Tag: other news

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Volkswagen extends Unipart contract to include SAP Enterprise Warehouse Management across service parts network in UK

Volkswagen Group has signed a two-year contract with Unipart Signite to support its SAP Enterprise Warehouse Management rollout for service parts distribution in the UK.

Marcus Williams

Sándor Gacsó moves from Great Wall Motor to XPeng

Sándor Gacsó has moved from his European logistics manager role at Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) to Chinese EV manufacturer XPeng.

Megan Kelly

BMW, Ford trial 3D printing automotive parts using recycled fishing nets

BMW, Ford, Daimler-Benz and other OEMs have been working with UK-based firm Fishy Filaments to trial the use of 3D printing materials made from recycled end-of-life fishing nets.

Megan Kelly

Kia enters European commercial electric van market

Kia is entering the European light-commercial electric vehicle market with its full-electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) van range, due to launch next year via import from South Korea.

Megan Kelly

Steffen Reiche takes over as logistics leadership at VW Commercial Vehicles

Steffen Reiche is set to take over from Josef Baumert as member of the board of management responsible for production and logistics at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV).

Megan Kelly

Renault Group makes service parts logistics more efficient with Exotec

Renault Group is using the latest automation technology at its Villeroy service parts distribution centre (PDC) in France. The carmaker said that the use of Skypod robots means the facility has increased the number of orders served by 25% per day, cut preparation time from two hours to 20 minutes and enabled it to reduce the storage surface area because the robots can pick items from height without risk to personnel.

Marcus Williams

BEV adoption in North America will take ‘longer than thought’

The full-scale adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the North American market will take longer than predicted, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

Megan Kelly

Mahindra Logistics signs joint venture with Seino in India

Japanese logistics provider Seino Holdings is entering a 50:50 joint venture with Mahindra Logistics in India to provide Japanese automotive customers with logistics services for finished vehicles, and parts warehousing and transport.

Marcus Williams

Cummins, Daimler Truck and Paccar localise battery supply in US

Cummins’ zero-emission unit Accelera has formed a joint venture with Daimler Trucks and Buses US, and Paccar to localise battery cell production and provide a commercial vehicle battery supply chain in the US.

Marcus Williams

JLR extends Dassault Systèmes partnership to boost efficiency

JLR has extended its strategic partnership with technology company Dassault Systèmes for five years, allowing 18,000 global users to access virtual twin technologies.

Megan Kelly

Volkswagen relies on localisation in Europe for EV project

Volkswagen Group has decided to make all-electric entry-level mobility more widespread, with affordable electric vehicles (EVs) made in Europe for sale in Europe, and will do so by relying on localisation on the continent.

Megan Kelly

Wallenius Wilhelmsen sells Melbourne ro-ro terminal

Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Melbourne International Roro & Auto Teminal (Mirrat) to a subsidy of Qube Holdings, Australia’s largest logistics provider.

Megan Kelly

FVL NA in pictures: Day 2

Speakers from Ford, BMW, NIssan and Volkswagen took the stage to share important insights from the finished vehical sector in North America.

Anushka Dixit

Private equity and logistics firms eye up DB Schenker

Deutsche Bahn has received several confirmed bids for its logistics division DB Schenker, according to the parent company.

Megan Kelly

Flooding in Brazil disables automotive supply and production

Devastating floods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil have hit production at ten automotive manufacturers and a large network of suppliers, with many transport routes destroyed and the logistics network severely disrupted. Rio Grande do Sul is one of the largest automotive production regions in Brazil.

Marcus Williams

Lufthansa Cargo starts Frankfurt to Monterrey air-freight service

From June 3 Lufthansa Cargo is offering a connection from its home hub in Frankfurt, Germany to Monterrey in Mexico, via Mexico City, the first European cargo airline to connect Europe with Monterrey.

Marcus Williams

DHL to provide EV warehousing for Chery brands

DHL Supply Chain has partnered with Chinese-owned Omoda and Jaecoo on a three-year warehousing contract that will enable specialist storage of parts and components including batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Megan Kelly

Drewes prepares to take over as CEO at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Jens Drewes will take over as CEO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics on June 1 from Reiner Heiken, who is retiring. Drewes moves over from Kuehne + Nagel, where he was most recently president of the Europe region.

