Tag: rail

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Under AMF’s vision, Mexico’s railways become the backbone of resilient industrial growth

Mexico’s automotive growth drives new momentum for rail

As vehicle production and exports surge, Mexico’s rail network is working to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure and strengthen cross-border links – with the Mexican Railroad Association (AMF) leading efforts to turn rail into a strategic pillar of automotive competitiveness.

Emily Uwemedimo

Volvo Cars benefits from rail investment in Ghent

Volvo Cars stands to benefit from the installation of longer rail tracks at the port of Ghent in Belgium thanks to Belgian rail network provider Infrabel and rail freight operator Lineas.

Marcus Williams

From family heritage to future-oriented vehicle logistics

ARS Altmann celebrates 50 years of impact and growth, from the lasting values of its founder to the company’s vision for the future, which ranges from expanding its assets and portfolio to consolidating its logistics infrastructure through vertical and digital integration across Europe.

Automotive Logistics

CPKC opposes ‘transcontinental’ rail consolidation

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has said it opposes further consolidation in the rail industry in North America, following the announcement of the potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.

Megan Kelly

CPKC and CSX add new rail route across Mexico and southeast US

A new Class 1 rail corridor from CPKC and CSX is reshaping cross-border finished vehicle logistics with enhanced capacity, faster transit times, and expanded access to key ports and OEM production hubs.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

What the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger means for automotive logistics

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have confirmed plans to merge to create a single trans-coastal railroad in the US.

Megan Kelly

Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Altmann strive to close gaps between ambition and reality

In a panel held to mark the 50th anniversary of European vehicle logistics providers ARS Altmann, and moderated by Automotive Logistics, logistics leaders spoke about the investment, policies and partnerships needed to reduce emissions, especially for rail and electric trucks.

Christopher Ludwig

Maruti Suzuki starts rail operations at Manesar in-plant siding

The project marks the OEM's second commitment to rail logistics over the last two years. With this new addition, total rail dispatch could reach 750,000 units annually.

Marcus Williams

John Godfrey at Pirelli Tire on incorporating next-gen digital management systems

Upgrades focusing on cost control, improved ROI and predictive capabilities are at the core of Pirelli Tire North America’s digitalisation strategy. John Godfrey takes to the Red Sofa to explan the supplier’s adoption of advanced data collection and management processes.

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

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

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

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

Red Sofa interview | Nissan’s Ben Shain on optimising delivery performance and carrier collaboration

Ben Shain, senior manager of vehicle logistics at Nissan North America, shares how the carmaker is driving performance improvements across its outbound logistics network by enhancing pipeline visibility, improving forecasting, and working in close collaboration with its carrier partners.

EV logistics, charging infrastructure and strategic decision-making take centre stage on the final day of FVL North America 2025

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics, wraps up the final day of Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 with key insights into electric vehicle logistics, charging constraints, quality control and strategic resilience amid uncertainty.

FVL NA 2025 - “Get ready to re-imagine logistics: Creating a faster, agile, more competitive vehicle supply chain”

Welcome to the recap blog from Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025, which took place at Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach, California, on 8-10 April. The conference brought over 400 delegates and leaders, and featured discussion on real-world issues and offering innovative and implementable solutions in the inbound logistics, transportation, supply chain strategy and much more. While the conference has ended, our coverage has not - keep following this recap blog for more insights and interviews from the event, and register now for next year here!

Anushka Dixit

Emily Uwemedimo

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa interview | Audi and Helrom discuss scaling sustainable rail logistics at ALSC Europe

In this Red Sofa interview, Audi and Helrom discuss the future of multimodal logistics and the power of collaboration in decarbonisation.

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

Red Sofa interview | Peter Hörndlein on how VW is building a more flexible, sustainable and future-ready vehicle logistics network

Peter Hörndlein outlines VW’s flexible logistics strategy, from tackling disruption to investing in sustainable transport solutions.

Red Sofa interview | GKN Automotive’s Chris Payne on co-creation, visibility and sustainable logistics partnerships for the future

GKN’s Chris Payne discusses logistics partnerships, data visibility and sustainable freight at ALSC Europe 2025.

