Veracruz port on a rebound for Mexico’s vehicle throughput in 2026 Mexico’s vehicle-handling ports are seeing shifting trade flows as Veracruz builds on recent infrastructure improvements and Lázaro Cárdenas maintains its role as a key gateway for imports from Asia. Marcus Williams
Honda’s $3bn Ohio plant tests a dense supplier base More hybrid output in Ohio, new lines in Georgia and Alabama and a fresh parts consolidation centre at Anna will reshape Honda's inbound flows long before the first car leaves the new plant in 2029. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Schaeffler to cut nearly 3,500 jobs and shut down five plants in Europe Tier one supplier Schaeffler has announced additional measures as part of its latest performance improvement programme that will see the company eliminate 3,460 positions across Europe and close five sites in the region. James McLoughlin
Stellantis to switch 'many' nameplates to LFP batteries to reduce costs in Europe In an effort to reduce costs and improve competitiveness in Europe, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa announced on a recent earnings call that the OEM will be switching from nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries to cheaper Lithium Iron Phosphate (LMR) batteries in several of its nameplates for the European market. James McLoughlin
Maersk orders 26 container ships as Asian port congestion disrupts global supply chains Maersk's latest fleet investment will add almost 484,000 TEU of vessel capacity from 2029, but ongoing port congestion and declining shipping reliability are creating more immediate challenges for automotive supply chains. Megan Kelly
Audi announces plans to invest $4bn in first US plant in Georgia At a campaign rally held by US president Donald Trump ahead of the country's midterm elections, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner announced that the company plans to invest $4 billion in establishing its first US manufacturing base in Georgia. According to reports, the Trump administration has promised Audi tariff relief to secure the investment. James McLoughlin Timo Gilgen Ilkhan Ozsevim
Brose Sitech establishes manufacturing facility in Scout Motors supplier park Brose Sitech, a joint venture between Brose and Volkswagen, has set up a new manufacturing facility within Scout Motors' supplier park in Blythewood, South Carolina. The site will be used to build complete seating systems for the Scout Traveler and Terra. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
Geodis deploys third electric truck to move Volvo cargo in Australia Transport and logistics company Geodis has announced the addition of a third electric truck to its fleet in Australia. The new Volvo FM Electric Prime Mover truck is set to be deployed for full container loads between Port Botany and Volvo's warehouse in Sydney. James McLoughlin
Volkswagen opens first industrial dismantling line as part of circular economy strategy Volkswagen has opened its first industrial dismantling line as part of a circular economy transformation at its Zwickau plant in Germany. The investment comes amid uncertainty over the plant’s future vehicle production, as the automaker pursues a wider restructuring programme. James McLoughlin
Audi unveils humanoid proof of concept to automate parts sequencing in Ingolstadt At a recent event in Berlin, Audi, Agile Robots, Dassault Systèmes and Nvidia announced that the four companies are collaborating on a proof of concept to automate parts sequencing at Audi's Ingolstadt plant using AI-powered mobile humanoids. James McLoughlin
BMW Group scales use of automated driving technology across four European plants One million vehicles have now been moved using automated driving technology across four BMW Group plants in Europe, with plans to roll out the technology in North America next at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. James McLoughlin
Almost half of Chery exports now made outside of China as it targets 70% by 2030 At a recent event, Zhang Guibing, executive vice president of Chery Automobile, revealed that approximately 48% of the vehicles it has exported this year have been manufactured outside of China. As the company pursues greater localisation of its manufacturing footprint around the world, it expects this to rise to 70% by 2030. James McLoughlin
China threatens countermeasures if UK aligns with EU on tariffs Speaking to reporters, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce warned of retaliatory measures if the UK was to follow the EU in taking action to restrict imports of Chinese electric vehicles. James McLoughlin
Frank Steinleitner appointed as managing director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia Volkswagen Group Malaysia has confirmed that Frank Steinleitner has taken over the role of managing director from Dr Susanne Lehmann, who has left the company after almost three years of dedicated leadership. James McLoughlin
Philippines growing as a hub for Toyota vehicle and parts distribution The Philippines has become an important sales and export hub for Toyota vehicles and parts in the south-east Asia, with investment and government support for local production giving it the biggest local market share in the region. Marcus Williams
France and Germany propose softening EU emissions rules and UK 'Made in Europe' eligibility On October 16, 2026, France and Germany announced that they have reached an agreement on a joint approach to securing the future of the European automotive industry. This joint plan includes proposals to further soften CO2 emissions reduction requirements and include the UK as a trusted partner in the EU's 'Made in Europe' rules. James McLoughlin
European vehicle logistics confidence rebounds, but capacity shortages threaten investment European finished vehicle logistics operators are reporting improving confidence, but limited spare capacity, rising empty running and uncertainty over future demand are undermining investment, according to ECG's latest industry survey. Megan Kelly
BMW begins construction of hydrogen pipeline at Leipzig plant Construction of a new hydrogen pipeline that will connect BMW Group Plant Leipzig to the hydrogen grid is officially underway. Upon completion of the pipeline, the facility will be the first vehicle plant in the world with a direct connection to a hydrogen grid, with the gas to be used to power intralogistics and the site's paint shop. James McLoughlin
US tariffs drive 12% drop in Mexico vehicle exports as OEM strategies diverge Mexico's vehicle exports fell 12% in September as US tariffs hit Nissan, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz, while Stellantis increased production and shipments. Megan Kelly
