Tag: supply chain focus

ALSC Mexico 2025: Welcome Drinks reception and insights shared on the future of nearshoring, trade and growth

Christopher Ludwig takes us behind the scenes at ALSC Mexico 2025 Welcome Drinks Reception…

Automotive Logistics

Automotive Logistics magazine – Winter 2025

Discover how automotive supply chains are evolving for resilience and agility in the Winter 2025 issue of Automotive Logistics magazine.

Automotive Logistics magazine – Autumn 2025

Discover how supply chains are building resilience in the Automotive Logistics Autumn 2025 issue, with insights on lean logistics, digitalisation and packaging.

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

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

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

John Godfrey at Pirelli Tire on incorporating next-gen digital management systems

Upgrades focusing on cost control, improved ROI and predictive capabilities are at the core of Pirelli Tire North America’s digitalisation strategy. John Godfrey takes to the Red Sofa to explan the supplier’s adoption of advanced data collection and management processes.

Leveraging digital tools to turn compliance into competitive advantage

Experts from Nissan, Accuride, Aptiv and Greatway reveal how they are navigating escalating compliance demands.

Catch up on the highlights of ALSC Digital Strategies North America 2025

Last week, Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America returned to Nashville. Watch the highlight reel to see what delegates experienced at event.

FVL leaders rethink production, trade and capacity as long-term transitions take hold in Europe

European FVL is facing a triple shock: weakening export demand, under-utilised plants and a resurgence of protectionism on both sides of the Atlantic.

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.

Accuride’s Skotti Fietsam on increased collaboration between logistics and IT teams

Skotti Fietsam, senior vice president, supply chain and CIO at Accuride, sat down on the Red Sofa at ALSC Digital Strategies North America to share her insights into how teams in both fields can collaborate, as well as the importance of digital tools in compliance and supply chain mapping.

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.

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025 – Day two

Watch the wrap up of day two from the second annual Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2025

Nissan’s Gerardo de la Torre on using digital tools to improve supply chain visibility

The regional senior director of SCM on how Nissan has implemented its supplier visibility platform, and how he foresees it developing.

Plus Automation and Churchill IX merge to form PlusAI, with AI-led virtual drivers for autonomous trucking

An AI-based autonomous trucking software has seen success in trials completed with DSV and IVECO. PlusAI, the company behind the software, eyes partnerships with OEMs such as Traton Group and Hyundai as integral to scaling adoption.

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.

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.

Automotive Logistics magazine – Summer 2025

The Automotive Logistics Summer 2025 issue dives deep into the forces reshaping the industry – from digital transformation and port reinvention to next-gen sustainability. This essential edition offers exclusive insights, high-level interviews, and global analysis designed to help logistics professionals stay ahead in an era of rapid change. Purchase print edition

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.

ChargePoint and Eaton announce a new collaboration aimed at tackling insufficient EV charging infrastructure

The partnership allows the two companies to provide end-to-end solutions for EV infrastructure, including charging stations and engineering services. The goal is to roll these offerings out across the US, Canada and the UK.

Despite minor setbacks, the Chinese automotive industry may come out as a winner in the tariff war

As the US and China remain in a standoff in their tariff war with neither side willing to budge, observers say the world is witnessing the end of the era of globalisation in the automotive industry as we know it.

How digital data strategies are helping automotive supply chains manage trade volatility, compliance risks and tariff disruptions

Digital strategies are becoming increasingly important in automotive supply chains to predict and protect against risks and improve resilience, and data lies at the foundation of these digital tools. In our latest livestream, supply chain experts weighed in on the importance of creating and maintaining data you can trust, educating teams on how to use, store and share data, and how to avoid data silos within organisations and the wider supply chain.

Ceva Logistics acquires Turkish logistics company Borusan Tedarik for $440m, doubling its footprint in the region

CEVA Logistics continues to grow “bigger, stronger and smarter”, as the company announces it acquires Borusan Tedarik, a logistics company in Turkey. The move almost doubles CEVA’s operations in the country.

