Tag: packaging

Supply chain isn’t a cost centre, it’s a growth engine: Stellantis’ Ashwani Muppasani

By treating logistics not as an after-thought but as a core business lever, Stellantis aims to turn one of the industry’s most complex regions into a competitive advantage.

Automotive Logistics

Building an effective packaging strategy: how the right moves can cut costs, ensure compliance and improve sustainability

In an on-demand livestream, experts from Honda, Cummins and Ckdpack spoke to Automotive Logistics about optimising packaging for automotive supply chains.

James McLoughlin

Increasing lean logistics’ influence during a paradigm shift

In an era defined by disruption, the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2025 conference cast a spotlight on lean logistics as a stabilising force across the automotive value chain.

Megan Kelly

Packaging is a priority for more efficient inbound parts transport at Nissan

From increasing standard parts per rack to integrating packaging input in early product design, Nissan is rethinking how smarter packaging can reduce trailer use, optimise cost and improve environmental performance across its North American supply chain.

Watch: Magna International's Bridget Grewal on returnable packaging, phytosanitary risks and advanced tracking

Bridget Grewal, director, packaging continuous improvement at Magna International, discusses circularity in packaging, different methods of tracking shipments and reducing phytosanitary risks in the supply chain.

Automotive Logistics

Watch: GM’s Marcio Lucon on agility, packaging strategy and EV logistics transformation

Marcio Lucon, executive director of global logistics and containers at General Motors, discusses how GM is embedding logistics early in decision-making, optimising packaging, adapting to EV growth and transforming aftersales supply chains.

Automotive Logistics

Editor's recap blog: The most important insights from ALSC Global

Following the 25th edition of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global, where industry leaders discussed the new supply chain paradigm of creating stability in an era of uncertainty, we'll be posting updates including Red Sofa interviews, analysis and features with the key insights from this year's event.

Megan Kelly

How logistics has become key to GM’s growth and footprint

GM's executive director Marcio Lucon highlights how smarter investments, a resilient network and strategic alignment are reducing risk and boosting results.

Christopher Ludwig

Emily Uwemedimo

Suppliers Partnership publishes latest guidance on packaging recycling

Updated packaging recycling guidance provides OEMs, tier suppliers and packaging providers with actionable strategies to recover more materials, reduce contamination and improve sustainability performance.

From packaging regulation to innovation: How automotive logistics is rethinking packaging

With new regulation around packaging set to transform every step of the supply chain, from inbound parts to aftermarket service flows, the automotive industry is paying closer attention to an often overlooked aspect of the supply chain, packaging.

Megan Kelly

Welcome to the new Automotive Logistics experience

We’ve redesigned the Automotive Logistics website to deliver sharper insight, faster access and a smoother, more intuitive experience at a time when you need it most.

Emily Uwemedimo

How Magna keeps the bugs out of wooden packaging for international shipments

Packaging automotive parts for international shipments is subject to strict phytosanitary regulations on pest control. Magna International’s Bridget Grewal details the cost of contamination and the strategies for treatment.

Christophe Campe takes over as head of automotive for Chep in Europe and North America

Chep has promoted Christophe Campe as its head of automotive for Europe and North America. Campe brings more than 30 years experience at Chep to the new role.

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.

How Europe’s automotive supply chain is embracing digitalisation, collaboration and sustainability to drive agility and long-term success

European OEMs, tier-suppliers and LSPs are co-creating smarter supply chains with digital tools, data sharing and decarbonisation strategies. At Automotive Logistics & supply Chain Europe 2025, they shared their exclusive insights, strategies, and advice.

Renault embeds circular economy principles in packaging to cut emissions and logistics costs across its global supply chain

Renault is actively embedding circular economy principles into its industrial packaging strategy, aiming to reduce waste, optimise logistics and extend the lifespan of packaging assets across its global operations.

BMW Dingolfing improves packaging efficiency with AI-powered container management

The OEM’s German plant has partnered with Landshut University of Applied Sciences to develop an AI tool that makes container management more efficient.

Dieter Braun on how Audi is turning supply chain motion into progress

In the first part of a special interview series, read how Audi is confronting challenges in the automotive market with an emphasis on a holistic supply chain function that makes a positive contribution to the carmaker’s production and products. Head of supply chain Dieter Braun reveals how logistics can add value across the order-to-delivery process.

