Tag: stellantis

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

Stellantis is now distributing service parts across the UK and Ireland from a newly built facility in Ellesmere Port which promises more efficient and sustainble aftermarket logistics.

Day two of ALSC Digital Strategies North America saw AI, data visibility, and compliance as key talking points

As our guests gathered to round off the conference with peers last night at our evening drinks reception on the Carlton Terrace, our Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig managed to take a few moments away from the bustle to catch you all up on the discussions from the day as ALSC Digital Strategies North America drew to a close for another year.

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025 - Day one wrap up

As our guests gathered to continue the conversations and catch up with peers last night at our evening drinks reception, hosted by Cognosos, Inc., our Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig managed to take a few moments away from the bustle to catch you all up on the discussions being had and what to expect from day two.

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

Automotive parts maker Marelli, which is owned by private equity firm KKR, has filed for bankruptcy while negotiating with lenders about debt proceedings, but expects no disruption to services.

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.

Stellantis to open Metro Detroit Megahub for Mopar parts distribution in Michigan in 2027

Stelllantis is opening a Mopar service parts megahub in Van Buren Township in 2027 that will use the Autostore automated storage and retrieval system.

Toyota tops supplier relations index as Ford and Stellantis continue to decline amid rising cost and trust challenges

Plante Moran experts in supplier relations speak to Automotive Logistics about this year’s North American Automotive OEM Supplier Working Relations Index study, and why Toyota keep rising while Ford keeps falling.

CATL to raise $4bn in Hong Kong listing to fund Debrecen EV battery gigafactory in Europe

Chinese EV battery maker CATL has said it is set to raise at least $4bn in its secondary listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange, to fund its giigafactory in Debrecen, Hungary.

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.

Stellantis opens $64m Mopar Parts Distribution Center in New York to boost service, automation and supply localisation

Stellantis’s new $64m Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in East Fishkill, New York helps localise its supply chain within the US.

US provides auto industry tariff relief offsets and new limits on stacking duties

US president Donald Trump has offered relief to carmakers in the form of tariff rebates while clearing up some uncertainty on tariff stacking.

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.

How Trump’s changing tariffs are disrupting automotive supply chains across China, Mexico, Canada and the EU

Following a week of negotiations and trade wars, Automotive Logistics looks at what has changed for the automotive supply chain globally, and what effects are already being seen in regional supply networks.

European Union imposes retaliatory tariffs on $20bn of US goods in response to Trump’s steel and aluminium duties

The European Commission’s proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the US steel and aluminium tariffs has been approved by European Union member states, following a meeting with automotive industry representatives including BMW, VW Group and Stellantis.

Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 Golf day

Stellantis is pausing production at plants in Canada and Mexico and laying off 900 staff in the US

As US tariffs on vehicle imports kicked in this week, Stellantis announced it is temporarily shutting plants in Canada and Mexico, with knock-on, short-term layoffs for staff at stamping, transmission and casting plants in the US.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” automotive import tariffs disrupt global production, logistics and investment strategies

US president Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on automotive imports on Wednesday, imposing 25% tariffs on vehicle imports immediately, and 25% tariffs on parts imports from next month.

Spain’s Vigo port records increase in vehicle throughput including trade out of Morocco

Spain’s port of Vigo has maintained a top position in the ranking of European vehicle-handling ports in 2024, helped by an increase in trade with Morocco. It is also installing an onshore power supply from renewable sources for berthed vessels.

Stellantis CFO Doug Ostermann tells Wolfe Research summit about supply chain push to deal with tariff uncertainty

This week Stellantis’ chief financial officer, Doug Ostermann, outlined the efforts the carmaker was making to mitigate the impact of trade uncertainty in North America and its commitment to manufacturing in the US.

How nearshoring and battery localisation are reshaping Europe’s EV supply chain amid shifting demand, Chinese competition, and policy shifts

With battery investments in flux, Europe’s OEMs push for local supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and Chinese EV competition.