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

European Automotive Logistics Market Report 2025-2035

Download this comprehensive report with succinct industry analysis, market forecasts, company market share evaluations, and strategic recommendations

Daniel Harrison

How MSC is driving efficiency and sustainability in automotive logistics with intermodal solutions and customer-focused supply chain strategies

Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, Johanna Wrage, global accounts automotive deputy manager at MSC discusses company’s role in enhancing global automotive supply chains through intermodal solutions and customer-centric service.

Breaking new ground: How Helrom’s Block Train is transforming Audi’s supply chain network

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Helrom.Helrom is redefining supply chain logistics with an innovative intermodal system that slashes emissions and improves efficiency.

Automotive Logistics

Audi’s supply chain organisation: Logistics and the 360factory strategy

Under Dieter Braun, Audi’s Supply Chain function is highly integrated with objectives closely aligned to the carmaker’s 360factory strategy, including for sustainability, cost control and flexibility.

Christopher Ludwig

Infographic: A snapshot of Audi’s production network and supply chain

Audi’s manufacturing and logistics network spans multiple continents across its own plants and shared facilities with the Volkswagen Group and partners, all of which is undergoing significant changes. Learn more about each location and the logistics and transport complexity that supports it.

Christopher Ludwig

Anushka Dixit

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

How the automotive industry is tracking and reducing logistics and supply chain emissions

As global standards shift and geopolitical factors influence logistics, OEMs and suppliers must implement more sophisticated tracking methods to comply with emissions mandates. From the European Union’s stringent policies to China’s evolving standards and the uncertainty in US regulations, understanding the latest emissions reporting frameworks and digital solutions is crucial for a sustainable and competitive automotive logistics sector.

Megan Kelly

Associated British Ports to develop Stallingborough finished vehicle facility in Humber region of UK

Associated British Ports is developing a vehicle storage and distribution facility near the Humber ports of Grimsby and Immingham in the UK.

Marcus Williams

Seismic shifts in the global trade of electric vehicles: 2024 in review

The car industry is going through a volatile adaptation as it seeks to decarbonise mobility and clean up the logistics supporting production. This year it has also been dealing with trade and labour disruption but the focus is adamantly on a more resilient supply chain and the adoption of digital technology.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis appoints Tammy Ruelland and Maya Tumilowski to lead vehicle logistics and fleet operations in North America

Tammy Ruelland has replaced Jon Schwartz as director of finished vehicle logistics in North America at Stellantis, with Maya Tumilowski leading the carmaker’s in-house trucking and haulaway companies, FCAT and ATS. The regional supply chain division now reports to Scott Thiele, who also leads commercial performance and emissions.

Christopher Ludwig

Mike Sturgeon speaks about his time at ECG and in the automotive logistics sector

Mike Sturgeon, previous executive director of the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG), is retiring after almost 15 years at the organisation, having passed the reins over to Frank Schnelle. Sturgeon spoke to Automotive Logistics about his time at ECG, his proudest achievements, and what’s next for the industry veteran.

Megan Kelly

Mexico’s port and rail network has improved since the failures in 2023 with expanded terminals and tracks

Veracruz port has dealt with last year’s congestion problems by adding capacity for more than 30,000 vehicles and there have also been improvements to previously disrupted rail services, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference

Marcus Williams

Analysis: Automotive logistics providers are experiencing increasing cost pressures

Cost pressures across automotive logistics are escalating as OEMs prioritise profitability to finance EV transitions and counter rising competition.

Daniel Harrison

JLR leads logistics innovation with closed-loop seat foam recycling, advancing circular economy principles through the automotive supply chain

JLR is transforming automotive logistics with closed-loop seat foam recycling. Through partnerships and innovation, it is advancing a circular economy, cutting emissions, and securing sustainable supply chains for luxury vehicles.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

How Trump’s promised tariffs on Mexico and Canada could threaten the North American auto supply chain

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all goods being imported into the country from Mexico and Canada, deepening fears for the automotive industry in North America and threatening the trend of nearshoring.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa | Adapting vehicle logistics: Carlos Eudave on building resilient networks for Nissan Mexico

Nissan Mexico’s head of FVL, Carlos Eudave, took to the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico 2024.

Mexico needs a long-term framework of certainty to make good on its future as North America’s automotive hub

The majority of Mexico’s vehicle and parts output goes to the wider North American market and that demand is increasing, but to keep up with that demand automotive companies need to work more closely with the government to improve infrastructure and security, according to speakers at the tenth Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference.

