Inside BMW’s smart logistics strategy at Debrecen and Munich plants BMW is redefining automotive logistics with direct delivery systems, real-time tracking, digital twins and autonomous transport across its Debrecen and Munich plants. Nick Holt
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
Nearshoring and negotiations: Trends in Mexico's automotive supply chains US tariffs have forced firms to reimagine their supply chains in Mexico, with nearshoring and freight consolidation key trends ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. James McLoughlin
Watch: VW's Anu Goel on strategies for dealing with uncertainty and the impact of tariffs on parts and service Anu Goel, executive vice president, group aftersales and service at VW, discusses how automotive supply chains have adapted to address uncertainty since the US' introduction of global tariffs. Automotive Logistics
Renault appoints Thierry Charvet to take over supply chain Renault Group has expanded the scope of Thierry Charvet’s role to include supply chain as well as his current responsibility as head of industry and quality, taking over the supply chain lead from Denis Le Vot. Megan Kelly
Overhaul acquires FreightVerify to increase visibility In-transit supply chain risk management firm Overhaul has acquired visibility platform FreightVerify to increase end-to-end control and tracking of shipments. Megan Kelly
Lean machine: Top 10 Red Sofas on lean logistics From multimodal innovation to AI-powered control towers, industry leaders share practical strategies for driving leaner, more resilient logistics operations – and reveal why efficiency is as much about mindset as it is about technology. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
From packaging regulation to innovation: How automotive logistics is rethinking packaging With new regulation around packaging set to transform every step of the supply chain, from inbound parts to aftermarket service flows, the automotive industry is paying closer attention to an often overlooked aspect of the supply chain, packaging. Megan Kelly
Sumitomo Drive Technologies opts for Swisslog’s automated storage technology A $9.4m investment in automated storage and retrieval will enable Sumitomo Drive Technologies USA to boost throughput, reduce handling times and avoid costly warehouse expansion. Marcus Williams
Scania signs three-year deal with Unipart to manage service parts centre in Kunshan, China Unipart is managing logistics operations at Scania’s new Chinese service parts distribution centre in Kunhan, China. Marcus Williams
Car and truck makers adapt transport planning to increase the use of EVs The rise of the electric passenger car has a longer history than most suppose but now carmakers are engaged with making inbound and outbound transport modes electric as well, which makes for a greener supply chain altogether. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
JLR boosts EV supply chain with 50 new expert roles The move supports its goal to electrify all brands by 2030 while upholding ethical standards and production stability. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Volvo Cars announces 3,000 redundancies as part of new lean plan As part of its recently launched cost and cash action plan, the OEM announces it will reduce its global office-based workforce by 15%, mostly based in Sweden. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
VW Group Logistics launches Venice port terminal to optimise exports, reduce emissions and improve resilience across vehicle logistics Volkswagen Group Logistics will expand its port network for finished vehicles of the Volkswagen Group with a terminal at Venice port in Italy, which will reduce lead times for many plants, increase rail transport, and shorten shipping times with Asia. Christopher Ludwig Megan Kelly
James Todd Kloeb, former head of material planning and logistics for the Americas at Ford, joins Lucid Motors as global vice president of MP&L James Todd Kloeb announced the news on social media, with it following a three-decade long stint at Ford. His role is expected to encompass global supply chain planning. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Toyota is considering moving production of the GR Corolla from Japan to the UK While the news is not yet official, sources say that Toyota will add an additional production line to its Burnaston plant to try and meet demand for the sports model. If the move goes ahead, production is expected to begin mid-2026. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
In the latest management change from Stellantis, current COO Antonio Filosa has been promoted to CEO The resignation of previous CEO Carlos Tavares kickstarted a wave of changes in Stellantis’ boardroom. The appointment of a new CEO could point to a return to stability, as Antonio Filosa brings decades of experience from across several Stellantis brands to the role. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
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. Marcus Williams
Panattoni completes work on Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Centre [Updated May 27] Mercedes-Benz is ready to open its International Consolidation Centre in Germany, which will bundle and preassemble parts for distribution to its global production locations. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
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. Megan Kelly
Kuehne+Nagel and Changan partner on EV battery and spare parts logistics for European aftermarket Kuehne+Nagel is set to deliver EV supply chain support for Changan in Europe, focusing on spare parts and end-of-life battery logistics. 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
International’s Tony Stinsa on the realities of EV truck logistics Tony Stinsa, director of inbound and finished vehicle logistics at International, shares the logistical challenges in transporting electric commercial trucks and the innovations needed to move zero-emission vehicles more sustainably. Automotive Logistics
Red Sofa interview | GM’s Amy Paulsen shares how lessons from EV start-ups are accelerating agility, innovation and infrastructure across GM’s FVL Amy Paulsen, director of finished vehicle logistics at GM, joins the Red Sofa at FVL North America to discuss how the company is modernising its logistics systems, digitalising its networks and strengthening EV infrastructure to support its growing electric vehicle portfolio. Drawing on her experience in EV start-ups, she highlights how GM is applying new thinking and technologies to build a more agile and resilient supply chain.