ALSC Europe 2025 - Highlights video

ALSC Europe 2025: Conference Day 2 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics closes out the final day of the ALSC Europe 2025 conference in Bonn…

ALSC Europe 2025: Conference Day 1 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer at Automotive Logistics, takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe exclusive Networking Dinner after a full day packed with cutting-edge insights, insightful discussions, and networking…

ALSC Europe 2025: Welcome Cocktail Reception

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer at Automotive Logistics and Ultima Media, takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe exclusive Welcome Coctkail Reception and discusses key agenda topics fo this year’s event…

The “great divergence” reshapes vehicle production and logistics in Europe amid market forces, Chinese OEMs and tariff shifts

The European automotive market is at an inflection point. Lower vehicle volumes post-pandemic, a shift from net exports to net imports and the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers are fundamentally changing the region’s logistics dynamics. Meanwhile, tariffs and localisation efforts are altering trade flows. As automakers and logistics providers adapt, the success of their strategies will determine who thrives in this new era of European automotive supply chains.

Trump’s tariff pose on imports from Canada and Mexico tests resiliency of supply chain planners

Even with a month’s grace period, the threat of US tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico made by Donald Trump over the weekend is creating supply chain uncertainty across the North American automotive industry. Carmakers are calling for attention to USMCA rules and warning of the impact on jobs, investment and consumers.

Automotive OEMs are slashing costs amid margin squeeze and market shifts in 2025

The automotive supply chain is in constant flux, and this year it’s facing many growing challenges. Following on from our reporting of key automotive logistics trends for 2025, we are diving deeper into the cost pressures OEMs are facing, and how they are cost-cutting across their operations and supply chain to reduce the financial pressure.

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.

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.

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.

Stellantis’ Xavier Duchemin moves from VP of global supply chain to head of France

Xavier Duchemin will become Stellantis’ managing director in France, succeeding Christophe Musy, who has held the role since March last year.

Stellantis invests in €4.1 billion Spanish gigafactory with CATL to boost localised battery supply chain and reduce cost

Stellantis has partnered with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL to invest up to €4.1 billion ($4.3 bn) for a large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Spain.

Carlos Tavares resigns at time of critical decision-making for the carmaker

The departure of Carlos Tavares as CEO of Stellantis has left the carmaker looking for new leader at a critical time.

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.

The UK government is set to review its ZEV mandate, while Stellantis looks to close its plant in Vauxhall

The UK government is fast-tracking a consultation on ending the sales of new ICE vehicles by 2030, due to the UK automotive industry’s grievances about the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

Day 1 highlights: Logistics leaders tackle Mexico’s supply chain challenges at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico 2024

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico exclusive gala dinner after a full day packed with cutting-edge insights, insightful discussions, and networking…

Xavier Duchemin replaces Yves Caracatzanis as vice-president of global supply chain at Stellantis

In the latest executive change at carmaker Stellantis, Xavier Duchemin has replaced Yves Caracatzanis as vice-president of global supply chain.

Stellantis and B-Parts distribute Sustainera reconditioned service parts in North America

Stellantis has expanded its remanufactured service parts range in North America, now offering 1m reconditioned parts across 35 product lines. This expansion, launched six months ago in partnership with B-Parts, aims to provide faster shipping, a six-month warranty, and lower-cost alternatives to new parts.

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.

Leaps and bounds across the strait: How Morocco has become the new hub driving exports to Europe

Morocco leads North Africa as a vehicle manufacturing base for exports to Europe, based on the sort of long-term commitments and investment that its neighbours need to embrace if they are to compete.

Stellantis and LG Energy Solution begin battery production in Canada

Stellantis’ battery-making joint venture with LG Energy Solution – NextStar Energy – has started battery module production at its new Windsor facility in Ontario, Canada.

Stellantis moves supply chain and logistics from purchasing to manufacturing in leadership reshuffle

The carmaker has announced executive changes that include the supply chain and logistics organisation separating from purchasing and reporting to manufacturing chief officer Arnaud Deboeuf. The move, which follows more recent alignment between logistics and manufacturing, aims to break down silos, increase shared technology and flexibility across operations.

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.