Marcus Williams

Autoport’s efficiency drive on the east coast

US vehicle terminal operator Autoport, which processes vehicles through the port of Wilmington in Delaware, reports moving 115,000 vehicles through its facilities in CY2023.

Marcus Williams

Ascend Elements and Call2Recycle launch battery recycling service

Ascend Elements and Call2Recycle have signed an agreement to provide dealerships, recyclers and repair customers with EV battery management, logistics and recycling services. Working together, the companies aim to collect and recycle the equivalent of over 300,000 EV battery packs by 2030.

Marcus Williams

DP World provides cross-border containerised vehicle delivery service

From the beginning of June this year DP World will be providing an intermodal rail service for containerised car shipments between Mexico, the US and Canada. The port terminal and inland logistics provider is using 16-metre (53ft) containers with R-Rak cassette systems in answer to the ro-ro and multilevel rail-capacity shortage for vehicle shipments in North America.

Marcus Williams

Suardíaz adds car carrier to fleet for Africa-Europe vehicle trade

Suardíaz Shipping Lines has added a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) to its car carrier fleet in Europe, bringing the number to nine. The M/V Asturias (formerly Viking Amber) joined the service on May 1 and will operate on the Atlantic corridor between Morocco and Northern Europe. The Spanish logistics provider said has capacity for 4,200 CEUs and would improve its service for Renault, Stellantis and Toyota.

Marcus Williams

Yusen buys Parts Express to strengthen automotive logistics service

Yusen Logistics division in the Benelux region of Europe has bought out Parts Express, a Dutch provider of aftermarket service parts logistics. Yusen said the buyout would strengthen its logistics services for the automotive industry, a priority sector alongside healthcare and retail.

Marcus Williams

Toyota opens Tri-Gen renewable hydrogen system at Long Beach port

Toyota Motor North America has officially opened a Tri-Gen renewable hydrogen and electricity system at its vehicle processing centre (VPC) at the US port of Long Beach. As reported in September last year, it is the first port VPC in the world to be exclusively powered by onsite-generated, 100% renewable electricity.

Marcus Williams

Renault announces next phase of its remanufacturing strategy

Renault Group’s parts remanufacturing unit, based at the Flins Refactory in France, is joining The Future Is Neutral parts recycling venture. Renault is also renaming the venture as The Remakers.

Marcus Williams

BLG Logistics’ Automobile division boosts sales in FY2023

BLG Logistics moved 1.5m vehicles through its Bremerhaven automotive terminal in financial year 2023, down 11.7% on the volumes handled in FY2022, mainly because of economic conditions, according to logistics provider.

Marcus Williams

Porsche using electric and biogas trucks for parts moves

Porsche is using six new electric trucks to transport production materials between its German plants in Zuffenhausen, Weissach and Leipzig. Porsche’s logistics partners Keller Group, Müller – Die lila Logistik and Elflein have also committed to operating the electric trucks using renewable electricity.

Marcus Williams

DFDS in agreement to buy Ekol Logistics’ transport network

DFDS is in the process of buying the international transport network of Ekol Logistics, which transports goods, including automotive and industrial parts, between Turkey and Europe. The purchase price is €260m ($276m).

Marcus Williams

BMW renews contract with BCA for UK vehicle remarketing

BMW has signed another five-year contract with BCA for used vehicle logistics services in the UK. The contract includes BMW’s specialist leasing and fleet management business Alphabet. The companies signed their first contract in 2018.

Marcus Williams

Audi switches parts cargo to intermodal service with Helrom and Duvenbeck

Audi is using an intermodal a trailer-to-train service provided by Helrom for the movement of materials between its Ingostadt and Neckarsulm plants in Germany and its Györ plant in Hungary.

Marcus Williams

Denis Molle adds IT leadership role at Alpine Cars to his duties at Renault

Denis Molle has taken over as head of IT at Alpine Cars, the sports car division of Renault Group. At the same time Molle retains his duties as head of IT Engineering at Renault Group.

