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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

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

Toyota uses VDL Groep hydrogen fuel cell trucks for Europe parts distribution

The OEM is using the trucks for distribution between its European parts centre in Belgium and locations in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Marcus Williams

Scania signs three-year deal with Unipart to manage service parts centre in Kunshan, China

Unipart is managing logistics operations at Scania’s new Chinese service parts distribution centre in Kunhan, China.

Marcus Williams

Stellantis distributes service parts to UK and Ireland from newly built facility in Ellesmere Port

Stellantis centralises service parts distribution in Ellesmere Port, UK

The newly built facility will distribute 4m spare parts a year to a network of nearly 1,000 service centres via 19 regional hubs.

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.

Nissan awards top North America logistics partners and calls to go ‘full speed ahead’ in supply chain recovery

Nissan awards logistics partners and calls to go ‘full speed ahead’

Supply chain and aftersales logistics leads in the Americas, Chris Styles and Darrin Lucas, stressed the role that logistics will play in Nissan’s growth plan.

Christopher Ludwig

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

Plus Automation and Churchill IX merge to form PlusAI, with AI-led virtual drivers for autonomous trucking

An AI-based autonomous trucking software has seen success in trials completed with DSV and IVECO. PlusAI, the company behind the software, eyes partnerships with OEMs such as Traton Group and Hyundai as integral to scaling adoption.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Nissan and Stellantis supplier Marelli files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US

The tier one supplier confirms it has applied for bankruptcy to continue operations while it looks to secure additional funding or buyout.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

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

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

James Todd Kloeb, former head of material planning and logistics for the Americas at Ford, joins Lucid Motors as global vice president of MP&L

James Todd Kloeb announced the news on social media, with it following a three-decade long stint at Ford. His role is expected to encompass global supply chain planning.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

In the latest management change from Stellantis, current COO Antonio Filosa has been promoted to CEO

The resignation of previous CEO Carlos Tavares kickstarted a wave of changes in Stellantis’ boardroom. The appointment of a new CEO could point to a return to stability, as Antonio Filosa brings decades of experience from across several Stellantis brands to the role.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

ChargePoint and Eaton announce a new collaboration aimed at tackling insufficient EV charging infrastructure

The partnership allows the two companies to provide end-to-end solutions for EV infrastructure, including charging stations and engineering services. The goal is to roll these offerings out across the US, Canada and the UK.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

In the face of global trade wars and tempered demand, has the battery supply chain in North America lost its charge?

The Trump administration has reversed legislation designed to bolster localised electric vehicle manufacturing and incentivise sales in the US but native and foreign carmakers continue to invest to strengthen infrastructure and supply chain.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Charged up: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on EV and battery logistics

Updated 3 July 2025 – Experts from across the automotive logistics industry have sat down on the Red Sofa and shared their insights into the most pressing topics surrounding EVs and batteries. This list provides key takeaways and will be updated as more Red Sofas are released, so make sure to follow along.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

To facilitate further expansion, Acertus appoints Alisha Buelt as COO and Michael DeLuca as CFO

Company veteran Alisha Buelt is promoted to chief operating officer, while Michael DeLuca is brought in to take over chief financial officer role. Acertus hopes the double move consolidates executive expertise as it eyes further expansion.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Ceva Logistics using Stradot conveyor robots for vehicle handling at Nanteuil-le-Haudouin facility

Ceva Logistics will start using automated robot conveyors to move vehicles at its distribution yard in Nanteuil-le-Haudouin from September this year.

Marcus Williams

Panattoni completes work on Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Centre

[Updated May 27] Mercedes-Benz is ready to open its International Consolidation Centre in Germany, which will bundle and preassemble parts for distribution to its global production locations.

Marcus Williams

Ryan Kraft takes over as CEO from Mark Anderson at United Road

Ryan Kraft takes over as CEO at United Road, building on 15 years at the leading US finished vehicle provider.

Marcus Williams

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

Ceva Logistics acquires Turkish logistics company Borusan Tedarik for $440m, doubling its footprint in the region

CEVA Logistics continues to grow “bigger, stronger and smarter”, as the company announces it acquires Borusan Tedarik, a logistics company in Turkey. The move almost doubles CEVA’s operations in the country.