ABP doubles vehicle storage capacity at Solent Gateway in Southampton Associated British Ports (ABP) is nearing completion of the next phase of landside development of its Solent Gateway finished vehicle storage facility. The latest work, adjacent to the port of Southampton, doubles existing parking capacity at Solent Gateway to 11,000 spaces. Marcus Williams
More than 1,000 OEMs and suppliers now exchanging data through Catena-X Catena-X participation has grown fivefold in just nine months with 1,069 automotive OEMs and tier suppliers now exchanging data through the platform, as studies indicate €385 million in potential gross annual value for large-scale manufacturers. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
C.H. Robinson to acquire RXO in $5.8bn deal C.H. Robinson has agreed to acquire RXO in a $5.8 billion deal that is expected to create a combined company with an enterprise value of more than $25 billion. James McLoughlin
Bentley invests £350m in Crewe site in UK where new Torcal model will be built Bentley is the latest OEM to announce significant investment in UK automotive manufacturing, confirming that its new all-electric Torcal SUV will be built in Crewe – where the new production line is now nearing completion following a £350 million ($462m) investment in the site. James McLoughlin
McLaren to invest £500m in UK manufacturing including new plant and launch of first SUV McLaren Automotive will invest around £500 million ($668m) in expanding its UK manufacturing and engineering footprint, creating 1,000 new jobs by 2032. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BLG Logistics starts work on Hamburg vehicle terminal BLG Logistics has laid the foundation stone for a new finished vehicle terminal at the port of Hamburg in Germany. Marcus Williams
BYD plans to build heavy-duty e-truck in Europe to ‘become a European company’ Chinese EV-maker BYD is planning to deliver its first heavy-duty truck for Europe by the second quarter of next year, with a long-term plan to manufacture trucks in the continent to embed itself into the market. Megan Kelly
Nissan to invest £170m in production of new Kicks hybrid crossover at Sunderland plant Nissan has announced the launch of a new compact crossover model for Europe, the Nissan Kicks, and has confirmed it will invest £170 million ($229m) to built it at its UK plant in Sunderland. James McLoughlin
Ford balances Chinese exports to Europe with local production plans As carmakers in Europe look at ways to compete with Chinese electric vehicle imports, Ford is balancing plans for greater localised production in Europe while continuing exports from China in collaboration with local partners. Marcus Williams
Jaguar Land Rover to cut 4,000 jobs globally in next two years due to industry challenges JLR CEO PB Balaji confirmed plans to reduce its workforce by around 4,000 roles as it moves to strengthen its long-term competitiveness amid industry headwinds. James McLoughlin
Aumovio sells Mechelen advanced components plant to Dumarey Group Aumovio, the automotive division spin-off from tier supplier Continental, has completed the sale of its electronic components plant in Mechelen, Belgium to Dumarey Group. Dumarey makes propulsion systems, control units and fuel rail systems, among other products. Marcus Williams
How North American automotive logistics is changing North America’s automotive logistics market is changing, driven by factors such as geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption and regulatory pressures. James McLoughlin
Suppliers Partnership for the Environment publishes circular economy guidance for automotive packaging The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment has published guidance for automotive supply chain companies to apply circular economy principles to packaging. James McLoughlin
UPS invests $2bn+ to improve resilience across key markets including automotive UPS announced more than $2 billion in targeted investments to increase speed, reliability and control for global customers in key sectors including automotive. James McLoughlin
How Doordash and drone deliveries are changing service parts logistics As new technology accelerates innovation, the service parts logistics industry is evolving to offer customers more convenient delivery of aftermarket parts. James McLoughlin
Dana merges Eaton Mobility spin off as suppliers navigate bumpy road ahead Dana and Eaton are moving ahead with the planned combination of Dana and Eaton’s Mobility business, with the $5.1 billion transaction remaining on track to close in the first quarter of 2027. Marcus Williams
Northern Sea Route offers faster China-Europe automotive freight Sea Legend Shipping launches a regular Arctic container service between China and Europe, offering faster transit for batteries and automotive parts. Marcus Williams
JLR and Stellantis to assemble Defender-branded vehicles in the US Jaguar Land Rover has announced plans to assemble Defender-branded models in the US, collaborating with Stellantis, to reduce the JLR's exposure to US tariffs. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
VDA calls for better road freight contingencies as drought hits river levels The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has been calling for better road freight contingencies as this summer’s drought conditions shrink river levels on the Rhine, an important inland waterway for German cargo movements. Marcus Williams
Low water levels in European waterways and Panama Canal threaten to disrupt logistics As heatwave after heatwave has hit parts of Europe, water levels in rivers such as the Rhine and the Danube have impacted inland freight operations, causing disruption to automotive logistics networks and the introduction of surcharges. Meanwhile, similar issues in the Panama Canal have led to higher international logistics costs. James McLoughlin
Ford's new European SUV to be built on GEA platform in Valencia, Geely confirms An Conghui, chairman of Geely Automobile's board of directors, has confirmed that Ford's new European crossover will be built on the GEA architecture, further deepening the localisation of Ford's European supply chain. Ilkhan Ozsevim
EU End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation enters into force The European Union's End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR) entered into force on 13 August 2026, aiming to strengthen circularity in the EU automotive sector. James McLoughlin
Trump threatens 50% tariffs on Canada-made vehicles and parts US president Donald Trump has threatened that tariffs on Canadian-made cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel could be raised 50% from January 1 next year, following the collapse of trade talks. Megan Kelly