Marcus Williams

Porsche boosts logistics efficiency at Zuffenhausen with MHP software

Porsche’s IT and process consulting subsidiary, MHP, is supplying the carmaker with a centralised fleet management system to control automated logistics at its Zuffenhausen assembly plant in Germany. Porsche said MHP FleetExecuter will help increase efficiency and flexibility in production at the plant.

Marcus Williams

Ceva Logistics to set up vehicle-handling terminal at Dunkirk port

Ceva Logistics is building a 9.5-hectare vehicle logistics facility at the French port of Dunkirk following an agreement signed with the port on March 15. Work on the facility will begin in October this year.

Marcus Williams

Digital tools that deliver optimised and sustainable networks

The adoption of digital technology has accelerated in the last five years to manage complexity, provide greater visibility and drive sustainable change. Four leading providers of that technology explained some of their most recent developments at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany – Alps Alpine, FedEx, FreightVerify and s2 data & algorithms.

Marcus Williams

Taking the supply chain for an x-ray

Carmakers are working hard to transform manufacturing and supply chain operations up to an Industry 4.0 standard of efficiency and connectivity. A digitally supported strategy for product lifecycle management in assembly and supply is one that ultimately relies on a core IT infrastructure.

Automotive Logistics

In pics: Insights, networking and gala dinner at the first day of ALSC Europe 2024

The ALSC Europe 2024 Day 1 wrap-up offers a vibrant glimpse into the kickoff of the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany. Panels and workshops took place around the event’s central theme; exploring avenues across digitalisation, speed to market, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

Automotive Logistics

Orbis to open packaging manufacturing plant in Texas

Resuable packaging supplier Orbis is entering into a lease-to-own agreement for a manufacturing facility in Greenville, Texas, and will work with industrial real estate developer EPM Partners.

Marcus Williams

APM Terminals appoints Yera and Burmúdez to port leadership roles

Beatriz Yera (left) will take over as managing director for APM Terminals in Mexico on April 15 this year. She is currently head of procurement and director of the Europe region for AP Moller Maersk. Yera takes over from Marliz Burmúdez who is moving to become head of investments for the Americas region at APM.

Marcus Williams

Russia cracks down on parallel imports through EEU

Dozens of logistics companies across Central Asia and the Caucasus engaged in parallel imports of finished vehicles into Russia are expected to go bankrupt in the next few months following intervention by authorities to bring the industry in order. The new rules could also hamper the import of Chinese-made vehicles to Russia.

Automotive Logistics

NYK to capture vessel emissions in California with Stax technology

From January 2025 NYK Line will use technology from Stax Engineering to capture exhaust emissions from the vessels its operates while they are at berth in Californian ports. The maritime logistics provider said the agreement with Stax, which is worth $16m, comes in response to the expanded exhaust emission regulations for vessels calling at ports in the state imposed by the California Air Resources Board (Carb).

Marcus Williams

An end-to-end logistics mission at DP World

Bill Garrett, head of the automotive vertical at DP World, talks to Automotive Logistics about the company’s transition to become a global provider of end-to-end logistics services for the automotive industry at a time of disruption and opportunity

Marcus Williams

Latest research reveals impact of disruption on global trade and supply chains

The latest Trade in Transition research paper released by Economist Impact, and supported by DP World, looks at globalisation and the current disruptions that are reconfiguring global trading and the supply chain.

Marcus Williams

Automotive Logistics marks International Women’s Day

To commemorate International Women’s Day, Automotive Logistics is sharing a collection of recent features and interviews with prominent women in the automotive logistics sector.

Automotive Logistics

Steve Gawronski joins Harbinger as it prepares to ramp up output

Steve Gawronski has joined commercial EV start-up Harbinger as vice-president of supply chain and logistics. He will oversee procurement, logistics and material planning as the California-based company prepares to scale production of a medium-duty commercial vehicle.