How smarter packaging design is becoming a competitive advantage in autonomous automotive logistics

Packaging has historically been a siloed aspect of the automotive supply chain that hasn’t evolved in pace with the rest of the industry, but evolution from the status quo could be forced to take place, as existing packaging is not compatible with logistics automation. Automotive Logistics explores why the industry needs to start viewing packaging as a strategic function, and how it could give OEMs a competitive advantage through increasing efficiency and sustainability.

Join BMW, Tesla, JLR, and more at ALSC Europe 2025 in Bonn for key automotive logistics insights

Europe’s premier automotive logistics and supply chain conference returns to Bonn this 18-20 March.

Watch on demand: Packed to perfection - Delivering supply chain gains from automotive packaging

Discover how packaging is becoming the next competitive edge in the automotive supply chain.

BMW’s sustainable packaging solutions for overseas component shipping: when cardboard is worth more than gold

In the automotive industry, it’s not just about propulsion and driving dynamics. Sometimes, it’s the subtle things that make a difference – especially when it comes to sustainability. Here’s the story of a cardboard box that goes on a world tour.

Nearshoring and sustainable packaging strengthen North American supply chains

This content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with CHEPTrade regulations, combined with the need for supply chain resilience and cost savings, are driving nearshoring in North America. CHEP’s director of automotive, Patrick Mahoney, shares with Automotive Logistics how the company’s share-and-reuse packaging services support this trend.

GM’s “act as one team” philosophy is redefining supplier partnerships and strengthening internal culture

Heather Latham is uniting General Motors’ (GM) production and customer care operations to create a more integrated, customer-focused supply chain, reshaping its approach to both manufacturing and aftersales service.

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment report offers guidance on recycling plastic dunnage

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) has published a new report in collaboration with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) to provide information and practical guidance on increasing the recycling of plastic packaging, including internal dunnage, used to ship parts in returnable containers.

Aligning logistics partnerships and ROI with sustainability

Six months after the 2024 Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany, we look at the output of a sustainability workshop involving logistics leaders at JLR and Mercedes-Benz and explore the action points needed to scale green logistics, including collaboration and co-investment. We also look forward to what needs to be done by the 2025 event.

AI, logistics automation will play central role in reducing Stellantis manufacturing costs

At its Factory Booster Day, chief manufacturing officer Arnaud Deboeuf and process engineering lead Jean-Christophe Marchal reveal AI projects with partners for digital twins and retrofitting equipment, including for plant logistics.

Ticking all the right boxes at CHEP

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with CHEPThe packaging sector can look forward to the increased use of sustainable materials, more recyclability and the continued integration of smart technologies, according to Murray Gilder, vice president, Automotive at packaging provider CHEP

Marcio Lucon brings cross-functional view to GM’s global logistics; Renee Wawrzynski retires with legacy of partnerships

Lucon will take over as the new head of logistics and containersation after driving enterprise change in South America. Wawrzynski retires after helping restore logistics stability, and signing long-term agreements with LSPs, especially North American rail providers.

The power of digitalised, automated and sustainable automotive supply chains and logistics

Here are the key Automotive Logistics insights from Torsten Müller (Audi), Adam Jones (Unipart Group), and Gabriel Werner (Blue Yonder) on digitalisation, automation, AI, the role of data, and sustainability from ALSC Europe 2024.

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.

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.

Red Sofa Interview: VW logistics using rail and digital twins to boost sustainable operations in US and Mexico

Christoph Hartmann, head of Transport Networks, VW Group Logistics is using digital twins to help improve inbound logistics, and is adapting lessons learned in Europe to boost digitalisation and sustainability.

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.

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.

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.

From South Carolina to the world of BMW, with love

BMW’s parts export operations in Spartanburg are a study in managing complexity and quality in packing, and where innovation can make a big difference. (Opening photo credit: SC Ports/English Purcell)

Packaging parts for a changing market

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was paid for by Sealed Air (SEE) and produced in partnership with Automotive LogisticsFrom providing DIY repair parts for an increasingly older parc to protecting fragile and lightweight EV-related components, SEE (previously named Sealed Air) says the packaging you choose is essential in saving cost, reducing waste and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Driving toward the circular economy

Fewer than one in five automotive firms would consider investing in packaging to improve efficiency and sustainability across their supply chain. Why is this number so low?