ALSC Global 2024: Conference Day 1 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer, Automotive Logistics takes us on a river cruise in Detroit after day one of the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2024 conference…

Mercedes Figueroa on how Stellantis is using AI to enable flexible logistics

Our Chief Content Offiser spoke with Mercedes Figueroa, Head of Transportation Operations for Stellantis North America about how the company is building flexibility, resilience, and efficiency into its logistics operations through cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration with partners.

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!

AI, logistics automation will play central role in reducing Stellantis manufacturing costs

At its Factory Booster Day, chief manufacturing officer Arnaud Deboeuf and process engineering lead Jean-Christophe Marchal reveal AI projects with partners for digital twins and retrofitting equipment, including for plant logistics.

Parag Sharma heads supply chain and procurement at Stellantis IAP

Stellantis has appointed Parag Sharma as its head of global purchasing and supply chain for India and Asia Pacific (IAP). Parag moves from Daimler Truck in India, where he was most recently associate vice-president for purchasing and supply chain, and head of supply chain management.

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.

Stellantis joint venture with Leapmotor imports first batch of battery EVs from China to Europe

Following the establishment of the joint venture between Stellantis and Chinese EV maker Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology in May this year, Leapmotor International shipped its first volume of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China to Europe in July.

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.

Stellantis opens automated Mopar parts centre in eastern Canada

Stellantis has invested more than $18.2m in a parts distribution centre (PDC) in Brampton, Ontario to move Mopar brand service parts through to the greater Toronto area, Quebec and eastern Canada.

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.

Leapmotor International in the race for European EV sales

Stellantis has formed a joint venture with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) start-up Leapmotor that will bring EV models to European markets in the fourth quarter 2024, beginning with Leapmotor’s T03 and C10 models.

Sharing risk drives supplier relations for GM, Stellantis, Honda, Nissan

The key driver in improving supplier relations is sharing risk and cost in an equitable way, according to an annual study by Plante Moran.

Autoport’s efficiency drive on the east coast

US vehicle terminal operator Autoport, which processes vehicles through the port of Wilmington in Delaware, reports moving 115,000 vehicles through its facilities in CY2023.

Baltimore port on the rebound after bridge collapse

Trade at the US’ busiest vehicle handling port in Baltimore has been overshadowed since March 26 by the destruction of the Francis Scott Key bridge, which has disrupted the flow of vessel traffic in and out of the port.

Stellantis reduces inventory ahead of new product launches

Stellantis is reducing inventories and adjusting production ahead of the launch of new and mid-cycle product launches on the STLA platform this year.

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for the key highlights and knowledge shared at ALSC Europe 2024. Even though the event is over, the insight doesn’t stop, and we will continue to update this blog with the most valuable insights, data and quotes from automotive experts discussing how to deliver a competitive edge, through reducing complexity, increasing flexibility and maximising capacity. Jump to key highlights:Dr Michael Nikolaides, BMW on market volatilityMartina Graser, Ford Europe on securing ocean-based capacityIza Kalinska, JLR, Sabine Isenbort, Ford Europe and Sonia Santos, Bosch on the Red SofaLevent Yuksel, JLR Red Sofa Interview and article on ‘win win’ opportunities for collaborationJean-Marc Carlicchi, Renault Group on the ‘new never-normal’Jean Christophe Deville, Toyota Motor Europe Red Sofa Interview and article on advantageous partnershipsOliver Bronder, VW Group Logistics keynote panel

Revamping supply chains: Carmakers’ shift to local sourcing for EV efficiency

Carmakers in Europe, including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, are reshaping their logistics by localising supply chains. This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and reduce emissions, marking a significant step towards sustainable electric vehicle production.

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.

Stellantis signs vehicle supply agreement with Ayvens in Europe

Stellantis has signed a “multi-billion euro frame agreement” with leasing and fleet management company Ayvens, which could see the carmaker supplying 500,000 vehicles from across its brands to Ayvens fleet in Europe by 2026. Stellantis said the first significant delivery volume will begin in the first half of 2024 and continue through the year.

