Renault partners with Geely in Brazil, explores working with Chery and others Renault Group confirmed on November 3 that it has “executed definitive agreements” with China-based automotive manufacturer Geely, extending the two companies’ “strategic cooperation” in Brazil. Meanwhile, reports claim the company is in talks with Chery and other automakers over similar partnerships. James McLoughlin
Renault opens logistics centre in Mexico, supporting presence in South America Renault has opened a new international logistics network (ILN) centre in Mexico, as the company strengthens its supply chain operations in South America. James McLoughlin
Renault joins UECC’s Sail for Change fuel-switching initiative Renault Group has become the fifth vehicle maker to join United European Car Carriers’ (UECC) Sail for Change fuel-switching initiative. Marcus Williams
Renault appoints Thierry Charvet to take over supply chain Renault Group has expanded the scope of Thierry Charvet’s role to include supply chain as well as his current responsibility as head of industry and quality, taking over the supply chain lead from Denis Le Vot. Megan Kelly
Renault fully acquires Chennai plant from partner Nissan Renault’s full acquisition of the Chennai plant reinforces the company’s international growth strategy – expanding local production, strengthening supplier ties and boosting exports from India. Charlie Blackie-Kelly Emily Uwemedimo
Lean machine: Top 10 Red Sofas on lean logistics From multimodal innovation to AI-powered control towers, industry leaders share practical strategies for driving leaner, more resilient logistics operations – and reveal why efficiency is as much about mindset as it is about technology. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
UK government adds Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall EVs to grant Models from Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall now qualify for the UK government’s Electric Car Grant scheme, allowing consumers to save £1,500 through the grant and helping boost EV sales. Megan Kelly
François Provost to drive Renault's next strategic phase Renault's leadership transition reaffirms the company's plans for continuity and international ambition. Ilkhan Ozsevim Emily Uwemedimo
Renault announces interim CEO Duncan Minto, issues profit warning The group's CFO will be tasked with tackling difficult first half financial results in his new role as interim CEO of Renault Group. Megan Kelly
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. Megan Kelly
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. Megan Kelly
Red Sofa interview | Renault’s Jean-Marc Carlicchi on AI, control towers and reshaping supply chain strategy with digital visibility and smarter planning Discover how Renault is boosting resilience and dynamic planning with AI-driven control towers for inbound and outbound logistics.
Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace deal signals major shifts in automotive logistics, reshaping markets in Russia, Europe, and China A 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration on March 11, designed to be a prelude to a lasting peace deal, can pave the way to tremendous changes for the automotive industry in Russia, Europe and China. Vladislav Vorotnikov
How nearshoring and battery localisation are reshaping Europe’s EV supply chain amid shifting demand, Chinese competition, and policy shifts With battery investments in flux, Europe’s OEMs push for local supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and Chinese EV competition. Megan Kelly
Flexis optimises electric van production with shared platform and localised supply chain in Europe Flexis, a joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM, has unveiled its new range of electric light commercial vehicles; three models all sharing a skateboard platform. Scheduled to begin production this year, the company is making use of its logistics expertise through a dedicated localisation strategy in Europe. Automotive Logistics reports from the Flexis headquarters in Paris. Megan Kelly
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. Automotive Logistics
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
JLR, Mercedes-Benz and Renault join logistics providers to discuss sustainable collaboration at ECG conference Carmakers in Europe are not afraid of collaborating with logistics partners to decarbonise inbound and outbound logistics. At this year’s ECG conference in Hamburg, Germany, speakers from JLR, Mercedes-Benz and Renault outlined what they were doing to secure more sustainable deliveries. Marcus Williams Emily Uwemedimo
Toyota leads sales hike in Ukraine ahead of war tax Ukrainian finished vehicle imports and sales have been booming in recent months, partly in anticipation of the 15% war tax, which is planned for introduction in September this year and could badly affect the market. Automotive Logistics
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
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
Renault, Volvo and CMA CGM launch Flexis joint venture Renault, Volvo and logistics provider CMA CGM, have officially launched their electric van joint venture – Flexis SAS. Renault and Volvo each hold 45% stakes and are planning to invest €300m each over the course of the next three years. CMA CGM said it will invest €120m ($130m) by 2026 and has already acquired a 10% stake in the business. 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
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
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.