Marcus Williams

DHL Supply Chain establishes HVO fuelling across UK

DHL Supply Chain has set up supply lines for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) across all of its UK fuelling stations throughout the UK. The logistics service provider has moved more than 6m tonnes of the fuel to its UK operations, replacing diesel in 20 locations.

Marcus Williams

Duvenbeck expands into Benelux through Schotpoort Logistics takeover

Logistics firm Duvenbeck is expanding its network to include the Benelux region (the economic union of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) through its takeover of Dutch firm Schotpoort Logistics.

Megan Kelly

BYD wants to conquer Europe by maritime means

BYD’s first own car freighter, the Explorer No. 1, and its maiden voyage to Bremerhaven mark the beginning of a new era for the OEM, which is intended to pave the way to Europe. The car manufacturer’s private fleet is set to grow further in the coming months.

Ronja Schmiedchen

VW Group UK partners with Ecobat to recycle EV batteries

VW Group UK has signed an agreement with battery recycling firm Ecobat to collect and recycle its EV batteries and close the loop in the carmaker’s circular energy economy.

Megan Kelly

The measurement problem: how accurate carbon technology can turn logistical liabilities into assets

For automotive logistics, there can be no accountability without accurate carbon accounting. We spoke to Brian Semkiw, CEO of Spectaire, about how micro-mass-spectrometry can solve an issue too-often evaded by the auto industry: accurate emissions measurements

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Auto1 Group rolls out Inform optimisation tools across European network

Used car trading platform Auto1 Group has expanded its agreement with Inform and is rolling out the logistics software specialist’s yard management and workshop optimisation systems across ten refurbishment locations in Europe.

Marcus Williams

Gestamp redefines supply chain management for industry 4.0

Under the guidance of Diego Mallada, chief information officer for digitalisation, Gestamp is emerging as a leader in integrating digital networks and AI across its supply chain. Gestamp, an expert in metal automotive components and body-in-white, is revolutionising automotive supply chain management through advanced industry 4.0 strategies, emphasising federated networks and superior data quality.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Antwerp-Bruges increases vehicle traffic in face of tight capacity

The European ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge have recorded a 9% increase in the number of finished vehicles handled in calendar year 2023 to 3.56m. The merger of the Belgian ports under one operating authority was finalised in April 2022 and since last year it has reported joint volumes.

Marcus Williams

Neptune Line orders two more Genesis Project vessels

Short-sea vehicle forwarder, Neptune Lines, has ordered two new pure car and truck carriers for its 22-strong fleet, each with a capacity for 4,200 car equivalent units (CEUs). The company said the vessels will increase cargo capacity by 36% compared to the current core fleet vessels and reduce emissions in line with global sustainability goals.

Marcus Williams

DRS Group forms JV to move into US logistics market

DRS Group, a German hail damage repair service provider, has formed a joint venture (JV) with American paintless dent repair firm Dent Master to push into the US market.

Megan Kelly

Anders Lund Kristensen takes up CCO role at Copenhagen Malmö Port

Copenhagen Malmö Port has appointed Anders Lund Kristensen as its new chief commercial officer (CCO). He will take up the role at the beginning of March this year, replacing Sune Norup Christensen, who has moved on to a new role in the shipping industry.

Marcus Williams

AD Ports’ Noatum enters European FVL market through Sesé acquisition

Following its acquisition of Spanish maritime logistics provider Noatum last year, Abu Dhabi-based logistics firm AD Ports, has acquired finished vehicle logistics (FVL) firm Sesé Auto Logistics, part of Grupo Logístico Sesé.

Megan Kelly

Renault, Michelin renew supply chain research chairmanship with Paris university

Renault Group and Michelin have partnered with École des Ponts ParisTech, school of science, engineering and technology, to renew the Supply Chain of the Future teaching and research chair at the French University.

Megan Kelly

Brose streamlines automotive supplier management with SAP, Capgemini collaboration through CSI4Auto

Brose has joined forces with SAP and Capgemini to boost supplier integration using digitised identity management through a transparent, digital supply chain.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Jaxport signs deal with Enstructure to develop multiple-cargo facility

Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) has signed a 30-year agreement with US marine terminal and logistics provider Enstructure for the lease and development of a 32-hectare facility at the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal.

