Fiat production in Italy disrupted as Stellantis faces component shortage A shortage of an electronic component used in an engine control unit has disrupted production at two sites in Italy, affecting volumes of Fiat models including the Pandina and the 500. James McLoughlin
Honda’s $3bn Ohio plant tests a dense supplier base More hybrid output in Ohio, new lines in Georgia and Alabama and a fresh parts consolidation centre at Anna will reshape Honda's inbound flows long before the first car leaves the new plant in 2029. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Schaeffler's Tuan Vi on addressing visibility gaps and fragmentation in Southeast Asia At ALSC ASEAN 2026, Schaeffler's Tuan Vi joined Automotive Logistics on the Red Sofa to discuss visibility gaps and regulatory fragmentation across Southeast Asia, while explaining how the company plans to scale up a successful AI-powered data collection pilot in Vietnam to improve supply chain visibility across the region. Automotive Logistics
Schaeffler to cut nearly 3,500 jobs and shut down five plants in Europe Tier one supplier Schaeffler has announced additional measures as part of its latest performance improvement programme that will see the company eliminate 3,460 positions across Europe and close five sites in the region. James McLoughlin
Stellantis to switch 'many' nameplates to LFP batteries to reduce costs in Europe In an effort to reduce costs and improve competitiveness in Europe, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa announced on a recent earnings call that the OEM will be switching from nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries to cheaper Lithium Iron Phosphate (LMR) batteries in several of its nameplates for the European market. James McLoughlin
France and Germany propose softening EU emissions rules and UK 'Made in Europe' eligibility On October 16, 2026, France and Germany announced that they have reached an agreement on a joint approach to securing the future of the European automotive industry. This joint plan includes proposals to further soften CO2 emissions reduction requirements and include the UK as a trusted partner in the EU's 'Made in Europe' rules. James McLoughlin
More than 1,000 OEMs and suppliers now exchanging data through Catena-X Catena-X participation has grown fivefold in just nine months with 1,069 automotive OEMs and tier suppliers now exchanging data through the platform, as studies indicate €385 million in potential gross annual value for large-scale manufacturers. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
Why do so many AI projects fail and what does effective scaled use look like? According to research, it is estimated that more than 80% of AI projects fail – twice the rate of corporate IT projects that do not involve AI. Experts at ALSC Global 2026 shared insight into why so many AI projects in automotive logistics fail to reach their full potential and what is needed to effectively scale use of AI. James McLoughlin
Europe’s end-of-life vehicle revamp could turn scrapyards into a more integrated reverse supply chain Europe is about to make the journey from scrapyard back to supply chain much more structured. New EU rules will make the end-of-life vehicle chain more traceable – and potentially more integrated with OEM supply chains – as manufacturers take greater responsibility for what happens to vehicles, batteries and recoverable parts. Vladislav Vorotnikov
How AI is helping automotive supply chains recover value and reduce waste SupplyWhy.ai has developed a multi‑agent AI platform to actively detect, explain, and prevent profits from leaking out of the automotive value chain. Tier one supplier Yazaki is beginning to reap the benefits Automotive Logistics
Aumovio sells Mechelen advanced components plant to Dumarey Group Aumovio, the automotive division spin-off from tier supplier Continental, has completed the sale of its electronic components plant in Mechelen, Belgium to Dumarey Group. Dumarey makes propulsion systems, control units and fuel rail systems, among other products. Marcus Williams
How North American automotive logistics is changing North America’s automotive logistics market is changing, driven by factors such as geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption and regulatory pressures. James McLoughlin
How Doordash and drone deliveries are changing service parts logistics As new technology accelerates innovation, the service parts logistics industry is evolving to offer customers more convenient delivery of aftermarket parts. James McLoughlin
Low water levels in European waterways and Panama Canal threaten to disrupt logistics As heatwave after heatwave has hit parts of Europe, water levels in rivers such as the Rhine and the Danube have impacted inland freight operations, causing disruption to automotive logistics networks and the introduction of surcharges. Meanwhile, similar issues in the Panama Canal have led to higher international logistics costs. James McLoughlin