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa | Rubén Ballesteros on how MG Mexico drives growth with innovative logistics strategies

MG México has been expanding and building out its supply chain by tailoring it to the Mexican market. In a Red Sofa interview at Automotive Logsitics & Supply Chain Mexico 2024, its head of logistics, Rubén Ballesteros, spoke to Automotive Logistics’ chief content officer about the company’s ability to make flexible decisions faster and its future plans in the country.

Toyota announces $1.4 billion investment in Mexico for its Baja California and Guanajuato facilities

Toyota has announced it will invest $1.45 billion into its factories in Mexico to renovate its facilities in Tecate, Baja California and Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato.

Megan Kelly

US-Mexico automotive trade faces new challenges amid shifting policies, labour costs and Chinese investment

[Updated November 11] Following the announcement that Donald Trump has won the 2024 US presidential election, the North American automotive supply chain has been plunged into further uncertainty and unpredictability.

Megan Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

ALSC Mexico 2024 recap blog: Discussing nearshoring, digital transformation and cross-border strategies

The tenth Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico conference has wrapped up, after industry leaders, logistics experts and automotive pioneers gathered to discuss the latest trends, challenges and innovations transforming Mexico’s automotive supply chain. That transformation comes at an uncertain time for the North American supply chain, with shifting global dynamics and a pivotal US election.

Toyota inaugurates vehicle mega hub in Czech Republic with support from Ceva Logistics

Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) new €17m ($18m) mega hub in Kolín, Czech Republic, now processes up to 350,000 vehicles annually, streamlining pre-delivery customisation. With integrated rail links, the hub also helps TME reduce carbon emissions, supporting its sustainability goals over previous logistics models.

Marcus Williams

A highly competitive logistics landscape is squeezing margins and stifling investment

The automotive logistics sector is characterised by a high degree of industry fragmentation. Put simply, that means there are an unusually large number of companies competing for a small share of the overall pie. This industry characteristic underpins many of the challenges the sector faces now and into the future.

Daniel Harrison

US election: Impact on Mexico’s automotive logistics

With the US presidential election having been called in favour of a Trump win, the North American automotive logistics industry is looking at the potential impacts the vote could have on the US-Mexico border and its trade, particularly because of the trend of nearshoring, Chinese EV imports and with Mexico having become one of the largest auto producers globally.

Megan Kelly

A mixed picture for vehicle logistics capacity from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics Providers

[Updated October 31] There remain transport capacity shortages for finished vehicle movements in Europe, though it’s a mixed picture according to mode, according to executives from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics Providers (ECG), which held its annual conference in Hamburg, Germany last week. The overall message was that the situation has certainly improved compared to 2022.

Marcus Williams

RPM aims to quadruple under Mehrtens’ leadership: “It’s all about agility in a volatile market”

RPM Freight Systems has appointed Frits Mehrtens as managing director for Europe, where he will focus on aligning operations for significant growth in the finished vehicle logistics sector. With over 30 years of experience, Mehrtens aims to enhance sales, improve collaboration and prioritise sustainability in response to industry challenges.

Emily Uwemedimo

ECG and Smart Freight Centre take next step in vehicle decarbonisation

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) is working in partnership with Smart Freight Centre (SFC) – non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable freight and logistics – to accelerate the decarbonisation of the vehicle logistics industry across Europe.

Marcus Williams

Hödlmayr sets up Iberian subsidiary to expand sustainable finished vehicle logistics in Europe

[Updated October 16] Hödlmayr has opened a new subsidiary business unit in Barcelona, Spain to provide customers with finished vehicle rail services along the Iberian peninsula.

Marcus Williams

Jeffrey Morrison discusses GM’s supply chain shift toward electrification, cost optimisation and evolving supplier partnerships

In a Red Sofa interview at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference, GM’s Jeffrey Morrison outlines the company’s strategic shift towards electrification, emphasising the importance of cost optimisation and strengthened partnerships with suppliers to foster innovation and sustainability within the automotive supply chain.

Emily Uwemedimo

The latest insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2024

Hello everyone and welcome to the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024 recap blog, from our event which took place on 24-26th September at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. Stay tuned to get the latest updates and insights on our conference speakers and the sessions here!

Megan Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

Marcus Williams

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.