When disruption won’t quit, the 2025 Finished Vehicle Logistics conference shared how to stay balanced and agile

The Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 conference revealed how leading OEMs are redesigning logistics to thrive amid trade shocks, EV disruption and capacity constraints. From agile planning to modular networks and EV-ready lanes, Automotive Logistics unpacks the sector’s shift from fragile to future-ready.

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.

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.

Anu Goel on how Volkswagen Group of America’s regional strategy is mitigating tariff disruption and transforming vehicle logistics

Simplified metrics, regional teamwork and agile tools: VW’s Anu Goel shares how logistics is powering resilience across borders, at this years’ FVL North America 2025 conference.

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.

Automotive Logistics magazine – Spring 2025

This Spring Issue offers an in-depth analysis of the trends and innovations shaping the industry, with a focus on supply chain strategies and resilience, emissions control, packaging, European port review, digitalisation, EV localisation, European market overview, and more.Purchase print edition

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.

Watch: CNW Global’s strategy for resilient automotive supply chains

With global disruptions on the rise, agility and resilience are key to navigating supply chain challenges. Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, Thomas Blank, vice president, EMEA at CNW Global shares how the company bridges the gap between planning and execution. He discusses industry challenges, CNW’s approach to supply chain integrity, and key trends shaping the future.

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.

Transforming automotive logistics: Key insights from ALSC DS Europe 2024 day 1

Catch the key moments from Day 1 in Munich! From diversity and talent forums to cutting-edge AI and robotics, we explored how innovation is transforming the automotive supply chain.

JLR leads logistics innovation with closed-loop seat foam recycling, advancing circular economy principles through the automotive supply chain

JLR is transforming automotive logistics with closed-loop seat foam recycling. Through partnerships and innovation, it is advancing a circular economy, cutting emissions, and securing sustainable supply chains for luxury vehicles.

GKN Automotive’s sustainability achievements highlight the role of suppliers and logistics ahead of key discussions at ALSC Europe 2025 in Bonn

As GKN Automotive continues to advance its sustainability goals, its efforts resonate with themes of resilience and collaboration. These achievements will inform discussions at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe event in Bonn, where GKN will share insights into sustainable procurement and logistics.

ALSC Mexico 2024: Drinks reception and insights shared on the future of nearshoring, trade and growth

Christopher Ludwig takes us behind the scenes at ALSC Mexico 2024…

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.

SKF Group appoints Olaf Henning general manager and head of global automotive aftermarket

Olaf Henning will take over as general manager and head of global automotive aftermarket at SKF Group in mid-November, succeeding Philipp Herlein. He brings extensive experience from Mahle, SoftProject, Bosch and Michelin to lead SKF’s automotive aftermarket business amid its ongoing strategic transformation.

Toyota inaugurates vehicle mega hub in Czech Republic with support from Ceva Logistics

Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) new €17m ($18m) mega hub in Kolín, Czech Republic, now processes up to 350,000 vehicles annually, streamlining pre-delivery customisation. With integrated rail links, the hub also helps TME reduce carbon emissions, supporting its sustainability goals over previous logistics models.

DP World’s new automotive head on shaping EVs, aftermarket and resilient supply chains

This content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with DP WorldDavid D’Annunzio, global vice president and vertical head for Automotive at DP World shares his vision for automotive supply chains.

Mexico now seventh largest auto producer with 3.8m vehicles made and exporting 3.3m units globally

There is a high demand for the parts supplied by Mexicoʼs tier one suppliers, with 87% production going for export, making it a powerhouse for the wider North American automotive market. Automotive Logistics talks to some of the leaders about maintaining a resilient supply chain.

Nearshoring and sustainable packaging strengthen North American supply chains

This content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with CHEPTrade regulations, combined with the need for supply chain resilience and cost savings, are driving nearshoring in North America. CHEP’s director of automotive, Patrick Mahoney, shares with Automotive Logistics how the company’s share-and-reuse packaging services support this trend.

