Sponsored Suardiaz invests in sustainable vessels for a stronger Atlantic service Suardiaz Group is investing in two new dual-fuel car carriers that can run on LNG to move greater volumes of finished vehicles between north Africa and Europe in a cleaner way. Automotive Logistics
Ceva invests millions into battery logistics centres in Europe Ceva Logistics is launching a reverse logistics service for the recycling and reuse of lithium-ion batteries in Europe and building a network of 15 battery logistics centres across ten countries by 2027. Marcus Williams
Suppliers Partnership publishes latest guidance on packaging recycling Updated packaging recycling guidance provides OEMs, tier suppliers and packaging providers with actionable strategies to recover more materials, reduce contamination and improve sustainability performance. Marcus Williams
Yusen Logistics will deliver inbound Nissan parts with etrucks in UK In partnership with Nissan and Volvo Trucks UK, Yusen Logistics will electrify key inbound supply routes to Sunderland in a major trial under the UK’s Electric Freightway initiative. Marcus Williams
UK’s £3,750 EV discount tied to supply chain emissions and battery production The UK’s new £3,750 EV grant goes beyond tailpipe emissions, rewarding vehicles with low-carbon manufacturing and battery production. But with supply chain criteria still unclear, OEMs and logistics providers face major uncertainty ahead of key registration months. Charlie Blackie-Kelly Anushka Dixit
An updated outlook for the UK auto industry at the International Automotive Summit 2025 Experts from Stellantis, Volvo Cars, JLR and more discussed key trends at the SMMT’s International Automotive Summit, including tariffs and trade deals, sustainability and electrification, and the UK’s new Industrial Strategy. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Going green: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on sustainability Experts share their insights into the industry's sustainable transition, discussing decarbonisation, diversity and data-driven decisions. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Stellantis centralises service parts distribution in Ellesmere Port, UK The newly built facility will distribute 4m spare parts a year to a network of nearly 1,000 service centres via 19 regional hubs. Marcus Williams
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
Red Sofa interview | Autoliv’s Gisela Linge on empowering women, driving AI transformation, and reshaping supply chains How AI, digitalisation, and inclusion are transforming supply chains. Autoliv’s Dr Gisela Linge shares insights from AL Europe 2025.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK is getting ready to launch its first European recycling factory in the UK Toyota is launching is European recycling initiative in the UK with the launch of its Toyota Circular Factory at the Burnaston plant in Q3 this year, which will supply 120,000 recycled parts to the aftermarket. Marcus Williams
Red Sofa interview | BMW’s Nadine Philipp on how sustainability and decarbonisation are shaping BMW Group’s supplier network and logistics strategy Discover BMW’s approach to CO2 reduction in the supply chain and logistics with Nadine Philipp at ALSC Europe 2025.
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
VinFast’s logistics reinvention strategy powers its European expansion With a commitment to 24-hour parts delivery and optimised ro-ro shipping, VinFast is enhancing its logistics profile across Europe and ASEAN to meet evolving customer needs. Emily Uwemedimo
How MSC is driving efficiency and sustainability in automotive logistics with intermodal solutions and customer-focused supply chain strategies Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, Johanna Wrage, global accounts automotive deputy manager at MSC discusses company’s role in enhancing global automotive supply chains through intermodal solutions and customer-centric service.
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
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
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. Emily Uwemedimo
How the automotive industry is tracking and reducing logistics and supply chain emissions As global standards shift and geopolitical factors influence logistics, OEMs and suppliers must implement more sophisticated tracking methods to comply with emissions mandates. From the European Union’s stringent policies to China’s evolving standards and the uncertainty in US regulations, understanding the latest emissions reporting frameworks and digital solutions is crucial for a sustainable and competitive automotive logistics sector. Megan Kelly
DIN and DKE publish guidance for firms to meet mandatory EU Battery Passport rules The new guidance – Requirements for Data Attributes of the Battery Passport – is designed to help companies meet the mandatory requirements for the EU’s digital battery passport. Marcus Williams
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
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
Honda and Nissan in talks to form joint holding company; Mitsubishi also looking at involvement The carmakers are also in discussions with Mitsubishi over potential collaboration on standardised products and processes. 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
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
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
German Association of the Automotive Industry has published a new auditing standard for logistics – VDA 6.8 Process Audit Supply Chain The VDA’s Logistics Committee chairman, Simon Motter, who is head of Volkswagen Group Logistics, said the new VDA auditing standard addresses the importance of smooth supply chain processes for the entire automotive industry Marcus Williams
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
Jean-Christophe Deville on digital strategies in Toyota Motor Europe’s mega hub Toyota Motor Europe’s digitalisation strategy involves collaboration, precision and leveraging its mega hub to move into performance mode. Megan Kelly
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
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
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 Megan Kelly
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.
