Tag: toyota

Watch: ALSC Mexico 2025 - Day 3 Wrap up

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics, wraps up the final day of the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico 2025 conference from the heart of Mexico City, reflecting on resilience, digital transformation, localisation and the path ahead for competitiveness.

Automotive Logistics

Toyota to invest $10bn in US operations over five years as battery manufacturing plant opens in North Carolina

Toyota will invest $10bn in its US operations over the next five years, following the opening of a new Toyota battery plant in Liberty, North Carolina.

James McLoughlin

Recent growth in Vietnam's manufacturing sector set to continue over the next decade

Vietnam, one of the fastest developing automotive markets in south-east Asia, has a growing manufacturing base of foreign joint ventures and a homegrown EV industry.

Enstructure to move Mazda and Toyota volumes through Jaxport

Enstructure Auto Logistics (EAL) will start handling finished vehicles for Mazda and Toyota through the US port of Jacksonville from December this year.

Toyota buys 25% in LG Chem cathode plant to comply with US regulations

Toyota Tsusho, which manages raw material procurement for the Toyota Group, has bought a 25% stake in the LG Chem cathode materials plant in Gumi, South Korea.

Six OEMs join AIAG in requiring additional forced labour due diligence from suppliers

For the first time, six leading carmakers with the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) have come together in a joint letter to require suppliers to complete new forced labour due diligence.

Megan Kelly

Lean machine: Top 10 Red Sofas on lean logistics

From multimodal innovation to AI-powered control towers, industry leaders share practical strategies for driving leaner, more resilient logistics operations – and reveal why efficiency is as much about mindset as it is about technology.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Toyota plans manufacturing plant in Japan, despite US tariff impact

Toyota has announced plans to acquire land to build a new vehicle manufacturing plant in the Teihoucho area of Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Megan Kelly

Vehicle imports to Vietnam increase in first half of 2025

Vietnam’s automotive imports are on track to set a new record in 2025, with customs data showing a sharp rise in volumes and value as domestic production and global trade flows drive increased supply chain activity.

US reaches trade deal with Japan, puts 93% tariff on Chinese graphite

The US has struck a trade deal with Japan, reducing the threatened tariff rate of 25% on goods imported to the US to 15%, providing Japan invests $550 billion in the US.

Megan Kelly

Actions taken by OEMs to curb effects of tariffs

Since January, OEMs have been making strategic decisions to reshape their supply chains to mitigate against the effects of US president Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade shifts.

Megan Kelly

James McLoughlin

Toyota uses VDL Groep hydrogen fuel cell trucks for Europe parts distribution

The OEM is using the trucks for distribution between its European parts centre in Belgium and locations in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

North American Dealers Association reports light vehicle sales slow after pre-tariff surge

The surge in US vehicle sales caused by US trade policy on vehicle imports has subsided while behind-the-scences discussions continue between US policy makers and leading vehicle makers seeking a remedy to the 25% levy.

UECC adds Blue Heritage dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network

UECC is boosting capacity along with sustainble ocean services options for carmakers with the addition of a dual-fuel car carrier with 7,000 CEU capacity.

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 face of global trade wars and tempered demand, has the battery supply chain in North America lost its charge?

The Trump administration has reversed legislation designed to bolster localised electric vehicle manufacturing and incentivise sales in the US but native and foreign carmakers continue to invest to strengthen infrastructure and supply chain.

Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace deal signals major shifts in automotive logistics, reshaping markets in Russia, Europe, and China

A 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration on March 11, designed to be a prelude to a lasting peace deal, can pave the way to tremendous changes for the automotive industry in Russia, Europe and China.

The US tariff timeline of trade tensions and tariff changes

The US election outcome triggers uncertainty for automotive logistics, with tariffs, trade wars, and supply chain risks ahead.

Megan Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

James McLoughlin

UECC’s sustainable strategy is turning regulation on maritime emissions into a commercial advantage

UECC has outlined its strategy for compliance with European regulations on maritime decarbonisation and how it is supplying OEM customers with alternative fuels

Toyota is making its own batteries at a plant in North Carolina and will be begin local supply in April

Toyota will be begin shipping lithium batteries from its own plant in North Carolina from April this year, beginning with deliveries by truck to its Kentucky assembly plant in Georgetown

Expert perspectives on nearshoring: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on supply chain strategy

Updated July 2 2025 – The strategy of nearshoring is reshaping supply chains, bringing immense opportunities and challenges to the forefront. We sat down on the Red Sofa with experts leading the trend across the automotive supply chain.

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.

Join BMW, Tesla, JLR, and more at ALSC Europe 2025 in Bonn for key automotive logistics insights

Europe’s premier automotive logistics and supply chain conference returns to Bonn this 18-20 March.