Building a blueprint for battery logistics at PowerCo

As PowerCo sets up battery cell production for VW Group, its logistics organisation, led by Matthias Braun, has set out a vision and framework that will take the best from automotive and chemical sectors, and forge a new benchmark in supply chain transparency and connectivity

Kion expands operations in Germany with PDC and plant expansion

Kion Group is building a 22,000 sq.m service parts distribution centre (PDC) near Aschaffenburg in Germany to supply its subsidiary brands Dematic and Linde Material Handling, which provide intralogistics and warehouse automation, technology and trucks.

BMW’s lean, green and digital difference

Mastering successive supply chain crises has reframed the role of logistics at BMW. Dr Michael Nikolaides, senior vice-president of production network and supply chain management, explains how his team is influencing plant and market decisions, thanks in part to improved visibility

Michael Nikolaides on why logistics is a strategic advantage at BMW

In this exclusive video interview, the carmaker’s global head of supply chain management explains how logistics is driving production and product strategy, influencing localisation and helping BMW meet green objectives – and why logistics providers should bring him more new ideas

Renee Wawrzynski replaces Edgard Pezzo as GM’s head of global logistics

Renee Wawrzynski will take over General Motors’ top logistics job as the OEM invests in supply chain visibility and resilience. Edgard Pezzo, who helped to oversee greater systems standardisation and supply chain collaboration, retired in November.

Keeping the flow in Mexico – ensuring supply chain continuity

Ivan Davila, Director of Logistics at Nissan Mexicana discusses the carmaker’s ambitions in efficiency and systems, and is joined on a panel by American Axle Manufacturing, Ascent and Wallenius Wilhelmsen to discuss managing logistics bottlenecks and mitigating disruptions.

Maersk opens battery logistics warehouse in the Czech Republic

AP Moller-Maersk is pushing forward its development of integrated logistics services with the opening of a 14,000 sq.m warehouse for handling batteries for electric cars (EVs) in Teplice, in the north of the Czech Republic.

Bonus: Logistics start-up pitches

Hear from logistics start-ups in blockchain and packaging as they pitch their business plans in a 4-slide/4-questions format with the chance of becoming the next automotive logistics unicorn…

Setting new standards for sustainable automotive packaging

Packaging experts from GM, Magna and Orbis discuss implementing new guidelines for packaging and strategies to improve recycling and circularity in packaging materials.

Volvo Cars strengthens global logistics and packaging with senior talent

Volvo Cars has made two senior appointments with the addition of Anders Zobbe as global head of inbound logistics engineering and Richard Campbell as global head of packaging.

The benefits of a better pack mentality

As a members of the Supplier Partnership for the Environment association, carmaker GM and parts supplier Magna International have been helping to push forward a more sustainable and cost-effective use of packaging for parts shipments

BMW to increase recycled packaging as part of sustainability drive

BMW has announced a plan to use more recycled material in the packaging used to deliver parts to its assembly plants in Europe.

Suppliers Partnership releases updated guidance for automotive packaging

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) recently updated its guidance on sustainable packaging for automotive manufacturing operations.

Search data helps create more agile and sustainable automotive packaging

Understanding packaging materials is essential to supporting logistics suppliers in market knowledge and cutting costs, according to research by packaging provider RAJA into automotive industry packaging keywords.

Watch: Why supply chain management is a competitive advantage at Audi and Volvo

Audi’s Dieter Braun and Volvo Car’s Sean Bricknell debate they strategic role that supply chain and logistics can play in the long-term business success of the automotive industry.

Watch: Charging up battery logistics at Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group is building its own gigafactories in Europe, and Matthias Braun is helping to define the logistics. Hear how the OEM and logistics providers like Maersk and Orbis are redefining standards and processes during this panel discussion in Munich.

LG Chem and Henkel work to control lithium battery fires

Chemical companies are doing their bit to help minimise the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, with recent announcements for Korea’s LG Chem and Henkel in Germany.

Retriev acquires Battery Solutions to enhance recycling in North America

US lithium battery recycler, Retriev Technologies, has acquired Battery Solutions, an end-to-end management solutions provider for end-of-life batteries and consumer electronics.

Toyota cuts March production plans because of chip shortage

Toyota has been forced to cut global vehicle production by 100,000 in March because of the spread of Covid and its impact on the production of semiconductors.