Stellantis plans to take more control of outbound logistics

Stellantis is looking to take more control of its outbound finished vehicle logistics through buying more freight assets.

Maxime Picat, Stellantis talks strategy and influencing supply chain and manufacturing design

The chief purchasing and supply chain officer, who leads all procurement functions including logistics, gives an exclusive interview on improving supplier relations, planning for the future of the battery supply chain, the growing influence of supply chain costs and localisation, and why Stellantis needs to ensure it has access to critical logistics capacity.

ACC raises €4.4 billion for three gigafactories in Europe

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), with its shareholders Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has raised €4.4 billion ($4.7 billion) in debt funding for the construction of three gigafactories in Europe.

GM wins big in 2023, Stellantis and Ford lose out

GM had the strongest sales in North America last year compared to other OEMs, having sold nearly 2.6m units in 2023, up 14% over 2022 according to market analyst Cox Automotive.

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.

Stellantis and CATL sign MoU for European LFP battery supply

Stellantis has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL for the local supply of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells and modules to power the carmaker’s European EV production.

Stellantis opens remanufacturing and recycling centre on 4R strategy

Stellantis has officially launched its first circular economy hub to remanufacture engines, gearboxes, and high-voltage EV batteries, as well as recondition and dismantle vehicles.

UAW workers ratify deals with GM, Ford and Stellantis

Members of the United Auto Workers union (UAW) have ratified the tentative deals with GM, Ford and Stellantis following weeks of strikes against the Detroit Big Three, but an expert warned the damage may already be done for some suppliers.

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.

Toyota pushes forward with Battery 3R circular economy strategy

Toyota is implementing a number of sustainable strategies aimed at the creation of a circular economy for its electric vehicles, including the reuse and recycling of lithium batteries under its Battery 3R initiative to reduce, rebuild/reuse and recycle.

Peel Ports and Suardíaz set up sustainable logistics for EV parts deliveries to Stellantis

Stellantis is benefitting from a sustainable logistics service opened this week that will see EV parts shipped from Spain via the port of Vigo and delivered to a new logistics hub at Merseyside docks in the UK. From there the parts will be moved to its nearby Ellesmere Port assembly plant.

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment publishes latest guidance on expendable packaging

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) has published new guidelines to help OEMs and their suppliers source sustainable packaging designs for use in expendable packaging.

Yanfeng cyberattack disrupts production at Stellantis

A cyberattack that hit automotive parts production at Yanfeng International Automotive Technology in the US last week had a knock-on effect at Stellantis, with the carmaker forced to halt assembly on certain lines. It has now been able to resume full production.

Stellantis to team up with Orano for battery recycling

Stellantis has signed an MoU with Orano to form a joint venture for the recycling of end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries and scrap from gigafactories. The reclaimed cobalt, nickel and lithium will further the carmaker’s circular economy goals and meet the European Union (EU) 2031 battery directive to use recycled materials in new batteries.

FVL capacity constraints likely to remain across North America

Expert panellists at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 explained current FVL capacity woes, mitigation strategies and why the issue will not be resolved any time soon. Daniel Harrison analyses how the FVL industry can work together to implement short-term solutions now, and begin planning for the future.

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: Day two wrap-up from the Henry Ford Museum

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics gives us the rundown of day two at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023, from the Ryder Gala Dinner at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: That’s a wrap!

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics sits on the Red Sofa for a final time as we wrap up Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Dearborn, Michigan.

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: Welcome drinks and what to expect

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics wraps up the welcoming night of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 at the Welcome Drinks Reception, sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel. He talks about highlights to expect over the course of the event, and what the hot topics will be.

Stellantis and Samsung SDI to build second gigafactory in Kokomo

Stellantis and Samsung SDI have announced that their joint venture StarPlus Energy will build its second US gigafactory in Kokomo, Indiana.

Red Sofa Interview: Keeping calm in supply chain chaos – leadership lessons at Stellantis

Anna Markett, senior vice-president of supply chain at Stellantis North America, joins the Red Sofa to discuss navigating the OEM’s complex North American supply chain, notably with empathy and a thirst for learning about all facets of operations across the organisation.