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.

Top automotive logistics Red Sofa insights of 2024: Sustainability, digitalisation, nearshoring and robotics strategies from leading OEMs

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of our best Red Sofa interviews from this year, where we spoke to experts across the globe about automotive logistics and strategies for success in the supply chain.

Watch: Digital transformation trends in automotive logistics at day two of ALSC DS Europe

Christopher Ludwig, chief content editor at Automotive Logistics, highlights key themes from Day 2 of ALSC Digital Strategies Europe in Munich. The event highlighted actionable strategies, real-world use cases and tools shaping the future of automotive logistics.

Red Sofa interview | JC Deville on how Toyota is driving digitalisation in vehicle logistics

Toyota Motor Europe’s vice-president of supply chain, Jean-Christophe Deville, shares key insights on Toyota’s innovative projects aimed at enhancing vehicle logistics through digitalisation.

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.

How Trump’s promised tariffs on Mexico and Canada could threaten the North American auto supply chain

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all goods being imported into the country from Mexico and Canada, deepening fears for the automotive industry in North America and threatening the trend of nearshoring.

Mexico needs a long-term framework of certainty to make good on its future as North America’s automotive hub

The majority of Mexico’s vehicle and parts output goes to the wider North American market and that demand is increasing, but to keep up with that demand automotive companies need to work more closely with the government to improve infrastructure and security, according to speakers at the tenth Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference.

Toyota México’s senior director of external affairs and trade compliance, Lizette Gracida says, “Mexico’s nearshoring is a historic opportunity with strategic challenges”

Toyota’s $1.4 billion investment is helping pave the way for Mexico to become a leader in nearshoring and sustainable logistics. In a Red Sofa interview at the 2024 Automotive Logistics Supply Chain Mexico conference, Lizette Gracida, senior director of external affairs and trade compliance at Toyota’s Mexico division, discusses how strategic policies can support this transformation.

Toyota announces $1.4 billion investment in Mexico for its Baja California and Guanajuato facilities

Toyota has announced it will invest $1.45 billion into its factories in Mexico to renovate its facilities in Tecate, Baja California and Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato.

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.

Ryan Grimm is replacing Robert Young as group vice-president of purchasing supplier development at Toyota Motor North America

Ryan Grimm is taking over from Robert Young as group vice-president of purchasing supplier development at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

How process-mining in the automotive supply chain drives efficiency

The automotive supply chain has been adopting digital technologies to improve visibility, particularly in the finished vehicle logistics (FVL) sector, helping to speed up deliveries and keep costs at a minimum.

ALSC Mexico 2024 set to return to Mexico City for 10th year

More than 550 leading OEMs, logistics providers, supply chain technology specialists and officials will reunite during the event.

Toyota says battery EV outlook remains secure and flexible

Toyota said it is assessing customer demand for electric vehicles and responding flexibly with a range of model options, despite reports it was cutting its EV output. The carmaker was responding to a report in the Nikkei financial news source which said it has revised targets for pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) production and will cut its forecast for 2026 to 1m cars, around 30% lower than its previous forecast.

Toyota and Ford sign up to UECC’s Sail for Change programme

Toyota and Ford have signed up for United European Car Carriers’ (UECC) Sail for Change sustainability programme and will use UECC short-sea ro-ro vessels fuelled by bioLNG for finished vehicle transport across Europe. A third unnamed carmaker has also joined the initiative, according to UECC.

Toyota leads sales hike in Ukraine ahead of war tax

Ukrainian finished vehicle imports and sales have been booming in recent months, partly in anticipation of the 15% war tax, which is planned for introduction in September this year and could badly affect the market.

Watch on demand - Accelerating change: the power of process-led transformation in automotive logistics

Join this exclusive livestream to learn how carmakers like Toyota can leverage process mining and optimisation to contain costs, maximise revenue, and free up working capital in supply chain and logistics.

Michael Schad leads Toyota North America service parts supply chain after Mike Schober retires

Since late spring this year, Schad oversees Toyota’s service parts and accessory supply chain in North America with a strong focus on delivery speed and automation. Mike Schober has retired after 25 years with Toyota and drastically reducing order-to-delivery times for dealer part orders.

How manufacturers like Toyota and Forvia ensure digital interoperability in the automotive supply chain

OEMs and logistics firms are finding interoperability and integration of digital tools across the end-to-end supply chain challenging, according to industry leaders at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024, held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Red Sofa Interview | Toyota’s David Herb on the future of AI in supply and demand planning

At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, David Herb, Business Insights and Strategy manager, Demand and Supply Management, Toyota North America took to the Red Sofa to talk about the benefits and opportunities of AI in supply and demand forecasting.