[Whitepaper] Tracking every part – How RFID enables better automotive supply chain visibility

Download this whitepaper to learn how using RFID technology for automated parts identification can help automotive manufacturers mitigate supply chain disruption, reduce inventory, better manage variety and ultimately increase profits.

Automotive Logistics

AL FVL Autumn 2021 digital edition – Moving forward together through disruption

The autumn digital edition of Automotive Logistics and Finished Vehicle Logistics magazine is out now, featuring a four-part, in-depth special on Renault Group, in which its top executive for supply chain and logistics, Jean-François Salles, explains the supply chain revolution underway at the carmaker

Working together to shape sustainable EV supply chains – ALSC Ideas Lab wrap-up

Following a workshop on sustainable EV supply chains at ALSC Global, Chep’s Sean Maguire discusses the challenges that the industry faces in maintaining sustainable supply chains whilst ramping up EV production, including managing varying cycle times and the importance of creating open forums

Developing packaging and logistics for electric vehicle supply chains

Logistics and packaging providers are working increasingly with new start-up and traditional OEMs to meet the needs of EV supply chains. Executives from Ryder and Orbis share insights on the ongoing changes, challenges and opportunities.

Optimise to thrive: how Ford, Carter Logistics and Ryder are redefining freight networks

Leaders from the North American automotive logistics market share insights, including on Ford’s service parts and customer service network, as well as lead logistics provider strategies from Ryder and Carter.

Accelerate to net zero in the supply chain

Sustainability leaders from General Motors, Toyota, Honda and Kuehne and Nagel discuss how they are working together on common standards, actions and performance to better measure and reduce emissions in the global supply chain, including through The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment.

Data quality and collaboration key to sustainable future

The automotive industry needs to move with a sense of urgency toward a more sustainable model of production because climate change is happening now. There is no time to lose in making good on sustainability goals, both in terms of the vehicle produced and the supply chain feeding its production.

Insights Guide: Brand Protection for Digital-First Enterprises

Download this free guide to discover 3 key digital watermarking methods that offer an indispensable defensive strategy against auto industry counterfeiting

Audi recycling packaging to make 3D assembly tools at Neckarsulm

Audi is recycling the plastic packaging used to deliver sensitive components to its Neckarsulm assembly plant in Germany and using it to produce 3D-printed tools for vehicle production.

Sean Bricknell appointed head of inbound logistics and packaging at Volvo Cars

Volvo Cars has appointed Sean Bricknell (pictured) as head of global inbound logistics and packaging. Bricknell will be responsible for engineering and operations across both functions supporting Volvo’s plants in the Asia, EMEA and US regions.

BMW deploys more hydrogen fuel cell trucks for logistics in Leipzig

BMW is expanding the fleet of hydrogen fuel cell trucks it uses to manage parts movements at its Leipzig plant in Germany.

Toyota chooses network optimisation tool from Agillence

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has chosen software from optimisation technology provider Agillence to plan its inbound and service parts logistics networks. The carmaker will now be using Agillence Lean Logistics Optimizer (Allo).

DP World buys logistics specialist Syncreon

Container terminal giant DP World has bought third-party logistics provider Syncreon in a deal valued at $1.2 billion. The transaction is expected to be complete by the second half of this year.

Kuehne + Nagel cuts CO2 by 70% by switching inbound to rail for Dongfeng Honda

As part of its Net Zero Carbon programme, Kuehne + Nagel’s joint venture in China – KN Sincero – has helped Dongfeng Honda Automotive to move inbound parts deliveries to its plant in Wuhan, China onto rail.

Greater cross-sector dialogue needed to solve chip crisis

The current global shortage in the supply of computer chips to the automotive industry is causing significant disruption to production and looks likely to continue into next year. There are signs though that the current crisis could lead to new forms of partnership between the automotive and semiconductor industries, and a move away from the rigid hierarchy of the traditional automotive supply chain. That promises to lead to a more secure relationship for the future.

Watch: Building a viable and sustainable European battery supply base

The huge demand for lithium-ion batteries is requiring massive investments and new supply sources across Europe, and experts from BMW Group, EV battery startup Britishvolt and packaging supplier ORBIS Europe reveal the supply chain opportunities and changes ahead.

Watch: Why sustainability will be a major KPI in logistics

Manufacturers including Scania and ZF are already starting to factor emissions reduction and sustainability goals into logistics decisions and purchasing, leaading to changes in transport networks, carrier and returnable packaging operations.