Kharon compliance experts break down the EU Forced Labour Regulation As Europe's automotive supply chain prepares to comply with the EU Forced Labour Regulation, Kharon experts share their advice and thoughts on the guidelines. James McLoughlin
Japan earthquake impacts automotive and semiconductor supply chains A deadly earthquake in Japan has impacted the manufacturing and supply chain operations of several automakers including Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi. James McLoughlin
ASEAN automotive supply chain leaders share strategies for long-term resilience Schaeffler's Tuan Vi and Bridgestone's Eric van Steen told Automotive Logistics during its recent ASEAN livestream how visibility, flexibility and scenario planning can improve a business' preparedness when dealing with supply chain disruption. Automotive Logistics
Pirelli to consider $1bn+ US investment plan, increasing production capacity Pirelli will produce its Cyber Tyres in Georgia, and a new US investment plan totalling over $1 billion will soon be submitted to the company's new board for approval. James McLoughlin
Increased defence spending creates new opportunities for Europe's automotive sector With countries across Europe investing more in defence, the automotive sector's advanced manufacturing and supply chain capabilities make it a key asset for defence, opening up new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. James McLoughlin
British Steel nationalised as UK government seeks to protect the future of steel production After the passing of the Steel Industry Act, the UK government has taken British Steel into public ownership, aiming to protect the future of steel production. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Thailand attracts 198 EV investment projects worth over $4bn Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 198 EV-related projects in the country with a total investment value of more than 137,000 billion baht ($4bn). James McLoughlin
Sponsored Poor packaging readiness can turn an automotive launch into an operational nightmare The next supply chain shock is only a matter of when. A power-electronics procurement lead argues that five decisions – on incoterms, semiconductor visibility, tariff monitoring, routing and contacts – will determine which EV supply chains absorb the impact and which buckle under the pressure. Ganpati Goel
Dauch Corporation's Chris Payne on managing risk in the UK market and creating opportunities from crisis At ALSC UK, Chris Payne from tier 1 supplier Dauch Corporation – formerly GKN Automotive and American Axle & Manufacturing – discussed the task of bringing the logistics activities of these two companies together, as well as the biggest challenges facing the UK automotive logistics industry and how to create opportunities from crisis. Automotive Logistics
Governance, cyber resilience and a human-in-the-loop approach key to unlocking AI's potential in the automotive supply chain Governance, cyber resilience and human oversight will be critical to ensuring AI delivers value safely and responsibly in the automotive supply chain. James McLoughlin
Thai auto groups submit proposal to protect local EV production Ten automotive groups in Thailand have proposed reforms to the government's EV-related policies ahead of the EV 3.5 incentive scheme coming to an end in 2027. James McLoughlin
Forced labour, circularity and supply chain transparency all priorities to enable a more sustainable automotive industry in Europe The scope of sustainability in Europe's automotive sector has evolved beyond decarbonisation to include forced labour, circular economy and supply chain transparency. James McLoughlin
Indonesian government to incentivise EV adoption, targeting 200,000 cars and motorcycles Indonesia's finance minister has revealed that the country's government will introduce incentives to encourage the adoption of 100,000 electric cars and 100,000 electric motorcycles. James McLoughlin
ADB to provide funding to support development of critical mineral supply chains in Asia-Pacific The Asian Development Bank has launched a new initiative to fund critical mineral supply chains in Asia and the Pacific, helping meet demand for clean energy, EVs and batteries. James McLoughlin
China's auto export boom meets maritime reality check in Gulf crisis From a looming mineral shortage to loss of access to key markets, the war in the Middle East is hurting China's automotive industry on several fronts. Vladislav Vorotnikov
Shipping disruption continues as US begins naval blockade in Iran The Strait of Hormuz will open as a US-Iran ceasefire is agreed but shippers like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have cautioned that normal operations are unlikely to resume for several weeks. James McLoughlin
Tariffs, sanctions and anti-dumping measures: Overcoming barriers in cross-border trade Tariffs, sanctions and anti-dumping measures are complicating customs but quality data, centralised labelling and AI tools can help mitigate disruption within automotive supply chains. James McLoughlin