ALSC Digital Strategies North America: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for key highlights and knowledge shared at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024, which focused on digitalising North America’s end-to-end automotive supply chain. Following the event in Nashville on 26-27 June, we will continue sharing news and features that relate to the speakers and companies involved in the event. Keep following the blog, as we will share videos straight from the main stage and the Red Sofa at the event!

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America - Day one wrap-up

As Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024 kicks off for the first time ever, join us to take a look at all the inspiring content of the day. From discussions on organisational and supply chain transformation, to risk-sensing and increasing visibility through digital tools.

Sharing risk drives supplier relations for GM, Stellantis, Honda, Nissan

The key driver in improving supplier relations is sharing risk and cost in an equitable way, according to an annual study by Plante Moran.

North American vehicle ports review: US and Canada ports adapt after Francis Scott Key bridge collapse

[Updated June 17] Vehicle shipments to the US and Canada have been subject to disruption over the last year, culminating in March with the Baltimore bridge collapse. However, as our annual review of activity at the top-performing vehicle ports shows, that has only tested the mettle of agile cooperation between ports and inland logistics providers. Marcus Williams reports

Toyota opens Tri-Gen renewable hydrogen system at Long Beach port

Toyota Motor North America has officially opened a Tri-Gen renewable hydrogen and electricity system at its vehicle processing centre (VPC) at the US port of Long Beach. As reported in September last year, it is the first port VPC in the world to be exclusively powered by onsite-generated, 100% renewable electricity.

Containerised car deliveries soar on the US east coast

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) handled more than 35,000 containerised vehicles in 2023, ten times the amount it handled in the previous year.

US Coast Guard opens alternate channel at Baltimore bridge site

The US Coast Guard has opened an alternate channel for vessels at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore port.

Highlights from ALSC Europe day one

At our recent Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 conference in Bonn, Germany we heard from some of the biggest OEMs, logistics partners and tier suppliers in the continent, who discussed how to deliver a competitive edge through logistics. While the event may be over, Automotive Logistics will continue to bring some of the most important and insightful highlights from the conference.

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.

Speed to market is critical for affordable electric vehicles

With more Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers planning to launch products in the UK in 2024, the race is on for UK and European OEMs to make their mass-market ranges available as quickly as possible. The question is, can they catch up and how should they go about it, ask Vendigital’s Dom Tribe and Sheena Patel

GM, Tesla, BYD, Toyota & VW at risk of forced labour in Chinese aluminium supply chains

Global carmakers including GM, Tesla, BYD, Toyota and Volkswagen are failing to minimise the risk of Uyghur forced labour being used in aluminium sourcing.

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.

Toyota pushes forward with Battery 3R circular economy strategy

Toyota is implementing a number of sustainable strategies aimed at the creation of a circular economy for its electric vehicles, including the reuse and recycling of lithium batteries under its Battery 3R initiative to reduce, rebuild/reuse and recycle.

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment publishes latest guidance on expendable packaging

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) has published new guidelines to help OEMs and their suppliers source sustainable packaging designs for use in expendable packaging.

Toyota cultures ambassadors for its digital strategy

The automotive supply chain has become more complex since Covid, demanding from carmakers a more cross-functional strategy supported by the latest digital technology. At Toyota Motor Europe (TME) it also means making its 2,000-strong supply chain team ambassadors for that strategy.

Toyota boosts investment in US battery plant with eight extra lines

Toyota is adding $8 billion of investment to its Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBNMA) facility in the US, which is currently under construction. It brings total investment in the plant to $13.9 billion and the creation of 5,000 jobs.

Insights from ECG conference: steering sustainability in European vehicle logistics and beyond

Automotive logistics leaders prioritised action over measurement for carbon emissions at this year’s conference held by the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG). Regulatory support, tech diversity, collaboration and trust were flagged as key actions for long-term success.

Toyota halts production in Japan after supplier plant explosion

[Updated October 24] Toyota had to suspend assembly operations across seven plants in Japan last week because of supply problems caused by an explosion at the plant of one of its suppliers – Chuo Spring. The company supplies Toyota with coil springs.

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: That’s a wrap!

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics sits on the Red Sofa for a final time as we wrap up Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Dearborn, Michigan.

ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: Welcome drinks and what to expect

Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics wraps up the welcoming night of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 at the Welcome Drinks Reception, sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel. He talks about highlights to expect over the course of the event, and what the hot topics will be.

LG Energy Solution to supply Toyota with batteries for EV production in US

Toyota Motor North America has signed a battery supply deal with LG Energy Solution that will start in 2025. The battery maker will supply Toyota with lithium-ion batteries for its electric vehicle (EV) production in the US. The deal represents LG Energy’s largest single supply agreement secured outside of any joint venture deals.

