Malaysia a key strategic gateway into Asia Pacific for Volkswagen's aftersales logistics At ALSC ASEAN 2026, Volkswagen Group's Dominik Birth-Ruszczynski shared his perspective on what makes Malaysia a key strategic gateway for regional growth, as well as how the group is navigating increased global disruption and the complexity of EV battery logistics. Automotive Logistics
Schaeffler's Tuan Vi on addressing visibility gaps and fragmentation in Southeast Asia At ALSC ASEAN 2026, Schaeffler's Tuan Vi joined Automotive Logistics on the Red Sofa to discuss visibility gaps and regulatory fragmentation across Southeast Asia, while explaining how the company plans to scale up a successful AI-powered data collection pilot in Vietnam to improve supply chain visibility across the region. Automotive Logistics
How Isuzu is adapting to localisation and regulatory changes across ASEAN On the Red Sofa at ALSC ASEAN 2026, Isuzu Motors Asia's Maung Ye Lay discussed how the company is adapting to the shifting regulatory landscape and an increased focus on localisation in Southeast Asia. Automotive Logistics
How ASEAN's supply chains can find scale In the morning sessions of day two at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, speakers explored how consolidated flows, shared data and local capability could help the region operate more like a single market. Emily Uwemedimo
ASEAN's supply chains need reliability as much as speed On day one of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, OEM, supplier, logistics and policy leaders argued that predictable lead times, trusted partnerships and simpler regional rules matter as much as raw speed, and set out what Malaysia needs to strengthen its role as a regional hub. Emily Uwemedimo
Almost half of Chery exports now made outside of China as it targets 70% by 2030 At a recent event, Zhang Guibing, executive vice president of Chery Automobile, revealed that approximately 48% of the vehicles it has exported this year have been manufactured outside of China. As the company pursues greater localisation of its manufacturing footprint around the world, it expects this to rise to 70% by 2030. James McLoughlin
Frank Steinleitner appointed as managing director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia Volkswagen Group Malaysia has confirmed that Frank Steinleitner has taken over the role of managing director from Dr Susanne Lehmann, who has left the company after almost three years of dedicated leadership. James McLoughlin
Philippines growing as a hub for Toyota vehicle and parts distribution The Philippines has become an important sales and export hub for Toyota vehicles and parts in the south-east Asia, with investment and government support for local production giving it the biggest local market share in the region. Marcus Williams
Sponsored DP World keeps automotive production moving with resilient South-East Asia supply chains Supply chain resilience depends on identifying risk and having the contingencies in place to cope with disruptions. DP World is combining market-specific knowledge with global supply chain scale, says its chief commercial officer for logistics in Asia Pacific, Jeanie Tan Automotive Logistics
China's EV makers go local in ASEAN – with a promise to redraw the logistics map Chinese automakers are building production beachheads across Southeast Asia, shifting from finished-vehicle exports towards local assembly, regional supply chains and two-way flows of batteries, components and vehicles. Vladislav Vorotnikov
Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN is heading to Kuala Lumpur this October Following the success of 2025's inaugural event in Singapore, Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN 2026 comes to Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur on 27-28 October. Automotive Logistics
BYD scraps plans for Malaysian plant, begins exploring local EV assembly from CKDs Chinese EV maker BYD is looking to localise production in Malaysia in the wake of the country’s removal of tax exemptions for EV imports at the end of last year, and a new requirement introduced in July on the minimum imported value of a vehicle. After cancelling plans for its own plant in Malaysia, the OEM is reportedly in talks with a partner to manufacture vehicles from complete knockdown kits (CKDs) in the country instead. Marcus Williams
ASEAN automotive supply chain leaders share strategies for long-term resilience Schaeffler's Tuan Vi and Bridgestone's Eric van Steen told Automotive Logistics during its recent ASEAN livestream how visibility, flexibility and scenario planning can improve a business' preparedness when dealing with supply chain disruption. Automotive Logistics
Schaeffler and Bridgestone discuss strategies for optimising operations in a fragmented ASEAN market During Automotive Logistics' recent ASEAN livestream, Schaeffler's Tuan Vi and Bridgestone's Eric van Steen shared their strategies for overcoming fragmentation in the ASEAN market, emphasising the value of network optimisation, supplier diversification and end-to-end visibility. Automotive Logistics
Bridgestone Asia Pacific highlights the importance of having both a local and global supply chain presence As ASEAN continues to attract EV investment, Bridgestone's Eric van Steen emphasised that both a local and global presence is necessary to support OEMs' ambitions. Automotive Logistics
Thailand attracts 198 EV investment projects worth over $4bn Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 198 EV-related projects in the country with a total investment value of more than 137,000 billion baht ($4bn). James McLoughlin