GM’s “act as one team” philosophy is redefining supplier partnerships and strengthening internal culture

Heather Latham is uniting General Motors’ (GM) production and customer care operations to create a more integrated, customer-focused supply chain, reshaping its approach to both manufacturing and aftersales service.

RPM aims to quadruple under Mehrtens’ leadership: “It’s all about agility in a volatile market”

RPM Freight Systems has appointed Frits Mehrtens as managing director for Europe, where he will focus on aligning operations for significant growth in the finished vehicle logistics sector. With over 30 years of experience, Mehrtens aims to enhance sales, improve collaboration and prioritise sustainability in response to industry challenges.

Peter Koltai highlights the power of predictive analytics and holistic logistics in shaping a resilient EV production network

As VW Group expands its North American footprint, Peter Koltai, head of production control and logistics at Volkswagen de Mexico, tells Automotive Logistics how predictive analytics and AI are reshaping the company’s logistics to meet the challenges of electric vehicle (EV) production and sustainability.

CATL and digital collaboration: Transforming battery logistics and EV supply chains

CATL’s Aleksej Kruekov discusses with Megan Kelly the challenges in digitalising automotive logistics, including lack of truck interoperability, geopolitical restrictions, and operational silos that reduce efficiency, and how CATL is addressing these issues through transparency and investments in new technologies

BMW focuses on a secondary first process in material sourcing to make its vehicles sustainable says Roberto Rossetti

BMW’s vice-president of engineering Roberto Rossetti explains the carmaker’s innovative and sustainable approach to recycling production materials to solve the problem of scarce resources, volatile commodity prices and geopolitical disruption to the supply chain

Jeffrey Morrison discusses GM’s supply chain shift toward electrification, cost optimisation and evolving supplier partnerships

In a Red Sofa interview at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference, GM’s Jeffrey Morrison outlines the company’s strategic shift towards electrification, emphasising the importance of cost optimisation and strengthened partnerships with suppliers to foster innovation and sustainability within the automotive supply chain.

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

ALSC Global 2024: Cocktail reception wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig takes us behind the scenes at ALSC Global 2024…

GKN Automotive’s, Mair, on navigating supply chain turbulence with people and technology

GKN Automotive adapts to supply chain challenges by prioritising people and flexibility, enhancing logistics across the automotive industry, and leveraging data to ensure agility and sustainability.

Mike Tickle on JLR’s agile and collaborative supply chain transformation

Michael Tickle spoke with us at the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024 confernece that took place from 24-26th September at Detroit. He highlighted the shift in supply chain, diversity in automotive supply chain and importance of collaboration

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.

Red Sofa Interview | Criss Edwards, Unipart on transforming the auto industry

Criss Edwards, President and Managing Director North America at Unipart spoke with our Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig at the ALSC Global 2024 on how Unipart and the broader 3PL industry will continue to evolve and support OEMs in this new era.

DSV wins €14.3 billion acquisition of DB Schenker in a move to elevate global logistics reach and capabilities

Danish logistics giant DSV has clinched a definitive agreement to purchase Deutsche Bahn’s logistics arm, DB Schenker, for €14.3 billion ($15.9 billion). This acquisition marks the largest in DSV’s history and promises to enhance its global reach to new markets and provide long-term growth, job creation and modernisation of workplaces.

BMW’s Hendrik Lang on achieving sustainable automotive supply chains

Hendrik Lang, BMW’s senior vice-president of supply chain strategy and sustainability, attended London Climate Action Week in June. He talks BMW’s successes with carbon contracts, collaboration and convincing suppliers of sustainability’s benefits. Report by Ilkhan Ozsevim

Turkey announces 40% tariff on Chinese vehicle imports as EU imposes multi-band tariffs against Chinese OEMs

Turkey’s new tariff on Chinese vehicle imports highlights global concerns over China’s subsidised EV exports. Meanwhile, the EU has announced its own tariffs on Chinese EVs, ranging from 17.4% to 38.1%.