Figuring out humanoid logistics at Spartanburg BMW is testing humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant to see where they can add value in real production conditions. The latest Figure robot is sequencing incoming parts and the move could mark an important step toward more flexible automation in automotive logistics. Marcus Williams
Kuehne+Nagel logistics pioneer Klaus-Michael Kühne dies aged 89 Klaus-Michael Kühne, who transformed his family’s freight forwarding business into global logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel and became one of the most influential investors in transport and logistics, has died aged 89. Megan Kelly
SAIC delivers MG volumes to Spanish port of Ferrol SAIC Motor delivered its first 700 MG vehicles to the port of Ferrol in northern Spain in July. Marcus Williams
Port of Vancouver USA marks 2 million Subaru vehicles and extends partnership to 2040 The Washington state port handled its 2 millionth Subaru vehicle on August 14, with nearly 2,000 units arriving from Japan each week. The two companies have extended their lease to 2040, securing the gateway’s role as the inbound mix expands to include the Outback, following its production shift from Indiana to Gunma late last year. Emily Uwemedimo
UK automotive sector reacts to government's ZEV mandate review The UK's automotive sector is divided in its response to the UK government confirming it has launched a review of the zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate. James McLoughlin
Ford to transition Lincoln production from China to the US from 2030 From 2030, Ford will increase production of its Lincoln SUVs in the US, gradually shifting away from exporting Lincoln vehicles from China to the US. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
GM creates $4.5 bn parts facility to protect against risks including extreme weather GM has signed an agreement with Procura Auto Parts to establish a $4.5 billion facility aimed at improving resilience against supply chain risks and weather disruptions by sourcing rare and critical parts. Megan Kelly
Proficient Auto Logistics completes $130 million acquisition of Hansen & Adkins Proficient Auto Logistics has announced the completion of its transaction to acquire fellow automotive transportation specialist Hansen & Adkins in a deal worth $130 million. James McLoughlin
AION partners with DHL Supply Chain for UK service parts logistics Having recently launched in the UK, EV brand AION – a joint venture between GAC Group and Jameel Motors – has announced an aftersales logistics partnership with DHL Supply Chain, establishing a dedicated UK parts warehouse. James McLoughlin
Japan earthquake impacts automotive and semiconductor supply chains A deadly earthquake in Japan has impacted the manufacturing and supply chain operations of several automakers including Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi. James McLoughlin
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 partners with 4flow to improve inbound logistics efficiency Under a new partnership, supply chain solutions provider 4flow will collaborate with BMW to reduce costs throughout its transportation network. 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
Gordie Howe International Bridge between US and Canada opens On July 27, 2026, the Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened, connecting Detroit, USA, and Windsor, Canada. The opening of the bridge comes months after US president Donald Trump threatened to block this from happening and follows a deal between the US and Canada that will see the US take 50% of toll revenue. James McLoughlin
Chery Group partners with Nottingham College to strengthen UK automotive talent pipeline Nottingham College recently announced a partnership with Chery Group's UK brand portfolio that will make the college's Ruddington campus the home for Chery Group's training and development for its UK dealer network. James McLoughlin
A packaging design platform drives packaging cost analysis upstream into logistics planning Packaging decisions made before a vehicle reaches the production line determine truck utilisation and transportation costs. Pack Studio, a platform from MIT technology company Inkbit, aims to make those costs visible at the vehicle launch stage. Emily Uwemedimo
Pirelli to consider $1bn+ US investment plan, increasing production capacity Pirelli will produce its Cyber Tyres in Georgia, and a new US investment plan totalling over $1 billion will soon be submitted to the company's new board for approval. James McLoughlin
Ford and Geely launch joint venture to produce vehicles in Valencia The US' Ford and China's Geely Auto will form a joint venture at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain, producing multi-energy vehicles for the European market. Ilkhan Ozsevim
DP World to develop two new terminals on UAE's east coast, bypassing Strait of Hormuz DP World will develop two new terminals in Fujairah on the east coast of the UAE, building on the strength of Jebel Ali Port and bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. James McLoughlin
Toyota to invest $3.6 billion in San Antonio plant extension Toyota has announced plans for a $3.6bn expansion to its campus in San Antonio, Texas – doubling its size by 2030 and adding production of its Tacoma pickup. Timo Gilgen James McLoughlin
British Steel nationalised as UK government seeks to protect the future of steel production After the passing of the Steel Industry Act, the UK government has taken British Steel into public ownership, aiming to protect the future of steel production. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Sabine Isenbort leads Ford Europe’s vehicle logistics Sabine Isenbort has been promoted to director of vehicle logistics and customs Europe at Ford, stepping into the position from her role as manager of inbound logistics operations. Megan Kelly
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
Automakers warn USMCA review threatens investment in North American automotive supply chains Automotive industry groups warn the USMCA annual review process could delay investment in North American manufacturing, logistics and automotive supply chains. Megan Kelly
Renault expands Boreal production with second manufacturing hub in Turkey Renault has scaled up production of its Boreal compact SUV with a second production hub in Bursa, Turkey for markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. James McLoughlin
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
CMA CGM Group set to acquire FedEx Supply Chain for $1.4 billion CMA CGM Group will acquire FedEx Supply Chain for $1.4bn, nearly tripling the size of subsidiary CEVA Logistics' North American contract logistics operations. James McLoughlin