Thai auto groups submit proposal to protect local EV production Ten automotive groups in Thailand have proposed reforms to the government's EV-related policies ahead of the EV 3.5 incentive scheme coming to an end in 2027. James McLoughlin
How Stellantis’ €60bn FaSTLane 2030 strategy will reshape automotive supply chains FaSTLane 2030 drives localisation, partnerships and plant repurposing to cut costs and boost resilience across key regions. Megan Kelly
Exclusive: Dirk Wiedmann to lead BMW Group global logistics BMW Group has appointed Dirk Wiedmann as head of production network and logistics, succeeding Michael Nikolaides, who will lead corporate strategy. Wiedmann inherits a strategy to drive resilience, digital transformation and flexibility across the supply chain. Christopher Ludwig
Indonesian government to incentivise EV adoption, targeting 200,000 cars and motorcycles Indonesia's finance minister has revealed that the country's government will introduce incentives to encourage the adoption of 100,000 electric cars and 100,000 electric motorcycles. James McLoughlin
ADB to provide funding to support development of critical mineral supply chains in Asia-Pacific The Asian Development Bank has launched a new initiative to fund critical mineral supply chains in Asia and the Pacific, helping meet demand for clean energy, EVs and batteries. James McLoughlin
Foton Motor launches ocean freight joint venture with COSCO Shipping Foton Motor and COSCO Shipping have launched Guangzhou Yuanfu Automotive Supply Chain, a joint venture to establish an independent global maritime supply chain. James McLoughlin
Volkswagen charts new ASEAN logistics strategy Volkswagen Group Malaysia is reshaping its ASEAN logistics model to counter fragmented rules, high import duties and intensifying Chinese competition. Managing director of the regional division, Susanne Lehmann, explains how localisation, regional sourcing and export-led manufacturing will anchor the group in Southeast Asia. Megan Kelly
Changan now exporting EVs from Thailand to Europe Changan Automobile is now shipping vehicles from Rayong, Thailand to Europe, starting with 2,000 Deepal S07 and Deepal S05 units that are en route to the UK. Marcus Williams
Watch on demand - ASEAN: Unlocking potential to drive supply chain performance and operational excellence While South-East Asia offers significant automotive growth potential, realising it requires addressing infrastructure constraints, resolving persistent logistics bottlenecks, and optimising regional supply chain flows. Join Automotive Logistics’ livestream to explore the opportunities and solutions shaping the region’s future.
Hyundai shipping Staria CKDs for assembly in Malaysia Hyundai has begun localised production of its Staria MPV at the joint venture Kulim plant it operates with contract manufacturer Inokom in Malaysia. Marcus Williams
BMW's "unleash ASEAN" strategy positions the region as its fourth key market Growth in the ASEAN region is a key target for BMW, overcoming regulatory hurdles and working with partners to offer customers its full product portfolio. James McLoughlin
Watch: VW's Dr Susanne Lehmann on the group's strategy for growth in South-East Asia VW's Dr Susanne Lehmann discusses the group's goals in South-East Asia and how it is working with suppliers, logistics firms and governments to achieve them. Automotive Logistics
Watch: VinFast's Praveen Durairajan Prakash on global expansion and supplier collaboration VinFast's Praveen Durairajan Prakash discusses VinFast's global expansion, its biggest pain points as it grows and its cost-competitive sourcing strategy. Automotive Logistics
Geely improves service parts deliveries with SF Philippines Chinese carmaker Geely has reported stronger service parts deliveries in the Philippines thanks to its logistics partner SF Philippines, which has helped the carmaker streamline deliveries and improve dealer support. Marcus Williams
Stellantis retools Asia Pacific supply chain for localisation and growth At ALSC ASEAN in Singapore, Stellantis’ COO for India and APAC, Ashwani Muppasani, outlined how it's redesigning its regional logistics and sourcing networks. Anushka Dixit
Hyundai teams up with national authority to improve Malaysian localisation Hyundai Motor Malaysia and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) have collaborated on a high-impact supplier development and partnership programme, a five-day scheme to strengthen localisation in the country. Megan Kelly
Watch: ALSC ASEAN 2025 Wrap up Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics & Ultima Media provided a summary of the key themes discussed at ALSC ASEAN. Automotive Logistics
Experts to discuss building resilient, digital and competitive supply chains at ALSC ASEAN At ALSC ASEAN, automotive logistics experts will discuss how firms can build resilience and embrace digitalisation to stay competitive in south-east Asia. James McLoughlin
Sponsored A positive charge for the ASEAN supply chain Southeast Asia is emerging as a dynamic automotive region, with a strong EV manufacturing base. DP World is ready to support EV makers there with comprehensive logistics services, including for batteries, explains DP World Asia Pacific’s Glen Hilton. Automotive Logistics
Recent growth in Vietnam's manufacturing sector set to continue over the next decade Vietnam, one of the fastest developing automotive markets in south-east Asia, has a growing manufacturing base of foreign joint ventures and a homegrown EV industry. Marcus Williams
Antolin opens interior component plants in Indonesia and Thailand Antolin has inaugurated two new plants in south-east Asia for the regional supply of automotive interior components to carmakers, including modular headliners, door panels and cockpits. Marcus Williams