Watch: Spinning the wheel of supply chain innovation

Leaders from INEOS Automotive and GEFCO see AI and real-time visibility as game changes for logistics, but point out that innovation is not just about implementing new systems or digitalising processes, but also adapting working culture and working with the right partners.

Watch: Collaborate to decarbonise European automotive logistics

As European manufacturers set tight emission reduction targets in logistics, experts at Volvo Trucks, DFDS and CHEP reveal just how important collaboration will be for their sustainability roadmaps.

Sustainability means seeing beyond the surface

Supply chains need to become more sustainable but you can’t change what you can’t see. Logistics experts at the recent Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe Live conference agreed that better tools and partnerships are needed to identify emissions in complex supply chains as a means to start reducing them.

Inside Volkswagen’s battery logistics

Volkswagen Group Components has developed a standardised, returnable container for the safe delivery of lithium battery cells and assembled modules in support of its ambitious electric vehicle goals leading up to 2030

AL FVL Spring 2021 Digital Edition – Coping strategies for a global crisis

The spring digital edition of Automotive Logistics and Finished Vehicle Logistics is out now, featuring comprehensive overviews of the main vehicle ports in continental Europe and the UK, as well as the maritime transport sector. Plus, we look at the latest packaging initiative supporting VW’s lithium-ion battery deliveries to VW Zwickau, Vijay Ratnaparkhe’s IT revolution at Bosch and talk to carmakers about supply chain lessons ten years on from the Fukushima earthquake disaster

Opinion: The durable benefits of metal packaging

The automotive and industrial industries have some of the most complex supply chains in the world. Evolving manufacturing processes, shifting consumer demands and new trends all impact the supply chain network for raw materials, components and finished goods. With the necessity to protect, move and sequence high-cost parts, metal solutions are becoming an increasingly popular packaging solution in these, and many other, industries.

The time is now to start integrating robotics into logistics operations

Robotics have enabled major productivity gains in manufacturing, but as the technology becomes more affordable and labour gets harder to find and more expensive, it could start to play a bigger role in logistics, too, helping workers do their jobs more safely and quickly.

Watch: Maintaining Mexico’s competitive edge in supply chain

OEMs in Mexico are facing logistics bottlenecks and expect more to come, which is Nissan and providers like Jack Cooper are strengthening processes and digital tools in logistics to improve resiliency and flexibility.

Watch: Managing global supply chains in times of disruption

As the automotive industry faces logistics capacity and semiconductor shortages in the supply chain, experts from Volkswagen Group, emergency freight provider CNW and packaging specialist CHEP discuss systems and strategies to improve resilience.

Watch: Using digitalisation to build supply chains back better

Executives from tier one supplier Magna, 3PL DSV and automation specialist Seegrid outline how automotive manufacturers are accelerating the digitalisation of the supply chain in the wake of the Covid crisis.

Good things come in sustainable packages

Carmakers in the US are collaborating on more sustainable packaging and a new guidance document promises to promote a more environmental take on inbound logistics. Two of the carmakers involved – GM and Toyota – discuss the merits of the approach with Marcus Williams

Continental develops autonomous AGV for parts handling

Parts supplier Continental is developing its own automated guided vehicle (AGV) for the movement of heavy parts in its production facilities. Autonomous AGVs are currently being trialled at plants in Zvolen (Slovakia) and Frankfurt am Main (Germany), and moving material for brake production. They can carry loads of more than a ton.

Sustainable packaging a priority for the automotive sector

Carmakers and tier suppliers affiliated under the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) have published guidance on sustainable packaging aimed at reducing waste in the automotive sector and increasing the amount of packaging that can be recycled.

Sustainability at the core of Scania’s strategy for the future

At last week’s AMS Livestream Hour Mathias Wijkström detailed how sustainability was ingrained in Scania’s company culture and how necessary that was for the future success of the company

A Lucid approach to sustainable packaging

At last week’s Livestream Hour Lucid Motors’ John Ferry was joined by Rodney Salmon, of Salmon RTP, to discuss the importance of putting sustainable packaging first when setting up an inbound supply chain

Watch: Sustainable packaging – unwrapping a greener automotive supply chain (EP.2)

This Automotive Logistics Livestream Hour episode focuses on efficiency and sustainability in automotive packaging, featuring packaging experts John Ferry from EV startup Lucid Motors and packaging consultant Rodney Salmon

Watch: How Volkswagen is charging an electric revolution in its supply chain

As Volkswagen Group gears up to manufacture 1.5m EVs per year by 2025, it is transforming its supply chain. Danny Auerswald, who leads the carmaker’s all-electric factory in Dresden, explains how Volkswagen is transforming plants and logistics to meet its electric and sustainability targets during Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.