BYD and CEVA Logistics sign MoU expanding partnership for next three years After BYD Group presented third-party logistics provider CEVA Logistics with its 'Best Carrier of the Year 2026' award, the two companies signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening their partnership. James McLoughlin
Mitsubishi adds Texas' Port Freeport to its expanding US distribution network Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has made an agreement with Port Freeport in Texas and port operator Amports that will see new increased automotive volume at the port as MMNA continues to expand its distribution network in the US. James McLoughlin
Thailand attracts 198 EV investment projects worth over $4bn Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 198 EV-related projects in the country with a total investment value of more than 137,000 billion baht ($4bn). James McLoughlin
Polestar denied authorisation to sell vehicles in the US from 2027 The US Department of Commerce has denied Polestar authorisation to sell vehicles from 2027 under the Connected Vehicle Rule, prompting increased European focus for the OEM. James McLoughlin
Two Toyota supply chain executives take on new responsibilities Toyota has announced that Kevin Austin will also be responsible for quality, while Kensuke Morita will oversee strategy and PPM, DSM and tech transformation. James McLoughlin
DHL Supply Chain breaks ground on new European battery logistics hub DHL Supply Chain, the contract logistics division of DHL Group, has broken ground on a new European battery logistics hub in Holtum, the Netherlands. James McLoughlin
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics begins construction of new Dubai automotive logistics hub Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is building a new dedicated automotive logistics hub in Dubai, UAE, to support the expanding needs of its customers in the Middle East. James McLoughlin
Chery, Ceva Logistics and CMA CGM sign MoU for global automotive logistics collaboration Chery, CMA CGM and Ceva Logistics signed an MoU for a long-term strategic collaboration to strengthen Chery's global supply chain and support its international expansion plans. James McLoughlin
Nissan to explore possibility of manufacturing Chery vehicles at Sunderland plant Nissan and Chery International UK have signed an MoU on contract manufacturing, looking at potentially producing Chery vehicles at Nissan's UK plant in Sunderland from FY 2027. James McLoughlin
Hyundai Glovis, Koopman and Port of Amsterdam form strategic alliance to strengthen European automotive logistics Hyundai Glovis Europe, Koopman Logistics Group and the Port of Amsterdam have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to enhance automotive logistics operations in Europe, bringing together port infrastructure, finished vehicle logistics expertise and inland distribution capabilities to support long-term growth and supply chain resilience. Megan Kelly
Stellantis turns to ICL and Agillence to optimise North American finished vehicle logistics network Stellantis has selected ICL and Agillence to optimise its North American finished vehicle logistics network using data-driven routing and scenario analysis. Megan Kelly
MG's Spanish factory signals localisation drive as Galicia emerges as new automotive hub SAIC's decision to build an integrated manufacturing and logistics facility in Galicia highlights the growing importance of localisation strategies as Chinese automakers expand their industrial footprint across Europe. Megan Kelly
BMW awards seven-year production logistics contract to Unipart at Oxfordshire Mini plant Logistics service provider Unipart has announced that it has been awarded a seven-year contract by BMW Group to provide production logistics services at the group's Mini plant in Cowley, Oxfordshire in the UK. James McLoughlin
Mosolf opens new automotive facility at Jebel Ali Port German-headquartered logistics service provider Mosolf has announced the launch of a new 161,000 sq. ft automotive logistics facility in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai. James McLoughlin
Thai auto groups submit proposal to protect local EV production Ten automotive groups in Thailand have proposed reforms to the government's EV-related policies ahead of the EV 3.5 incentive scheme coming to an end in 2027. James McLoughlin
GM to localise China-built models in Mexico from 2027 General Motors will begin domestic assembly of two of its best-selling Mexico-market models, both currently imported from China, at its Ramos Arizpe complex from 2027. The plan follows new Mexican duties on vehicles from non-FTA countries and US tariffs on vehicles built in Mexico. Emily Uwemedimo Marcus Williams
How Stellantis’ €60bn FaSTLane 2030 strategy will reshape automotive supply chains FaSTLane 2030 drives localisation, partnerships and plant repurposing to cut costs and boost resilience across key regions. Megan Kelly
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
Frederiek Toney, Ford's former customer service and logistics lead, has died, leaving behind a defining legacy Frederiek Toney, who led Ford's Customer Service Division for more than a decade has passed away. He leaves an enduring influence on the industry's approach to supply chain leadership – as well on the team of this publication. Emily Uwemedimo
Exclusive: Dirk Wiedmann to lead BMW Group global logistics BMW Group has appointed Dirk Wiedmann as head of production network and logistics, succeeding Michael Nikolaides, who will lead corporate strategy. Wiedmann inherits a strategy to drive resilience, digital transformation and flexibility across the supply chain. Christopher Ludwig
Mandeep Sahota takes top logistics role at Ford Mandeep Sahota has succeeded Tom Chackalackal as global director of material planning and logistics at Ford, where he will continue the carmaker’s push for more resilient, efficient and digitally connected logistics engineering and operations across its global network. Christopher Ludwig
Nissan navigates tariffs at Brunswick's Colonel’s Island Terminal After it US tariffs caused a dip in vehicle handling at the Port of Brunswick in Georgia in 2025, Nissan shared how tariffs impacted its activity at the port. Marcus Williams
Stellantis and Leapmotor's LPMI joint venture expands logistics partnership with Grimaldi Group Leapmotor International (LPMI), a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, has announced the continued expansion of its logistics partnership with the Grimaldi Group as it targets full-scale European production at two sites in Spain. James McLoughlin