MG opens new European engineering centre, announces SolidCore batteries for European EVs As part of its 'in Europe, for Europe' strategy, SAIC-owned MG has announced the opening of a new European engineering centre in Frankfurt, Germany, alongside the news that it plans to introduce semi-solid-state battery technology in its EVs before the end of the year. James McLoughlin
Iran war continues to impact automotive supply chain: Strait of Hormuz access and energy price volatility remain key concerns As the conflict in the Middle East continues, with the Strait of Hormuz blocked and energy prices in flux, the automotive supply chain impact could be severe. James McLoughlin Ilkhan Ozsevim
ALSC Europe 2026 - Day 1 Wrap up ALSC Europe Day 1 saw speakers from Stellantis, Audi, Aston Martin, Volvo Cars, General Motors, and more explore how AI, digitalisation, real-time visibility and strategic collaboration are driving resilient, agile and value-driven supply chains. Automotive Logistics
US Trade Representative begins Section 301 forced labour investigations into 60 countries The US Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 of the US' largest trading partners to determine whether these economies effectively enforce a ban on the import of goods produced with forced labour. James McLoughlin
VW workers in Chattanooga ratify union contract, Mexico passes 40-hour workweek reform VW workers in Chattanooga ratified their first agreement with the UAW, while in Mexico a constitutional reform will reduce the workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030. James McLoughlin
Subaru announces partnership with Seino Transportation for automotive parts logistics in Japan Subaru has partnered with Seino Transportation to consolidate long-distance parts transportation and address challenges facing Japan's logistics sector. James McLoughlin
Iran conflict threatens key shipping routes in the Middle East; shippers halt operations, re-route vessels and introduce surcharges Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted operations for all major global shippers as the Strait of Hormuz closed and Jebel Ali Port temporarily suspended operations. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
BMW Group partners with PreZero to advance circular economy principles BMW Group will work with circular economy company PreZero to enhance the circularity of its business model for the recycling of end-of-life vehicles. James McLoughlin
New Goodyear CIO focused on driving the company’s global technology strategy Newly appointed Goodyear SVP and CIO Raman Mehta has emphasised the importance of data and digitalisation across every function, including supply chain operations. Christopher Ludwig
Uncertainty looms for automotive supply chains in Europe Geopolitical instability, trade volatility, policy ambiguity and economic stagnation are contributing to uncertainty for automotive supply chains across Europe in 2026. James McLoughlin
Vehicles and parts exempt from new global tariffs after US Supreme Court rules initial tariffs illegal The US Supreme Court has ruled Trump's global tariffs under the IEEPA illegal. They've been replaced by a new 15% tariff, from which auto products are exempt. James McLoughlin
Service parts retailer Autodoc to modernise last-mile delivery with AI-powered platform Automotive parts retailer Autodoc has partnered with last-mile technology provider FarEye to modernise its delivery processes and improve customer experience. James McLoughlin
Automotive supply chains redesigned amid shocks and disruption Disruption has reshaped the automotive supply chain, with parts and skills shortages, reshoring and cybersecurity top concerns, AMS and ABB's new survey shows. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Dutch Enterprise Chamber orders investigation into Nexperia and Wingtech dispute The Enterprise Chamber in Amsterdam has ordered an investigation into Nexperia as the dispute between its Dutch headquarters and Chinese parent Wingtech continues. James McLoughlin
Novelis expects to restart hot mill in summer 2026 after fires last year Aluminium supplier Novelis has said it expects its hot mill in Oswego, New York to restart late in the second quarter of 2026, after several fires broke out in late 2025. James McLoughlin
Rhenus Automotive acquires Oakley Industries Subassembly Division Rhenus Automotive has acquired tyre and wheel assembly provider Oakley Industries Subassembly Division as the logistics provider strengthens its presence in North America. James McLoughlin
US hosts Critical Minerals Ministerial; Trump administration proposes trade bloc Ministers from 54 countries gathered in the US for the Critical Minerals Ministerial, where JD Vance proposed a preferential trade zone for critical minerals. James McLoughlin
PowerCo making battery cells at Salzgitter for Cell-to-Pack assembly at Martorell VW's PowerCo division has begun battery cell production at its Salzgitter gigafactory in Germany, supplying cells to a new assembly facility at the SEAT Martorell plant in Spain. Marcus Williams