Watch: Why Volvo’s Martin Corner thinks there has never been a more exciting time for automotive logistics

Volvo Cars’ head of global logistics thinks the supply chain has a long way to go to match the digital, visibility and flexibility requirements of the automotive sector, but he also tells the audience of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live that electrification and new distribution models provide an opportunity for positive transformation.

Watch: Moving ahead of the pack in container management

Manufacturers are turning to new technology, data and sustainable materials to revolutionise returnable packaging and container management. Learn the strategies being used at Rivian, Ford Europe, Toyota North America and by returnable specialist CHEP.

Watch: Localisation and technology transform supply chains across industries

Advanced technology, changing consumer patterns, trade regulations and the coronavirus crisis have led firms like GE Appliances to revaluate their supply chains and logistics. Watch GE Appliance’s Harry Chase and Tata Consultancy’s Deepak Mavatoor share their expert views.

Watch: Optimising supply chain demand and capacity planning

Manufacturers are facing recovering but uncertain automotive demand, while limits in ocean and air freight capacity risk disruption and cost increeses. In this session at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, experts from Toyota North America, Adient and CNW discuss strategies for improving demand forecasting and network planning across transport modes.

Watch: The rise of Industry 4.0 in automotive packaging

Location and tracking technology can help firms manage returnable automotive packaging more effectively than ever. At this special session of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, IT experts from Alps Alpine and Sigfox detail exciting new systems.

Watch: Launching start-up automotive supply chains

As new entrants, tech firms and EV start-up companies jump into the supply chain, this panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live explored the logistics requirements with insight from startups Rivian and Ineos Automotive, and supply chain specialist Kuehne + Nagel.

Watch: Carmakers preparing for supply chain and logistics reinvention

The pandemic isn’t over, but senior logistics leaders at General Motors, Nissan, Volvo Cars and Glovis America are looking beyond the crisis to new technology, electrification, capacity planning and the skills needed to succeed in supply chain management in the 2020s. Watch this in-depth panel discussion from Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.

Watch: Commercial vehicle supply chains with Scania and MAN

The supply chain and logistics requirements for commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, can vary significantly. During a panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, supply chain leaders from MAN and Scania explain how they are optimising networks and responding to the crisis.

Watch: Increasing automotive logistics automation

Manufacturers are looking for opportunities to automate more logistics processes and operations, with significant opportunities to be found in packaging equipment. In this panel from Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, hear how Ford India and Macro Plastics are exploring new systems and equipment.

Watch: The arsenal of health – how GM and Ceva Logistics shifted the supply chain to support the relief effort

In this special session at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, General Motors’ Miguel Tavara and CEVA’s Dave Dudek detail how GM pivoted its manufacturing and logistics to produce ventilators and supply equipment, and what lessons were learned.

Watch: Spotlight on a changing North American automotive supply chain

In a panel discussion held during Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, leading experts and decision makers unpick the immense operational, market and trade changes happening across North America and how companies like Honda and Carter Logistics are adapting their processes and networks.

Ford and Toyota talk about the benefits of returning to sender

Carmakers used last week’s ALSC Live online conference to reveal a range of sustainable packaging strategies they were employing in an effort to cut waste along with cost.

Rivian outlines sustainable packaging initiative

Electric vehicle start-up Rivian has revealed details of a plastic recycling initiative that aims by 2024 to collect 500,000kg (1.1m lbs) of single-use plastic annually and stop it from floating out to sea. Rivian will instead turn it into the containers it uses to move parts inbound to its production line.