Indonesian government to incentivise EV adoption, targeting 200,000 cars and motorcycles Indonesia's finance minister has revealed that the country's government will introduce incentives to encourage the adoption of 100,000 electric cars and 100,000 electric motorcycles. James McLoughlin
ADB to provide funding to support development of critical mineral supply chains in Asia-Pacific The Asian Development Bank has launched a new initiative to fund critical mineral supply chains in Asia and the Pacific, helping meet demand for clean energy, EVs and batteries. James McLoughlin
Nissan rotates key logistics and purchasing directors across US and Mexico Nissan has rotated several logistics and purchasing directors across North America as the carmaker targets further efficiencies and speed across its manufacturing and supply chain footprint in the US and Mexico. Christopher Ludwig Emily Uwemedimo
Proficient Auto Logistics profit drops 42% as fuel costs and plant shutdowns hit margins North American vehicle haulier Proficient Auto Logistics reported a sharp drop in first-quarter profitability despite higher vehicle deliveries, with rising diesel prices, OEM plant shutdowns and constrained logistics flows exposing mounting pressure across the automotive transport sector. Megan Kelly
Stellantis and Leapmotor plan full-scale production at two sites in Spain With Europe's OEMs focused on competing with the rapid growth of Chinese brands, automakers from both regions are looking for new ways to break into foreign markets, leading to new partnerships. Nick Holt James McLoughlin
Toyota México promotes Lizette Gracida to VP of institutional relations and foreign trade Toyota México has promoted long-serving government affairs and trade compliance executive Lizette Gracida to vice-president of institutional relations and foreign trade, effective April 2026. Emily Uwemedimo
Toyota and Hyroad deploy 40 hydrogen fuel cell trucks in California Toyota Motor North America and Hyroad Energy will deploy 40 hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 commercial trucks to support Toyota's logistics operations in Southern California. James McLoughlin
BLG deals with tariffs and turmoil with investment at Bremerhaven Vehicle shipments through the German port of Bremerhaven in 2025 have been affected by US tariffs on vehicle imports, weak economic conditions and geopolitical turmoil in Ukraine and the Middle East. Marcus Williams
Amazon opens logistics network to enterprise businesses – and targets automotive Amazon has launched a new commercial logistics service that opens its freight, fulfilment and delivery infrastructure to businesses of all types, including automotive, sending shares in major logistics providers such as FedEx and UPS sharply lower. Emily Uwemedimo
Autonomous logistics project delivered at Port of Tyne to benefit UK auto supply chains The NEAA's P-CAL project manager discusses the benefits of trialling autonomous logistics at the Port of Tyne to automotive supply chains in the North East and nationwide. James McLoughlin
NADA expert provides North American vehicle sales and production outlook At the FVL NA 2026 NADA's chief economist shared insights into trends in North America's auto market today with vehicle sales and production figures in North America for the next decade. James McLoughlin
US tariffs dent vehicle growth at Brunswick in 2025 With the introduction of US tariffs in 2025, automakers paused shipments, closed factories and held volumes at ports, leading to a year-on-year reduction in import and export volumes at the Port of Brunswick in Georgia. Marcus Williams
Foton Motor launches ocean freight joint venture with COSCO Shipping Foton Motor and COSCO Shipping have launched Guangzhou Yuanfu Automotive Supply Chain, a joint venture to establish an independent global maritime supply chain. James McLoughlin
Polaris Group chairman discusses company rebrand, global expansion and need for flexible shipping The newly restructured Polaris Group is comprised of Polaris RoRo specialist Polaris Autoliners and vehicle logistics firm Polaris Logistics, formerly Salloum Logistics. James McLoughlin
Chinese imports help boost auto volumes at Port of Koper Vehicle throughput increased more than 3% at the Slovenian port of Koper in 2025, driven by an increase in imports from China and exports to the Mediterranean. Marcus Williams
DB Cargo UK enters into seven-year contract transporting finished vehicles for JLR DB Cargo UK has agreed a seven-year contract with CAT UK to transport finished vehicles from JLR's Halewood manufacturing plant to the Port of Southampton. James McLoughlin
DHL workers vote in favour of strike at JLR Solihull in pay dispute Around 300 employees of DHL Supply Chain based at JLR's Solihull plant have voted in favour of taking strike action over pay, while more than 300 DHL HGV drivers working on the DHL contract have also voted to strike. James McLoughlin
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. Marcus Williams
Maersk-operated ro-ro vessel transits Strait of Hormuz under US military guard The Maersk-operated vehicle carrier, Alliance Fairfax, exited the Strait of Hormuz yesterday under US military guard. This news comes as more details have emerged regarding the impact of disruption on automotive supply chains. James McLoughlin Megan Kelly
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
Terminal and berth investments benefit Jaxport vehicle throughput The US east coast port of Jacksonville has maintained a steady flow of vehicles in fiscal year 2025, including new and used passenger cars and light trucks, as well as rolling cargo and heavy equipment. Marcus Williams
Toyota invests in circular factories in Europe to recover materials from end-of-life vehicles Toyota Motor Europe will open its second circular factory in Poland, following the opening of its first in Burnaston last year, recovering parts and materials from end-of-life vehicles. James McLoughlin
China's auto export boom meets maritime reality check in Gulf crisis From a looming mineral shortage to loss of access to key markets, the war in the Middle East is hurting China's automotive industry on several fronts. Vladislav Vorotnikov
GM's SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture in negotiations for local production in Mexico SGMW, GM's joint venture in China, is in negotiations to begin manufacturing vehicles in Mexico after Mexico imposed new tariffs on non-FTA countries in January. James McLoughlin
Auto traffic through Antwerp-Bruges levels out in 2025 The Port of Antwerp-Bruges moved a total of 3.18 million new cars in CY 2025 despite the impact of US tariffs on vehicle imports since April 2025. Marcus Williams
New EV registrations in UK reach all-time high; Chinese OEMs' market share rises above 10% New SMMT data shows an increase in UK EV registrations in the past year, while Chinese OEMs' market share now accounts for more than 10% new vehicle registrations in the UK. 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