Marcus Williams

Bora Argac expands commercial role at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has appointed Bora Argac as its new chief commercial officer (CCO) for Germany. He succeeds Kai Hasenpusch, who has moved to become sales director for Roadfreight West Europe at the logistics provider.

Marcus Williams

Ford’s Dubai PDC will distribute service parts to GCC, Africa and Asia Pacific

Following the news that Ford has broken ground on a new parts distribution centre (PDC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the carmaker has revealed further details of the forthcoming operations there.

Marcus Williams

GM wins big in 2023, Stellantis and Ford lose out

GM had the strongest sales in North America last year compared to other OEMs, having sold nearly 2.6m units in 2023, up 14% over 2022 according to market analyst Cox Automotive.

Megan Kelly

PowerCo and Umicore JV Ionway appoints Philip Fimmers as supply chain head

Ionway, a battery materials producer, has appointed Philip Fimmers as its global supply chain manager.

Megan Kelly

Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port increases vehicle throughput

Hambantota International Port has reported an increase in finished vehicle throughput by 26% last year, compared to 2022. Its vehicle terminals handled 700,000 transhipments, a figure its chief operating officer Tissa Wickramasinghe, said put it in “the top end of the league” compared with other transhipment ports in the region.

Marcus Williams

Hyundai parts division deploys autonomous robots in Alabama

Hyundai Transys has started using autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) provided by Thira Robotics for in-plant logistics at its US plant in Alabama. It is the first time Thira Robotics, which is based in South Korea, has deployed its AMRs in the US.

Marcus Williams

BMW chooses Raúl Gamboa to lead production control and logistics in Mexico

Raúl Gamboa has taken over as head of production control, production system and logistics at BMW Group’s plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He reports to Harald Gottsche, president and CEO of the plant.

Marcus Williams

Delay to introduction of new rules of origin is a window of opportunity

The proposed delay to the introduction of the new rules of origin is a window of opportunity for UK and European carmakers to accelerate all-electric vehicle (EV) design programmes, strengthen supply chains and put the right technical support and capabilities in place to meet demand in a fast-growing market.

Sheena Patel

Skoda adopts SAP digital platform for logistics overhaul at Vrchlabí

Skoda Auto is implementing the SAP S/4 Hana digital platform for system logistics at its Vrchlabí gearbox plant in the Czech Republic. The switch to the enterprise resource planning software is part of a group-wide initiative called Project One Log, which the carmaker said will replace a variety of existing legacy systems.

Marcus Williams

Gary Davis moves to Nationwide Auto Services

Gary Davis has taken up a new position as vice-president of business development at finished vehicle logistics provider Nationwide Auto Services (NAS), which carries out vehicle processing, quality inspections and rework for OEM customers.

Marcus Williams

Michael Poirier heads customer experience and aftersales division at Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America (HMA) has formed a new division combining retail and aftersales, and appointed Michael Poirier as its vice-president. Poirier moves to the role from Hyundai Motor Canada where he held a similar position as director of customer experience and aftersales.

Marcus Williams

Seaspan moves into car carrier sector with Hyundai Glovis

Hong Kong-based containership owner and operator, Seaspan, has made an order for up to ten large liquefied natural gas (LNG) pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), marking its first venture into the car carrier market.

Megan Kelly

Mercedes-Benz Trucks electrifies fleet for inbound deliveries to Wörth plant

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered 12 battery-electric trucks to its logistics providers, the first of 20 eActros 300s for use in inbound logistics. The first 12 trucks will be used for just-in-time delivery of parts to the Wörth plant in Germany from the first quarter of 2024 and together they will make around 50 journeys a day.

Marcus Williams

Hueneme port obtains grant to plan vehicle parking facility

The Californian port of Hueneme has secured a $2m federal grant that will help it build a parking facility to store and process imported vehicle volumes prior to inland distribution by rail and truck.

Marcus Williams

Communication on battery materials is key to a more sustainable supply chain

The automotive industry’s transition to the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is progressing under the banner of cleaner transport and more sustainable manufacturing. Established carmakers and start-ups are establishing BEV assembly plants with adjacent gigafactories in various parts of the world, driven by a strategy of greater localisation.