Red Sofa Interview: Toyota invests in people and partners for North American service parts logistics

Michael Schad, who leads service parts fufillment and logistics at Toyota North America, joins the Red Sofa to explain how the carmaker is enhancing its service parts distribution through improved training, new technology and more delivery and pickup options across the US.

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global: Recap

Follow our recap blog below to get the most important insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 in Detroit.

Toyota suspends all Japan assembly plants following order system glitch

Toyota has suspended all operations across all its Japan plants due to a glitch in its production order system that occurred yesterday.

Leon Van der Merwe is VP of circular economy in Europe at Toyota; JC Deville takes the reins as VP of supply chain

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has reshuffled the roles of Leon Van der Merwe and Jean-Christophe Deville in an executive restructuring, with Deville set to lead the carmaker’s logistics and supply chain management function.

Toyota to trial specialist software in European inbound logistics network design

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has confirmed the use of specialist optimisation software to help manage its inbound parts logistics and reduce carbon emissions through a pilot project using software provided by optimisation company Agillence.

Suppliers demand OEM accountability on EV plans to support supply chain investment

Suppliers need “commitment and accountability” from OEMs across departments on EV strategy and purchasing, according to a major North America OEM-supplier relations index

First order of business at Toyota

Toyota Logistics Services is tackling capacity constraints in the export of its vehicles from the US with a new process to improve sequencing at the ports. Missy Pearlman, general manager of the business, talks about the new system, TLS’ supply chain alignment and why a culture of respect is central to the carmaker’s future

Logistics in the virtual world: how Toyota is using AR/VR in training and logistics centres

Dave Kleiner, from Toyota’s Applied Technology Research Lab, explains the technology and benefits of immersive training and digital twins for the carmaker’s logistics operations.

Rebuilding trust is key to solving the European capacity crisis

The stubborn capacity crisis in the finished vehicle logistics sector in Europe will take time to mend, delegates at the Association of European Vehicle Logistics’ (ECG) Spring Congress heard last week, but industry dialogue is slowly helping to repair broken trust and disrupted contracting cycles.

Toyota and Paccar build on fuel-cell truck partnership

Toyota Motor North America is growing the scope of its collaboration with truck maker Paccar to develop Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks powered by Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cells (FCEV).

US Senate investigates forced labour in auto supply chain

The US Senate Committee on Finance is looking into the use of Chinese forced labour in the automotive supply chain, and has sent letters to global carmakers and tier one suppliers to ascertain how they are sourcing materials and overseeing their supply chains.

Taking the smoke out of the chain

Vehicle makers are working with logistics providers to make the movement of parts and finished vehicles in Europe more sustainable. Malcolm Ramsay looks at localised battery supply, the use of etrucks and use of more rail

Supply chain needs its own movement in the C-suite

Recruiting and retaining staff in automotive logistics is one of the most pressing issues the industry is currently facing, with shortages reported across all functions, from warehouse labour to truck driving.

Interview: Jean-Christophe Deville, Head of Production and Logistics, Toyota

Toyota’s Jean-Christophe Deville discusses prioritising supply chain planning with the customer view, providing LSPs in Europe with confidence to invest and dealing with the bumps in the long road to sustainable logistics.

Mazda begins exports of CX-50 from US to Mexico

Mazda has started exporting its CX-50 crossover to Mexico from the US joint venture plant it runs with Toyota in Huntsville, Alabama.

Getting the teams up to speed at Toyota

Restocking US dealer vehicle inventories remains a priority for carmakers after three years of supply chain disruption. That requires a talented workforce that can make and move the vehicles, and troubleshoot with accuracy any holdups in the process. Toyota is tackling that problem with the latest digital tools from Microsoft

Jean-Christophe Deville brings together production and vehicle logistics at Toyota

Jean-Christophe Deville, who has been head of vehicle logistics at Toyota Motor Europe (TME) since 2021, has now expanded his role at the carmaker to include production logistics.

Toyota converts former Melbourne plant into mega PDI facility

Toyota said the facility has the capacity to handle 67,000 units annually and is ramping up to 220 units a day (55,000 pa) to meet current demand. Those vehicles are distributed to the dealer network in Victoria and Tasmania.

Pearlman replaces Hobgood as GM of Toyota Logistics Services

Missy Pearlman has taken over as general manager of Toyota Logistics Services (TLS) in the US, replacing Lee Hobgood, who is retiring after 36 years with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

Recovery and discovery: five lessons from ALSC Mexico 2022

Risk might be an inevitable part of our future but experts at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference highlighted opportunities to manage that and build resilience into the automotive supply chain with collaboration and the latest technologies.

