Tag: south america

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

Winners took home honours across inbound, vehicle and aftersales logistics, whilst Chris Styles and Darrin Lucas, leaders of regional supply chain management and aftersales logistics, respectively, emphasised the role that logistics partners would play in Nissan’s recovery and product offensive.

Nissan’s supply chain playbook for real-time resilience

From regulatory risk to cyberattacks, Nissan’s senior director for supply in the Americas outlines how clarity, collaboration and digital readiness are redefining what it means to act with purpose – right and on time.

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.

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

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

How Mexico’s FVL market is balancing capacity and demand

Mexico has seen a huge demand for finished vehicle logistics, but the country needs to balance this against its capacity.

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.

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.

Stellantis revenue and profits fall in ‘challenging’ automotive market

Stellantis’ revenue and profits have dropped in the first half of the year, with the OEM blaming a “challenging industry context” and a product blitz underway. Meanwhile, its CEO has triggered a “strategic review” of UK business because of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

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

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.

Stellantis picks president of Mexican division for North America COO

Stellantis has appointed Carlos Zarlenga to replace Mark Stewart as chief operating officer for North America.

From South Carolina to the world of BMW, with love

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

Volvo Cars uses renewable fuels in ocean freight

Volvo Cars is reducing the CO2 emissions in its supply chain by 84% switching to renewable fuels for its ocean freight, as it becomes the first OEM to switch all intercontinental container shipments to more sustainable fuels.

Sallaum Lines expands ro-ro capacity with new PCTC orders

Shipping firm Sallaum Lines, which moves finished vehicles between the US, Europe and Africa, has ordered six new pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels from China Merchants Shipyard to increase its ro-ro capacity.

Ford names Liz Door chief supply chain officer with aim to make SCM a competitive advantage

The new position will take a leading role in securing Ford’s operations and improving quality and digitalisation across the supply chain. The company also announced the departures of Jonathan Jennings and Dave Bozeman

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).

GM aims to secure lithium supply with record mining investment

In an effort to secure its own battery supply chain, GM has agreed to invest with mining company Lithium Americas in the development of the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada, reportedly the largest known source of lithium in the US.

Flavio Batista jumps from ship to shore with role at GPA

Flavio Batista has moved from his role as senior vice-president of sales for the Americas at Wallenius Wilhelmsen to take up a new position as vice-president of sales and marketing at Georgia Ports Authority in the US.

Ceva completes integration of Gefco’s vehicle logistics business

Ceva Logistics has completed the integration of Gefco’s finished vehicle logistics business and set up its own division under the direction of the French logistics provider’s former chief operating officer Emmanuel Cheremetinski.

Lithium-ion battery gigafactory database

Track electric vehicle lithium battery gigafactories by manufacturer, location, manufacturer, current and planned gigawatt (GWh) capacity.

Dave Bozeman to replace Frederiek Toney at Ford

Frederiek Toney, who has led the Ford Customer Service Division for more than a decade and previously led material planning and logistics, will retire from Ford later this year after a career with the carmaker across 22 years.

ICL appoints Gina Tovar as managing director of Europe

Gina Tovar has joined ICL Systems as managing director for Europe, a role she will share at the finished vehicle logistics software specialist with Rudolf Luttmann, who has been in the role since June 2021.

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

Horizon Auto Logistics restructures business in the Americas

Following a realignment of operations last year, Horizon Auto Logistics (HAL), has restructured its business and will operate the following group divisions: Horizon Auto Logistics in Mexico, Fast Terminal International in Colombia, and Fast Auto Logistics in the US and Dominican Republic.

Ford cuts its losses in Brazil with closure of all production in 2021

Ford will shut all three of its production facilities in Brazil this year and import vehicles from other markets in South America, including neighbouring Argentina and Uruguay, to meet demand in the country.

Watch: How Daimler digitalised its damage claims process for vehicle logistics

In a case study presentation at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, Dr Monica Schmickler explains Mercedes-Benz’s new global quality management system, Q.DOME, and how the carmaker is gaining more visibility and data over vehicle transport damage in its global distribution network.

VW extends contract for Brazilian spare parts logistics with Ceva

Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 10 – How Volkswagen is transforming plant logistics with AI, analytics and cloud technology

In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the technology and processes that are accelerating more connected, data-driven supply chains, and the greater role they will play in the post-coronavirus automotive industry. With special guests from Volkswagen, research institute Fraunhofer ISST and tech startup SYNAOS.

