Automotive supply chain Q4 2025 outlook: Cost pressures, tariff uncertainty and disruption Cost pressures have surged, impacting companies within the automotive supply chain, whilst tariff uncertainty persists and supply chain disruption lingers. Daniel Harrison
Congestion, capacity and complexity all concerns for cross-border logistics Against a backdrop of global trade uncertainty, ALSC Global 2025 highlighted some challenges and opportunities presented by cross-border automotive logistics. James McLoughlin
Watch: BMW drives efficiency and localisation through its ‘Unleash ASEAN’ strategy At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN 2025, BMW Group’s Dr Michael Nikolaides outlined how the carmaker is streamlining lead times, harmonising standards, and expanding localisation to strengthen supply chain resilience across Southeast Asia. Automotive Logistics
Rail and road in North America compete for growing auto freight While rail companies continue to consolidate in North America, railroads are competing for a larger share of vehicle and parts flows with road freight. Megan Kelly
Stellantis retools Asia Pacific supply chain for localisation and growth At ALSC ASEAN in Singapore, Stellantis’ COO for India and APAC, Ashwani Muppasani, outlined how it's redesigning its regional logistics and sourcing networks. Anushka Dixit
Trump and Xi agree on US-China tariff reduction and rare earths supply During his trip to Asia, US president Donald Trump met with China’s president Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. Although no comprehensive deal could yet be reached, Trump announced a tariff reduction for Chinese imports to the US and China agreed to continue the flow of rare earth minerals to the US. James McLoughlin
UP-NS merger likely to bring more disruption to North American automotive logistics The planned merger of Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) is likely to bring more challenges to North American automotive logistics than benefits, according to supply chain professors at Michigan State University. Megan Kelly
Port congestion, competition pressures loom as Mexico set to increase tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports Automakers in Asia and logistics firms around the world are grappling with uncertainty as they begin to prepare for the impact of an increase in Mexico’s tariff on Chinese vehicle imports from 20% to 50%. James McLoughlin
Europe’s vehicle logistics faces flat volumes and rising costs Europe’s vehicle logistics sector faces flat volumes, rising costs and fierce competition, and at the ECG Conference leaders said only efficiency and innovation can ensure survival. Emily Uwemedimo
Stellantis charts an agile course for service parts and aftersales logistics overhaul Overseeing one of the industry’s largest service parts and aftersales networks, James Parker Jr. of Stellantis is leading a multi-year transformation that fuses technology, consolidation and flexible delivery models to meet rising customer and market demands. Emily Uwemedimo
Increasing lean logistics’ influence during a paradigm shift In an era defined by disruption, the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2025 conference cast a spotlight on lean logistics as a stabilising force across the automotive value chain. Megan Kelly
Packaging is a priority for more efficient inbound parts transport at Nissan From increasing standard parts per rack to integrating packaging input in early product design, Nissan is rethinking how smarter packaging can reduce trailer use, optimise cost and improve environmental performance across its North American supply chain. Marcus Williams
Watch: Stellantis’ James Parker Jr. on building a flexible, tech-driven global parts network As Stellantis transforms its global parts and service operations, James Parker Jr. explains how the carmaker is using automation, AI and new logistics models to gain agility, efficiency and customer focus. Automotive Logistics
Carmakers embrace AI agents to improve vehicle logistics processes Experts revealed how technologies such as agentic mesh systems, JEPA models and data-sharing protocols are transforming route optimisation, ETA accuracy and OEM-carrier negotiations. Marcus Williams
How supply chains are learning to flow with disruption As tariffs shift weekly and demand forecasts lose reliability, automotive supply chain leaders at ALSC Global 2025 revealed how they're replacing rigid planning with flexible frameworks, real-time data systems, and deeper collaboration. Anushka Dixit
Watch: VW's Anu Goel on strategies for dealing with uncertainty and the impact of tariffs on parts and service Anu Goel, executive vice president, group aftersales and service at VW, discusses how automotive supply chains have adapted to address uncertainty since the US' introduction of global tariffs. Automotive Logistics
Carmakers spread the cost of tariffs but prices set to rise say analysts The automotive sector is facing significant cost pressure caused by continuing inflation, high capital and labour costs, a situation exacerbated by the higher tariff costs and associated disruption caused by current US trade policy. Marcus Williams
Watch: GM’s Marcio Lucon on agility, packaging strategy and EV logistics transformation Marcio Lucon, executive director of global logistics and containers at General Motors, discusses how GM is embedding logistics early in decision-making, optimising packaging, adapting to EV growth and transforming aftersales supply chains. Automotive Logistics
Sponsored Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025: Download now Download the inaugural Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025 for the definitive playbook to navigate disruption, cut through uncertainty and stay ahead of global competition. Automotive Logistics
Cost pressure and tariff turmoil major concerns for inbound logistics says survey The results of the first "Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey", carried out in partnership with DP World, reveal that the automotive logistics sector is responding with fortitude to the cost pressures, tariff turmoil and supply chain disruption affecting the sector in 2025. Automotive Logistics
Tariff analysis deep dive: The most important changes for the auto industry How regional tariff updates and expanded tariffs on parts and components such as aluminium and steel derivatives are affecting OEMs, suppliers and LSPs. Megan Kelly
How logistics has become key to GM’s growth and footprint GM's executive director Marcio Lucon highlights how smarter investments, a resilient network and strategic alignment are reducing risk and boosting results. Christopher Ludwig Emily Uwemedimo
CPKC opposes ‘transcontinental’ rail consolidation Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has said it opposes further consolidation in the rail industry in North America, following the announcement of the potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Megan Kelly
Volkswagen builds a bridge for ASEAN’s auto supply chain from Malaysia Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Dr Susanne Lehmann speaks to Automotive Logistics about guiding the company’s regional strategy, using Malaysia as a base to build an integrated, future-ready footprint across South-East Asia, linked through enhanced logistics. Emily Uwemedimo Christopher Ludwig
