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Emily Uwemedimo

Toyota uses VDL Groep hydrogen fuel cell trucks for Europe parts distribution

The OEM is using the trucks for distribution between its European parts centre in Belgium and locations in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Marcus Williams

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

Scania signs three-year deal with Unipart to manage service parts centre in Kunshan, China

Unipart is managing logistics operations at Scania’s new Chinese service parts distribution centre in Kunhan, China.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis distributes service parts to UK and Ireland from newly built facility in Ellesmere Port

Stellantis centralises service parts distribution in Ellesmere Port, UK

The newly built facility will distribute 4m spare parts a year to a network of nearly 1,000 service centres via 19 regional hubs.

Marcus Williams

International Motors’ Paule Wandji on logistics and IT collaboration

AI, alignment and accountability – how International Motors is navigating digital change from the inside out.

Forecasts for 2025 shows resilience is tested by trade volatility, EV transitions and digital fragmentation

Can supply chains adapt faster than the automotive market changes?

As automotive supply chains navigate rising trade barriers, accelerating electrification and fragmented digital tools, industry leaders explored how logistics must lead through disruption.

Emily Uwemedimo

Nissan, Accuride use digitalisation to stay ahead of supply chain compliance

Experts from Nissan, Accuride, Aptiv and Greatway reveal how they are navigating escalating compliance demands.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

Neptune Land Services to begin car terminal operations at Port-La-Nouvelle from 2026

Neptune Group to open first vehicle terminal in Port-La-Nouvelle

Neptune Land Services will start operations from Q1 2026 at a new terminal able to process 200,000 vehicles annually.

Marcus Williams

FVL leaders rethink production, trade and capacity as long-term transitions take hold in Europe

European FVL is facing a triple shock: weakening export demand, under-utilised plants and a resurgence of protectionism on both sides of the Atlantic.

Emily Uwemedimo

Car and truck makers adapt transport planning to increase the use of EVs

The rise of the electric passenger car has a longer history than most suppose but now carmakers are engaged with making inbound and outbound transport modes electric as well, which makes for a greener supply chain altogether.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Nissan’s Gerardo de la Torre on using digital tools to improve supply chain visibility

The regional senior director of SCM on how Nissan has implemented its supplier visibility platform, and how he foresees it developing.

Plus Automation and Churchill IX merge to form PlusAI, with AI-led virtual drivers for autonomous trucking

An AI-based autonomous trucking software has seen success in trials completed with DSV and IVECO. PlusAI, the company behind the software, eyes partnerships with OEMs such as Traton Group and Hyundai as integral to scaling adoption.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

North American Dealers Association reports light vehicle sales slow after pre-tariff surge

The surge in US vehicle sales caused by US trade policy on vehicle imports has subsided while behind-the-scences discussions continue between US policy makers and leading vehicle makers seeking a remedy to the 25% levy.

Marcus Williams

Amports is managing more exports out of the Mexican port of Altamira and expanding operations at Lázaro Cárdenas

Amports is handling the majority of exports out of the Mexican Gulf port of Altamira, which has seen strong volume growth in recent years, and it is now expanding operations on the Pacific Coast at Lázaro Cárdenas

Marcus Williams

Nissan and Stellantis supplier Marelli files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US

The tier one supplier confirms it has applied for bankruptcy to continue operations while it looks to secure additional funding or buyout.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Rivian exec confirms its software will form the basis of Volkswagen EVs, following joint venture

The EV company’s chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, has revealed that Volkswagen will leverage Rivian’s software across all its upcoming vehicles. The announcement follows a $5 billion joint venture between the two companies.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

A shortage of rare earth magnets caused by limited Chinese exports has potential to disrupt global supply chains

Rare earth magnet shortage disrupts global auto production

China produces almost 70% of rare earth magnets but exports are now tied up in lengthy license applications, prompting supply and shortage concerns.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Maruti Suzuki moves more than 500,000 outbound vehicles by rail in FY2024-2025

Maruti Suzuki moves half a million vehicles on Indian Railways network in last year

Maruti Suzuki has moved more than 500,000 finished vehicles by rail in the last financial year, almost a quarter of its total 2024 outbound volumes.