Trade wars: The rise of protectionism and its impact on finished vehicle logistics

Economic competition between China, the EU and the US intensifies with protectionist policies expanding to counter China’s EV ‘dumping’ strategies into broadly western regions that upset ‘fair’ competition

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.

In pics: Insights, networking and gala dinner at the first day of ALSC Europe 2024

The ALSC Europe 2024 Day 1 wrap-up offers a vibrant glimpse into the kickoff of the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany. Panels and workshops took place around the event’s central theme; exploring avenues across digitalisation, speed to market, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

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: JLR’s Levent Yuksel on scaling green logistics solutions

At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 in Bonn, Germany, Levent Yuksel, freight operations director at JLR sits down on the Red Sofa to discuss how we can scale green logistics solutions by working in partnership.

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.

Gestamp redefines supply chain management for industry 4.0

Under the guidance of Diego Mallada, chief information officer for digitalisation, Gestamp is emerging as a leader in integrating digital networks and AI across its supply chain. Gestamp, an expert in metal automotive components and body-in-white, is revolutionising automotive supply chain management through advanced industry 4.0 strategies, emphasising federated networks and superior data quality.

Watch: How Gestamp is connecting the automotive supply chain through global federated networks and data standardisation

Gestamp is undergoing a significant digital transformation. As Diego Mallada explains to Christoper Ludwig, it is using a federated network and commitment to data excellence to redefine connectivity while driving collaboration and efficiency across global supply chains. Watch this video to learn more vision, strategy and technology behind Gestamp’s leap into the future of automotive logistics.

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: 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.

BNSF, GMXT and JB Hunt team up for intermodal cross-border service

Carmakers and parts suppliers shipping freight across the US-Mexico border stand to benefit from a new intermodal service from next year that promises to cut the existing service between Chicago and Monterrey by one day.

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.

Jumping the chip queue

The ongoing shortage in the supply of semiconductors to the automotive industry has laid bare a disconnection between the automotive and semiconductor supply chains. What is needed to avoid future risk is greater coordination and transparency between the two sectors.

Search data helps create more agile and sustainable automotive packaging

Understanding packaging materials is essential to supporting logistics suppliers in market knowledge and cutting costs, according to research by packaging provider RAJA into automotive industry packaging keywords.

Sustainable priorities at Europe’s vehicle ports

Vehicle-handling ports on the European continent spent last year dealing with the fallout from the Covid pandemic and the impact of the semiconductor shortage, but that did not stop a number of them pursuing ambitious sustainability initiatives related to infrastructure. Marcus Williams reports

LG Chem and Henkel work to control lithium battery fires

Chemical companies are doing their bit to help minimise the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, with recent announcements for Korea’s LG Chem and Henkel in Germany.

BMW Brilliance extends Dadong plant and integrates logistics

BMW’s joint venture in China – BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) – has completed the extension of its Dadong plant in Shenyang, taking its footprint to 91 hectares. The facility now includes press, body and paint shops alongside a single-roof, integrated logistics and assembly building with two independent production lines.

GM signs agreement to source cobalt from Glencore

GM has signed a multi-year sourcing agreement with Glencore for the supply of cobalt from its mining operation in Australia.

Mazda begins direct imports to UK from Japan

Mazda has made its first direct delivery of Japanese exports to the UK through the port of Bristol.

Toyota makes major shift to rail for vehicle moves in Europe

Toyota has started exporting vehicles made at its Burnaston plant in the UK to Europe on rail via the Channel Tunnel. It is also importing vehicles produced at the Valenciennes plant in France to the UK along the same route.

BMW opens US VDC at Sparrows Point with Tradepoint Atlantic

BMW has opened a vehicle distribution centre (VDC) in the US port of Baltimore with logistics property developer Tradepoint Atlantic.