Speed to market is critical for affordable electric vehicles With more Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers planning to launch products in the UK in 2024, the race is on for UK and European OEMs to make their mass-market ranges available as quickly as possible. The question is, can they catch up and how should they go about it, ask Vendigital’s Dom Tribe and Sheena Patel Sheena Patel Dom Tribe
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
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
Renault Group partners with École des Ponts ParisTech for AI and supply chain digitalisation Renault Group’s supply chain division has partnered with École des Ponts ParisTech, school of science, engineering and technology, to explore the future of AI optimisation in the supply chain. Megan Kelly
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
Renault, Volvo Group and CMA CGM partner in JV for electric logistics vans Renault and Volvo Group have partnered in a joint venture (JV) with logistics provider CMA CGM to produce electric vans designed specifically for logistics and rentals. Megan Kelly
Volvo Cars makes Francesca Gamboni head of Supply Chain Volvo Cars has appointed Francesca Gamboni as its head of Procurement and Supply Chain team, effective from October 16th. Megan Kelly
Denis Le Vot is chief supply chain officer at Renault Group; Jean-François Salles to lead strategic partnerships Renault Group has appointed Denis Le Vot chief supply chain officer (CSCO), a new role that combines supply chain functions across the carmaker’s different business units and organisations, including for both internal combusion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs). Christopher Ludwig
Rebuilding trust is key to solving the European capacity crisis The stubborn capacity crisis in the finished vehicle logistics sector in Europe will take time to mend, delegates at the Association of European Vehicle Logistics’ (ECG) Spring Congress heard last week, but industry dialogue is slowly helping to repair broken trust and disrupted contracting cycles. Malcolm Ramsay
Renault hacks emissions out of the supply chain Renault has held a two-day hackathon designed to decarbonise and bring efficiency to the automotive supply chain with the top prizes going to projects focused on shared data and routes. Marcus Williams
Renault signs deal for EV battery supply with Verkor Renault has signed a supply deal with lithium battery maker Verkor for the long-term supply of batteries from 2025. Verkor will supply Renault with batteries equal to 12 GWh annually. Renault acquired a 20% stake in Verkor back in 2021. Marcus Williams
Renault and Bosch reap the benefits of digital investments Carmakers and their suppliers are looking at a range of digital platforms to provide a complete end-to-end view of the automotive supply chain and make operations more predictable, stable and transparent. They are also looking to save transport costs at a time of rising fuel and equipment costs, a saving that goes hand-in-hand with a more sustainable transport strategy. Marcus Williams
Interview: Renault's journey to the supply chain metaverse Jean-François Salles reveals how Renault Group is advancing predictive management of its supply chain and supporting employees to take faster decisions across locations – while looking ahead to a true ‘metaverse’ for supply chain and logistics
Tanger Med boosts vehicle throughput and cuts emissions Tanger Med port in Morocco handled almost 478,600 finished vehicles in 2022, an 11% rise on the previous year. The majority of vehicles were exports from Renault Group and Stellantis. Marcus Williams
Renault plugs car making into the industrial metaverse Renault’s digitalisation of manufacturing and logistics processes has grown into what it describes as an ‘industrial metaverse’, bringing greater transparency and efficiency to the thousands of steps needed to supply parts and actually make a vehicle. Peter Murphy
Renault keeps an eye on the road ahead Renault Group is transforming its supply chain with digital tools provided by Shippeo to gain greater visibility of parts location and predict where disruption could occur to avoid it. Hazel Southwell
The Future Is Neutral seeks to create a totally circular automotive supply chain The Future Is Neutral is a newly-formed entity separate to but invested in by the Renault Group and partners, aiming to completely recycle every element of vehicles. Working directly on recycling using current technologies, it will also research new methods to grow a €2.3 billion ($2.26m) cumulative turnover. Hazel Southwell
Watch: Renault’s Digital Supply Chain Transformation Watch how Renault is streamlining global logistics with real-time visibility with Shippeo, and learn more about how the automotive industry can create more predictive, automated supply chains.