Marcus Williams

Thierry Bolloré joins About:Energy as director

Former CEO of JLR and Renault, Thierry Bolloré, has taken a new role as director of About:Energy, a battery technology start-up providing battery measurement and modelling software services to the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors.

Marcus Williams

Kuehne + Nagel builds customs offering with Farrow buyout

Kuehne + Nagel (K+N) is buying Canadian customs broker Farrow for an undisclosed sum. The global logistics provider said the acquisition will expand its customs capabilities in North America, notably at the Canadian and Mexican borders of the US. Completion of the transaction is expected during the first quarter of 2024.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis and CATL sign MoU for European LFP battery supply

Stellantis has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL for the local supply of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells and modules to power the carmaker’s European EV production.

Megan Kelly

Record month for Subaru imports through the Port of Vancouver USA

The Port of Vancouver USA moved a record-breaking amount of Subarus in October this year, with more than 13,500 Japanese imports processed. Those imports included Crosstreks, Foresters, all-electric Solterras amongst other models.

Marcus Williams

Hyundai to sell vehicles through Amazon and move supply chain operations to the cloud

Hyundai and Amazon have announced a strategic partnership that will enable customers to buy vehicles online in the US and improve business operations by moving to Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing unit of Amazon.

Marcus Williams

Materazzo moves from Stellantis into logistics role at Rivian

Carlo Materazzo has taken up a new role as vice-president of logistics at electric vehicle maker Rivian. Materazzo brings more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry to the company and most recently worked at Stellantis.

Marcus Williams

Toyota pushes forward with Battery 3R circular economy strategy

Toyota is implementing a number of sustainable strategies aimed at the creation of a circular economy for its electric vehicles, including the reuse and recycling of lithium batteries under its Battery 3R initiative to reduce, rebuild/reuse and recycle.

Marcus Williams

Containerised vehicle deliveries by rail from China to Russia are on the rise

During the first nine months of 2023, Russia imported 414,000 finished vehicles, 250% up compared with the previous year, with 97% of deliveries coming from China, according to estimates from the Federal Customs Service. That compares to 2022, when China exported 117,000 finished vehicles to Russia.

Automotive Logistics

Politics now the driving force in automotive supply chains

Decades of liberalisation of international trade relations, including the removal of many tariffs and non-tariff barriers, have enabled automotive supply chains to develop on the basis of economic rather than political imperatives. This is no longer the case. Governments right across the political spectrum have started to adopt protectionist policies whilst promoting subsidy-driven national industrial strategies, challenging the mantra of free trade and open markets.

John Manners-Bell

Peel Ports and Suardíaz set up sustainable logistics for EV parts deliveries to Stellantis

Stellantis is benefitting from a sustainable logistics service opened this week that will see EV parts shipped from Spain via the port of Vigo and delivered to a new logistics hub at Merseyside docks in the UK. From there the parts will be moved to its nearby Ellesmere Port assembly plant.

Marcus Williams

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment publishes latest guidance on expendable packaging

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) has published new guidelines to help OEMs and their suppliers source sustainable packaging designs for use in expendable packaging.

Marcus Williams

The automotive supply chain is preparing for the next generation of AI

While the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has only become a reality in the automotive supply chain in recent years, the next generation of the technology, generative AI, is being tested and put to use by technology supplier ZF Friedrichshafen.

Megan Kelly

Core connections for quality output at JLR

JLR is one carmaker that has been working hard over the last few years to transform manufacturing and supply chain operations up to an Industry 4.0 standard of efficiency and connectivity.

Marcus Williams

JLR battles service parts shortage

JLR is facing delays in the delivery of service parts to its retail network during the transition of parts distribution from multiple locations to its global parts distribution centre (PDC), nearing completion at Applby Magna, in the UK Midlands.

Marcus Williams

Exchanging healthy and trusted data in the supply chain

Digital twins can help improve quality and efficiency while driving future innovations within the supply chain, but many are still hesitant to share their data. At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies 2023, experts weigh in on how Catena-X could provide a solution and encourage more trust when it comes to data sharing.

