitsubishi expands service parts warehouse in Canada Mitsubishi has expanded its parts distribution centre (PDC) in Mississauga, eastern Canada, to 15,200 sq.m in response to demand from its growing number of dealerships across the country. Marcus Williams
Mitsubishi Europe implements Vinturas’ private blockchain technology solution to enhance its vehicle supply chain In a bid to boost transparency, traceability and security across its value chain, the OEM has chosen Vinturas’ cloud-based interoperable network solution for its New Generation ASX and upcoming All-New COLT models. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Renault signs deal for EV battery supply with Verkor Renault has signed a supply deal with lithium battery maker Verkor for the long-term supply of batteries from 2025. Verkor will supply Renault with batteries equal to 12 GWh annually. Renault acquired a 20% stake in Verkor back in 2021. Marcus Williams
Mitsubishi hits export milestone in Thailand Mitsubishi Motors’ division in Thailand exported its 5 millionth vehicle this month. The carmaker marked the occasion with a ceremony on December 9 at Laem Chabang port and said the milestone underlined the location as a production hub for regional and global operations. Marcus Williams
Mitsubishi Fuso focuses on cleaner logistics to cut carbon from operations Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus (MFTBC) has revealed the latest efforts to cut carbon emissions from its plants and supporting logistics functions. Marcus Williams
Making the best of it at Mazatlán The port of Mazatlán saw its steadily increasing trade in finished vehicles badly affected last year when coronavirus disruption knocked out volumes. However, Nissan remains committed to importing through the port and terminal operator TMAZ is making plans for a full recovery. Marcus Williams reports Marcus Williams
Vehicle electrification shakes up export and import flows The electric vehicle revolution has reached some countries sooner than others, both in terms of customer uptake and manufacturing. As a result, outbound import and export flows are changing. Illya Verpraet
International Motors to take over Mitsubishi aftersales in UK International Motors (IM) is in talks with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to take over the carmaker’s aftersales business this autumn. Marcus Williams
Mitsubishi to sell models in Europe made by Renault from 2023 As part of an agreement to build on joint purchasing and vehicle standardisation announced by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (RNM) Alliance last year, Mitsubishi Motors will begin selling two models procured from Groupe Renault in selected European markets in 2023. 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
Common standards to alleviate uncertain demand and distribution changes Standardising communications between OEMs and their suppliers offers novel possibilities to smooth out the volatile conditions that modern automotive logistics has to contend with according to Robert Cameron, chairman of Odette International, which is working with European OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers to create such standards – including for finished vehicle logistics. Illya Verpraet
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
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
A special case: how Russia hopes to boost local production with investment contracts Russia is attempting to boost tier supplier capacity via contracts with OEMs and logistics subsidies for parts makers, but it is unclear how successful this will be Vladislav Vorotnikov