Megan Kelly

How process-mining in the automotive supply chain drives efficiency

The automotive supply chain has been adopting digital technologies to improve visibility, particularly in the finished vehicle logistics (FVL) sector, helping to speed up deliveries and keep costs at a minimum.

Megan Kelly

CN rail invests in North America’s future

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Canadian NationalCanadian National Railway (CN) has been expanding in recent years, through investing in its infrastructure and network capacity, strengthening cross-border operations and integrating new technologies. Throughout all of this, CN is adapting to electrification and evolving to service EVs while improving sustainability.

Automotive Logistics

APM Terminals boosts vehicle throughput at Pipavav

APM Terminals has recorded almost 4,000 vehicles processed through the Indian port of Pipavav for the month of May, and the highest number of rail wagons handled at the port in a single month. The terminal processed 40 newly modified goods (NMG) rakes, up on its previous record of 30 in March this year.

Marcus Williams

BLG expands its logistics services in Turkey

BLG Group has set up an independent company in Turkey called BLG Uluslararasi Tasimacilik (BLG International Transport) to provide finished vehicle logistics services and appointed Cem Akgül as managing director, based in Istanbul.

Marcus Williams

Canada rail strikes live blog: Authority orders arbitration between Teamsters and rail companies

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) union has appealed against the arbitration that ended the work stoppage at CN and CPKC

Megan Kelly

Marcus Williams

Maruti Suzuki exporting Fronx SUV to Japan

Maruti Suzuki India has started exporting its Fronx SUV to Japan – the first SUV the vehicle maker has launched in the country. Maruti Suzuki also exports the Baleno sedan, which it started doing in 2016.

Marcus Williams

EV expert Amy Paulsen leads GM’s global vehicle logistics as Cristina Learman moves to purchasing

An executive who has worked in roles as varied as the US Secret Service, to critical roles at EV makers like Tesla and Rivian, Amy Paulsen is now director of vehicle logistics for General Motors, as Cristina Learman takes a position outside logistics in global purchasing program management.

Christopher Ludwig

Marcus Williams

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.

Christopher Ludwig

Logistics industry mourns the passing of Patrick Ottensmeyer

It is with sadness that Automotive Logistics learned of the death over the weekend of Patrick Ottensmeyer, a leading expert in the rail industry and most recently on the board of directors at JB Hunt Transport.

Marcus Williams

Schneider National flags cross-border rail freight service with CPKC

Schneider National has relocated to a new office in Mexico City to more easily support customers looking to organise overland cross-border freight moves between the US and Mexico.

Marcus Williams

Yusen Logistics builds on Asia-Europe rail alternative for cargo

Yusen Logistics has started a rail freight service between Vietnam and Europe. The logistics provider said the service provided an alternative to ocean container services that continue to be disrupted by attacks on shipping in the Red Sea at the same time that capacity is being tested by an increase of exports from Asia.

Marcus Williams

Manuel Purwin moves to CCO role at Scan Global Logistics

Manuel Purwin has moved to take the role of chief commercial officer (CCO) for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) region (excluding the Nordic countries) at freight forwarder Scan Global Logistics. Purwin moves from his role as global head of Automobility+ at logistics provider DB Schenker.

Marcus Williams

Maruti Suzuki increases vehicle moves by rail in India

India’s biggest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has increased the volume of vehicles moved by rail across the country by more than 580% over the last ten years and has surpassed 2m vehicle moves in total to date.

Marcus Williams

Storm Alberto hits automotive supply chain in Mexico and US

Last week Tropical Storm Alberto caused severe flooding across parts of north-east Mexico, cutting power and closing roads inland at the manufacturing cluster around Monterrey. The storm disrupted container and ro-ro shipments to the port of Altamira and also closed the port of Tampico, though both ports are open again now and the storm has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

Marcus Williams

ALSC Digital Strategies North America: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for key highlights and knowledge shared at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024, which focused on digitalising North America’s end-to-end automotive supply chain. Following the event in Nashville on 26-27 June, we will continue sharing news and features that relate to the speakers and companies involved in the event. Keep following the blog, as we will share videos straight from the main stage and the Red Sofa at the event!

Automotive Logistics

Red Sofa Interview: VW’s Anu Goel on thinking regionally in FVL

Anu Goel, executive vice-president, Group After Sales & Service, Volkswagen Group speaks to Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about bringing together North America’s US, Canada and Mexico vehicle logistics divisions under a Virtual Task Force to explore more opportunities that are beneficial for the region as a whole.

