Supplier index: Toyota on top, Stellantis sinks lower Toyota, Honda and GM improve supplier relations as Ford and Stellantis fall further in North America’s OEM rankings. Megan Kelly
Expert perspectives on nearshoring: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on supply chain strategy Updated July 2 2025 – The strategy of nearshoring is reshaping supply chains, bringing immense opportunities and challenges to the forefront. We sat down on the Red Sofa with experts leading the trend across the automotive supply chain. Megan Kelly
What day one under the Trump administration signals for the North American automotive supply chain Donald Trump, who was sworn in as president of the US yesterday, said that his administration is planning to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada from 1 February, threatening the North American automotive supply chain. Megan Kelly
Flooding caused by climate change is set to be the biggest threat to the automotive supply chain in 2025 Climate change, and particularly flooding, will be the biggest threat to the supply chain in 2025, according to analysis by Everstream Analytics. Megan Kelly
How diversity of thought turns challenges into competitive gains As the automotive industry navigates nearshoring shifts and the rise of electric vehicles, diversity emerges as a strategic advantage. By fostering inclusivity, cross-cultural collaboration and equitable talent pipelines, leaders like Harry Kwakye Davies highlight how diverse perspectives transform challenges into opportunities. Emily Uwemedimo
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
JLR becomes fourth carmaker to join UECC’s Sail for Change sustainable fuel switch programme [Updated January 9] JLR is helping advance its own emissions reduction goals by taking part in the Sail for Change fuel switch initiative for the maritime delivery of finished vehicles, which offers the option to switch to biofuel for short-sea shipments. Marcus Williams
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
Continental to make Automotive a separate European company and sell OESL business Continental is spinning off its Automotive business unit and selling the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business of ContiTech as it looks for greater flexibility in responding to automotive market trends 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
Top automotive logistics Red Sofa insights of 2024: Sustainability, digitalisation, nearshoring and robotics strategies from leading OEMs As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of our best Red Sofa interviews from this year, where we spoke to experts across the globe about automotive logistics and strategies for success in the supply chain. Megan Kelly
Audi and FAW start production of Q6L e-tron in Changchun supported by sustainable automated logistics and production Audi FAW NEV will manufacture mid-sized and full-sized PPE vehicles at the new factory, which has annual capacity for 150,000 vehicles and the batteries to power them Marcus Williams
GM’s strategy to tackle EV logistics challenges: Digitalisation, nearshoring, and improving supplier relations Strengthening supplier relationships, nearshoring strategies and digitalisation are enabling GM to enhance supply chain resilience across North America. From securing critical EV components to optimising cross-border logistics, the carmaker is fostering innovation and operational efficiency amid growing challenges. Megan Kelly
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.
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. Megan Kelly
Red Sofa interview | Harry Davies on building resilient supply chains through DEI Join us on the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies Europe as Harry Davies, a senior procurement, logistics and supply chain expert with over a decade of experience, shares his expertise on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the automotive sector.
Red Sofa interview | BMW’s Carolin Richter on the OEM’s humanoid robots redefining automotive logistics At ALSC Digital Strategies Europe in Munich, BMW’s Carolin Richter, head of next generation robotics, spoke about humanoid and multi-purpose robots capable of automating intricate logistics tasks that were previously deemed impossible.
Red Sofa interview | GM’s Monica Garcia on EV expansion and long-term collaboration Monica Garcia, GM’s director of global purchasing and supply chain in Mexico, shares insights into the company’s EV strategy, resilient supply chains, and long-term supplier partnerships at ALSC Mexico 2024.
Recap blog: Insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies Europe 2024 Leaders from BMW, VW, Audi, and more gathered at ALSC Digital Strategies Europe 2024 in Munich, where experts discussed digital solutions for sustainable, resilient and co-creative supply chains. Follow our recap blog below for all the insights, including news, features and Red Sofa video interviews. Emily Uwemedimo Megan Kelly Anushka Dixit 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
Audi supply chain leaders talk global supply chain and manufacturing alignment, and the need for logistics power At this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference supply chain leaders from Audi talked about the reciprocal benefits of a global strategy with a local approach. Marcus Williams
Toyota México’s senior director of external affairs and trade compliance, Lizette Gracida says, “Mexico’s nearshoring is a historic opportunity with strategic challenges” Toyota’s $1.4 billion investment is helping pave the way for Mexico to become a leader in nearshoring and sustainable logistics. In a Red Sofa interview at the 2024 Automotive Logistics Supply Chain Mexico conference, Lizette Gracida, senior director of external affairs and trade compliance at Toyota’s Mexico division, discusses how strategic policies can support this transformation.
Failure to find viable rescue plan means Audi’s troubled plant in Brussels will close in February 2025 Audi’s troubled Brussels plant which makes the Q8 e-tron will close in February next year after the carmaker’s failure to find a substitute investor. Marcus Williams
An end-to-end logistics mission at DP World Bill Garrett, head of the automotive vertical at DP World, talks to Automotive Logistics about the company’s transition to become a global provider of end-to-end logistics services for the automotive industry at a time of disruption and opportunity Marcus Williams