Skoda using biodegradable packaging for parts exports to India

Orbis moves into Canton to support packaging management at Nissan

Watch: Livestream Hour Season Finale Part 1: Global logistics lessons with the Volkswagen Group

As part of our finale for this season’s Livestream Hour, watch this exclusive interview with our special guest Matthias Braun, who leads digitalisation and concept development for group logistics at the Volkswagen Group, on how the carmaker has managed its supply chain through all phases of the coronavirus crisis so far, and lessons for the future

Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 8 – Ford’s insourcing of logistics through technology

Join this special digital transformation livestream session on how IT and technology solutions are supporting supply chain during the crisis, including a major digitalisation project for Ford’s logistics and supply chain management across key regions. Hosted by Christopher Ludwig and featuring updates and insights from the crisis and beyond for automotive supply chain and manufacturing.

Your webinar questions answered: How tier 1 suppliers are responding to tough headwinds

You asked, we answer. We return to the questions from our audience that we didn’t have time to answer in our live webinar, ranging from which parts of automotive tier 1 suppliers’ business models are at risk of commodification, to how tier suppliers are changing supply chain processes

Part and parcel of the problem: why tier 1 supplier logistics will face a squeeze

As OEMs and automotive parts suppliers see their margins decline, cost pressures are going to increase on logistics operations and service providers further down the supply chain

The rules of the battery game

Logistics providers charged with the transport of lithium-ion batteries to the assembly lines and services centres have some very complex regulatory standards to which they have to adhere – it is a legislative jungle out there

Bosch’s roadmap to a zero-carbon operation

Unipart picks up contract extension at JLR

GM expands service parts distribution in Michigan

Distribution Down Under: How AIVs are smartening up Toyota’s new parts centre

Intelligent robots and sophisticated design are helping Toyota to achieve a higher level of efficiency at its new warehouse in Sydney, Australia. Automotive Logistics finds out more

Tri-Wall secures government funding to proceed with Libris project

Wood you believe it? Materials handling with a difference

A new company based in Chemnitz is seeking to overturn conventional wisdom when it comes to material handling equipment – by using wood as a construction material

Running out of juice – will demand for battery materials outstrip supply?

As OEMs accelerate their EV programmes, there is growing concern that demand for battery materials will outstrip supply. Gavin du Venage considers the risks

Logistics 4.0: how smart technologies are lifting logistics to another level

After a period of exploration, OEMs, tier suppliers and logistics providers are getting serious about making their operations smarter and more connected – Logistics 4.0 is here

Nissan North America: On track to cut container pool shrinkage

Container pool shrinkage is an issue that has a costly impact on OEMs and tier suppliers across the automotive industry. At various points in the extended supply chains which support today’s vehicle manufacturing operations, containers go missing, are misused or are even stolen to be resold and used elsewhere

VW opens global packaging centre with Imperial Logistics in Germany

Delivering a smarter factory

Flight club: Why more logistics operations are signing up to drone technology

Impressive advancements have been made in drone technology over the last few years and many believe that drones will play a key role in the logistics of the future, for internal business functions as well as deliveries to consumers. In fact, NASA estimates that there will be 7m drones in US skies alone by 2020.

Zim joins TradeLens to boost digitalisation

Global container shipping provider, Zim Integrated Shipping Services, has signed up to the TradeLens digital business platform, a service based on blockchain technology to provide secure shipping data and make global trade more efficient.

Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant reaches CKD milestone

Workers at Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant in Germany, have dispatched the 750,000th complete-knock down (CKD) truck kit from the facility’s CKD Centre.

Toyota North America: Breaking down supply chain barriers

Toyota is realigning its production and service parts organisation by integrating its inbound and aftermarket supply chain departments into a new division called PDAD. Group vice-president of the new division, Alok Vaish, explains the thinking behind it

Nio targets more dynamic logistics for NEVs

The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer sees opportunities to improve inventory management and parts handling in its supply chain

Seat looks to buy parts beyond Spain

Though Seat sources the majority of its parts from domestic suppliers in Spain, the Spanish carmaker has just announced that it plans to buy more components from outside the country.

Brose adopts AGVs to improve efficiency

Automotive parts supplier, Brose, has announced it is using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at one of its UK plants in Coventry to optimise logistics operations, achieve efficiency gains and win new business on future model launches.

FCA renews contract with Ceva in Brazil

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has extended its aftermarket contract with Ceva Logistics in Brazil for a further four and a half years.