Megan Kelly

Orbis increases production and storage capacity for totes and pallets in Ohio

Orbis has expanded its reusable tote and pallet production facility in Urbana, Ohio by 30% and leased an additional warehouse.

Marcus Williams

Hyundai Glovis invests in world’s biggest ro-ro vessels

Hyundai Glovis is investing $1.89 billion in 12 dual-fuel car carrier vessels that will be able to run on liquified natural gas (LNG). Each ship will be able to carry 10,800 car equivalent units (CEUs) making them the world’s largest pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). Delivery of the vessels is expected to be complete by 2027.

Marcus Williams

Acertus shines a light into outbound supply chain with latest TMS

Acertus has launched a new transport management system (TMS) that providers shippers with real-time GPS tracking, digital inspection data, automated reporting and custom data visualisation.

Marcus Williams

Toyota boosts investment in US battery plant with eight extra lines

Toyota is adding $8 billion of investment to its Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBNMA) facility in the US, which is currently under construction. It brings total investment in the plant to $13.9 billion and the creation of 5,000 jobs.

Marcus Williams

Škoda opens CKD logistics hub in India

[Updated October 30] Škoda Auto has a new 16,000 sq.m facility in Pune, India that it will use to pack complete knockdown (CKD) kits of its Kushaq and Slavia models for export to Vietnam. There, the CKD kits will be welded, painted and assembled at a production line currently being built in Quãng Ninh province and expected to open in the first half of 2024.

Marcus Williams

JS Bolton crosses the pond to manage production at Nissan Sunderland

Jennifer Sarah Bolton has moved from her role as director of finished vehicle logistics and supply chain systems and strategy at Nissan North America, based in Tennessee, to take up a new role as director of production at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, UK.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis to team up with Orano for battery recycling

Stellantis has signed an MoU with Orano to form a joint venture for the recycling of end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries and scrap from gigafactories. The reclaimed cobalt, nickel and lithium will further the carmaker’s circular economy goals and meet the European Union (EU) 2031 battery directive to use recycled materials in new batteries.

Marcus Williams

Škoda Auto partners with Allur Company in return to vehicle assembly in Kazakhstan

Škoda Auto is returning to produce vehicles in Kazakhstan in early 2024 and will be working with local partner Allur Company.

Marcus Williams

Duvenbeck goes low and electric for auto parts shipments

[Updated October 27] Duvenbeck has started using a battery-powered, low-deck truck for shipments of automotive parts between Germany and Belgium. The European logistics provider is moving parts including windshields, vehicle axles, engine components and spare parts for an unnamed carmaker.

Marcus Williams

DP World advances vehicle container services with CFR Rinkens buyout

DP World has acquired freight forwarder CFR Rinkens to bolster the development of its services for containerised vehicle shipments.

Marcus Williams

Mitsubishi expands service parts warehouse in Canada

Mitsubishi has expanded its parts distribution centre (PDC) in Mississauga, eastern Canada, to 15,200 sq.m in response to demand from its growing number of dealerships across the country.

Marcus Williams

Toyota halts production in Japan after supplier plant explosion

[Updated October 24] Toyota had to suspend assembly operations across seven plants in Japan last week because of supply problems caused by an explosion at the plant of one of its suppliers – Chuo Spring. The company supplies Toyota with coil springs.

Marcus Williams

Volta Trucks files for bankruptcy after collapse of battery supplier

Volta Trucks’ demise showcases how supply chains can disrupt even promising EV ventures due to supply chain challenges

Ilkhan Ozsevim

S&P Global’s light vehicle demand outlook: ECG Conference 2023

S&P Global used this year’s Association of European Vehicle Logistics conference to highlight some automotive industry challenges just around the corner: income decline, rising vehicle prices, decarbonisation effects and market uncertainty

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Jaguar Land Rover attributes sales growth to improved supply

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reported year-on-year increased sales volumes for the second quarter (Q2) of the financial year 2024, the three-month period to September 30 2023.