Marcus Williams

“Do it right and in the right time,” Nissan’s De la Torre says, as he details the four-pillar strategy for real-time resilience across the Americas

Nissan’s supply chain playbook for real-time resilience

From regulatory risk to cyberattacks, Nissan’s senior director for supply in the Americas outlines how clarity, collaboration and digital readiness are redefining what it means to act with purpose.

Emily Uwemedimo

Christopher Ludwig

UECC adds dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network along with third Turkish port call

UECC adds Blue Heritage dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network

UECC is boosting capacity along with sustainble ocean services options for carmakers with the addition of a dual-fuel car carrier with 7,000 CEU capacity.

Marcus Williams

As part of cost and cash action plan, Volvo Cars announces almost 3,000 jobs lost in move to become leaner

Volvo Cars announces 3,000 redundancies as part of new lean plan

As part of its recently launched cost and cash action plan, the OEM announces it will reduce its global office-based workforce by 15%, mostly based in Sweden.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

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

JLR alternative fuels, digital tools and close supplier collaboration

JLR has been shifting its priorities through its Reimagine Strategy in recent years, laying out a clear vision to become a carbon net zero business by 2039. While the company pushes forward in this vision, its head of freight operations is leading the way for the carmaker’s logistics operations. Automotive Logistics speaks to Levent Yuksel to discover how he is using alternative fuels and data tools to find efficiencies and opportunities for sustainability.

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

Toyota is considering moving production of the GR Corolla from Japan to the UK

While the news is not yet official, sources say that Toyota will add an additional production line to its Burnaston plant to try and meet demand for the sports model. If the move goes ahead, production is expected to begin mid-2026.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Nissan looking at ways to secure UK vehicle production including through Chinese joint venture

Nissan is looking at ways to secure production at its Sunderland plant amidst global cuts and that could include joint production with a Chinese EV partner.

Marcus Williams

In the latest management change from Stellantis, current COO Antonio Filosa has been promoted to CEO

The resignation of previous CEO Carlos Tavares kickstarted a wave of changes in Stellantis’ boardroom. The appointment of a new CEO could point to a return to stability, as Antonio Filosa brings decades of experience from across several Stellantis brands to the role.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

ChargePoint and Eaton announce a new collaboration aimed at tackling insufficient EV charging infrastructure

The partnership allows the two companies to provide end-to-end solutions for EV infrastructure, including charging stations and engineering services. The goal is to roll these offerings out across the US, Canada and the UK.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Stellantis to open Metro Detroit Megahub for Mopar parts distribution in Michigan in 2027

Stelllantis is opening a Mopar service parts megahub in Van Buren Township in 2027 that will use the Autostore automated storage and retrieval system.

Marcus Williams

Ceva Logistics using Stradot conveyor robots for vehicle handling at Nanteuil-le-Haudouin facility

Ceva Logistics will start using automated robot conveyors to move vehicles at its distribution yard in Nanteuil-le-Haudouin from September this year.

Marcus Williams

Panattoni completes work on Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Centre

[Updated May 27] Mercedes-Benz is ready to open its International Consolidation Centre in Germany, which will bundle and preassemble parts for distribution to its global production locations.

Marcus Williams

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

Despite minor setbacks, the Chinese automotive industry may come out as a winner in the tariff war

As the US and China remain in a standoff in their tariff war with neither side willing to budge, observers say the world is witnessing the end of the era of globalisation in the automotive industry as we know it.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

Ryan Kraft takes over as CEO from Mark Anderson at United Road

Ryan Kraft takes over as CEO at United Road, building on 15 years at the leading US finished vehicle provider.

Marcus Williams

BMW Group is using AI tools for Purchasing and Supplier Network from tech centre in Romania

BMW Group is developing GenAI applications for its Purchasing and Supplier Network at a tech hub in Romania focused on monitoring supply chain data.

Marcus Williams

NYK to operate automated finished vehicle facility at the port of Barcelona port from 2027

Port de Barcelona has awarded NYK a concession to operate a inished vehicle logistics terminal that will feature a fully automated, multilevel parking facility, due to become operational in 2027.

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Bertel O. Steen will work together on a new vehicle processing centre at the port of Drammen

Drammen port in Norway is to benefit from a new vehicle processing centre which is being built and will be operated by a joint venture between Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Bertel O. Steen.