Shipping disruption continues as US begins naval blockade in Iran The Strait of Hormuz will open as a US-Iran ceasefire is agreed but shippers like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have cautioned that normal operations are unlikely to resume for several weeks. James McLoughlin
Car carriers stuck in Strait of Hormuz impacting Chinese imports to Middle East; oil prices see costs rise and demand shift in Asia Car carriers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz are impacting Chinese imports to the Middle East, with operators of the ships discharging vehicles into nearby ports. Meanwhile, rising oil prices are beginning to impact automotive supply chains in Asia: pushing up logistics costs, accelerating EV demand and disrupting supply of petrochemicals. Megan Kelly James McLoughlin
Stellantis deepens supplier collaboration with new European advisory council Stellantis has launched a European Supplier Advisory Council, reinforcing its shift towards closer supplier ties after Carlos Vazquez outlined the company’s collaboration strategy at the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe conference on March 18, as it looks to strengthen supply chain resilience and industrial performance. Emily Uwemedimo
Hyundai commits to North America with localisation plan for competitive supply chain Hyundai is accelerating its localisation in North America over the next four years, planning to launch 36 new or significantly enhanced vehicles in the US, Canada and Mexico by 2030. Megan Kelly
JLR suspends production at Solihull due to supplier issue JLR has temporarily paused production lines for some vehicles at its Solihull manufacturing plant due to a supply shortage. Megan Kelly
Europe's OEMs face pressure as Chinese carmakers drive global growth, S&P Global data shows Chinese carmakers saw significant growth in light vehicle production volume in 2025 while legacy OEMs' growth stagnated amid EU regulatory constraints. James McLoughlin
MG opens new European engineering centre, announces SolidCore batteries for European EVs As part of its 'in Europe, for Europe' strategy, SAIC-owned MG has announced the opening of a new European engineering centre in Frankfurt, Germany, alongside the news that it plans to introduce semi-solid-state battery technology in its EVs before the end of the year. James McLoughlin
Sony Honda JV pulls North American EV models Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), a joint venture (JV) between Honda Motor and Sony made to develop Afeela EVs, has cancelled plans for its first two models. Megan Kelly
XPeng and Vinturas partner on blockchain visibility tech for European expansion Chinese EV firm XPeng has partnered with Vinturas to scale the OEM’s operations in Europe, using interoperable blockchain technology to increase visibility in its finished vehicle logistics. Megan Kelly
US Trade Representative begins Section 301 forced labour investigations into 60 countries The US Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 of the US' largest trading partners to determine whether these economies effectively enforce a ban on the import of goods produced with forced labour. James McLoughlin
US prepares to process refunds for Trump tariffs The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is preparing a system for processing refunds for Trump’s tariffs after they were ruled illegal. Megan Kelly
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
Oil prices surge due to US-Israel war on Iran, impacting automotive logistics and supply chains Global oil prices surged to more than $120 per barrel in light of the US-Iran conflict, creating a knock-on effect for automotive logistics and supply chains around the world in terms of costs, with the possibility for further disruption to vehicle production and distribution long-term. Megan Kelly
VW workers in Chattanooga ratify union contract, Mexico passes 40-hour workweek reform VW workers in Chattanooga ratified their first agreement with the UAW, while in Mexico a constitutional reform will reduce the workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030. James McLoughlin
Changan UK's new parts warehouse key to its five-year aftersales strategy Chinese automaker Changan has shared a look inside its new UK service parts warehouse at East Midlands Gateway, operated by logistics provider Kuehne+Nagel. James McLoughlin
Subaru announces partnership with Seino Transportation for automotive parts logistics in Japan Subaru has partnered with Seino Transportation to consolidate long-distance parts transportation and address challenges facing Japan's logistics sector. James McLoughlin
BMW Group partners with PreZero to advance circular economy principles BMW Group will work with circular economy company PreZero to enhance the circularity of its business model for the recycling of end-of-life vehicles. James McLoughlin
DIRKS Group takes over VW Group packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven Industrial and logistics service provider DIRKS Group has taken over the operation of Volkswagen Group’s CKD packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. James McLoughlin
ECG, ACEA and CLECAT urge EU to increase transport infrastructure funding Organisations including ECG, ACEA and CLECAT have urged the European Commission to increase the budget for improving transport infrastructure for the 2028-2034 period. James McLoughlin
New Goodyear CIO focused on driving the company’s global technology strategy Newly appointed Goodyear SVP and CIO Raman Mehta has emphasised the importance of data and digitalisation across every function, including supply chain operations. Christopher Ludwig
Renault takes full ownership of electric van manufacturer Flexis from Volvo and CMA CGM Renault Group has agreed with partners Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group to take full ownership of Flexis, their joint venture to manufacture electric vans. Ilkhan Ozsevim
DHL to manage service parts logistics for EV manufacturer NIO in Europe Shanghai-headquartered manufacturer of smart electric vehicles NIO has chosen DHL as its logistics partner for European aftermarket services. James McLoughlin
Service parts retailer Autodoc to modernise last-mile delivery with AI-powered platform Automotive parts retailer Autodoc has partnered with last-mile technology provider FarEye to modernise its delivery processes and improve customer experience. James McLoughlin
Audi continues deployment of AI in production and logistics Audi is scaling up AI deployment in production and logistics to improve factory and supply chain processes in line with its digitalisation roadmap and 360factory strategy. James McLoughlin