UK vehicle production in 2025 lowest since 1950s; SMMT chief optimistic for recovery in 2026 Recently released statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) paint a sobering picture of 2025 for the UK's automotive supply chain, with disruption from JLR's cyber incident, tariff uncertainty and pressure to shift towards EV production resulting in a 15.5% drop in vehicle production volumes in the UK. James McLoughlin
Unipart takes full ownership of UK battery system manufacturer Hyperbat Unipart has acquired the remaining 50% stake in UK battery system manufacturer Hyperbat from its joint venture partner Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE). James McLoughlin
Packaging pooling firm CHEP launches Climate Smart Partners programme to help tier suppliers cut emissions Packaging pooling firm CHEP has rolled out its Climate Smart Partners programme – a new supplier engagement programme aimed at cutting Scope 3 emissions. James McLoughlin
Carmakers use workaround to avoid Nexperia semiconductor shortage, reports claim Automakers have found a workaround to address semiconductor shortages as the ownership dispute between Nexperia's Dutch HQ and Wingtech in China continues. James McLoughlin
Watch: Mann+Hummel's Kai Albus on the benefits of data-driven transformation AT ALSC DS Europe, Mann+Hummel's Kai Albus discussed the company's data-driven transformation and the business benefits of cloud migration, digital twins, and a new SIOP process. Automotive Logistics
US strikes trade deal with Taiwan and imposes new 25% global semiconductor tariff The US has classified chip and critical mineral imports as national security risks, imposed a 25% global tariff on semiconductors, and agreed a trade deal with Taiwan. James McLoughlin
Brazil mandates recycled content and reverse logistics systems for packaging New legislation came into effect in Brazil in January 2026, regulating the amount of recycled content in plastic packaging and the recycling of used packaging. James McLoughlin
Mexico’s interoceanic corridor infrastructure set for completion in 2026 The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a multimodal logistics project relying on rail infrastructure in Mexico, is set to complete in 2026. James McLoughlin
Mexico introduces new tariffs on cars and auto parts for non-FTA countries New tariffs on imports of cars, auto parts and raw materials from non-FTA countries including China, Brazil and India have come into effect in Mexico in 2026. James McLoughlin
Energy companies divert EV battery investment to energy storage Changes in joint ventures launched by OEMs like Ford and Honda signal a pivot away from EV battery investment towards battery energy storage amid underwhelming EV demand. James McLoughlin
Auto sector at risk from as chip suppliers favour AI data centres Chip supply issues continue to impact the auto industry with higher margin supply to AI data centres threatening OEM supply, an S&P Global Mobility report shows. Marcus Williams
Watch: FORVIA's Zvonimir Zaja on using AI and machine learning to manage fluctuations in demand At ALSC Digital Strategies Europe, FORVIA's Zvonimir Zaja shared how AI-powered digital twins have allowed FORVIA to address demand uncertainty and improve decision-making in planning processes. Automotive Logistics
The story of 2025 livestream: Nearshoring a key trend amid tariff uncertainty and trade volatility In 2025, automotive OEMs like VW have prioritised nearshoring vehicle and parts supply chains as they look to improve resilience in a year shaped by disruption. Automotive Logistics
Watch: Autoliv's Dr Gisela Linge on data consolidation to better inform decision-making At ALSC Digital Strategies Europe, AutoLiv's Dr Gisela Linge shared the company's journey to smarter decisions through a concerted effort to take advantage of the data at its fingertips. Automotive Logistics
Watch: Aptiv’s José Carlos Jiménez on keeping pace with rapid industry transformation Speaking at AMS North America 2025, Aptiv’s José Carlos Jiménez discussed how modularity and collaboration are allowing it to adapt to industry transformation. Automotive Logistics
Watch: Bosch's Dr Hanns Bernd Ketteler on digitalisation, AI and cross-functional collaboration in automotive supply chains Speaking at AMS North America 2025, Bosch's Dr Hanns Bernd Ketteler, shared how digitalisation, AI and cross-functional collaboration are driving a faster, leaner and more connected approach to manufacturing across the value chain. Automotive Logistics
Nexperia issues open letter urging “open dialogue” with China unit Nexperia has pleaded with Wingtech in China to resolve the semiconductor supply chain crisis threatening to impact OEMs like Honda, Nissan, VW and Volvo Cars. James McLoughlin
New UK budget brings EV tax, fuel duty freeze and extended Electric Car Grant On November 26, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the 2025 budget to the House of Commons. With this, she announced a number of measures that are set to impact the UK’s automotive industry in years to come. James McLoughlin
Toyota-backed semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus to create chip hub on island of Hokkaido in Japan Rapidus, an emerging and rapidly growing Japanese semiconductor manufacturer, has been selected as the “official business operator” by the government of Japan. James McLoughlin