Reimagining Finished Vehicle Logistics: Highlights from FVL North America 2025 Watch all the highlights from #FVLNA 2025.
EV logistics, charging infrastructure and strategic decision-making take centre stage on the final day of FVL North America 2025 Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics, wraps up the final day of Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 with key insights into electric vehicle logistics, charging constraints, quality control and strategic resilience amid uncertainty.
Reimagining Finished Vehicle Logistics: Key Themes from Day 1 at FVL North America 2025 Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics, wraps up the first full day of sessions at Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025. From regional strategies to VIN-level visibility, he reflects on how the sector is reimagining itself in the face of continuous disruption, evolving partnerships and rising quality expectations.
BMW’s Debrecen plant accelerates EV production with just-in-sequence delivery and virtual assembly planning BMW’s Debrecen plant is using digitalisation and just-in-sequence delivery to speed towards series production of the iX3. Megan Kelly
Red Sofa interview | Audi and Helrom discuss scaling sustainable rail logistics at ALSC Europe In this Red Sofa interview, Audi and Helrom discuss the future of multimodal logistics and the power of collaboration in decarbonisation.
Hyundai Motor commits $21 billion to US vehicle manufacturing, supply chain and logistics Hyundai has announced an investment in US vehicle production, supply chain and logistics of $21 billion and in the same week has officially opened its metaplant in Georgia at which it now plans to make 500,000 electric vehicles a year. Marcus Williams
Renault embeds circular economy principles in packaging to cut emissions and logistics costs across its global supply chain Renault is actively embedding circular economy principles into its industrial packaging strategy, aiming to reduce waste, optimise logistics and extend the lifespan of packaging assets across its global operations. Megan Kelly
Red Sofa interview | Peter Hörndlein on how VW is building a more flexible, sustainable and future-ready vehicle logistics network Peter Hörndlein outlines VW’s flexible logistics strategy, from tackling disruption to investing in sustainable transport solutions.
JLR and Plug and Play launch Innovation Challenge to find a future-focused supply chain mapping technology JLR and its innovation partner Plug and Play have launched a second Innovation Challenge aimed at innovators who can develop ways of enhancing the accuracy of traceability, risk mapping and visibility across the full length of the supply chain. Marcus Williams
CMA CGM to invest $20 billion in US shipbuilding, port infrastructure and automotive platforms CMA CGM plans to invest $20m in shipbuilding, ports, warehousing and automotive platforms over the next four years. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
Breaking new ground: How Helrom’s Block Train is transforming Audi’s supply chain network PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Helrom.Helrom is redefining supply chain logistics with an innovative intermodal system that slashes emissions and improves efficiency. Automotive Logistics
Audi’s supply chain organisation: Logistics and the 360factory strategy Under Dieter Braun, Audi’s Supply Chain function is highly integrated with objectives closely aligned to the carmaker’s 360factory strategy, including for sustainability, cost control and flexibility. Christopher Ludwig
BMW Dingolfing improves packaging efficiency with AI-powered container management The OEM’s German plant has partnered with Landshut University of Applied Sciences to develop an AI tool that makes container management more efficient. Megan Kelly
Grimaldi is introducing additional liner services and investing in terminal operations around Europe Grimaldi is strengthening services for finished vehicle trade in Europe while at the same time building services for EV imports to there from China. Marcus Williams
Dieter Braun on how Audi is turning supply chain motion into progress In the first part of a special interview series, read how Audi is confronting challenges in the automotive market with an emphasis on a holistic supply chain function that makes a positive contribution to the carmaker’s production and products. Head of supply chain Dieter Braun reveals how logistics can add value across the order-to-delivery process. Christopher Ludwig
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
How smarter packaging design is becoming a competitive advantage in autonomous automotive logistics Packaging has historically been a siloed aspect of the automotive supply chain that hasn’t evolved in pace with the rest of the industry, but evolution from the status quo could be forced to take place, as existing packaging is not compatible with logistics automation. Automotive Logistics explores why the industry needs to start viewing packaging as a strategic function, and how it could give OEMs a competitive advantage through increasing efficiency and sustainability. Megan Kelly
