Tag: topics

Leveraging digital tools to turn compliance into competitive advantage

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

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.

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.

Nissan and Stellantis supplier Marelli files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US

The tier one supplier confirms it has applied for bankruptcy to continue operations while it looks to secure additional funding or buyout.

Rivian exec confirms its software will form the basis of Volkswagen EVs, following joint venture

The EV company’s chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, has revealed that Volkswagen will leverage Rivian’s software across all its upcoming vehicles. The announcement follows a $5 billion joint venture between the two companies.

Rare earth magnet shortage disrupts global auto production

China produces almost 70% of rare earth magnets but exports are now tied up in lengthy license applications, prompting supply and shortage concerns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The power of digitalised, automated and sustainable automotive supply chains and logistics

Here are the key Automotive Logistics insights from Torsten Müller (Audi), Adam Jones (Unipart Group), and Gabriel Werner (Blue Yonder) on digitalisation, automation, AI, the role of data, and sustainability from ALSC Europe 2024.

Day 2 unwrapped: Pioneering the future of automotive logistics at ALSC Europe 2024

The conference saw keynote addresses from vice-president of Supply Chain at Toyota Motor Europe and senior vice-president, Production Network, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, at BMW along with panel discussion with leaders from JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Asstin Martin among others that highlighted the importance of technology, collaboration, and innovation in meeting efficiency and sustainability goals, as well as adapting to the rapidly changing automotive landscape.

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.

VW Group accelerates digital supply chain transformation as part of Cofinity-X partnership

VW Group adopts cutting-edge Catena-X services, enhancing transparency, sustainability and efficiency in automotive supply chains

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.

Mitsubishi Europe implements Vinturas’ private blockchain technology solution to enhance its vehicle supply chain

In a bid to boost transparency, traceability and security across its value chain, the OEM has chosen Vinturas’ cloud-based interoperable network solution for its New Generation ASX and upcoming All-New COLT models.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is Sony’s Vision S a scary sight, or a revelation for carmakers and suppliers?

Should automotive manufacturers and the supply chain fear or embrace this surprise announcement from the consumer technology giant?

Delivering a smarter factory

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

DSV makes an offer for Panalpina

The long way home

For inbound automotive supply chains, returnable packaging just makes sense. No carmaker wants to spend money on wood, paper and cardboard again and again, only to have to fork out straight away for costly waste disposal.

Hanging in the balance

Lower production output, slower growth in export markets and several regulatory and operational issues are threatening to unbalance Poland’s finished vehicle market

Stepping up the quality

Tracking made easy

A look back down the road