Charlie Blackie-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

Trump’s 25% vehicle import tariffs could cost US carmakers $108bn and cut output by 17.7m vehicles

As automotive supply chains across North America (and the world) come to terms with Trump’s current and upcoming tariffs and how to navigate them by restructuring their supply networks, the potential impact on vehicle sales and production volumes is beginning to sink in.

Megan Kelly

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.

International’s Tony Stinsa on the realities of EV truck logistics

Tony Stinsa, director of inbound and finished vehicle logistics at International, shares the logistical challenges in transporting electric commercial trucks and the innovations needed to move zero-emission vehicles more sustainably.

Automotive Logistics

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

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.

Kuehne + Nagel consolidates cross-dock services with doubled capacity on US-Mexico border

Kuehne + Nagel is helping customers navigate the complex demands of nearshoring at a time of tariff threats in North America from a new consolidate cross-dock in Laredo, Texas.

Marcus Williams

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

Smurfit Kappa’s compact bumper packaging solution halves truckloads, cuts emissions, and streamlines assembly for automotive suppliers

Automotive suppliers can replace their existing bumper packaging with a compact solution halves truckloads, reduces emissions, and saves storage space. At the same time, an automatic floor speeds up assembly.

Uwe Schmidt

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

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 in 2033 and beyond: Designed to combine logistics, automation and people

Dieter Braun and his team know exactly where they want Audi’s supply chain to be over the next decade, even if technology and conditions will vary by plant and region.

Christopher Ludwig

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

Economic headwinds shake CEE automotive logistics as cost pressures, nearshoring, and geopolitical shifts reshape supply chains

The economic crosswinds sweeping across the continent threaten to stir into a big storm for the automotive industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Automotive Logistics explores how, in the face of uncertainty, logistics providers are streamlining their operations.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

BMW’s hydrogen strategy embraces a technology-agnostic approach to reshape automotive logistics

With increasing regulatory pressures and the urgent need to decarbonise operations, automotive leaders are exploring a range of technologies to future-proof their fleets. BMW Group’s latest move – introducing its first hydrogen-powered trucks as part of the European H2Haul pilot project – demonstrates how traditional logistics models are evolving. While electric trucks have been at the forefront of fleet decarbonisation, BMW’s investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology offers another versatile, scalable alternative for long-haul freight that warrants close analysis.

Emily Uwemedimo

Harnessing technology and human expertise to build resilient automotive supply chains

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Priority FreightIn the fast-paced and demanding world of automotive logistics, businesses face the challenge of balancing technological innovation and the value of human expertise. With tight timelines, fluctuating supply chains, and mounting complexities, the need for precision, reliability, and adaptability has never been greater.

Automotive Logistics

Daimler Truck wins VDA logistics award for use of electric trucks across inbound logistics

Daimler Truck took top prize for scaling the use of electrified trucks in inbound logistics for German plants through its ‘Electrify Inbound Logistics’ project.

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

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

Toyota is making its own batteries at a plant in North Carolina and will be begin local supply in April

Toyota will be begin shipping lithium batteries from its own plant in North Carolina from April this year, beginning with deliveries by truck to its Kentucky assembly plant in Georgetown

Marcus Williams

Jack Cooper and GM relationship breaks down, leaving hauler to wind down operations

Following concerns about its relationship with two of its biggest clients, Jack Cooper is reportedly winding down operations.

Megan Kelly

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

Barry Spilman steps back from lead role at RPM and appoints John Perkovich president of the North America region

John Perkovich moves from his role as chief operating officer to take over the reins at RPM in North America

Marcus Williams

Trade disputes accelerate nearshoring trend with implications for logistics providers

The automotive supply chain is facing many hurdles this year, as set out in our key automotive logistics trends for 2025. Here, we look at the accelerating trend of nearshoring in the first part of our series.

Daniel Harrison

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

Hödlmayr using Mercedes-Benz eActros truck to shuttle finished vehicles from Magna plant in Graz

Hödlmayr International is now using an Mercedes-Benz eAtros 300 truck to shuttle finished vehicles between Magna Steyr’s plant and its nearby vehicle compound in Graz, Austria.