Flexis optimises electric van production with shared platform and localised supply chain in Europe Flexis, a joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM, has unveiled its new range of electric light commercial vehicles; three models all sharing a skateboard platform. Scheduled to begin production this year, the company is making use of its logistics expertise through a dedicated localisation strategy in Europe. Automotive Logistics reports from the Flexis headquarters in Paris. Megan Kelly
Why regionalisation, digital innovation and sustainability are the key to BMW San Luis Potosí’s resilient supply chain BMW’s San Luis Potosí embodies a forward-looking approach to supply chain resilience, leveraging regional suppliers, smart supply chains and sustainability. Automotive Logistics explores how the plant tackles logistical challenges to set industry benchmarks. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BYD and other Chinese OEMs accelerate vertical integration with dedicated ro-ro fleets for global vehicle exports Chinese OEM BYD has added a new vessel to its fleet, with the BYD Shenzhen ro-ro car carrier having undocked earlier this month. Megan Kelly
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. Daniel Harrison
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
Trade disputes accelerate nearshoring trend with implications for logistics providers The automotive supply chain is facing many hurdles this year, as set out in our key automotive logistics trends for 2025. Here, we look at the accelerating trend of nearshoring in the first part of our series. Daniel Harrison
Automotive logistics and supply chains in 2025: Challenges, cost pressures & nearshoring As the automotive industry enters 2025, three primary trends are reshaping the landscape for logistics providers. These trends highlight the challenges and opportunities resulting from industry restructuring, cost pressures, and evolving trade dynamics. Before we dive into each, here’s an executive summary. Daniel Harrison
Associated British Ports to develop Stallingborough finished vehicle facility in Humber region of UK Associated British Ports is developing a vehicle storage and distribution facility near the Humber ports of Grimsby and Immingham in the UK. Marcus Williams
Join BMW, Tesla, JLR, and more at ALSC Europe 2025 in Bonn for key automotive logistics insights Europe’s premier automotive logistics and supply chain conference returns to Bonn this 18-20 March. Automotive Logistics
Hyundai offers customers option to browse and buy on Amazon Autos website [Updated January 16] Hyundai has become the first carmaker to start using Amazon Autos’ online service to sell its vehicles to customers in the US. Marcus Williams
Red Sofa Interview | Sid Philar, Lucid Motors on forging win-win partnerships Lucid Motors’ Sid Philar takes to the Red Sofa to discuss how to build and promote trust in the automotive logistics and supply chain, through effective partnerships, investments and leadership
Red Sofa Interview: How California State is investing in finished vehicle logistics Christine Casey, deputy secretary for Freight Policy, California State Transportation Agency takes to the Red Sofa to tell Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about the investments into California’s FVL sector.
Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s progress in US-Mexico network strategy Raúl Gamboa, head of Logistics, Production Control and Production Systems at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí speaks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about the progress and challenges facing the carmaker in the finished vehicle sector.
Red Sofa interview: Nissan’s Steve Jernigan on network improvements in Mexico At this week’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 conference in California, Steve Jernigan, senior director of supply chain management for Nissan North America, took to the Red Sofa to tell Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about improvements to domestic haulaway performance in Mexico, which includes better equipment utilisation and availability.
Red Sofa Interview: VW’s Oliver Bronder on turning disruptions into strategic advantages With a focus on reliability, transparency, and the strategic importance of logistics, Bronder delves into how Volkswagen is navigating the complexities of the automotive supply chain to emerge stronger and more resilient.
Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s Dr Michael Nikolaides on cross-functional decisions in the supply chain BMW has learned how to better steer its network through volatile times through combining business divisions to make cross-functional programming decisions in its supply chain.
Red Sofa Interview: Why Toyota Motor Europe isn’t looking for flexibility Jean Christophe Deville, vice-president of supply chain at Toyota Motor Europe said he isn’t looking for flexibility in his logistics partners, and is instead looking for forecasting capabilities.
Red Sofa Interview: Jean-Marc Carlicchi on Renault’s next step in digitalisation At ALSC Europe in Bonn, Germany last week, Jean-Marc Carlicchi, VP of Supply Chain Engineering at Renault Group took to the Red Sofa with Christopher Ludwig, Chief of Content, to talk about the OEM’s digitalisation journey.