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global: Recap

Follow our recap blog below to get the most important insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Detroit.

UAW strikes latest news: Mary Barra says GM will offset $1.1 bn blow from UAW strikes

Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union started a strike against Detroit’s ‘big three’ automakers on September 15 after their contracts expired and no agreements were reached. Below are the latest updates.

UAW workers start strike against GM, Ford and Stellantis

Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union have started a strike against the ‘big three’ Detroit OEMs GM, Ford and Stellantis, after their contracts expired and no agreements were reached.

Volvo Cars makes Francesca Gamboni head of Supply Chain

Volvo Cars has appointed Francesca Gamboni as its head of Procurement and Supply Chain team, effective from October 16th.

ICL CEO steps down, firm acquired by Valsoft

FVL visibility platform ICL, Inc. has been acquired by Canadian software acquisition firm Valsoft.

Big three strikes ’could lead to automotive supplier redundancies’

Automotive suppliers in North America could face redundancies and possible collapse if a deal between unions and the ‘big three’ American OEMs is not reached, according to expert lawyers.

Stellantis and Samsung plan to build second US gigafactory

Stellantis and Samsung SDI have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a second battery gigafactory in the US through their StarPlus Energy joint venture.

Mercedes Figueroa returns to Stellantis to lead North America logistics

Mercedes Figueroa is now vice-president of transportation for North America at Stellantis, leading logistics functions for the carmaker across the region and for international parts and vehicle flows.

Stellantis France appoints head of ‘Car Flow’ logistics division

Stellantis France has appointed François Leclercq as head of its Car Flow division, overseeing logistics, procurement and planning.

UK automotive supply chain demands support in EV transition

The UK automotive industry is calling for an industrial strategy to aid its transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Christopher Mattingly to leave transport role at Stellantis

Stellantis has confirmed that Christopher Mattingly retired from his role as vice-president of transportation in North America. The carmaker said a replacement had not been named.

A strategy for capacity at Stellantis

Stellantis has taken a number of measures to help tackle the shortage of drivers and available capacity in North America, including dealer pick-ups from vehicle distribution centres and the use of digital technology. Nick Thompson, head of vehicle logistics – North America at Stellantis tells Automotive Logistics more.

Stellantis warns rules of origin threaten production and raise logistics costs

Stellantis said it will be at a “major competitive disadvantage” against Asian imports if it is unable to rely on sufficient electric vehicle (EV) battery production in the UK and Europe.

Suppliers demand OEM accountability on EV plans to support supply chain investment

Suppliers need “commitment and accountability” from OEMs across departments on EV strategy and purchasing, according to a major North America OEM-supplier relations index

That’s a wrap, but the conversation is just getting started for finished vehicle logistics

At the end of FVL North America 2023, Christopher Ludwig reflects on the top themes of the event, with one thing clear: things are changing faster in vehicle logistics than ever before.

The FVL party has started: capacity, ETA, standards and network changes

Halfway through this year’s conference on the sidelines of the evening reception, Christopher Ludwig sums up the highlights so far.

Stellantis: Opportunities everywhere in North America to invest in outbound capacity

Nick Thompson explains how Stellantis is looking for more vehicle logistics capacity across the region, especially for Mexico.

Shared standards for an electric future

The transformation the automotive industry is undergoing this decade to phase out the combustion engine and manufacture battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is having a significant impact on the way those vehicles are distributed the world over. As a result, carmakers need to transform the way they work with their outbound vehicle logistics providers.

US vehicle inventory highest in two years

US vehicle inventory increased in March to 1.89m, equal to a 56-day supply, according to research compiled by Cox Automotive and the Automotive News Research & Data Center.

US Senate investigates forced labour in auto supply chain

The US Senate Committee on Finance is looking into the use of Chinese forced labour in the automotive supply chain, and has sent letters to global carmakers and tier one suppliers to ascertain how they are sourcing materials and overseeing their supply chains.