Tariff analysis deep dive: The most important changes for the auto industry How regional tariff updates and expanded tariffs on parts and components such as aluminium and steel derivatives are affecting OEMs, suppliers and LSPs. Megan Kelly
Proton launches eMAS 7 assembly from CKDs in Malaysia Malaysian vehicle maker Proton has launched its first electric vehicle assembly plant in Tanjong Malim. Marcus Williams
Volkswagen builds a bridge for ASEAN’s auto supply chain from Malaysia Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Dr Susanne Lehmann speaks to Automotive Logistics about guiding the company’s regional strategy, using Malaysia as a base to build an integrated, future-ready footprint across South-East Asia, linked through enhanced logistics. Emily Uwemedimo Christopher Ludwig
Regional tariffs, trade deals, and what they mean for automotive logistics and supply chains Automotive manufacturers and logistics providers face a shifting geopolitical and regulatory landscape as the US recalibrates trade relations with key vehicle- and parts-exporting nations. Megan Kelly
ASEAN light vehicle sales grow, strong export momentum The ASEAN light vehicle production market outlook is growing, with revisions up by roughly 22,000 units this year and strong export momentum. Megan Kelly
Mitsubishi keeps an eye on capacity in Vietnam Mitsubishi is navigating rising demand in Vietnam by balancing CKD assembly and regional imports, while investing in parts distribution and evaluating transport capacity amid high logistics costs. Marcus Williams
OEMs adapt to shifting growth and EV trends in ASEAN OEMs and logistics providers in ASEAN are navigating diverging market recoveries, rising EV adoption, and structural shifts in supply chain flows as Chinese OEMs expand, localisation accelerates, and new infrastructure demands emerge. Megan Kelly
Vehicle imports to Vietnam increase in first half of 2025 Vietnam’s automotive imports are on track to set a new record in 2025, with customs data showing a sharp rise in volumes and value as domestic production and global trade flows drive increased supply chain activity. Marcus Williams
Panjit International secures chip line in Philippines to meet auto demand Amid shifting trade dynamics and escalating EV semiconductor demand, the new partnership enhances Panjit's global supply strategy with added capacity and regional diversification. Marcus Williams
Nissan line integration in Thailand will be ready by September 2025 Restructuring of plant operations sees relocation of vehicle assembly and lines repurposed for logistics operations for domestic and regional markets. Marcus Williams
Malaysia removes anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese steel Malaysia removes anti-dumping tariffs on Vietnamese steel in a move that could strengthen automotive supply chains within the ASEAN bloc. Megan Kelly
AD Ports looks at automotive logistics strategy with Ningbo Zhoushan The partnership will expand ro-ro terminal capacity, support multimodal transport via the TransCaspian route and enhance visibility through digital platforms. Marcus Williams
Skoda begins Kushaq sales in Vietnam using CKD imports The CKD kits will be shipped from the automaker's Indian plant, with some parts coming from Europe. Marcus Williams
U Power and Beijing Foton Motors sign battery swapping partnership for heavy EVs Battery swapping compatibility will be introduced across Foton’s commercial vehicles in selected regions, with vehicles joining U Power’s battery bank ecosystem. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
First NEV-focused reduction drive produced by ZF for Chinese market The electric reducer has been wholly designed and manufactured locally, and is tailored for the domestic market. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
US-Vietnam trade deal: Impact on automotive sector A new 20% tariff agreement reshapes US-Vietnam automotive trade, with implications for China and ASEAN strategies. Megan Kelly
CATL begins work on new battery plant in Indonesia The $1.2 billion plant is part of a wider $6 billion EV-focused battery supply chain project announced by the Chinese tier-1 supplier in 2022. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
US threatens tariffs on Japan, OEMs face billions in losses US tariffs could cost Japanese carmakers billions, with a looming deadline for negotiations. Megan Kelly
Continental to make its own chips with GlobalFoundries The tier one supplier has established a business unit called Advanced Electronics and Semiconductor Solutions and will be making the components in Europe and Asia. Marcus Williams
Malaysian OEM Proton partners with several Chinese tier-1 suppliers to strengthen domestic supply chain The partnerships will see the Chinese manufacturers produce components for upcoming Proton vehicles across Malaysian manufacturing sites. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN to debut in Singapore with senior OEMs, suppliers and tech leaders shaping regional strategy ALSC ASEAN debuts in Singapore on 28 Oct, uniting OEMs and suppliers to shape the region’s supply chain and EV strategy. Automotive Logistics
Thailand’s automotive supply chain challenges and opportunities for competitiveness in ASEAN Weak demand, US tariffs and slowing EV growth are challenging Thailand’s auto sector, but new incentives may revive competitiveness. Megan Kelly