Ford and Novelis issue joint statement following latest fire at Oswego hot mill, Novelis to build new US plant in 2026 Ford and Novelis have issued a joint statement after the latest fire at an aluminium plant in Oswego, New York. In the statement, Novelis outlined plans to open another US plant in Alabama. James McLoughlin
New fire breaks out at Novelis’ Oswego plant, threatening to impact reopening schedule Another fire has broken out at Novelis' plant in Oswego, New York which is being rebuilt after a fire in September. This latest fire could delay reopening. James McLoughlin
Dutch government suspends order seizing control of Nexperia in attempt to resolve semiconductor supply crisis The Dutch government has suspended the order in which it seized control of chipmaker Nexperia, as it looks to resolve the semiconductor supply crisis in China. James McLoughlin
ALSC Mexico showed how Mexico can maintain its supply chain edge ALSC Mexico 2025 highlighted the need for innovation, efficiency and flexibility if Mexico's automotive supply chain is to maintain its competitive edge. James McLoughlin
Novelis to restart operations in December after Oswego aluminium plant fire Aluminium supplier Novelis is to restart its hot mill in Oswego, New York earlier than expected after a fire, with Ford set to increase F-150 and Super Duty production to recover a $1bn loss. James McLoughlin
Nexperia confirms ongoing disruption despite China’s relaxed export controls Nexperia has confirmed that, despite China reversing export controls, tensions between its Dutch and Chinese entities continue to disrupt its supply chain operations. James McLoughlin
Automotive supply chain Q4 2025 outlook: Cost pressures, tariff uncertainty and disruption Cost pressures have surged, impacting companies within the automotive supply chain, whilst tariff uncertainty persists and supply chain disruption lingers. Daniel Harrison
Aumovio expands ADAS manufacturing and supports Aurora Innovation Aumovio, formerly Continental's automotive division, has announced a $110m investment to nearly double production space at its New Braunfels facility in Texas. Marcus Williams
Congestion, capacity and complexity all concerns for cross-border logistics Against a backdrop of global trade uncertainty, ALSC Global 2025 highlighted some challenges and opportunities presented by cross-border automotive logistics. James McLoughlin
Schaeffler to develop humanoids with Neura Robotics Tier supplier Schaeffler has partnered with Neura Robotics to supply key components for humanoid robots and jointly work to develop data for robot training. Marcus Williams
BASF to bolster European chip supply with ammonium hydroxide plant BASF is contributing to a stronger supply chain for semiconductors in Europe by building an electronic grade ammonium hydroxide plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Marcus Williams
ZF restructures CV aftermarket business in UK and Ireland ZF Friedrichshafen has restructured its UK&I commercial vehicle aftermarket division, combining IAM sales, service parts and fleet sales operations. Marcus Williams
China lifts export ban following Trump-Xi meeting, allowing flow of Nexperia chips to resume China has reversed export restrictions on critical automotive semiconductors following a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, though European manufacturers remain cautious about the speed and scope of the resumption. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
Farmers’ protests see road blockades in Mexico impact automotive supply chains including plant closures Road blockades formed as part of farmers' protests in Mexico have impacted automotive supply chains, forcing plants to shut down across the country. James McLoughlin
Trump and Xi agree on US-China tariff reduction and rare earths supply During his trip to Asia, US president Donald Trump met with China’s president Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. Although no comprehensive deal could yet be reached, Trump announced a tariff reduction for Chinese imports to the US and China agreed to continue the flow of rare earth minerals to the US. James McLoughlin
American Axle & Manufacturing gets tax break for $133m investment in Michigan site American Axle & Manufacturing received an SESA exemption for a $133m investment in its Michigan facility, which was chosen over its site in Mexico for upgrades. 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
Ford faces $1 billion hit after fire at aluminium supplier’s New York plant A blaze at aluminium supplier Novelis’ New York plant is expected to impact Ford’s F-150 production and hit its bottom line by up to $1 billion, analysts say. James McLoughlin
Watch: Mazda's John Rich on AI and data integration in automotive supply chains John Rich, manager of data analytics & AI programmes at Mazda, discusses AI, machine learning and maximising the end-to-end impact of these technologies on the automotive sector. Automotive Logistics