US and EU trade deal details: How auto industry will be affected The US and the European Union (EU) have revealed the details of the trade framework agreed to last month, while other regions file disputes against US tariffs. Megan Kelly
VinFast secures funding for scaling operations Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has secured funding for its restructuring plan to scale operations for the next 12-18 months with the spin off and sale of its research and development assets to its founder. Megan Kelly
US extends 50% steel and aluminium tariffs, driving auto supply chain risk The US administration has extended the scope of 50% import tariffs for steel and aluminium goods, adding more than 400 additional items to the levy. Megan Kelly
Lean machine: Top 10 Red Sofas on lean logistics From multimodal innovation to AI-powered control towers, industry leaders share practical strategies for driving leaner, more resilient logistics operations – and reveal why efficiency is as much about mindset as it is about technology. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
UK government adds Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall EVs to grant Models from Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall now qualify for the UK government’s Electric Car Grant scheme, allowing consumers to save £1,500 through the grant and helping boost EV sales. Megan Kelly
From packaging regulation to innovation: How automotive logistics is rethinking packaging With new regulation around packaging set to transform every step of the supply chain, from inbound parts to aftermarket service flows, the automotive industry is paying closer attention to an often overlooked aspect of the supply chain, packaging. Megan Kelly
Maersk raises profit forecast as global container volumes increase Shipping firm Maersk has increased its forecast profit for the full year, expecting global container volumes to rise by 2-4% in 2025 compared to last year. Megan Kelly
Regional tariffs, trade deals, and what they mean for automotive logistics and supply chains Automotive manufacturers and logistics providers face a shifting geopolitical and regulatory landscape as the US recalibrates trade relations with key vehicle- and parts-exporting nations. Megan Kelly
François Provost to drive Renault's next strategic phase Renault's leadership transition reaffirms the company's plans for continuity and international ambition. Ilkhan Ozsevim Emily Uwemedimo
Automotive logistics and supply chains in 2025: Tariff turmoil, investment uncertainty and further cost pressures The automotive industry is reeling from the US’s hugely disruptive reset of the world economic order, and this will have profound ramifications for logistics providers around the world. Daniel Harrison
US announces new tariff rates, delays implementation again US president Donald Trump has again delayed tariffs on individual countries, extending the implementation deadline from today (1 August) until next week. Megan Kelly
What the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger means for automotive logistics Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have confirmed plans to merge to create a single trans-coastal railroad in the US. Megan Kelly
UK automotive market under stress, but moving towards return to growth The UK automotive industry faces its toughest year yet, with production down, high energy costs impacting competitiveness, and confusion over EV government incentives. Megan Kelly
Nissan collaborates on eTruck charging infrastructure in UK, invests £1.4m Nissan’s e-truck charging station, which the OEM invested £1.4m ($1.9m) into, has gone live in Sunderland, UK. Nissan is looking at sharing the charging station with other logistics providers. Megan Kelly
Routes, reassessments and regionalisation: How auto supply chains are turning trade changes into network gains In our latest livestream, logistic experts explored how to capitalise on crises, examining finished vehicle routes, port congestion and a fluctuating EV landscape Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Renault announces interim CEO Duncan Minto, issues profit warning The group's CFO will be tasked with tackling difficult first half financial results in his new role as interim CEO of Renault Group. Megan Kelly
Congestion builds, auto throughput declines at Antwerp-Bruges during tariff chaos A build-up of containers and vehicles dwelling idle has caused congestion at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in the first half of the year, with a decrease in vessel movements. Megan Kelly
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
OEMs pivot from US battery investments as EV incentives die out Automakers pause US battery investments as government ends EV tax credits, impacting supply chains and market dynamics. Megan Kelly
Engineering FVL: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Engineering finished vehicle logistics has become a lot more complex and maintaining quality from factory to dealer forecourt depends on communication and transparency, according to speakers from GM and Nissan at this year’s FVL North America conference. Marcus Williams
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
An updated outlook for the UK auto industry at the International Automotive Summit 2025 Experts from Stellantis, Volvo Cars, JLR and more discussed key trends at the SMMT’s International Automotive Summit, including tariffs and trade deals, sustainability and electrification, and the UK’s new Industrial Strategy. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Continental to make its own chips with GlobalFoundries The tier one supplier has established a business unit called Advanced Electronics and Semiconductor Solutions and will be making the components in Europe and Asia. Marcus Williams
European FVL market faces AI regulation, tariffs and Chinese competition Flat markets, geopolitical risk and digital transformation dominate the agenda at ECG’s 2025 Congress, as finished vehicle logistics leaders look to adapt, collaborate and globalise. Megan Kelly
Going green: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on sustainability Experts share their insights into the industry's sustainable transition, discussing decarbonisation, diversity and data-driven decisions. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Nissan links data, systems and regions in digital shift Discover how Nissan's data-driven approach enhances efficiency and resilience across the Americas. Megan Kelly
Welcome to the new Automotive Logistics experience We’ve redesigned the Automotive Logistics website to deliver sharper insight, faster access and a smoother, more intuitive experience at a time when you need it most. Emily Uwemedimo
GM commits $4bn to US, moves assembly from Mexico and Canada GM will invest $4bn to expand vehicle production in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee, shifting models from Mexico and Canada in a move that highlights localisation, EV growth and trade policy anticipation. Ilkhan Ozsevim
What has the industry learned from past crises? Christopher Ludwig challenges assumptions about AI and unpacks what supply chain resilience really looks like. Emily Uwemedimo