Clean energy, flexibility, digital mindsets: conference day one in review at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico

Mexico’s recovery depends on stronger logistics and more coordinated government policy to support clean energy, infrastructure, trade and electrification. Editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig assesses the significance after discussions with leaders from Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, American Axle and more.

Reimagining Mexican automotive supply chains and logistics

The opening session of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico focused on reimagining policies and regulations with Chris Styles, Vice President Supply Chain Management North America at Nissan, Lizette Gracida, Senior Director of Institutional Affairs and Foreign Trade at Toyota Motor de México to explore the changing policies and regulations that impact automotive supply chains, and the opportunities for manufacturers in Mexico to increase localised production, strengthen exports and invest in future technology, including battery and electrification.

Mexico needs a holistic energy policy – interview with Lizette Gracida, Toyota de Mexico

Toyota’s Lizette Gracida stresses the importance of the government stetting a plan for Mexico to transition to clean energy and to keep in dialogue with the automotive industry on optimising trade agreements and processes.

Government policy will support growth in Mexico

US regulation designed to localise production of electric vehicles in North America is helping to make Mexico a more attractive production location, but the country needs its own supportive policies and improvements to infrastructure, according to Nissan and Toyota.

Strategies for a sustainable US auto sector

The latest legislation on domestic EV production in the US will strengthen a more sustainable vehicle industry there, but it will also lead to a significant shift in the balance of imports and exports

Russia pins hopes on electric future as carmakers continue exodus

Russia is hoping to salvage its automotive sector by pumping billions in investment into electric vehicle (EV) production, rather than trying to rescue production of combustion-engine vehicles at the car plants left redundant by western carmakers who are leaving the country en masse.

Shedding the legacy of short-term contracts

The critical shortage of capacity for finished vehicle deliveries in Europe is making carmakers reassess their short-term contract arrangements with outbound logistics providers. At this autumn’s annual conference of the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG), Toyota and VW Group said the industry cannot survive without longer-term contracts and closer collaboration to improve outbound visibility.

Better pay and conditions will help solve the capacity crisis

There is currently a capacity crisis in European finished vehicle deliveries and the situation is going to get worse before it gets better, according to the board of the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG), which held its annual conference in the Austrian capital Vienna last week.

Six notes on a supply chain crisis: key takeaways from ALSC Global 2022

Summing up what was said at this year’s Detroit event: flexibility rules the waves of logistics, but supply chain managers want better visibility and data to make decisions, while investing in the right skills and labour.

Collaborating from the start to design automotive logistics networks and processes

Logistics executives from Toyota North America, Benteler, Carter Logistics and Agillence explore the strategic considerations for logistics from early in product development cycles.

Global automotive outlook: no return to normal

Leading analyst Joe McCabe shares insight on the key trends shaping the market, including EV forecasts, semiconductors and OEMs’ inventory and business models.

The benefits of a better pack mentality

As a members of the Supplier Partnership for the Environment association, carmaker GM and parts supplier Magna International have been helping to push forward a more sustainable and cost-effective use of packaging for parts shipments

Jaxport promotes James Bennett to chief operating officer role

Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) has promoted James Bennett to chief operating officer. He moves from his role as senior director of engineering and construction and will use that expertise to oversee projects including a major automotive and container expansion on Blount Island.

Factory closures extended in China as drought continues

Carmaker Toyota and electronics supplier Foxconn are among companies that have been forced to shut down their operations in China’s Sichuan province because of a heatwave that has prompted a water and electricity supply crisis.

Blueprints for the rebound at North America’s vehicle ports

Crisis management has become normalised for the automotive industry over two years of supply chain disruption but the North American vehicle-handling ports have withstood volatility and invested in a more sustainable recovery

Heavy rains hit Toyota production in Japan

Vehicle output at Toyota’s plants around the Aichi Prefecture in Japan has been suspended because of flood damage caused by heavy rains in the area. However, the carmaker said it will reroute the semiconductors destined for those plants to others in Japan affected by the ongoing shortage in supply.

Suppliers Partnership releases updated guidance for automotive packaging

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) recently updated its guidance on sustainable packaging for automotive manufacturing operations.

Watch: Better visibility drives continuous improving in Toyota’s vehicle logistics

Manny Bansi, vice-president of Toyota Logistics Services, responsible for vehicle logistics in North America, explains why the carmaker is putting so much focus on ETA and how it is impacting operations in transport and vehicle processing.

Watch: How Toyota is delivering on demand and improving ETA

Predictable ETAs are a top priority at Toyota North America and other OEMs. The carmaker’s leaders in supply and demand, Kevin Austin, and vehicle logistics, Manny Bansi, detail Toyota’s ambitions, with insights from ETA experts at ICL and FreightVerify.