Reality check: How AR can improve efficiency in logistics

A growing number of companies in the automotive industry are embracing the use of augmented and virtual reality technology for tasks such as part picking and inventory management, as well as for training. We look at some of the latest applications

Ford Europe packaging: Heading to the pool

Ford’s Kuly Malka has overseen a transformation in the carmaker’s European packaging and container management

Truckmakers getting connected to improve logistics

Volkswagen seals lithium deal

Volkswagen has signed a letter of intent with Ganfeng Lithium of Jiangxi province, China, to provide lithium to the OEM and its suppliers for the next ten years.

BMW looks to the cloud to boost productivity

The miracle of packaging

Škoda’s CKD centre puts AR on the map

Dachser moving spare parts to Germany for Volvo

CNH Industrial produces its first 3D-printed spare parts

Audi trials used car batteries in factory vehicles

Kerry ‘hackathon’ explores drone stocktaking

How IoT is the next step in tracking components

Q&A: Scott Krebs, Orbis

Groupe PSA tracks containers with IoT

Mercedes-Benz to produce batteries in Poland

Toyota merges production and service parts logistics in North America

Automotive Logistics Awards – Europe 2019 launched

The long way home

For inbound automotive supply chains, returnable packaging just makes sense. No carmaker wants to spend money on wood, paper and cardboard again and again, only to have to fork out straight away for costly waste disposal.

ACEA warns of EU steel import tariffs

Stepping up the quality

The quest for greater unity

Packing a punch

Bysouth becomes logistics chief at IAC

A problem shared

Packaging experts working across the automotive industry are continually looking for better visibility when tracking the container and its contents to the point of delivery and back.

Conflict resolution

Q&A: Neuton Karassawa

BMW ups the pace on industry 4.0 technology

Q&A: Srini Muthusrinivasan

The future of logistics?

Reaping the benefits of collaborating on containers

Brexit’s unaccustomed burdens

Keeping up with the pace of change

Making sense from the noise for the future of logistics

Volvo Cars: Leaning towards greater stability

Mines of information

Having invested over the past 20 years in data acquisition technology, the automotive industry is now casting around for ways to make sense of that data.

Service parts part 3: Aftermarket operations and network

20 years of change in automotive service parts logistics

Production & logistics part 4: Logistics organisations and skills

How has your company’s supply chain and logistics management organisation changed over the past 20 years?

Production & logistics part 3: Operations, packaging and IT

How have supply chain operations for logistics changed over the past 20 years?

Production & logistics part 2: Questioning the future

This article is one of a series of pieces celebrating Automotive Logistics’ 20th anniversary issue that together take an extended look at the way top executives feel automotive production and logistics have changed in the last two decades – and where they see them heading in the future.

Production & logistics part 1: Where are we now?

This article kicks off a series of pieces celebrating Automotive Logistics’ 20th anniversary issue that together take an extended look at the way top executives feel automotive production and logistics have changed in the last two decades – and where they see them heading in the future.

Still breaking down barriers in automotive supply chains…

What has changed in 20 years of covering the automotive supply chain?

Gefco opens sequencing warehouse in Liverpool with a view to the future

Volkswagen Group part 1: Present and prepared for the future

Volkswagen Konzernlogistik (group logistics), the carmaker’s central logistics steering and purchasing organisation, has taken on new dimensions in managing the group’s complex and expanding supply chain

Volkswagen Group part 2: Talking ‘then and now’ with head of group logistics, Thomas Zernechel

The group’s head of group logistics talks about the major changes seen over the past two decades – and why he is optimistic about the future of logistics

Ford of Europe: A system of strength and complexity

Dirk Willmann’s 25-year career with Ford has made him witness to the changing arc of the company’s supply chain in Europe and further afield, including more complicated material flows, new locations and footprint changes, as well as advances in technology.

An aftermarket network rebuilt for rapid response at BMW

An interview with Wolfgang Baumann, vice-president of parts logistics management and responsible for the global supply of service parts for the BMW Group

KN launches lithium-ion battery logistics service out of Asia

Different digital paces

Smart packaging: The quest for greater precision

BMW parts distribution centre in US to cut double-shipping

BMW Group: Thinking big about outbound

Volvo Cars China: A system built for growth

Volkswagen OTC: Sea king of the Kassel

Volkswagen Group Logistics: Come together, right now

Caterpillar puts Snodgrass at head of newly created division

Executive changes at Volvo Cars' new integrated logistics department

Supply Chain Conference: Service parts get closer to production logistics

Materials handling: Machines on the move