Marcus Williams

CATL to raise $4bn in Hong Kong listing to fund Debrecen EV battery gigafactory in Europe

Chinese EV battery maker CATL has said it is set to raise at least $4bn in its secondary listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange, to fund its giigafactory in Debrecen, Hungary.

Megan Kelly

Europe’s EV forecast has dropped – and here’s what it means for the supply chain

As Europe’s EV transition hits regulatory and market speedbumps, automakers face tough decisions on where and how to adapt operations for the EV supply chain. From battery traceability to shifting trade flows and affordability pressures, supply chain strategies are being re-engineered in real-time.

Emily Uwemedimo

Nissan Motor is scrapping plans to build a $1.1bn EV battery plant in Kyushu, Japan

Despite only announcing the new plant in January, Nissan has cancelled its proposed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant, planned to be built in Kitakyushi, Japan. The plant would have created around 500 internal jobs and helped the company reinforce its domestic EV production.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

NxtPort launches the government- and port-backed Inbound Release Platform to help inbound cargo flows

(Updated 23rd May 2025) The Inbound Release Platform (IRP), which went live at the beginning of April, is now in effect at all Belgium seaports. It acts as a central data sharing site for various stakeholders including customs agents and LSPs, streamlining customs compliance.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Ceva Logistics acquires Turkish logistics company Borusan Tedarik for $440m, doubling its footprint in the region

CEVA Logistics continues to grow “bigger, stronger and smarter”, as the company announces it acquires Borusan Tedarik, a logistics company in Turkey. The move almost doubles CEVA’s operations in the country.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

DHL and Cox Automotive launch UK’s largest EV battery services centre for manufacturers to tackle complexities in battery handling

Housed within DHL’s 146,000-square-foot EV Centre of Excellence, a joint venture battery hub supports manufacturers and fleet operators across the UK. It combines specialist safety infrastructure, remanufacturing workshops and on-site energy storage to meet tightening regulations and rising demand for transparency around battery health and end of life processing.

Emily Uwemedimo

When disruption won’t quit, the 2025 Finished Vehicle Logistics conference shared how to stay balanced and agile

The Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 conference revealed how leading OEMs are redesigning logistics to thrive amid trade shocks, EV disruption and capacity constraints. From agile planning to modular networks and EV-ready lanes, Automotive Logistics unpacks the sector’s shift from fragile to future-ready.

Emily Uwemedimo

Localisation hopes fade for Russia as it struggles to attract China

Russia’s efforts to boost domestic vehicle production by courting Chinese automakers are running into obstacles, from economic volatility to strategic caution among OEMs. As Russian policymakers push new incentives, analysts warn that structural challenges could undermine the country’s localisation ambitions.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

Audi announces production of its second-generation Q7 SUV has begun at the DRB-Hicom manufacturing plant in Malaysia

In a move to strengthen regional supply chain resilience, Audi has begun local production of its Q7 SUV at Malaysia’s DRB-Hicom facility, the brand’s first fully localised assembly project in South-East Asia. The current output for the Pekan plant is at three vehicles per day, but with the expectation of this rising to 5,000 units per annum.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

How digital tools and real-time data are transforming automotive supply chains through improved integration, transparency and compliance

Automotive leaders explore data silos, compliance and supplier risk ahead of Automotive Logistics’ livestream on data silos, security and sovereignty.

Megan Kelly

US Trade Representative announces fee structure for vehicle and container deliveries by China-related shipping

The US Trade Representative has announced that fees on China-related vessels calling at US ports will include a cost per car unit of $150 for finished vehicle carriers.

Marcus Williams

There has been no marked increase in container and vehicle exports from Antwerp-Bruges ports to US as tariffs bite

Tariffs and trade uncertainty have not yet caused export spikes at the Port of Antwerp Bruges, which handled 28m tonnes of goods in 2024, including significant finished vehicle and parts trade.

Marcus Williams

Greek port of Piraeus reports decline in vehicle volumes in 2024 but increase in revenue

Vehicle throughput at the Greek port of Piraeus was down in 2024 but the port authority has recorded an increase in revenue and will benefit from a new joint venture between Cosco Shipping and Neptune Lines.