DP World chosen to operate new Czech logistics facility for BMW Group On February 5 2026, global logistics company DP World announced it had been selected by BMW Group to manage a new logistics facility in Ostrava, Czech Republic. James McLoughlin
Novelis expects to restart hot mill in summer 2026 after fires last year Aluminium supplier Novelis has said it expects its hot mill in Oswego, New York to restart late in the second quarter of 2026, after several fires broke out in late 2025. James McLoughlin
Rhenus Automotive acquires Oakley Industries Subassembly Division Rhenus Automotive has acquired tyre and wheel assembly provider Oakley Industries Subassembly Division as the logistics provider strengthens its presence in North America. James McLoughlin
More than one million Škoda vehicles produced in 2025 Škoda saw a 15% increase in vehicle production in 2025, producing 1,065,000 vehicles worldwide, after it opened a new plant in Vietnam with Thanh Cong Group. James McLoughlin
BMW Group selects GXO to manage logistics operations at Swindon site Pure-play contract logistics provider GXO has been selected by BMW Group to manage logistics operations at its site in Swindon, UK, which produces pressed parts for MINI vehicles and more for the wider BMW Group network. James McLoughlin
Trump to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit with Windsor US president Donald Trump has said he will not allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge - connecting Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario – to open. James McLoughlin
Nissan appoints Steve Jernigan as Americas chief purchasing officer Steve Jernigan, currently Nissan’s senior director for production purchasing and a leader in its supply chain operations, will step up as chief procurement officer (CPO) and vice president, purchasing, for the Americas. Emily Uwemedimo
US hosts Critical Minerals Ministerial; Trump administration proposes trade bloc Ministers from 54 countries gathered in the US for the Critical Minerals Ministerial, where JD Vance proposed a preferential trade zone for critical minerals. James McLoughlin
More than 59,000 zero-emission trucks on US roads; deployments almost halve amid high costs and regulatory uncertainty According Calstart data, more than 59,000 zero-emission trucks have now been deployed across the US, with more than 6,500 deployed in the first half of 2025. James McLoughlin
Wallenius Wilhelmsen officially begins operating Port of Gothenburg car terminal Wallenius Wilhelmsen has taken over from Logent Ports and Terminals operating Gothenburg International Auto and RoRo Terminal (GIART) at the Port of Gothenburg on an 18-year concession. James McLoughlin
Stellantis deploys autonomous robot for inventory tracking at US assembly plant At Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP), the carmaker has introduced an autonomous robot and an AI-driven platform to carry out scans and build a live digital map of the facility, offering real-time insights. James McLoughlin
PowerCo making battery cells at Salzgitter for Cell-to-Pack assembly at Martorell VW's PowerCo division has begun battery cell production at its Salzgitter gigafactory in Germany, supplying cells to a new assembly facility at the SEAT Martorell plant in Spain. Marcus Williams
How have automotive OEMs been affected by the US winter storm? OEMs including Honda, GM and Nissan told Automotive Logistics how their supply chains have been impacted by the US winter storm, with some having to suspend operations at plants. James McLoughlin
Packaging firm GPS Group expands into automotive industry GPS Group enters automotive logistics with circular solutions for automotive parts. Megan Kelly
US to raise tariffs on South Korea, EU and India announce deal US president Donald Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on South Korea to 25%, with the increase applying to existing tariffs on all goods under the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs announced on ‘Liberation Day’ as well as tariffs on cars. Megan Kelly
BMW increases sales of Mini EVs with an eye on transport safety BMW delivered 288,000+ Mini brand vehicles in 2025, more than 105,000 being fully electric models, meaning one in three Minis sold globally are now electric. Marcus Williams
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs if it “makes a deal with China”; OEMs concerned about Chinese EVs in Canada The US will impose tariffs on Canada if it agrees a deal with China, US president Trump said as Ford, GM and Stellantis express concerns over lower tariffs for Chinese EV imports in Canada. James McLoughlin
Unipart takes full ownership of UK battery system manufacturer Hyperbat Unipart has acquired the remaining 50% stake in UK battery system manufacturer Hyperbat from its joint venture partner Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE). James McLoughlin
Trump drops plans to impose tariffs on eight NATO nations after “productive” meeting with NATO secretary general in Davos Donald Trump will no longer impose 10% tariffs on eight European countries in its dispute over control of Greenland after meeting with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte at the WEF's Davos meeting. James McLoughlin
EU proposes harmonised waste sorting labels under PPWR A new technical proposal published by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has put forward plans for harmonised waste sorting labels under the PPWR. James McLoughlin
Packaging pooling firm CHEP launches Climate Smart Partners programme to help tier suppliers cut emissions Packaging pooling firm CHEP has rolled out its Climate Smart Partners programme – a new supplier engagement programme aimed at cutting Scope 3 emissions. James McLoughlin
Carmakers use workaround to avoid Nexperia semiconductor shortage, reports claim Automakers have found a workaround to address semiconductor shortages as the ownership dispute between Nexperia's Dutch HQ and Wingtech in China continues. James McLoughlin
EU-US tariff tensions threaten automotive supply chain Potential trade war looms as EU considers retaliatory tariffs, impacting global automotive logistics. Megan Kelly
Michael Lovati steps into chief purchasing officer role at Volvo Group Michael Lovati has assumed the role of chief purchasing officer (CPO) at Volvo Group, effective January 1, 2026, bringing nearly two decades of automotive procurement experience to the group’s senior leadership team. Emily Uwemedimo
US strikes trade deal with Taiwan and imposes new 25% global semiconductor tariff The US has classified chip and critical mineral imports as national security risks, imposed a 25% global tariff on semiconductors, and agreed a trade deal with Taiwan. James McLoughlin