Marcus Williams

Ford unexpectedly drops Jack Cooper mid-contract, with Teamsters union urging OEM to reconsider

Ford has unexpectedly ended its agreement with North American vehicle hauler Jack Cooper mid-contract.

Megan Kelly

Volkswagen benefits from green logistics services provided by Duvenbeck and MAN Truck and Bus

Duvenbeck’s use of MAN eTGX trucks will contribute to VW Group’s goTOzero impact logistics programme which aims to reduce CO2 emissions on road transport

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

Mercedes-Benz Trucks delivers first eActros 600 units to transport customers and announces upgrades to Wörth plant charging infrastructure

Mercedes-Benz Trucks will provide eActros 600 trucks to its own logistics providers from Q2 next year and is supporting emission-free inbound logistics with upgraded charging infrastructure at the Wörth plant in Germany

Marcus Williams

Hyundai working with Glovis America on Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck rollout at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America

Hyundai Motor Group is working with Glovis America on the use of Xcient hydrogen fuel cell trucks for inbound logistics operations at its EV metaplant in the US

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa interview | Daimler Truck’s Marion Gillich on tracking supplier risk with AI and digital tools

Marion Gillich, head of supplier risk management at Daimler Truck took to the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies Europe to discuss the company’s digital transformation, including how Daimler collects data from suppliers and uses it to predict and manage supplier risk.

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

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.

Daimler Truck is making the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 at Wörth assembly plant in Germany with inbound parts from Gaggenau, Kassel and Mannheim

Daimler Truck is using flexible assembly, inbound electric trucks and clean manufacturing to make the long-haul Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 at its Wörth plant in Germany.

Marcus Williams

Car carriers need time to adjust to latest specifications for vehicle and truck lashing equipment

Finished vehicle carrier equipment manufacturers and transport providers have asked for a grace period to adjust to new standards on vehicle lashing that have been drawn up by Germany’s VDI standards association.

Marcus Williams

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

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

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

Marcus Williams

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.

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

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

Dräxlmaier to use first MAN electric truck for Porsche battery deliveries

MAN Truck & Bus has delivered its first fully electric 40-tonne truck for use by tier one supplier Dräxlmaier to deliver batteries to the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany which makes the Macan Electric model.

Marcus Williams

BMW using etrucks for inbound battery deliveries to Leipzig plant

BMW has started using two fully electric trucks to move battery cells and modules to its high-voltage battery production halls at the Leipzig plant in Germany from its nearby warehouse in BMW Allee. Rudolph Logistik Gruppe is providing the inbound transport service.

Marcus Williams

Impact of Hurricane Milton on auto operations not as severe as Helene

The impact of Hurricane Milton, which landed as a Category 3 storm on the Florida coastline late Wednesday (October 9), is still being assessed for its impact on container and finished vehicle logistics in the affected region.

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

Stellantis, GKN Automotive partner with logistics providers to mitigate disruption

At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global, logistics leaders from Stellantis and GKN Automotive shared they are partnering with providers and suppliers to de-risk the supply chain.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview | Jessica Hanson, Bosch on improving cross-border logistics

Jessica Hanson, vice-president of Logistics, Bosch North America discusses cross-border logistics, digital innovations and enhanced partnerships in managing cross-border logistics

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

Mosolf starts using electric transporters in Germany

Germany’s Mosolf Group has launched an emission-free finished vehicle logistics service in Baden-Württemberg.

Marcus Williams

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

Mosolf port division to buy Transport Overseas Group

[Updated September 13] Mosolf Port Logistics and Services (MPLS) will take over Transport Overseas Group from January 2025.

Marcus Williams

From supply chain stockpiles to customisation

After adapting to the disruptions caused by Covid while still navigating the transition to battery EVs, the automotive industry faces a new challenge: meeting modern consumer expectations, writes Dorothy Ashford of ITS Logistics

Dorothy Ashford

Standard Trucking enters automotive logistics with Ukrainian emergency logistics expertise

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Standard TruckingWith a decade of experience in freight across a variety of sectors, and a two-year-long humanitarian aid effort to provide and move containers of emergency supplies to Ukraine, Standard Trucking is ready to prove itself to the automotive sector.