Volkswagen Group’s North America vehicle logistics approach saves cost and delivery time

In the last year, Volkswagen Group of America’s finished vehicle logistics teams have united their US, Mexico and Canada divisions, under the umbrella of Anu Goel’s leadership and ’Virtual Task Force’. Now, Goel and the team are seeing results, not only in efficiency and capacity, but in millions of dollars’ worth of working capital and transport savings.

Megan Kelly

CPKC to open Dallas vehicle compound and move more volume to rail

North American rail freight provider Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is opening a new 12-hectare finished vehicle compound in Wylie, Texas (near Dallas) at the end of June as part of its overall investment of $275m in capacity enhancements between Chicago, Illinois and Laredo, Texas.

Marcus Williams

VW responds to EU imposing up to 38% tariffs on Chinese EVs

Volkswagen Group has responded to the European Commission’s (EU) decision to impose additional tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EVs, following preliminary results of its anti-subsidy investigation which found that prices are being distorted by Chinese state support.

Megan Kelly

Turkey announces 40% tariff on Chinese vehicle imports as EU imposes multi-band tariffs against Chinese OEMs

Turkey’s new tariff on Chinese vehicle imports highlights global concerns over China’s subsidised EV exports. Meanwhile, the EU has announced its own tariffs on Chinese EVs, ranging from 17.4% to 38.1%.

Ilkhan Ozsevim

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

BMW and Nissan make Mexican networks flexible for changing market demands

Both BMW and Nissan are preparing their Mexican networks for changes in market demand, with BMW set to begin producing EVs using its battery manufacturing facility next to its San Luis Potosi assembly plant, and Nissan upping its skills in the supply chain to cater to fluctuations in demand from consumers.

Megan Kelly

Ford is increasing telematic data sharing in vehicle logistics

In one of the four Ideas Labs held at this year’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America conference in California, Ford’s Alex McMall joined FreightVerify’s Nathan Lawson to discuss the benefits of telematics for transparent vehicle logistics

Marcus Williams

Forvia’s supply chain built on technology and trust

Tier one parts supplier Forvia is using the latest digital technology to manage its supply chain and mitigate disruption, while maintaining close communication with its logistics providers, says Ricardo Manzanera, transport director for Americas purchasing logistics

Marcus Williams

How to democratise data and enable transparency in FVL

Sharing data and knowledge in finished vehicle logistics, and across the wider automotive logistics sector, will be beneficial for OEMs and tier suppliers alike – but despite this, there is still a reluctance to break the industry norms and trust other parties with data and information. At this year’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America conference, leaders from Ford, Subaru, VW and more spoke about why it’s necessary to break the status quo and democratise data to see effective results.

Megan Kelly

Managing long-haul partnerships in FVL

Carmakers and logistics providers are redefining partnerships to improve collective competitiveness and foster long-term success. But how is a win-win ensured for both sides?

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

Red Sofa Interview: How California State is investing in finished vehicle logistics

Christine Casey, deputy secretary for Freight Policy, California State Transportation Agency takes to the Red Sofa to tell Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about the investments into California’s FVL sector.

FVL North America 2024 Day 2 wrap-up

The final day of Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 the event focused on regulations, governmental support and federal and private investment in infrastructure, and opportunities to become more sustainable.

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s progress in US-Mexico network strategy

Raúl Gamboa, head of Logistics, Production Control and Production Systems at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí speaks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about the progress and challenges facing the carmaker in the finished vehicle sector.

FVL North America 2024 Day 1 wrap-up

Join us inside the Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 Gala Dinner as we break down the discussions from the day, including innovation in supply chain management, disrupting the status quo in FVL, integrating across divisions to improve visibility and efficienct, and building partnerships for long-term growth.

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

FVL North America 2024 Cocktail Reception wrap-up

Join us inside the Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 Cocktail Reception as we get revved up for the hottest topics in automotive logistics. Centred on discussions of disrupting the status quo of FVL in the region, we will hear about the innovation in supply chain management and transportation solutions, flexibility and the importance of partnerships and sustainability.