JLR restarts manufacturing operations and announces financing scheme for suppliers JLR has announced that it has restarted manufacturing operations at two UK sites in the wake of a disruptive cyber incident, and is "fast-tracking" a new financing scheme for "qualifying JLR suppliers". James McLoughlin
Watch: Bosch's Adam Olson on digitalisation, de-risking and developing talent Adam Olson, vice president, logistics mobility Americas at Bosch, discusses how the company is cultivating a skilled workforce, ensuring AI readiness and using digital technologies to predict potential supply chain disruptions. Automotive Logistics
US truck tariff to come into effect on November 1, Trump confirms Several truck makers are cautiously assessing the impact of a 25% Section 232 tariff on heavy truck imports that the US is imposing from November 1, but the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has been more direct in its response to the tariffs. Marcus Williams James McLoughlin
AI takes on a greater role in production and logistics Advanced AI applications and predictive analysis are transforming vehicle production in Spain, enabling greater operational efficiency and improving the competitiveness of the country's automotive industry. Marcus Williams
Panjit International secures chip line in Philippines to meet auto demand Amid shifting trade dynamics and escalating EV semiconductor demand, the new partnership enhances Panjit's global supply strategy with added capacity and regional diversification. Marcus Williams
UK Government set to invest £2.5 billion in auto industry over next decade Part of the wider Industrial Strategy, the programme hopes to boost advanced manufacturing capabilities and reinforce electrification efforts. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Evtec Aluminium to supply JLR with EV powertrain components JLR has signed a supply contract with Evtec Aluminium for the supply of powertrain components on Jaguar’s new line of electric vehicles (EVs), beginning in 2025. They include parts for a 4-door GT model as well as a luxury sedan. The deal is estimated to be worth $67m for Evtec, according to the supplier. Marcus Williams
Pirelli to invest €114m in Mexico plant Pirelli has announced an additional €114m ($114m) investment in its Silao plant, in the Puerto Interior industrial hub in Guanajuato state, Mexico. The plant, established in 2012, will have received €800m investment from its parent company, with the new funds. Hazel Southwell
Schaeffler India opens parts CDC in Hosur Schaeffler’s division in India has opened a parts consolidation and distribution centre (CDC) in Hosur, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Marcus Williams
Bosch to invest €3 billion to increase semiconductor supply The EU and German government will part-fund the expansion of the semiconductor manufacturing which the bloc has identified as an area of strategic importance. Peter Murphy
Wolfspeed opens Mohawk Valley semiconductor fab in US Silicon carbide supplier Wolfspeed has opened a wafer fabrication facility (fab) at Marcy in New York state to support semiconductor production in the US. Marcus Williams
Bosch invests in capacity to tackle semiconductor shortage Bosch is extending its wafer fabrication facility in Reutlingen, Germany to help tackle the global semiconductor shortage. Marcus Williams
Cummins to acquire Meritor in $3.7 billion deal In the latest example of tier one supplier consolidation, engine-maker Cummins is buying Meritor for $3.7 billion. Meritor makes powertrain and brake components for the commercial vehicle sector. Together the companies intend to advance the development of electric commercial vehicle technology and make more sustainable products. Jason Dunn
Faurecia and Hella combine forces in the aftermarket Following Faurecia’s €5.3 billion ($6 billion) takeover of Hella at the end of January, the merged tier one parts suppliers have announced they will operate under the name Forvia and will start providing combined aftersales products and services, beginning with exhaust systems. Marcus Williams
Smarter parts mean risk and opportunity for supply chain Just because an electric vehicle (EV) has fewer moving parts that doesn’t mean the supply chain and logistics planning behind its build is a simpler process. Marcus Williams
North American tier ones tackle a troublesome year The automotive supply chain in North America is having a worse year than it did in Covid-stricken 2020. For the tier one suppliers based there, it is an ongoing fight to deliver parts in the face of widespread supply chain disruption. Marcus Williams
Clepa calls for EU strategy to tackle semiconductor shortage The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (Clepa) has said that that the shortage in the supply of semiconductors has so far delayed the production of 500,000 vehicles globally. It also said the shortage is likely to be felt well into 2022 and will limit vehicle manufacturers’ ability to restore global vehicle inventories for the rest of this year at least. Marcus Williams