Russia struggles to repair its broken supply chain In a bid to save what is left of its automotive industry, Russia is taking measures to establish new supply chains and logistics networks following the breakdown caused by the international sanctions applied in the wake of the Ukraine war. Automotive Logistics
Stellantis reshuffles talent as part of transformation strategy Maxime Picat is taking over as chief purchasing and supply chain officer at Stellantis from June 1 this year, replacing Michelle Wen. Meanwhile, Florian Huettl has taken over as CEO of the Opel Vauxhall division, replacing Uwe Hochgeschurtz, who is moving to Picat’s current role as COO of what the company designates ‘Enlarged Europe’. Marcus Williams
Watch: How Renault is regaining control in the ‘supply chain of chaos’ In the opening session of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe, Jean-François Salles explains how Renault Group is digitalising its supply chain and partnering more closely with its suppliers to navitage a supply chain of chaos and reduce emissions
Renault takes a rational approach to logistics network redesign The daily and multiple disruptions affecting the global automotive supply chain are forcing major carmakers to reassess the design of their supply operations. Marcus Williams
Automotive logistics in Russia is in tatters Already debilitated by the impact of Covid, the Russian automotive market was hoping for better times ahead, but the invasion of Ukraine and the consequent sanctions imposed on Russia have undermined production and sales, and hit the logistics providers hard Automotive Logistics
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a long-term risk for the automotive supply chain The impacts stretch beyond inflation and corporate retreats to critical shortages upstream for semiconductor and EV supply. Daniel Harrison
Ukraine invasion causes widespread supply chain disruption Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine has already had widespread repercussions across Europe’s automotive supply chain and supporting multimodal logistics network. Marcus Williams
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 Automotive Logistics
Renault appoints Jana Streizel director of purchasing Jana Streizel will take over as director of purchasing at Renault Group and global director of purchasing Europe for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance from October 1 this year. She replaces Levent Sakliyan who is moving to become Alliance global director of purchasing for Renault Group Projects and head of purchasing for the Dacia brand. Marcus Williams
Sustainable supply chains make for sustainable business models Renault Group’s mid-term and long-term carbon reduction targets will be a challenge for supply chain and logistics, but the carmaker is working actively on projects for alternative fuels, transport innovations and new partnerships in the circular economy. Christopher Ludwig
Every part you make, every car you take, we’ll be tracking you From revamping IT systems to real-time data and Google cloud-based connectivity, digitalisation underpins Renault’s real-time visibility revolution – and its plans to offer mobility and software services, according to Jean-François Salles Christopher Ludwig
Strengthening S&OP to make sense of supply chain chaos Sales and operations planning is becoming the lynchpin in Renault Group’s ability to make short and long-term decisions across its operations and supply chain. Christopher Ludwig
The new ‘never normal’ needs a revolution in supply chain at Renault Group Renault Group is transforming its business as it recovers from Covid and gears up to meet changes in electrification and mobility. But supply chain disruptions and sustainability requirements are also changing how the OEM works across the supply chain. The company’s top executive for supply chain and logistics, Jean-François Salles, explains its developing strategy in this four-part special. Christopher Ludwig
Renault to partner with Geely on hybrid vehicles in China and South Korea Renault has agreed a framework with Geely to share production and supply chains for hybrid vehicles in Asia, including using Geely plants in China and localising Lynk & Co platforms in South Korea. Christopher Ludwig
Renault forecasts shift in the make-up of outbound deliveries The type of vehicles being moved through the outbound supply chain is going to change in the near future, with more commercial vehicles, vehicles meant for sharing and more refurbished used vehicles coming into the mix, according to Renault. At the same time, there is a need for rationalisation of modes and sharing of data. Illya Verpraet
How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor supply bases to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet Namrita Chow