BMW’s secret to success is preparation

The heads of global vehicle distribution at BMW Group – Eugen Schantini and Thomas Wiech – tell Marcus Williams about the network strategy and tools the carmaker is using to manage disruption, secure capacity and plan ahead for a more sustainable outbound supply chain

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

Red Sofa interview: Nissan’s Steve Jernigan on network improvements in Mexico

At this week’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 conference in California, Steve Jernigan, senior director of supply chain management for Nissan North America, took to the Red Sofa to tell Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about improvements to domestic haulaway performance in Mexico, which includes better equipment utilisation and availability.

Finished Vehicle Logistics North America: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for key highlights and knowledge shared at Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024. We will be sharing news and videos straight from the main stage and the Red Sofa, including insight, data and quotes from the automotive experts who discussed how they are disrupting the status quo, and raising performance through innovation, flexibility and partnerships.

Automotive Logistics

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

Red Sea crisis resurrects China-Europe rail freight transit through Russia

The ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have given the transit of automotive freight from China to Europe a second breath, according to state-run railway monopoly, Russian Railways (RZD)

Vladislav Vorotnikov

Canada rail faces strike action

The Teamsters Canada union, which represents 9,000 workers at Canada’s two biggest railroads, has threatened strike action that would disrupt North America’s supply chains from as early as May 22.

Megan Kelly

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

On the right track for rail investment

Class 1 rail providers are responding to demands on capacity by working collaboratively and investing in technology and infrastructure for a more sustainable vehicle deliver network in North America, writes Marcus Williams

Marcus Williams

Future-proofing the finished vehicle trucking fleet in North America

Road transport providers in North America have been working with OEMs on a range of initiatives to better utilise capacity as vehicle output continues to recover despite bottlenecks and capacity shortages. Key FVL trucking providers speak to Megan Kelly about how they are mitigating disruption, enhancing services and navigating congestion affecting other modes.

Megan Kelly

Competition takes repair services to the next level

The automotive repair industry has been stagnant for some time, and more competition is needed to drive innovation, cut customer costs and improve services. World Record Holder in hail damage repair, DRS Group, wants to change that.

Automotive Logistics

Honda begins vehicle exports from India to Japan

Honda is now exporting its Elevate mid-size SUV from India to Japan via the port of Pipavav. The Elevate went on sale in Japan badged with the brand name WR-V last month and so far around 6,800 models have been delivered. It is the first time Honda has exported a model made in India to Japan.

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

Highlights from ALSC Europe day one

At our recent Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 conference in Bonn, Germany we heard from some of the biggest OEMs, logistics partners and tier suppliers in the continent, who discussed how to deliver a competitive edge through logistics. While the event may be over, Automotive Logistics will continue to bring some of the most important and insightful highlights from the conference.

Megan Kelly

Rebuilding resilience and stability for a more sustainable supply chain

The multiple crises the automotive industry has experienced over the last four years have been a driver for innovation for inbound and outbound logistics processes, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany.

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa Interview: Jean-Marc Carlicchi on Renault’s next step in digitalisation

At ALSC Europe in Bonn, Germany last week, Jean-Marc Carlicchi, VP of Supply Chain Engineering at Renault Group took to the Red Sofa with Christopher Ludwig, Chief of Content, to talk about the OEM’s digitalisation journey.

Red Sofa Interview: JLR’s Levent Yuksel on scaling green logistics solutions

At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 in Bonn, Germany, Levent Yuksel, freight operations director at JLR sits down on the Red Sofa to discuss how we can scale green logistics solutions by working in partnership.

China’s EV surge in Europe amid ro-ro capacity challenges

As the first results for 2023 start coming in from Europe’s finished vehicle-handling ports, it is clear that China is targeting Europe for electric vehicle sales at a time when ro-ro capacity is recovering and shipping is facing geopolitical disruption.

Marcus Williams

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for the key highlights and knowledge shared at ALSC Europe 2024. Even though the event is over, the insight doesn’t stop, and we will continue to update this blog with the most valuable insights, data and quotes from automotive experts discussing how to deliver a competitive edge, through reducing complexity, increasing flexibility and maximising capacity. Jump to key highlights:Dr Michael Nikolaides, BMW on market volatilityMartina Graser, Ford Europe on securing ocean-based capacityIza Kalinska, JLR, Sabine Isenbort, Ford Europe and Sonia Santos, Bosch on the Red SofaLevent Yuksel, JLR Red Sofa Interview and article on ‘win win’ opportunities for collaborationJean-Marc Carlicchi, Renault Group on the ‘new never-normal’Jean Christophe Deville, Toyota Motor Europe Red Sofa Interview and article on advantageous partnershipsOliver Bronder, VW Group Logistics keynote panel

Automotive Logistics

Tesla’s Berlin factory set to restart after arson attack

Tesla’s gigafactory in Grünheide, in Berlin, Germany is set to regain power this week, having been shut down following a suspected arson attack.