Audi announces production of its second-generation Q7 SUV has begun at the DRB-Hicom manufacturing plant in Malaysia In a move to strengthen regional supply chain resilience, Audi has begun local production of its Q7 SUV at Malaysia’s DRB-Hicom facility, the brand’s first fully localised assembly project in South-East Asia. The current output for the Pekan plant is at three vehicles per day, but with the expectation of this rising to 5,000 units per annum. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
March 26 set the wheels in motion, here’s what’s coming before tariff D-Day on April 2 New US tariffs are set to begin April 2, starting with a 25% duty on imported vehicles. Analysts warn the staggered rollout could cripple production, spike prices and send supply chains into long-term disarray – especially for OEMs navigating EV shifts and global competition. Emily Uwemedimo Daniel Harrison
VinFast’s logistics reinvention strategy powers its European expansion With a commitment to 24-hour parts delivery and optimised ro-ro shipping, VinFast is enhancing its logistics profile across Europe and ASEAN to meet evolving customer needs. Emily Uwemedimo
Mazda invests $148m in Thailand to expand EV exports across ASEAN and Japan Mazda plans to strengthen Auto Alliance Thailand, its joint venture manufacturing base with Ford in Thailand, with an investment of 5 billion Thai baht ($148m), aiming to develop its facilities and become a regional manufacturing hub. Megan Kelly
Automotive market faces slower growth and capacity challenges amid electrification shift, S&P Global’s Mike Wall reveals The automotive industry outlook is rapidly evolving and OEMs, tier suppliers and logistic providers alike are all having to swiftly adapt to rapidly changing regional market dynamics. Mike Wall, executive director, automotive analysis, S&P Global Mobility provides his expert insight at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference. Daniel Harrison
TVS SCS distributes parts for Daimler Truck from Singapore PDC [UPDATED July 22] Daimler Truck’s division in south-east Asia has signed a five-year contract with TVS Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) to manage its logistics centre in Singapore. The logistics provider is tasked with streamlining the throughput of service parts to Daimler Truck’s distributor network of dealers and workshops across 16 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Marcus Williams
Automotive Logistics marks International Women’s Day To commemorate International Women’s Day, Automotive Logistics is sharing a collection of recent features and interviews with prominent women in the automotive logistics sector. Automotive Logistics
Susanne Lehmann brings global supply chain experience to VW Group Malaysia Logistics veteran Dr Susanne Lehmann is now managing director for Volkswagen Group in Malaysia, leading the group’s supply chain, production and sales in the country as the OEM seeks to increase volume there and in wider south-east Asia. Christopher Ludwig
GMC set to expand to China, Australia and New Zealand GMC is expanding its global footprint into three new international markets by launching its SUV Yukon full-size model in China, Australia and New Zealand. Megan Kelly
Škoda begins exports from Europe to Vietnam Škoda has begun exporting its Kodiaq and Karoq models from the Czech Republic to Vietnam and has opened its first dealership in Hanoi. Megan Kelly
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
Lithium-ion battery gigafactory database Track electric vehicle lithium battery gigafactories by manufacturer, location, manufacturer, current and planned gigawatt (GWh) capacity. Automotive from Ultima Media
Canadian National Railway appoints Tracy Robinson as new CEO Canadian National Railway (CN) has named Tracy Robinson as its new chief executive officer and a member of its board of directors from February 28th. Jason Dunn
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
Asean region now benefiting from Acts online customs trade tool This week sees the launch of a new online customs transit management system in the 10-member Association of Southeast Nations (Asean), designed to accelerate trade in goods by road. The system has been developed with the support of the European Commission. Marcus Williams
Volvo opens central distribution centre in Thailand Volvo Cars has opened a $32.7m vehicle and parts distribution centre in Thailand containing a vehicle inspection centre, spare parts warehouse, performance testing facility and training centre. Marcus Williams
Hyundai to build R&D centre and factory in Singapore In a virtual groundbreaking ceremony, Hyundai has announced it is building the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS) which will serve as a new R&D centre and small-scale production facility with an output of up to 30,000 vehicles per year and help to forge a new supply chain in the city state. Illya Verpraet
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: 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.
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.
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.
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. Christopher Ludwig
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. Christopher Ludwig
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. Christopher Ludwig
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. Christopher Ludwig
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 Automotive from Ultima Media
Editor's note: Medicine for the convalescents in finished vehicle logistics Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
Developing with China's export demand China’s increasing export volume, particularly to low-cost markets, has resulted in a challenging, fragmented logistics sector. Anthony Coia reports. Anthony Coia