Rebuilding resilience and stability for a more sustainable supply chain The multiple crises the automotive industry has experienced over the last four years have been a driver for innovation for inbound and outbound logistics processes, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany. Marcus Williams
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: 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: 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’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: 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.
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. Marcus Williams
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.
Paulina Chmielarz and Frank Ludwig promoted to push JLR’s digitalisation and supply chain operations Paulina Chmielarz promoted to new role that will speed up JLR’s digital manufacturing and supply chain innovation; Frank Ludwig will lead integrated programme delivery. Christopher Ludwig
Audi’s ambitious strategy for a cleaner future The automotive industry continues to fight supply chain disruption on a number of fronts, from the ongoing shortage of electronic parts, the war in Ukraine, high inflation, and a critical shortage of transport capacity and labour. The impact of these factors is estimated by analysts S&P Global to account for a 50m shortfall in vehicle deliveries between January 2021 and February 2023 (with 19m accounted for by the semiconductor shortage). Marcus Williams
BMW’s lean, green and digital difference Mastering successive supply chain crises has reframed the role of logistics at BMW. Dr Michael Nikolaides, senior vice-president of production network and supply chain management, explains how his team is influencing plant and market decisions, thanks in part to improved visibility Christopher Ludwig
Cofinity-X platform aims to improve supply chain transparency BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are among ten companies that have set up a new joint venture platform for the automotive supply chain called Cofinity-X. Marcus Williams
BMW invests in local EV battery pack assembly for Hungary plant The carmaker is increasing investment at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary to include onsite assembly of batteries with the aim of reducing logistics costs and supply chain complexity Christopher Ludwig
BMW targets a more sustainable sourcing of key components BMW has announced a wide range of initiatives to instil greater sustainability in the sourcing of materials for parts. They include the use of maritime waste for injection-moulded plastic parts, recycling of steel, aluminium and glass, and the recycling of battery cells. Marcus Williams
Mercedes-Benz first to benefit from CATL battery plant in Hungary Chinese battery giant CATL has chosen Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city, as the site for a 100GWh gigafactory that will supply batteries directly to carmakers making electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe, beginning with Mercedes-Benz. Hazel Southwell
A sustainable supply chain inbound and out at BMW BMW Group is aiming to make the logistics supporting the production and delivery of its vehicles emission-free and has set up a Green Transport Logistics project team. Maike Rotmann, head of distribution systems and sustainability, and Wolfgang Rudorfer, head of transport planning and steering, explain more Christopher Ludwig Marcus Williams
Barbara Bergmeier joins JLR to head Industrial Operations reorganisation Barbara Bergmeier has joined Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in the newly created role of executive director of industrial operations, with responsibilities across manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain. She is also appointed to the board of directors. Marcus Williams
Car industry looks for more vertical integration to avoid risk Carmakers and their suppliers have had two years full of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (Vuca) and are actively looking for new strategies to mitigate risk in the supply chain secure future production. Namrita Chow
CATL powers ahead with a regional, sustainable supply chain strategy With a new carbon-neutral gigafactory in China, and a plant set to start production this year in Germany, the Chinese battery cell producer is scaling its production and logistics to create secure and sustainable battery supply. Daniel Harrison
Shining a light into Nissan’s outbound logistics Disruption to the production of cars in the US caused by the current parts shortages has also cast shadows over the outbound delivery process, according to speakers at last week’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America conference, held in Newport Beach, California. Marcus Williams
A more sustainable supply chain does not have to cost the earth The automotive industry now has a deadline to clean up its act but that is not just in terms of the electric vehicles it has to make. It also means making the method in which inbound parts are moved and how the finished vehicles are delivered to market more sustainable. Marcus Williams
Building a better North American supply chain with Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen To cap off the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live conference, senior supply chain and logistics leaders discuss and debate the key challenges and opportunities defining their organisations’ pathway to success.
Sustainable supply chains make for sustainable business models Renault Group’s mid-term and long-term carbon reduction targets will be a challenge for supply chain and logistics, but the carmaker is working actively on projects for alternative fuels, transport innovations and new partnerships in the circular economy. Christopher Ludwig
Why just-in-time will remain the way forward for Toyota Leon van der Merwe is leading inbound, outbound and service parts logistics for Toyota Motor Europe. At this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe Live conference he told Christopher Ludwig about the carmaker’s strategy to modernise just-in-time and make Toyota’s logistics more sustainable Marcus Williams Christopher Ludwig
Mastering complexity and getting sustainable at VW Logistics at the Volkswagen Group is a complex business. There are currently 12 brands in the VW Group and every day 8,500 suppliers send parts into 70 assembly plants worldwide, from where finished vehicles are delivered to 150 markets. According to Matthias Braun, head of digitalization and concept development at VW Group Logistics, the company is looking at the latest technology to manage that complexity and do it sustainably. Marcus Williams