Marelli signs 4PL contract with DHL Supply Chain in North America Tier one parts supplier Marelli has signed a five-year contract with DHL Supply Chain for logistics services in North America. Marcus Williams
Yazaki’s proactive, risk-averse approach to the crisis a success, says Bo Andersson Yazaki is taking a more strategic and coordinated approach to the automotive supply chain as it continues to stabilise production in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Bo Andersson, Yazaki’s president of Europe and CEO and president of North America, says the company is looking for opportunities to consolidate and improve logistics planning and control, including through the use of third party logistics (3PL) providers, greater localisation, communication and inventory planning Marcus Williams
Watch: A royal entry to Mexico’s competitive supply base Kevin Reed, vice-president of supply chain at tier two electronics and battery component supplier Royal Power, talks to Daniel Harrison about why the company recently built a new plant in Mexico, and the challenges facing its supply chain and logistics. In the context of declining margins among tier suppliers, Reed discusses the key advantages of moving to Mexico to better serve customers and compete, and why maximising efficiency in the supply chain is a crucial differentiator.For more on the major financial and technological challenges facing tier suppliers, download our comprehensive study of margins in the supply chain, and check out our dedicated webinar on managing margins in the supply chain.
Your webinar questions answered: How tier 1 suppliers are responding to tough headwinds You asked, we answer. We return to the questions from our audience that we didn’t have time to answer in our live webinar, ranging from which parts of automotive tier 1 suppliers’ business models are at risk of commodification, to how tier suppliers are changing supply chain processes Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
Automotive suppliers buying and spinning their way into high tech segments As BorgWarner’s acquisition of Delphi Technologies shows, tier one automotive suppliers are turning to acquisitions and restructuring their business to focus on advanced technology, helping to protect margins, avoid commodification and transition to electrified powertrains Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
Electric vehicles could transform role of tier 1 suppliers in managing logistics As OEMs look to reduce production costs and manage more complexity, automotive suppliers will face challenges. But with more EV models in the pipeline, many have the opportunity to grab a larger piece of the pie both for manufacturing and supply chain management. Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
Part and parcel of the problem: why tier 1 supplier logistics will face a squeeze As OEMs and automotive parts suppliers see their margins decline, cost pressures are going to increase on logistics operations and service providers further down the supply chain Daniel Harrison Christopher Ludwig
Tearing profits apart: how tier one automotive suppliers can mitigate shrinking margins The latest report by Automotive from Ultima Media examines the profits and outlook for the top 20 automotive parts suppliers and explores the strategies and solutions they should consider to avoid significant disruption in the 2020s. Automotive from Ultima Media
Suppliers will face squeeze as OEMs push to meet EU CO2 targets As carmakers strive to reach the more stringent CO2 emissions targets being phased in across the EU next year, we predict that many are likely to put more pressure on their supply base to help reduce emissions Automotive from Ultima Media
Eberspächer expands supply network for western Europe and north Africa Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
Global conference: Know your supply chain better Manufacturers and logistics providers at the Automotive Logistics Global conference are doing more to integrate their supply chains from end to end, and are keen to use data and analytics to anticipate problems before they arise. Christopher Ludwig
Plant locations: Right place, right time Considerations such as market demand, time to market, regulations, supplier and infrastructure issues are essential in choosing new manufacturing locations. Automotive Logistics
Supply Chain Conference executive report: A connection worth more than the sum of its parts Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
China conference: preparing for the new and the old, for growth and decline Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
Ford part 1: Always looking ahead In the first of a four-part feature, Christopher Ludwig talks to Ford Customer Service Division president Frederiek Toney (pictured) about changing times for logistics and providing global customer service Christopher Ludwig
Europe Conference: Planning for more than the Zeitgeist in the supply chain Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
Magna Europe awards providers getting safer, smarter, lighter, cleaner Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