Watch: Automotive Supply Chain June Update with Volkswagen Group and Visteon – Leadership in a Crisis

Our coronavirus series provide critical information and strategic insight to help design more resilient automotive supply chains. In our June update, key decision makers, including from Volkswagen Group and Visteon, share insight on the challenges of leadership in a crisis and how to respond to build stronger supply chains.Watch the recording below and you can download the presentation slides from this livestream here.

Watch: How Ford digitalised and insourced global supply chain processes | Your Questions Answered Part II with Amlan Bose

Ford is transforming its supply chain and logistics processes in a number of key regions, including creating an in-house 4PL and rolling out a dynamic transport management system. Following discussion on our popular Livestream Hour edition focused on digitalisation in supply chain and logistics, Ford’s Amlan Bose rejoins Christopher Ludwig to address audience questions on topics including challenges to rollout, whether the system and insourcing will spread to other regions, and how digital control towers are helping Ford in the Covid-19 crisis.

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

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

WW Ocean provides direct service to Chilean mining hub

Watch: Livestream Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain May Update

Our monthly supply chain updates provide critical information for automotive production, purchasing and logistics professionals in the current crisis, and strategic insight to help companies design more resilient supply chains for the future. Watch the May update for the latest market forecasts from our automotive analyst and insight on how supply chains could be made more resilient from automotive supply chain expert Peter Weiss from Gartner.

Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 4 – Tier Suppliers on the Road to Recovery

The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. In Episode 4, we discuss the key areas that suppliers especially need to consider as the automotive industry stirs back into action, including supply chain and logistics processes, sourcing considerations, digital tools and collaboration.

Watch: Livestream Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain April Update

Part of our ongoing Livestream series, the monthly supply chain update provides insight on what the coronavirus crisis will mean for automotive manufacturing and logistics. In this episode you will hear from Matteo Fini, Executive Director, Automotive Supply Chain and Technology, IHS Markit and Fathi Tlatli, President Global Sector Auto-Mobility DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.

Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 2 – Restarting Automotive Production in the New Normal

The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. In Episode 2, supply chain expert Ralf Bechmann discusses how OEMs and tier suppliers together with Christopher Ludwig and AMS editor Nick Holt.

Brazil’s automotive industry paralysed in the second half of March

Watch: Your Questions Answered | The Coronavirus Series: Automotive Supply Chain March Update

Following our first Livestream Coronavirus Automotive Supply Chain Update, our panellists reconvene to discuss audience questions that were not answered during the broadcast. Watch this exclusive video recording of the discussion covering the long-term impacts of the coronavirus crisis on global vehicle demand, economic and environmental policy, logistics and manufacturing operations.

Watch: Livestream | The Coronavirus Series – Automotive Supply Chain March Update

Presented by Automotive from Ultima Media, hear from our analysts as they share insight on how the coronavirus crisis will impact global vehicle sales and what it will mean for automotive manufacturing and logistics. You will also hear from Supply Chain and Technology Strategist, Wolfgang Lehmacher, and his views on how supply chains could the crisis could lead to permanent changes in the wider supply chain.

Building Volkswagen’s Industrial Cloud

Volkswagen Group’s landmark project with Amazon Web Services will help to connect all its global factories, and eventually the spply chain as well. At the core of the project is a drive to establish a standard software stack that will transform the way production IT is developed and implemented across Volkswagen locations.

The new shape of IT at Volkswagen

Over the past two years, Volkswagen’s central Group IT division, led by CIO Martin Hofmann, has been expanding staff numbers, investment and digital projects across the group’s business processes, and working more closely with brands like Audi, Porsche and Skoda. In the first of a multi-part article special on Group IT, we explain the evolving shape of the organisation.

Map: Volkswagen’s growing network of IT expertise

Volkswagen Group IT has opened or expanded global IT and software centers, with growing significance across the company’s IT research and operations. Check out a map of their key locations and functions.

At the centre of change for Volkswagen Group

Martin Hofmann, chief information office of the Volkswagen Group (pictured, right), explains how the carmaker is transforming its IT system backbone and legacy infrastructure across manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain and engineering – and how Volkswagen is now able to attract top software talent.