Megan Kelly

Tata’s Agratas confirms location of UK gigafactory for anchor client JLR

Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, will build Britain’s biggest battery manufacturing facility at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, Somerset.

Megan Kelly

Ensuring resilience amidst supply chain disruptions

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was paid for by Priority Freight and produced in partnership with Automotive LogisticsFacing unprecedented supply chain disruptions, from global shipping crises to extreme weather, the automotive logistics sector turns to innovative solutions like Priority Freight. With tailored resources and rapid response, they ensure the wheels of the industry keep turning, no matter the challenge

The many roads, fuels and tech leading to zero emission logistics at Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen Group Logistics’ plan for cutting supply chain emissions will require multiple transport modes, technology innovation and investment with logistics partners for the long term.

Christopher Ludwig

Ready for any crisis, anywhere in Volkswagen Group’s supply chain

Crisis management has become de rigueur for Group Logistics, and has led to changes in capacity planning, visibility and mindset across the company.

Christopher Ludwig

The electrifying influence of logistics

Volkswagen’s ramp up of battery and electric vehicle production is transforming its supply chain, and Simon Motter wants to make sure that it takes the right decisions for logistics costs and performance, including an increased use of rail for battery-related transport.

Christopher Ludwig

How Group Logistics is overcoming crises and shaping Volkswagen's future supply chain

Volkswagen Group Logistics can increasingly master disruptions thanks to greater resiliency, but its managing director Simon Motter is making sure the group is ready to deliver on long-term goals for electrification, sustainability and cost.

Christopher Ludwig

Maxime Picat, Stellantis talks strategy and influencing supply chain and manufacturing design

The chief purchasing and supply chain officer, who leads all procurement functions including logistics, gives an exclusive interview on improving supplier relations, planning for the future of the battery supply chain, the growing influence of supply chain costs and localisation, and why Stellantis needs to ensure it has access to critical logistics capacity.

Megan Kelly

On the road to recovery in the east

The automotive industry in eastern Europe is in strong post-pandemic recovery mode, with associated gains for logistics providers. However, the region requires investment in transport and infrastructure improvements, and in EV production, if it is to build a competitive edge against a Chinese foothold in Hungary

Automotive Logistics

Red Sofa Interview: How Volkswagen is readying for electrification in México

Peter Koltai, senior director of logistics at Volkswagen de México discusses how the division is getting ready for electrification across the country and how to find synergies between the plants and the wider VW Group.

Latest rail strike in Germany threatens cargo shipments

The German locomotive drivers’ union GDL has called for a fourth wave of strike action this week against Deutsche Bahn (DB), the state-run rail and logistics provider. The latest action calls for the inclusion of rail freight drivers employed by DB Cargo, along with passenger services.

Marcus Williams

Škoda begins exports from Europe to Vietnam

Škoda has begun exporting its Kodiaq and Karoq models from the Czech Republic to Vietnam and has opened its first dealership in Hanoi.

Megan Kelly

Maersk opts for land bridge due to Panama Canal drought

Container shipping line Maersk has changed its services due to the ongoing drought affecting the Panama Canal and is instead opting for a ‘land bridge’ to mitigate disruptions.

Megan Kelly

An automotive supply chain in transition – the year in review

This year has seen investments in supply chain resilience and the adoption of digital technology across the global automotive sector continue, with some positive developments in terms of inbound parts deliveries and greater supply chain transparency supported by digital technology, though strike action by the United Auto Workers union has taken its toll on production in the US in the fourth quarter.

Marcus Williams

ECG publishes guidance for reporting supply chain emissions

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG), along with the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and a group of OEMs, has published the first methodology to calculate and report on automotive supply chain emissions.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s creativity is helping solve its supply chain problems in Mexico

Raúl Gamboa, director of material and transport control, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi talks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about BMW’s creative innovations to mitigate supply chain problems in Mexico.