Toyota optimises finished vehicle deliveries with Inform

Toyota Logistics Services (TLS) has been working with logistics software expert Inform on a network optimisation project for finished vehicle deliveries in North America. Using the planning tool the carmaker has already identified a 3% cost reduction for its outbound logistics in the region, according to Inform.

Kevin Austin expands supply chain management role at Toyota

Kevin Austin has expanded his role at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) to support the carmaker’s initiative to increase its EV production.

Toyota forced to revise global production on Shanghai lockdown

Toyota has been forced to extend production restrictions at plants around the world because of the parts shortages caused by the Covid lockdowns in Shanghai

Floods hit auto production and supply in South Africa

South Africa’s automotive industry has been badly affected by heavy rains and disastrous flooding in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) region. Operations are expected be disrupted to some extent for the rest of this year, with Toyota’s plant in Prospecton badly hit.

A gateway for growth in the Gulf

Carmakers looking for a quick and cost-effective port to move their vehicle volumes in and out of the southern US have a new option at the port of Mobile on the Alabama coast, featuring a fully equipped terminal run by AutoMobile International Terminal

Watch: Just-in-time for a new era – can supply chains become more resilient and still stay lean?

Toyota’s Leon van der Merwe makes it clear that lean and just-in-time principles are as relevant for the OEM today as ever. But hear why for aspects of the approach are changing both for Toyota, 3PL Ceva and data systems expert E2Open.

Watch: Finished vehicle logistics – carrying the weight of the recovery

Watch how Toyota Motor Europe’s head of vehicle logistics is taking new approaches to outbound, while digital and data expert RPM and ICL explore ways to overcome inventory and capacity challenges

Toyota’s tried and tested approach to disruption

Supply chain disruption has been in the headlines for a couple of years now. There seems to be a different problem on a daily basis and they seem to be come from all points of the compass. Brexit disruption, Covid lockdowns, parts and labour shortages, war or extreme weather events, as seen in the recent floods in South Africa, have come one after the other.

Testing TPS resilience when dealing with disruption at Toyota

In the face of ongoing supply chain disruption, the Toyota Production System (TPS) is proving itself a reliable tool for building resiliency into the carmaker’s logistics.

Automotive logistics in Russia is in tatters

Already debilitated by the impact of Covid, the Russian automotive market was hoping for better times ahead, but the invasion of Ukraine and the consequent sanctions imposed on Russia have undermined production and sales, and hit the logistics providers hard

China’s zero-Covid strategy hampers auto output in Shanghai

Vehicle output in China is being disrupted by the government’s introduction of a coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai, which is now in its second week and has forced automakers to cease operations.

No more rough estimates

Toyota has been working to improve transparency in the delivery of its vehicles and provide its dealers with clear and concise information, but that is not all Project ETA promises says Kevin Austin, vice-president of demand and supply management at the carmaker

AL FVL Spring 2022 Digital Edition - Sailing towards a more sustainable supply chain

The spring digital edition of Automotive Logistics and Finished Vehicle Logistics magazine is out now. It features interviews with Toyota and Volvo, as well as an overview of activity at the European vehicle handling ports

Toyota to re-open factories after cyber-attack suspends production

Toyota Motor has announced that it will be resuming operations on Wednesday (March 2) after a temporary suspension earlier this week.

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.

Toyota installs DeGould vehicle-inspection system at Mississippi plant

DeGould has installed one of its automated digital inspection systems at Toyota’s assembly plant in the US state of Mississippi. The Auto-compact system is checking all Corolla vehicles leaving the plant for damage, equal to 170,000 vehicles a year.

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.

An ongoing crisis for terminal throughput

Delays in the supply of parts and vehicles were seen as a Covid-19 hiccup after the first wave of the pandemic but microchip shortages compounded by shipping delays are prolonging the pain on both inbound and outbound trades, writes Malcolm Ramsey

Reflections on AI, collaborations and sustainability in the automotive supply chain

Are sustainability and cost efficiency mutually exclusive? Specialising in AI and optimisation software for operational decision-making, software developer INFORM disagrees

Toyota to build battery plant in North Carolina

Toyota is planning to build a $1.3 billion battery manufacturing plant in the US state of North Carolina for the localised supply of lithium batteries for its electric vehicle assembly from 2025

US tornado damage hits production and logistics

GM, Toyota and several tier automotive suppliers are amongst those companies affected by the impact of several tornadoes that devastated the US Midwest and southern regions over the weekend (December 10-11).

Leon van der Merwe expands role at Toyota Motor Europe

As part of wide-ranging changes to the executive management structure at Toyota Motor Europe taking place in the new year, Leon van der Merwe will add responsibility for Production Control to his role as vice-president of supply chain.