Marcus Williams

US automotive import tariffs hit prices and aggravate consumer uncertainty, says National Automobile Dealers Association

The combined impact of vehicle and parts import tariffs could cut production and sales forecasts in the US this year, according to figures from the National Automobile Dealers Association, with consumer spending and manufacturing investment revised.

Marcus Williams

“Staying the course”: USMCOC’s Zapanta unpacks tariffs, automotive trade and North American integration

With tariffs on parts approaching and political uncertainty mounting, Albert Zapanta of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) explores how the US and Mexico are navigating trade, supply chain pressures and long-term planning. For the automotive industry, staying steady may be the smartest move.

Emily Uwemedimo

VW Group one of a number of carmakers revising exports of vehicles from Mexico to US

Carmakers, including VW Group, are suspending the export of vehicles from Mexico into the US and revising production plans in the face of US tariffs brought in last week by the Trump administration. The German carmaker is also now holding all vehicles delivered after April 3 at US ports of entry.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis is pausing production at plants in Canada and Mexico and laying off 900 staff in the US

As US tariffs on vehicle imports kicked in this week, Stellantis announced it is temporarily shutting plants in Canada and Mexico, with knock-on, short-term layoffs for staff at stamping, transmission and casting plants in the US.

Marcus Williams

Impact of the new US trade policy includes the potential cumulative effects of ‘tariff stacking’

[Updated April 23] This week’s announcement by the US Trump administration of tariffs on global imports is more wide-ranging that Trump 1.0 and ’tariff stacking’ could mean vehicle makers and parts suppliers face much higher costs.

Marcus Williams

Megan 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

March 26 set the wheels in motion, here’s what’s coming before tariff D-Day on April 2

New US tariffs are set to begin April 2, starting with a 25% duty on imported vehicles. Analysts warn the staggered rollout could cripple production, spike prices and send supply chains into long-term disarray – especially for OEMs navigating EV shifts and global competition.

Emily Uwemedimo

Daniel Harrison

Toyota plans to produce next-generation lithium batteries in Japan on hold

Toyota is revising its plans for battery production in Kyushu, Japan in the light of electric vehicle demand and rising material prices.

Marcus Williams

Cosco Shipping Car Carriers and Neptune Lines working together on Chinese vehicle distribution in Europe

Cosco’s car carrier division has signed an agreement with European short-sea car carrier Neptune Lines to manage finished vehicle shipments from China to Europe via the Greek port of Piraeus.

Marcus Williams

The race before the border closes, as auto logistics braces for a 25% tariff reckoning

[Updated 1 April] Automakers and logistics providers are scrambling to move vehicles before the US imposes a 25% tariff on automotive imports. With USMCA exemptions narrowing and global supply chains under pressure, manufacturers face a costly and complex reckoning.

Emily Uwemedimo

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK is getting ready to launch its first European recycling factory in the UK

Toyota is launching is European recycling initiative in the UK with the launch of its Toyota Circular Factory at the Burnaston plant in Q3 this year, which will supply 120,000 recycled parts to the aftermarket.

Marcus Williams

Hyundai Motor commits $21 billion to US vehicle manufacturing, supply chain and logistics

Hyundai has announced an investment in US vehicle production, supply chain and logistics of $21 billion and in the same week has officially opened its metaplant in Georgia at which it now plans to make 500,000 electric vehicles a year.

Marcus Williams

US trade organisations sign letter urging US Trade Representative to refrain from charging steep port fees on China-related vessels

During this week’s hearing in Washington DC, trade organisations from across US industry have signed a letter urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to row back on its proposal to impose heavy fees on China-made vessels calling at US ports.

Marcus Williams

Consolidation in the Toyota Automated Logistics Group as Bastian takes over viastore North America

Bastian Solutions has incorporated the business of viastore in North America to strengthen material handling equipment services as part of the Toyota Automated Logistics Group.

Marcus Williams

Orbis moves into repurposed plant in Greenville to make reusuable totes and pallets for automotive customers

Packaging provider Orbis has opened a 39,000 sq.m production facility in Greenville, Texas to make reusable totes and pallets, incluidng its full range of products for automotive industry

Marcus Williams

Kuehne + Nagel consolidates cross-dock services with doubled capacity on US-Mexico border

Kuehne + Nagel is helping customers navigate the complex demands of nearshoring at a time of tariff threats in North America from a new consolidate cross-dock in Laredo, Texas.