Zeebrugge port increases vehicle handling and sustainability

The port of Zeebrugge in Belgium has seen a 3% increase in the volume of finished vehicles processed through 2021 compared to the previous year, bringing the number of vehicles handled to 2.26m.

Trucker protest hits automotive shipments on US-Canada border

Last week’s driver protests on the US-Canadian border caused disruption to the movement of automotive parts and finished vehicles. As a consequence, some assembly plants in Canada and the US had to temporarily shutdown lines.

Toyota cuts March production plans because of chip shortage

Toyota has been forced to cut global vehicle production by 100,000 in March because of the spread of Covid and its impact on the production of semiconductors.

Europe’s electric future cannot be free of charge

Carmakers in Europe are working against the clock to ensure they meet regulations on vehicle emissions by 2030, mainly through the electrification of the vehicles they make. However, those efforts are contingent upon there being an adequate charging infrastructure in place. Namrita Chow assesses the state of play

Mercedes-Benz opens sustainable battery logistics centre in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has opened a battery logistics facility near its plant in Bremen, Germany, that it will run with its logistics provider DB Cargo.

Swift using ICL digital yard management tool for Stellantis moves

US finished vehicle carrier Swift Transportation has signed up to use a digital yard management system from ICL, provider of finished vehicle logistics software, to better support its OEM customer Stellantis.

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.

VW starts ID.5 production at Zwickau with smart logistics

Volkswagen has started series production of the ID.5 electric vehicle (EV) at its Zwickau plant in Germany, the sixth EV to be made at the plant after the ID.3, ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron and Cupra Born. The ID.5 also comes in a GTX version.

Local battery production promises to re-industrialise Europe

Localising lithium-ion battery production in Europe does not just promise a more secure battery supply chain, it could play a major role in the industrial salvation of a market that has lost its competitive footing against stronger Asian rivals in the race to a more sustainable future of mobility.

ICL appoints Gina Tovar as managing director of Europe

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

BMW signs second contract with ICL for outbound in Canada

BMW in Canada has contracted ICL Systems to manage the track and trace, invoice auditing and freight claims management for the delivery of its finished vehicles to the sales network.

Mexican OEMs to benefit from strategic VDC in Guanajuato

Carmakers in Mexico are to benefit from a new rail-linked vehicle distribution centre (VDC) in the central Bajío region, home to biggest concentration of vehicle manufacturing in the country.

On the sidelines ALSC Global Day 1 in review: logistics data, mitigating shortages and managing the chip crisis

Christopher Ludwig recounts highlights of the first day of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live, picking out highlights and learnings from OEM, tier supplier and logistics providers at the event.

On the sidelines ALSC Global end of conference wrap up: this is only the beginning

Christopher Ludwig recounts highlights from Day 2 of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live, including key objectives in data management and potential increases in localisation

On the sidelines at ALSC Global Live: the calm before the perfect storm

Christopher Ludwig introduces Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live in Detroit, as the North American industry meets in the midst of massive disruption and change across automotive supply chain and manufacturing.

Watch: Moving better through the border, together

The US-Mexico border has never faced so many challenges, but there are door-to-door solutions that can reduce lead times and cost, reveals Agustin Sustaita, MD of Transportes Logisticos Especializados (TLE), a strategic partner of D-Troy Logistics, in an exclusive interview ahead of the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference in Detroit.

Taking charge of battery supply at Ford

As the Biden administration looks to meet ambitious goals for electric vehicle production in the US by 2030, Ford is planning a more vertically integrated battery supply chain, new partnerships and investment in securing stable battery materials.

Renault to partner with Geely on hybrid vehicles in China and South Korea

Renault has agreed a framework with Geely to share production and supply chains for hybrid vehicles in Asia, including using Geely plants in China and localising Lynk & Co platforms in South Korea.