Flooding knocks out rail and road links to port of Vancouver

All rail services in and out of the Canadian port of Vancouver have been halted because of damage caused by the torrential rain and flooding that hit the province of British Columbia last week. There has also been extensive damage to highways in the southern part of the province.

AL FVL Autumn 2021 digital edition – Moving forward together through disruption

The autumn digital edition of Automotive Logistics and Finished Vehicle Logistics magazine is out now, featuring a four-part, in-depth special on Renault Group, in which its top executive for supply chain and logistics, Jean-François Salles, explains the supply chain revolution underway at the carmaker

Outbound sector grapples with reality of reaching carbon neutrality

The demand is clear: a carbon neutral Europe by 2050. However, the complexities in achieving this target are myriad, especially for the vehicle logistics industry.

Further cutbacks to Toyota’s global output but recovery is in sight

Toyota is once again scaling back production next month amid ongoing pandemic and microchip shortage problems.

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.

Accelerate to net zero in the supply chain

Sustainability leaders from General Motors, Toyota, Honda and Kuehne and Nagel discuss how they are working together on common standards, actions and performance to better measure and reduce emissions in the global supply chain, including through The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment.

Greater visibility is a wonderful and challenging thing

The ongoing disruption caused by the Covid pandemic has put the spotlight on the hidden world of supply chain and logistics organisation. At the same time, crisis management, which shows no signs of abating, has necessitated greater visibility within the supply chain itself, something that has accelerated the application of digital tools and highlighted the need to ditch slower and less flexible legacy systems.

Data quality and collaboration key to sustainable future

The automotive industry needs to move with a sense of urgency toward a more sustainable model of production because climate change is happening now. There is no time to lose in making good on sustainability goals, both in terms of the vehicle produced and the supply chain feeding its production.

Toyota makes further cuts to output because of Covid and chip shortage

Supply chain disruption as a result of the ongoing global semiconductor shortage continues as the imbalance between chip production and demand is forecast to maintain into 2022.

Covid costs Toyota 40% production loss in September

Parts shortages caused by the spread of Covid-19 in South-East Asia, compounded by ongoing semiconductor shortages, have forced Toyota to cut September’s global production by 40%.

DB Cargo to open rail hub to transport Toyota vehicles between the UK and Europe using vegetable oil power

Fleets of Toyota cars will be shipped from a new train depot in Nottinghamshire as the UK’s largest rail freight company initiates a double-pronged push towards sustainability.

Toyota increases exports but Covid hampers output in Japan

Toyota has reported exports from Japan in the first half of this year up almost 22% to around 970,000 compared to the same period in 2020 (see table).

Toyota chooses network optimisation tool from Agillence

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has chosen software from optimisation technology provider Agillence to plan its inbound and service parts logistics networks. The carmaker will now be using Agillence Lean Logistics Optimizer (Allo).

Toyota begins assembly from SKD imports in Ghana

Toyota has started assembling vehicles in the African republic of Ghana, beginning with the Hilux pickup truck. The truck is being built at the new Toyota Tsusho assembly plant in Tema from imported semi-knockdown (SKD) kits.

Low vehicle inventory pushes up prices in US

Limited inventory because of production shortfalls combined with strong retail demand are driving up sales prices both for new and used vehicles in the US, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (Nada).

Dealing in low inventory: why dealers need maximum pipeline visibility

Brion Stapp explains how his Toyota dealership is adapting through Covid and supply chain disruption, and why vehicle logistics visibility will be so important to changing customer expectations and online sales strategies.

Cross the plains and rugged mountains

Canadian Pacific has a network stretching across Canada and into the US, and its significant and continued investment in services for vehicle making customers is expected to bring a fast recovery from last year’s disruption, writes Marcus Williams

Vehicle electrification shakes up export and import flows

The electric vehicle revolution has reached some countries sooner than others, both in terms of customer uptake and manufacturing. As a result, outbound import and export flows are changing.

EV battery supply chains on the move

As electric vehicles become serious business for OEMs, they are reassessing their battery supply and manufacturing bases, putting their eggs in multiple baskets and taking more control of the process.

OEM and lithium-ion battery cell supplier database

Keep up with changing supplier relationships between electric vehicle manufacturers and battery cell suppliers in this database by powertrain type (battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, mild and full hybrid electric vehicles, and commercial electric vehicles).

Electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle plant database

Track factory locations for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles by manufacturer, model and location, in a comprehensive listing of the changing geography of electric vehicle manufacturing

Toyota forced to suspend production in Japan in June

Toyota has been forced to suspend production next month at two plants in Japan because of a shortage of semiconductors.