Automotive Logistics

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

TLE Automotive invests to meet strong demand for vehicle haulage in Mexico

Grupo ATC’s vehicle logistics division TLE Automotive has doubled its transporter fleet and is one of Mexico’s biggest vehicle haulaway firms. Now it is looking to build on quality, safety and innovation to meet the challenges on the road ahead

Marcus Williams

Bridgestone delivers tyres in US with JB Hunt and autonomous trucks from Kodiak

Bridgestone Americas is working with logistics provider JB Hunt Transport Services and Kodiak on weekly deliveries of passenger car tyres between South Carolina and Dallas using autonomous trucks.

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

Sennder Technologies buys European truck division from CH Robinson

Sennder Technologies has bought the European Surface Transportation division of CH Robinson. It makes the digital freight forwarder one of the top five providers of full truckload (FTL) transport in Europe, with a combined revenue of €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion).

Marcus Williams

Stellantis expands remanufactured service parts range in Brazil

Stellantis is expanding the range of locally remanufactured service parts available across its dealerships and service points in Brazil. The Sustainera range of parts expands from five product lines to eight and now includes turbochargers, steering racks, automatic gearboxes, starters, alternators, air conditioning compressors, rear differentials and transfer cases.

Marcus Williams

Michael Schad leads Toyota North America service parts supply chain after Mike Schober retires

Since late spring this year, Schad oversees Toyota’s service parts and accessory supply chain in North America with a strong focus on delivery speed and automation. Mike Schober has retired after 25 years with Toyota and drastically reducing order-to-delivery times for dealer part orders.

Christopher Ludwig

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

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

Solar power for Daimler Truck’s Halberstadt global PDC

Daimler Truck is fitting photovoltaic modules to the roof of the new global parts distribution centre (PDC) it is building in Halberstadt, Germany. Having already covered 30,000 sq.m (12%), the solar panel system will eventually cover 90% of a total roof area around 250,000 sq.m. It is expected to generate more than 20m kWh of electricity per year. Surplus energy will be fed into the grid.

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

Amplify Cell Technologies starts work on LFP battery cell plant

Amplify Cell Technologies has broken ground on a manufacturing plant in Mississippi that will make lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells for the commercial vehicle sector. The announcement follows the formation of the joint venture by Cummins’ zero-emission unit Accelera, Daimler Trucks and Buses US, and Paccar.

Marcus Williams

BMW’s Hendrik Lang on achieving sustainable automotive supply chains

Hendrik Lang, BMW’s senior vice-president of supply chain strategy and sustainability, attended London Climate Action Week in June. He talks BMW’s successes with carbon contracts, collaboration and convincing suppliers of sustainability’s benefits. Report by Ilkhan Ozsevim

Ilkhan Ozsevim

Daimler Truck North America takes charge on cleaner inbound logistics

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is working with its transport provider Salem Carriers to deliver inbound parts on electric trucks in the US Carolinas.

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

Kuehne + Nagel consolidates parts warehousing in El Paso

Kuehne + Nagel is consolidating four of its cross-border warehouses on the US-Mexican border into a new larger, 33,700 sq.m crossdock facility that will support automotive parts shipments between the two countries.

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

Capital investment strengthens RPM’s global growth plans

Private equity firms Trive Capital and Bluejay Capital Partners have invested to become the new majority owners of RPM Freight Systems, which provides freight and finished vehicle logistics services in Europe and North America. Barry Spilman, RPM founder and CEO, remains as a minority stakeholder.

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

ACC halts construction of two European gigafactories

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies’ subsidiary Saft, has halted the construction of two of its three planned European gigafactories.

Megan Kelly

Cummins, Daimler Truck and Paccar localise battery supply in US

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

Marcus Williams

Axess Logistics gains transparency in vehicle deliveries with Vinturas

Axess Logistics is supporting its finished vehicle operations and improving logistics transparency with technology from Vinturas.

Marcus Williams

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

Trade wars: The rise of protectionism and its impact on finished vehicle logistics

Economic competition between China, the EU and the US intensifies with protectionist policies expanding to counter China’s EV ‘dumping’ strategies into broadly western regions that upset ‘fair’ competition

Ilkhan Ozsevim

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