Powertrain forecast to 2030: Navigating the road to electrification

Download this report for forecasts of eight different powertrains across regions, including all degrees of hybridisation, electrification and internal combustion engines, which reveal changes that will have huge implications for the future of the automotive supply chain. The latest insight by the business intelligence unit of Automotive from Ultima Media

Stretching to the limit: How Sollers and Lorus move finished vehicles across Russia

Operating across the largest country in the world – Russia – would be a challenge for any logistics operation, even without economic difficulties. OEM Sollers decided to distribute its finished vehicles in partnership with 4PL Lorus SCM

GM Brazil explores alternatives to road to broaden regional sales

VW hosts hackathon to develop digital supply chain

Alfonso Sancha takes lead purchasing role at Seat

Groupe PSA results show significant losses in China and Iran

Chris Conner to take top job at AAPA

Nissan Sunderland exports new Leaf to Australia and South America

Motoring on: Brazil’s heavyweight OEMs prepare for growth

Brazilian truck and bus sales picked up strongly last year following the country’s long recession, and now both OEMs and logistics providers are hoping the trend continues

FCA renews contract with Ceva in Brazil

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

Ford names new leaders amid shake-up

Containerisation: Why finished vehicle logistics needs to think inside the box

While ro-ro is the traditional method of shipping finished vehicles, containerisation is becoming increasingly viable as the automotive industry decentralises and introduces more EVs. Growth in China and South East Asia offers particularly good opportunities

Honda starts production at Itirapina plant in Brazil

Tesla to close showrooms and move sales online

Schaeffler opens new parts centre in Mexico

Q&A: Marcelo Turri, Alpargatas

The long way home

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

GM withdraws from JV with Uzbek government

Q&A: Neuton Karassawa

Shifting gear

Deficit in Brazil’s automotive parts sector worsens

GM Uzbekistan streamlines its supply chain

VW Brazil launches logistics portal

Toyota runs roadtrains to Buenos Aires port

Argentinian economic downturn hits Brazil

Manta reports huge increase in vehicle traffic

Suape to put vehicle terminal in private hands

GM Uzbekistan suspends vehicle sales over pricing

Car sales drive growth in Latin America

Cosco Shipping Lines hit by cyber-attack

Russia's fresh focus on exports

Kia moves Sportage through Santa Marta

VW resumes production after haulage strikes

Manta becoming regional hub for finished vehicles

VW cancels contracts with Prevent Group after supply problems

Suape reports strong start to 2018

Brazilian automotive sector raises its profile

Contecar opens dedicated facility for Renault at Cartagena

Iquique carves out role in Chilean automotive import sector

Russian carmakers to export vehicles to Latin America

IT implementation: Touching the cutting edge

Mines of information

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

The twilight of global trade?

Globalisation and free trade may be reversing towards regional supply chains for a mix of policy and economic reasons

Regulatory change in Brazil boosts exports and production

Service parts part 3: Aftermarket operations and network

20 years of change in automotive service parts logistics

Service parts part 4: Skills and service providers

Service parts part 2: Next-generation service

Service parts part 1: Moving fast towards the customer

Twenty years of automotive service parts logistics

Production & logistics part 4: Logistics organisations and skills

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

Production & logistics part 3: Operations, packaging and IT

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

Production & logistics part 2: Questioning the future

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

Production & logistics part 1: Where are we now?

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

K-Line and Agunsa launch KAR Logistics to target rising vehicle imports

Volkswagen Group Logistics: Come together, right now

Brazil posts best ever export figures

Ford opens new parts DC in Colombia

Mercedes-Benz Trucks looks to double exports from Brazil to the Arab world

Emerging market growth overshadowed by protectionism concerns

Latin America: The good, the bad & the uncertainty

What to watch in 2017

Port of Paranaguá predicts 83% rise in finished vehicle traffic

Rising Brazilian exports help offset slump in domestic demand

Port of Suape quadruples vehicle exports

Ford continues to invest in South Africa

In-depth analysis: strong logistics and supply base central to Ford’s new Mexico plant

UK commercial vehicle exports up a third

BAIC sends trial consignment via port of Lázaro Cárdenas

Mahle Behr: Experiencing a Thermal change

Quotas damaging finished vehicle market in Ecuador

European ports survey: Rising volume and risky conditions

Ford part 2: Global strategies

Ford intends to support dealers through its Professional Service Network, a proliferation of Quick Lane stores and extended parts retention.

Ford part 1: Always looking ahead

In the first of a four-part feature, Christopher Ludwig talks to Ford Customer Service Division president Frederiek Toney (pictured) about changing times for logistics and providing global customer service

Binding ambition at Toyota Manufacturing UK

Exports soar but production plummets in Brazil

Brazil investigates ro-ro operators over alleged cartel

Hyundai opts for Indian coastal service but ro-ro rates are prohibitive

Mexico Conference report: On the borderline of change