No light at the end of the tunnel

The German rail network is in dire need of restoration but now that work is finally going ahead carmakers are facing a decade of disruption and delay to the movement of parts and finished vehicles

Stellantis plans to make cars in South Africa by 2025

Stellantis has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to build a plant in the country by 2025. Currently, the carmaker imports all the vehicles it sells there.

Tanger Med boosts vehicle throughput and cuts emissions

Tanger Med port in Morocco handled almost 478,600 finished vehicles in 2022, an 11% rise on the previous year. The majority of vehicles were exports from Renault Group and Stellantis.

Stellantis to benefit from short-sea delivery of parts into Ellesmere Port

Stellantis is setting up a new twice-weekly shipping service with Suardíaz from the port of Vigo in Spain to the Queen Elizabeth II Eastham docks in the UK.

Stellantis still looking for outbound transport capacity in France

Stellantis is facing outbound logistics problems from its plant in Sochaux, France because of a shortage in transport capacity. The situation has led to a build-up of vehicles at the plant, which makes the Peugeot 3008 and 5008.

Strategies for a sustainable US auto sector

The latest legislation on domestic EV production in the US will strengthen a more sustainable vehicle industry there, but it will also lead to a significant shift in the balance of imports and exports

Carmakers look to restructure European dealer network

Dealers will remain central to the way car manufacturers sell and distribute their vehicles though there may be fewer outlets. However, current difficulties in distribution mean the agency model, by which the OEM sells directly to the customer online for a fixed fee, is growing as an alternative to the normal way of doing business.

Six notes on a supply chain crisis: key takeaways from ALSC Global 2022

Summing up what was said at this year’s Detroit event: flexibility rules the waves of logistics, but supply chain managers want better visibility and data to make decisions, while investing in the right skills and labour.

A hire purpose for US automotive logistics

According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA) there was a record shortage of 80,000 freight drivers in the US last year, a deficit that could reach 160,000 by 2030. ATA has stated that the transport sector needs to recruit a million new drivers over the next decade.

Mitigating risk across global automotive supply chains

Reducing risk and disruption in global logistics is now the daily business of major OEMs like Stellantis and Agco, with a focus on improving control in the upstream supply chain.

Never waste a good crisis – opportunities to improve supply chain resiliency

Greater supply chain control and visibility, along with prioritising resiliency and communication are among the key lessons for GM’s head of supply chain, and top executives from DB Schenker and Syncreon.

Livestream: Covid’s capacity shortfall legacy

Automotive Logistics, in partnership with logistics provider RPM, recently published the findings of their second survey into the concerns of the global finished vehicle logistics sector. On the back of that, Nick Thompson, head of vehicle logistics for the North America region at carmaker Stellantis, and Bill Kerrigan, RPM’s chief business development officer, met to discuss the ongoing post-pandemic challenges to vehicle distribution and the closer working relationship carmakers now have with their logistics providers.

The benefits of a better pack mentality

As a members of the Supplier Partnership for the Environment association, carmaker GM and parts supplier Magna International have been helping to push forward a more sustainable and cost-effective use of packaging for parts shipments

Honda joins GM, Stellantis in US battery joint ventures with LG

Honda has become the latest OEM to partner with Korean battery giant LG to build lithium battery capacity for electric vehicle (EV) production the US, after announcing a joint investment of $4.4 billion and a new joint venture, expected to be finalised by the end of 2022.

Blueprints for the rebound at North America’s vehicle ports

Crisis management has become normalised for the automotive industry over two years of supply chain disruption but the North American vehicle-handling ports have withstood volatility and invested in a more sustainable recovery

Lithium-ion battery gigafactory database

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

Watch: Finished Vehicle Logistics survey results – what’s next for global outbound logistics?

In this Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain livestream, Stellantis’s head of vehicle logistics for North America, Nick Thompson, and RPM’s Bill Kerrigan discuss results, trends and actions from the second global Finished Vehicle Logistics global survey.

Suppliers Partnership releases updated guidance for automotive packaging

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) recently updated its guidance on sustainable packaging for automotive manufacturing operations.