XPO spinoff GXO could see big gains in warehouse automation

GXO Logistics has debuted on the New York Stock Exchange, with around 5% of the contract logistics market in North America and Europe. It has its eyes set on warehouse automation growth, with automotive as a potential growth area.

Finished vehicle logistics needs a sustainable rethink in the EV era

Sustainability is becoming more important for vehicle makers like Volkswagen trying to hit stringent emissions targets but it is not just the vehicles they make that need to be less polluting, it is the transport used to move them between the plants and the dealers.

Watch: A permanent change in container shipping for automotive

Capacity, lead time and cost issues in container shipping have disrupted automotive shippers, and long-term structural changes in the sector will lead to new supplier relationships, according to Drewry.

Watch: How today’s chip shortage could help the automotive supply chain flourish in the long run

The semiconductor crisis has caused millions of units in lost production but is also pointing the way towards a more fruitful relationship between OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, foundries and chip producers globally, especially as more electronics are added to future vehicles.

Watch: The (r)evolution at Volkswagen Group’s logistics

Electrification, digital tools and sustainability goals are transforming Volkswagen Group Logistics processes across the carmaker’s global footprint. Matthias Braun outlines how the group is adapting its systems and relationships.

Watch: Digital drivers for Europe’s finished vehicle logistics

OEMs and carriers are turning to more digital tools to optimise vehicle logistics networks, improve visibility and reduce empty miles, but the industry can still work together to fill in gaps.

Watch: European supply chain needs change in skills and culture to remain global automotive powerhouse

The European automotive industry has faced a year of crises, but if it invests in the right digital tools, adapts sustainable processes and an agile working culture, it can achieve long-term sustainability targets and recovery, according to experts from Volkswagen and CSR Europe.

Watch: Welcome to the future of North American automotive supply chains

Kicking off the on-demand content for Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain North America Live, our hosts set out the trends impacting the industry today and how they will reshape processes, service and partnerships.

Watch: A surprisingly bright outlook for North American vehicle sales and production

Despite the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, IHS-Markit is forecasting a stronger-than-anticipated rebound for the North American automotive sector, however there are many headwinds, including for production and exports out of Mexico.

Watch: Capturing supply chain data and change in real time – day one in review

Our team unwraps the top themes from the first day of the event on North American automotive logistics, including managing organisational transformation and an urgent need for data transparency.

Watch: Top priorities for the North American supply chain in 2021 – intro to day two

Christopher Ludwig reveals top priorities for the region’s automotive logistics and supply chain sector at the start of day two of ALSC North America Live.

Watch: North American automotive recovery is underway, but for how long?

The North American automotive market is on pace to return to growth this year despite slow vaccine roll-outs, however there are risks in the supply chain and the longer-term economic outlook, according to Eaton’s top automotive analyst, Brandon Mason.

Watch: That’s a wrap (until next time)!

At the end of a two-day journey across the supply chain in the US, Canada and Mexico, our hosts share the most urgent action points and takeaways from the event, including how logistics providers can help manufacturers recover and transform.

Rise of smart cars heralds supply chain disruption, says Alliance’s Mark Sutcliffe

Motoring on: Brazil’s heavyweight OEMs prepare for growth

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

Shipping and climate change: Are we in hot water?

With 2019 set to be one of the hottest years on record, for the shipping sector the issue of climate change is becoming a concern. But how great is the danger to vessels, their crews and cargo? And could there be any upside to global geographical changes?

Challenging times for US car carriers

Despite some recent legislative wins on permissible overhangs, rig length and adaptable trailers, the US car-carrier sector continues to face a number of operational challenges, including a capacity squeeze, more demanding customers and downward price pressure

Still got it: How reuse and recycling can give EV batteries a new lease of life

As the EV trend continues, it raises the question of what to do with their hazardous lithium-ion batteries once they have reached the end of their useful life. Options include reuse and recycling, but both of these require special expertise in reverse logistics

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

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