Rivian implements software to optimise parts logistics planning After signing an agreement with an optimisation company, Rivian is set to use optimisation software to “support the planning of parts logistics networks”. James McLoughlin
Watch: Rivian's Dan Schwartz on providing an "Amazon-like experience" for EV service parts logistics Dan Schwartz, senior director, global distribution operations - commercial at Rivian, discusses how service parts logistics differ for EVs and ICE vehicles, as well as what distinguishes Rivian from traditional OEMs. Automotive Logistics
Actions taken by OEMs to curb effects of tariffs Since January, OEMs have been making strategic decisions to reshape their supply chains to mitigate against the effects of US president Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade shifts. Megan Kelly James McLoughlin
Rivian exec confirms its software will form the basis of Volkswagen EVs, following joint venture The EV company’s chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, has revealed that Volkswagen will leverage Rivian’s software across all its upcoming vehicles. The announcement follows a $5 billion joint venture between the two companies. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Rivian commits to building a $120m supplier park attached to its EV manufacturing plant in Illinois The construction of a supplier park is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 in addition to the already underway expansion of the manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. Rivian claims that the supplier park will be a “key enabler” to its operations as it begins manufacture of the R2 van. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Materazzo moves from Stellantis into logistics role at Rivian Carlo Materazzo has taken up a new role as vice-president of logistics at electric vehicle maker Rivian. Materazzo brings more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry to the company and most recently worked at Stellantis. Marcus Williams
Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian pause production plans in Europe Rivian has pulled out of the agreement it signed with Mercedes-Benz Vans in September this year to make electric commercial vehicles (eCVs) in Europe. The US EV maker said it would instead be focusing on producing its R1T and R1S vehicles for customers. Hazel Southwell
Bosch expands EV motor production in US Bosch will invest $260m to expand its electric motor production in Charleston, South Carolina and convert an area previously used for diesel engines. Demand for the Bosch’s electric motors is being driven by its supply contract with EV maker Rivian. Hazel Southwell
Electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle plant database Track factory locations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles by manufacturer, model and location, in a comprehensive listing of the changing geography of electric vehicle manufacturing Automotive from Ultima Media
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: 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.
Start-up vehicle makers demand more from their logistics providers Automotive start-ups are well-known for changing the rules when it comes to the cars they produce, as well as their sales and distribution models, but they are doing things a little differently when it comes to supply chains as well, demanding agility and flexibility from logistics providers not normally seen with traditional OEMs. Illya Verpraet
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. Marcus Williams
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. Marcus Williams
6 questions in 60 seconds…with Amy Paulsen Amy Paulsen, vice-president, logistics, Rivian talks law, electric vehicles and why you should always hire people smarter than yourself Victoria Johns
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 Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
AL Global Detroit: Dark times ahead for US automotive industry As overall US vehicle sales slow down and EV sales remain stagnant, there are concerns that some OEMs are chasing new-generation technologies at the expense of their existing business – potentially setting up a ‘make or break’ scenario in the near future Marcus Williams
Shifting sands of time: The changing nature of Saudi Arabia’s automotive industry Changes to social and economic conditions, including the recent removal of a ban on female drivers, could give a welcome boost to the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia Richard Brown
Technology drives massive change in the supply chain The rise of EVs and higher customer expectations are putting pressure on inbound supply chains and forcing structural changes. Marcus Williams reports from The Supply Chain Conference in Atlanta Marcus Williams