Marcus Williams

National Transportation Safety Board report finds Francis Scott Key bridge was at high risk of collapse

The risk of catastrophic collapse to the Francis Scott Key bridge was 30 times higher than the established safety threshold, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The report also finds that 68 other bridge in the US could be at risk.

Marcus Williams

JLR and Plug and Play launch Innovation Challenge to find a future-focused supply chain mapping technology

JLR and its innovation partner Plug and Play have launched a second Innovation Challenge aimed at innovators who can develop ways of enhancing the accuracy of traceability, risk mapping and visibility across the full length of the supply chain.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis CFO Doug Ostermann tells Wolfe Research summit about supply chain push to deal with tariff uncertainty

This week Stellantis’ chief financial officer, Doug Ostermann, outlined the efforts the carmaker was making to mitigate the impact of trade uncertainty in North America and its commitment to manufacturing in the US.

Marcus Williams

Audi and BMW call for tariff-free trade in North America as Trump tariffs take their toll

German carmakers are holding their breath for the next Trump tariff announcement to see if USMCA local content rules will necessitate higher prices and production adjustments in North America.

Marcus Williams

Association of European Vehicle Logistics hosts dinner debate on the impact of decarbonising automotive operations

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics gathered members, policy makers and key stakeholders in Brussels on March 18 to discuss the European Commission’s Action Plan for the Future of the European Automotive Industry, with a focus on compliance with regulation on decarbonisation.

Marcus Williams

Jaxport completes first stage of $60m berth expansion at Blount Island vehicle terminal as Toyota prepares to expand operations

The port of Jacksonville has completed first of two berth expansions designed to accommodate bigger car carrier vessels which will help it manage turnaround as vehicle volumes increase, not least for Toyota.

Marcus Williams

Grimaldi has grown its fleet of hybrid short-sea ro-ro vessels to 14 with the addition of the Eco Napoli

Grimaldi’s latest hybrid-power ro-ro vessel will arrive in the Mediterranean from China in May this year and will support services calling between Italy, Greece and Turkey

Marcus Williams

MSC stake in Terminal Investment could make it global leader in container terminals after Hutchinson sale

MSC’s stake in the BlackRock-TIL buyout of Hutchinson’s non-China terminal portfolio could make it the global leader in container terminal capacity, according to market analysis by maritime expert Drewry.

Marcus Williams

VinFast’s logistics strategy for rapid parts delivery and operational excellence in Europe and ASEAN

In an industry where aftersales service and agile logistics can differentiate market leaders from emerging challengers, VinFast, the Vietnamese automotive manufacturer, primarily known for its bold entry into EV vehicle production, is now making strategic waves by reimaging its logistics profile. With a focus on European market penetration and an emphasis on customer-centric service, VinFast shares with Automotive Logistics how it is investing in robust service parts delivery networks and retooling its shipping methods.

Emily Uwemedimo

US to impose global tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminium imports; European Commission announces retaliatory levies

[Updated March 13] The decision by Trump to impose tariffs on European imports of the metals, affecting more than €8 billion-worth of EU exports, adds to tariffs on other exports worth €18 billion.

Marcus Williams

CMA CGM to invest $20 billion in US shipbuilding, port infrastructure and automotive platforms

CMA CGM plans to invest $20m in shipbuilding, ports, warehousing and automotive platforms over the next four years.

Marcus Williams

How nearshoring and battery localisation are reshaping Europe’s EV supply chain amid shifting demand, Chinese competition, and policy shifts

With battery investments in flux, Europe’s OEMs push for local supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and Chinese EV competition.

Megan Kelly

BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers to work together on China vehicle and equipment imports to Europe

An agreement between BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers will make the German port of Bremerhaven a hub for Chinese vehicle and equipment imports to Europe.

Marcus Williams

PSA is using the latest automation technology to increase container throughput at the port of Tuas

Container terminal operator PSA has moved 10m containers through the port of Tuas in Singapore using the latest automation technology for dockside and ajacent supply hub operations.

Marcus Williams

How Trump’s presidency is reshaping automotive logistics: A timeline of tariffs, trade disputes, and EV policy shifts

The US tariff timeline of trade tensions and tariff changes

The US election outcome triggers uncertainty for automotive logistics, with tariffs, trade wars, and supply chain risks ahead.