Red Sofa Interview: Empowering excellence for women in the supply chain Watch Sabine Isenbort, manager of inbound logistics operations at Ford Europe, Isa Kalinska, lead of logistics and distribution at JLR, and Sonia Santors, vice-president of worldwide manufacturing at Bosch on the Red Sofa at ALSC Europe 2024 in Bonn.
Red Sofa Interview: Navistar to use VW Group and Traton cross-docking in North America and Mexico Haley Wilson, logistics director at Navistar, is working with Volkswagen Group in North America and the wider Traton Group to enhance best practices, share processes and consolidation such as cross-docking, which will improve logistics while Navistar ramps up its EV production.
Red Sofa Interview: VW Truck & Bus Mexico’s plans to increase localisation Halley Vieira, plant manager in Production and Logistics, VW Truck & Bus Mexico discusses the decision to localise in Mexico rather than import parts from Brazil, and how synergies with VW Group and Traton Group are playing an increasingly important role in the plant’s logistics.
Red Sofa Interview: VW Chattanooga is sharing EV logistics learnings with the VW Group Watch Paulo Monteiro, head of Logistics, VW Group of America Chattanooga Operations discuss how the Chattanooga plant is leading the way in terms of EV logistics, and why it is sharing its findings with the wider Volkswagen Group and its resurrected Scout brand.
Red Sofa Interview: How Volkswagen is readying for electrification in México Peter Koltai, senior director of logistics at Volkswagen de México discusses how the division is getting ready for electrification across the country and how to find synergies between the plants and the wider VW Group.
Red Sofa Interview: VW logistics using rail and digital twins to boost sustainable operations in US and Mexico Christoph Hartmann, head of Transport Networks, VW Group Logistics is using digital twins to help improve inbound logistics, and is adapting lessons learned in Europe to boost digitalisation and sustainability.
Red Sofa Interview: VW’s global logistics experts on synergy in the supply chain Watch Volkswagen Group’s top global logistics experts weigh in on why synergy and collaboration between business units is critical to improving operations, sustainability and advancements within the supply chain.
Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s creativity is helping solve its supply chain problems in Mexico Raúl Gamboa, director of material and transport control, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi talks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about BMW’s creative innovations to mitigate supply chain problems in Mexico.
Red Sofa Interview: Audi Mexico’s agile supply chain strategies Francisco Bravo discusses Audi Mexico’s journey towards supply chain excellence, addressing challenges, embracing technology and aligning with the brand’s vision for a sustainable future.
Red Sofa Interview: Unveiling Nissan’s approach to talent and tech in Mexico Chris Styles, vice-president of supply chain management at Nissan North America, discusses talent needs and technological evolution with Automotive Logistics’ editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference. Styles emphasises messaging for the younger workforce, digitalisation and automation in supply chain operations, and Nissan’s priorities for advancing Mexican infrastructure alongside teh country’s established OEM ecosystem
Red Sofa Interview: Collaborating with Mexican authorities to ease logistics constraints Lizette Gracida, senior director of external affairs and trade compliance at Toyota Motor de Mexico joins the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico to share how collaboration can ease bottlenecks and improve logistics within the country.
Red Sofa Interview: How Bocar is championing Mexican localisation Leonardo Martins, global logistics director at Bocar Group, joins the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico to share how Bocar is championing localisation in Mexico.
Red Sofa Interview: Bosch’s Ekaterina Serban on Supply chain cybersecurity risks and opportunities In this interview, Ekaterina Serban talks about the biggest risks and challenges posed by today’s security environment. With high levels of interconnectivity in products, and compliance and security issues surrounding legacy systems, supply chain cyber concerns are a major challenge for automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
Red Sofa Interview: Seat’s Alexandre Lerma on control tower creation for automated, robust and flexible supply chains From automation-driven advancements to the reformation of operational frameworks, Lerma envisions a future shaped by cross-functional teams impacting both pre-production and commercial activities. Yet, the primary challenge lies in rallying more suppliers to collaborate within this innovative framework.In Lerma’s vision, collaboration, fueled by data alignment and pioneering functionalities, will be the cornerstone of Seat SA’s quest for a robust, adaptable, and interconnected automotive ecosystem.
Red Sofa Interview: Diversity in automotive logistics: taking charge at Bosch Jessica Hanson, VP of logistics North America at Bosch, join the Red Sofa to share her personal story and advice for how women, minorities and other diverse groups can develop in automotive logistics and supply chain.