Logistics providers call for fairness in calculating shipping emissions Clarity is needed on measuring emissions in shipping but a poorly judged methodology could disadvantage finished vehicle logistics and disrupt the supply chain Illya Verpraet
Shipping lines and OEMs invest to decarbonise shipping Despite being a relatively efficient way to transport cars and parts, shipping still produces a lot of pollution. However, positive steps being made to clean up the process with advances in fuels and technologies, even if a true solution remains elusive. Illya Verpraet
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 Automotive Logistics
Nicolas Maure to take CEO role at Renault Russia Nicolas Maure (pictured) will take over as CEO of Groupe Renault operations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) from the beginning of May this year. The role is newly created as Renault moves from appointing chairmen of different regions to assigning CEOs of brands within them. Maure will report to Groupe Renault CEO, Luca de Meo. Marcus Williams
Mitsubishi to sell models in Europe made by Renault from 2023 As part of an agreement to build on joint purchasing and vehicle standardisation announced by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (RNM) Alliance last year, Mitsubishi Motors will begin selling two models procured from Groupe Renault in selected European markets in 2023. Marcus Williams
Executive changes at Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi (RNM) Alliance has announced top executive changes within its purchasing and operations functions. Marcus Williams
Carmakers focus on China for electric vehicle exports to Europe A growing number of carmakers are looking to China for the production of electric vehicles (EVs) destined for sale in Europe, including Tesla, BMW and Renault. Marcus Williams
European debut of Renault Arkana to be supplied from South Korea Renault Samsung, the carmaker joint venture producing cars in Busan, South Korea, plans to export its XM3 SUV from there to Europe in 2021, where it will be sold as the new Renault Arkana. Marcus Williams
Common standards to alleviate uncertain demand and distribution changes Standardising communications between OEMs and their suppliers offers novel possibilities to smooth out the volatile conditions that modern automotive logistics has to contend with according to Robert Cameron, chairman of Odette International, which is working with European OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers to create such standards – including for finished vehicle logistics. Illya Verpraet
The medium is the message An industry-wide initiative in Europe aims to set a standard for digital communication across all outbound delivery processes from factory to dealer. Joanne Perry talks to some of those involved Joanne Perry
A cloud with a silver lining Groupe Renault and Google have announced a new industrial and technology partnership to accelerate the digitisation of the carmaker’s Industry 4.0 transformation. Victoria Johns investigates the benefits of cloud computing for the carmaker’s supply chain Victoria Johns
The logistics driving Renault Formula 1 The world’s F1 series evokes an image of speed, precision and prestigious podium finishes. However, behind the scenes is a labyrinthine logistics effort. Victoria Johns finds out more from the team keeping Renault on track Victoria Johns
Calling stop on automotive supply chains: how long can companies survive the Covid-19 crisis? With the coronavirus pandemic causing a level of automotive plant shutdowns not seen since the second world war, suppliers and logistics providers will face failures without direct support from government, and close collaboration with OEMs and industry. Christopher Ludwig
Coronavirus latest: Europe puts a brave face on supply chain problems in China and Italy Marcus Williams
Stricter EU CO2 regulations will reshape vehicle platforms and car design As OEMs try to reduce CO2 and transition to electric vehicles in the face of the high fines, we expect a profound impact on vehicle design. Automotive from Ultima Media
Tangible progress: Morocco boosts automotive production and logistics North African countries have attracted the attention of vehicle-makers due to their development programmes. One example is Morocco, which has invested in special industrial zones such as Tanger Automotive City, and is now seeing an automotive uptick Herve Deiss
A special case: how Russia hopes to boost local production with investment contracts Russia is attempting to boost tier supplier capacity via contracts with OEMs and logistics subsidies for parts makers, but it is unclear how successful this will be Vladislav Vorotnikov