Megan Kelly

NYK Line signs memorandum of understanding with Port of Hueneme to cut emissions and focus on energy efficiency

The US west coast port of Hueneme is building on its commitment to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency in finished vehicle logistics with a new green corridor agreement for Japanese imports signed with NYK Line.

Marcus Williams

United States Trade Representative is looking to impose heavy service fees on China-related shipping

[Updated March 3] Following an investigation into unreasonable or discriminatory practice in international shipping, the United States Trade Representative is proposing to bring in fees of up to $1.5m for China-related vessel calls at US ports.

Marcus Williams

BMW’s hydrogen strategy embraces a technology-agnostic approach to reshape automotive logistics

With increasing regulatory pressures and the urgent need to decarbonise operations, automotive leaders are exploring a range of technologies to future-proof their fleets. BMW Group’s latest move – introducing its first hydrogen-powered trucks as part of the European H2Haul pilot project – demonstrates how traditional logistics models are evolving. While electric trucks have been at the forefront of fleet decarbonisation, BMW’s investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology offers another versatile, scalable alternative for long-haul freight that warrants close analysis.

Emily Uwemedimo

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

Port Freeport strengthens automotive logistics with record growth, new infrastructure, and multimodal connections

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Port FreeportWith soaring vehicle and container volumes, Port Freeport is investing in capacity, multimodal links and nearshoring-driven growth.

Automotive Logistics

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

UECC’s sustainable strategy is turning regulation on maritime emissions into a commercial advantage

UECC has outlined its strategy for compliance with European regulations on maritime decarbonisation and how it is supplying OEM customers with alternative fuels

Marcus Williams

Daimler Truck wins VDA logistics award for use of electric trucks across inbound logistics

Daimler Truck took top prize for scaling the use of electrified trucks in inbound logistics for German plants through its ‘Electrify Inbound Logistics’ project.

Megan Kelly

Donald Trump is imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium from Canada and Mexico, and could include auto parts

Donald Trump is holding the threat of 25% tariffs over auto parts and metals imports from Canada and Mexico, which could disrupt the North American automotive supply chain. The US president added that he will add new wider tariffs on finished vehicles, to be announced on April 2.

Marcus Williams

Could Europe’s €200 billion AI initiative accelerate automotive tech and supply chains?

[Updated February 17] The European Union’s (EU’s) €200 billion ($214 billion) InvestAI Initiative gains momentum across sections including robotics, biotech, mobility and manufacturing. With a focus on innovation and workforce development, could this funding also accelerate the integration of AI-driven robotics and smart manufacturing solutions across Europe’s automotive supply chains?

Emily Uwemedimo

Toyota is making its own batteries at a plant in North Carolina and will be begin local supply in April

Toyota will be begin shipping lithium batteries from its own plant in North Carolina from April this year, beginning with deliveries by truck to its Kentucky assembly plant in Georgetown

Marcus Williams

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

Vehicle ro-ro exports continue to recover at Barcelona while containerised imports double

The port of Barcelona has registed an increase in vehicle exports in 2024 and while imports have dropped overall, cars in containers imported have more than doubled.

Marcus Williams

Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley warns of serious financial impact on auto sector if Trump tariffs persist

[Updated February 11] Ford’s president, CEO and director James Farley used its Q4 earnings call last week to warn that any extended use of tariffs on automotive products from Canada and Mexico would have a huge adverse impact on the entire value system of the US automotive industry. He drove home the warnings at this week’s Wolfe Research Auto, Auto Tech and Semiconductor Conference in New York.

Marcus Williams

Barbara Bergmeier steps down as executive director of industrial operations at JLR, replaced by Nigel Blenkinsop

[Updated February 5] Barbara Bergmeier has stepped down as executive director of industrial operations at JLR to be replaced by Nigel Blenkinsop, who will continue her leadership focused on maintaining a robust and sustainable end-to-end supply chain.

Marcus Williams

Trump’s tariff pose on imports from Canada and Mexico tests resiliency of supply chain planners

Even with a month’s grace period, the threat of US tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico made by Donald Trump over the weekend is creating supply chain uncertainty across the North American automotive industry. Carmakers are calling for attention to USMCA rules and warning of the impact on jobs, investment and consumers.