New trade deal sees Canada cut tariff on Chinese EVs to 6.1% Canadian PM Mark Carney and Chinese president Xi Jinping have agreed a Canada-China trade deal, removing the additional 100% tariff on up to 49,000 Chinese EVs. James McLoughlin
Changan now exporting EVs from Thailand to Europe Changan Automobile is now shipping vehicles from Rayong, Thailand to Europe, starting with 2,000 Deepal S07 and Deepal S05 units that are en route to the UK. Marcus Williams
Brazil mandates recycled content and reverse logistics systems for packaging New legislation came into effect in Brazil in January 2026, regulating the amount of recycled content in plastic packaging and the recycling of used packaging. James McLoughlin
Mexico’s interoceanic corridor infrastructure set for completion in 2026 The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a multimodal logistics project relying on rail infrastructure in Mexico, is set to complete in 2026. James McLoughlin
Stellantis adds models to Mexico production as part of Dare Forward plan Stellantis has added three models to its production lines in Mexico: the Ram 1500 pickup in Saltillo, and the Jeep Cherokee hybrid and Recon EV in Toluca. Marcus Williams
Hyundai shows off Atlas humanoid as part of AI robotics strategy Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled its Atlas Robot, developed with Boston Dynamics, which will be used at Hyundai Motor’s EV metaplant in Georgia from 2028. Marcus Williams
Mexico introduces new tariffs on cars and auto parts for non-FTA countries New tariffs on imports of cars, auto parts and raw materials from non-FTA countries including China, Brazil and India have come into effect in Mexico in 2026. James McLoughlin
GM takes $6bn earnings hit as it scales back EV production in response to slow EV uptake GM has confirmed that it has reduced EV capacity and reallocated production resources to ICE vehicles, leading to a $6bn writedown on EV investments. James McLoughlin Ilkhan Ozsevim
Energy companies divert EV battery investment to energy storage Changes in joint ventures launched by OEMs like Ford and Honda signal a pivot away from EV battery investment towards battery energy storage amid underwhelming EV demand. 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
RPM acquires Dealers Choice Auto Transport and PARS, expanding into new markets Automotive logistics and supply chain solutions company RPM Freight Systems announced the acquisition of Dealers Choice Auto Transport and PARS in December 2025. James McLoughlin
Ryder names John Diez as next CEO in planned succession Ryder has set out a planned CEO succession that will see president and COO John Diez take over from long-serving chief executive Robert Sanchez in March 2026, as the logistics provider looks to maintain continuity in strategy and leadership. Emily Uwemedimo
BMW rotates plant leadership, appointing von Moltke in Mexico and Gottsche in Austria Harald Gottsche hands over leadership and returns to Austria to head BMW’s Steyr engine facility, while Klaus von Moltke, then director of the Steyr plant, succeeds him at San Luis Potosí effective January 1, 2026. Emily Uwemedimo
Anji Logistics boosts ocean carrier capacity for 2026 Anji Logistics ended 2025 with its eighth pure car and truck carrier of the year, bringing the number delivered in 2025 to eight and its total fleet to 41. Marcus Williams
Drone pilot reinforces JLR’s priorities for 'Reimagine' strategy With a drone pilot the latest development in JLR’s Reimagine digitalisation strategy, JLR shares what projects like this could mean for the automaker in 2026 and beyond. James McLoughlin
Auto sector at risk from as chip suppliers favour AI data centres Chip supply issues continue to impact the auto industry with higher margin supply to AI data centres threatening OEM supply, an S&P Global Mobility report shows. Marcus Williams
Toyota to export three US-made vehicles to Japan Toyota will begin shipping three vehicles manufactured in the US for sale in Japan in 2026 – the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV and Tundra pickup truck. Marcus Williams
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
Marc Menden to lead global supply chain at GM; David Leich to retire Marc Menden will succeed David Leich as executive director of global supply chain at General Motors, from January 1, 2026. Leich retires after 37 years with GM. Christopher Ludwig
Ford scraps F-150 Lightning in favour of 'next-generation' hybrid, says "the business case has eroded" Ford has revealed a series of actions to "drive profitable growth", including ending production of the F-150 Lightning electric truck, expanding its powertrain mix and launching a battery energy storage system business. James McLoughlin
Stellantis and CATL break ground on LFP gigafactory in Spain Stellantis’ 50:50 joint venture with battery maker CATL – Contemporary Star Energy – has broken ground on a 50 GWh lithium phosphate battery (LFP) gigafactory in Zaragoza, Spain, next to Stellantis’ assembly plant there. Marcus Williams
Ford to produce two EVs in Europe, powered by Renault's Ampere platform, in 2028 A new partnership between Ford and Renault will see the production of two Ford-branded passenger EVs in France in 2028, powered by Renault's Ampere platform. James McLoughlin Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW production head Dr Milan Nedeljković to replace Oliver Zipse as chairman of the board in May 2026 BMW has appointed production head Dr Milan Nedeljković as chairman of the board, succeeding Oliver Zipse on 14 May 2026 with Zipse leaving BMW after 35 years. James McLoughlin
UK government announces £725m skills reform package to create 50,000 new apprenticeships At a visit to McLaren's headquarters, UK prime minister Keir Starmer unveiled a new £725m package of reforms to the apprenticeship system to “tackle youth unemployment and drive economic growth”. James McLoughlin
JLR pilots drone inspections to cut factory downtime and improve safety JLR’s drone pilot signals how digital tools can reshape warehouse inventory checks and factory roles, with some UK engineers now being trained to fly drones. Emily Uwemedimo
Geely Auto distributing EX5 electric SUV across UK Geely Auto is now distributing its EX5 compact SUV across 25 franchised dealerships in the UK following the delivery of its first 1,000 units via the port of Bristol in November. Marcus Williams
MAN connects carbon-cutting outbound transport service with Vega MAN Truck and Bus is working with its transport provider Vega International on a carbon-cutting intermodal service in which electric trucks are being used to deliver MAN trucks on last-mile routes in Germany. Marcus Williams