Megan Kelly

Chery puts car exports in containers to Turkey with help from DP World

In the face of congestion at Turkey’s main finished vehicle handling ports, Chery Automobile has opted to put cars in containers for import through DP World’s Yarímca port terminal. Other Chinese carmakers are expected to follow suit and benefit from services DP World is providing.

Marcus Williams

Rinse and repeat to make your supply chain robust

Carmakers are confronted with a wide array of potential disruptions when trying to get service parts to the right place in a timely fashion.

Marcus Williams

LG Energy Solution to supply Toyota with batteries for EV production in US

Toyota Motor North America has signed a battery supply deal with LG Energy Solution that will start in 2025. The battery maker will supply Toyota with lithium-ion batteries for its electric vehicle (EV) production in the US. The deal represents LG Energy’s largest single supply agreement secured outside of any joint venture deals.

Marcus Williams

D’Ieteren chooses Inform system for VW Group moves in Belgium

Belgian vehicle distributor D’Ieteren Automotive has chosen to use vehicle logistics and compound management tools provided by optimisation software specialist Inform.

Marcus Williams

Frank Schnelle appointed executive director at ECG

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) is appointing Frank Schnelle as its executive director, replacing Mike Sturgeon, who is retiring from the organisation. Schnelle will join the finished vehicle logistics trade association in April 2024 to begin the handover process.

Marcus Williams

Insourcing and localising supply chains help BMW stay flexible

Insourcing and localising are two of the ways that BMW Spartanburg is staying flexible and lean while growing, according to Oliver Bilstein, vice-president of logistics and production control, BMW Manufacturing.

Megan Kelly

Greater collaboration is needed for the switch to a specialised EV supply chain

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is introducing an entirely new, specialised supply chain for inbound, outbound and service parts logistics. To make the transition successful there needs to be more collaboration and communication between the sectors, according speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference in Dearborn, Michigan.

Megan Kelly

Gestamp joins Catena-X to push digital and decarbonisation strategies

Gestamp has joined the Catena-X data-sharing platform, which is designed to increase visibility in the supply chain and improve the flow of parts and materials.

Marcus Williams

Covid and semiconductor crises have ‘pushed logistics industry forward’

The pandemic and the semiconductor shortage have encouraged more visibility and transparency between OEMs and automotive tier suppliers, helping the industry not only to recover but to advance further, according to experts.

Megan Kelly

Top 3 focuses for automotive logistics at ALSC Global 2023

With Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 about to kick off in Detroit, Automotive Logistics has outlined three key areas of focus for the automotive logistics industry to look out for over the coming days.

Megan Kelly

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global: Recap

Follow our recap blog below to get the most important insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Detroit.

Megan Kelly

How a lack of diversity and inclusion is forcing talent out of the logistics sector

A lack of diversity in the logistics industry and poor inclusion policies are not only stopping new talent from joining the sector, but also driving much-needed existing talent out. Automotive Logistics speaks to two of the women who broke the glass ceiling in automotive logistics – only to leave the sector altogether to join non-automotive roles that are more inclusive.

Megan Kelly

UAW strikes latest news: Mary Barra says GM will offset $1.1 bn blow from UAW strikes

Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union started a strike against Detroit’s ‘big three’ automakers on September 15 after their contracts expired and no agreements were reached. Below are the latest updates.

Megan Kelly

UAW workers start strike against GM, Ford and Stellantis

Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union have started a strike against the ‘big three’ Detroit OEMs GM, Ford and Stellantis, after their contracts expired and no agreements were reached.

Megan Kelly

Barriers to digitalisation are ‘failures of tech industry’

The barriers to further digitalisation in automotive logistics are “failures of the tech industry” rather than failures of the automotive sector, according to the chief product officer of intelligence firm Cognosos.

Megan Kelly

Capacity constraints continue: finished vehicle logistics survey Q2 2023

Download this exclusive report to discover the latest challenges facing finished vehicle logistics. Based on an extensive survey of FVL users and providers so far in 2023, the results provide clear insight into the specific issues affecting the global vehicle logistics sector.

Daniel Harrison