Marcus Williams

Chinese carmaker Chery builds on containerised vehicle shipments to Turkey with DP World service

Chery is building the volumes of cars it ships in containers from China to Turkey supported by DP World operations at the Yarímca container terminal.

Marcus Williams

VW Group moves more than 1.2m vehicles through German port of Emden in 2024; almost 5% down on previous year

Volkswagen Group imported and exported 1.2m vehicles through Emden port in 2024, including 419,000 battery electric vehicles and hybrids, and is bringing in a new dock and yard management system.

Marcus Williams

Kawa Shipping makes first call at JadeWeserPort on China-Europe Express container service

Zhejiang Seaport Logistics has received its first express container ship call at JadeWeserPort in Germany with the arrival of the Kawa Ningbo.

Marcus Williams

BYD continues international expansion with plant in Indonesia due to come online by end of 2025

As part of its international EV manufacturing drive, BYD is building a plant in Indonesia which is due to be complete by the end of 2025.

Automotive Logistics

Polestar widens global production locations to include Europe for electric SUV from 2027

Polestar is looking at Europe to build its next premium compact SUV and will expand sales to France this summer using agency model distribution.

Marcus Williams

Buelent Ileri moves to global sales and operations planning (S&OP), supply chain and logistics at AGCO

Buelent Ileri recently expanded his scope at the global agricultural equipment manufacturer, bringing a strong focus on digitalisation and planning to AGCO’s global supply chain operations.

Automotive Logistics

Tariffs and geopolitical disruption take their toll on ro-ro volumes through Antwerp-Bruges

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has seen a fall in the processing of new and used passenger cars but overall throughput has increased thanks to a boost in container traffic

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Georgia Ports Authority officially open Brunswick vehicle and equipment processing complex

Wallenius Wilhelmsen officially opened its South Atlantic Transportation and Logistics Mega Center with Georgia Ports Authority at the US port of Brunswick last week.

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

DP World begins finished vehicle and rolling equipment operations at port of Zeebrugge

DP World is building up its European finished vehicle services with the opening of facility at the port of Zeebrugge.

Marcus Williams

Volkswagen Group appoints Holger Bätz as its head of supply chain development for the After Sales division

Holger Bätz has moved from OTLG to become VW Group’s head of supply chain development for the After Sales division.

Marcus Williams

Global automotive industry shifts intensify challenges for logistics providers

The automotive supply chain is facing many hurdles this year, as set out in our key automotive logistics trends for 2025. Here, we look deeper at the fragmented nature of the industry, structural changes in flows and demand, and the effects of job losses in the second part of our series.

Daniel Harrison

Barry Spilman steps back from lead role at RPM and appoints John Perkovich president of the North America region

John Perkovich moves from his role as chief operating officer to take over the reins at RPM in North America

Marcus Williams

DIN and DKE publish guidance for firms to meet mandatory EU Battery Passport rules

The new guidance – Requirements for Data Attributes of the Battery Passport – is designed to help companies meet the mandatory requirements for the EU’s digital battery passport.

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

Hyundai-Kia expands contract with car carrier Eukor to five years and strengthens presence in Asia

Eukor has succesfully extended the terms of its contract to ship Hyundai and Kia vehicles from Korea as well as adding extra trade from China.

Marcus Williams

JLR becomes fourth carmaker to join UECC’s Sail for Change sustainable fuel switch programme

[Updated January 9] JLR is helping advance its own emissions reduction goals by taking part in the Sail for Change fuel switch initiative for the maritime delivery of finished vehicles, which offers the option to switch to biofuel for short-sea shipments.

Marcus Williams

Volkswagen is investing in digital architecture for competitive and localised battery EV production in China

Volkswagen is focusing on a strong localisation drive in China and the development of a digital architecture for faster EV development and production as the market competes aggressively on price.

Marcus Williams

Volkswagen to cut production in Germany and reduce staff across factories, with Golf production moved to Mexico

Following some intense negotiations through December, Volkswagen reached an agreement with its Works Council and the IG Metall union just before the Christmas break that will see it cut 35,000 jobs by 2030 and reduce production capacity by 734,000 units

Marcus Williams