How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply

OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor supply bases to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet

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

Watch: Partnerships the only path for real logistics change at Toyota and Volvo Cars

Volvo’s head of supply chain management Martin Corner and Hans Cremers, Toyota Motor Europe’s leader for logistics purchasing, want to achieve sustainability targets and support digital supply chains – and agree that long-term partners will be paramount

Watch: Transforming the European supply chain the Toyota way

Toyota Motor Europe’s VP of supply chain, Leon van der Merve, explains how the carmaker plans to reduce logistics emissions and how he wants to modernise just-in-time to be even leaner wherever possible.

A stronger supply chain since Fukushima

In the ten years since the earthquake and tsunami hit the Japanese region of Tohoku, carmakers disrupted by the disaster have been working on mitigation strategies to better prepare and respond to the next supply chain threat. Marcus Williams talks to Mazda, Nissan and Toyota about what has been achieved over the last decade

Texas winter storm blackouts hit automotive sector

Severe weather conditions in the US state of Texas over the last ten days have closed down manufacturing locations, including vehicle and parts supplier plants, as well as disrupting delivery routes.

The time is now to start integrating robotics into logistics operations

Robotics have enabled major productivity gains in manufacturing, but as the technology becomes more affordable and labour gets harder to find and more expensive, it could start to play a bigger role in logistics, too, helping workers do their jobs more safely and quickly.

North American vehicle makers steer a course through Covid

This year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain North America Live conference revealed how a strong rebound in North American vehicle sales has taken the supply chain by surprise and exacerbated the misalignment in inbound supply and capacity caused by the Covid-19 shutdowns.

USMCA: The milk in the coconut of North American trade

The renegotiated rules on free trade in North America, known as USMCA, have been in effect six months but are coming under stricter enforcement. Trade experts from Toyota and Canada’s automotive supplier association point to risks around compliance and a lack of clarity in some rules, especially around ’alternative staging regimes’ on localisation – with the risk that some suppliers could lose significant business.

Watch: North America automotive suppliers must keep up with USMCA and changing trade policy

Policy experts from Toyota and Canada’s automotive supplier association unpick complex sourcing and compliance rules under USMCA, and look ahead to what the Biden administration could mean for automotive trade.

Watch: Toyota turns to technology to redesign US vehicle logistics network

Toyota’s Rick Wishon discusses how the carmaker is using optimisation tools from software specialist Inform to engineer its outbound logistics network to maximise capacity and reduce lead times even as complexity rises.

Watch: Can OEMs design more flexible and predictive supply chains networks?

Logistics executives from Toyota North America and agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO discuss their strategies, processes and technologies for advanced logistics and supply chain planning.

Watch: Canada’s Silicon Valley of the North

Leaders from Magna, Toyota and LeddarTech discuss how Canada’s supply chain can realise its potential for innovation as the Silicon Valley of the North, thanks to the local expertise and electric vehicle initiatives like Project Arrow.

Toyota doesn’t let a good crisis go to waste

The automotive supply chain in North America is once again facing disruption with containerised parts stuck in US west coast ports and semiconductors in short supply, both situations stemming from the turmoil created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Carmakers ramp up plans for North American BEV manufacturing

As Europe develops an appetite for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with Volkswagen’s ID.3 even becoming the second-best selling car overall in December, North America continues to lag behind. Although it is unlikely to catch up to Europe any time soon, things are beginning to move when it comes to local manufacturing, with some major OEMs and some credible start-ups announcing big investments for new models.

A fitful start to the year for automotive supply in North America

The repercussions of Covid-19 continue to disrupt the automotive supply chain in North America, not least in the disruption caused to inbound container freight and the serious shortage in the supply of semiconductors. Marcus Williams reports

Good things come in sustainable packages

Carmakers in the US are collaborating on more sustainable packaging and a new guidance document promises to promote a more environmental take on inbound logistics. Two of the carmakers involved – GM and Toyota – discuss the merits of the approach with Marcus Williams

Semiconductor shortage will hit auto industry well into 2021

An ongoing shortage in semiconductor supply is disrupting production of parts and vehicles around the world. The supply bottleneck, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the impact of Covid-19 on production in the first half of 2020 and on manufacturing investment, is affecting a number of major carmakers and their suppliers.

Marvin Cooke to oversee production and logistics at Toyota Motor Europe

Marvin Cooke has moved to become executive vice president of manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe (TME). He will oversee the operations of all Toyota plants across Europe, overseeing the Toyota Production System, including logistics, production control and production engineering.

Sustainable packaging a priority for the automotive sector

Carmakers and tier suppliers affiliated under the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) have published guidance on sustainable packaging aimed at reducing waste in the automotive sector and increasing the amount of packaging that can be recycled.

A capacity crisis in container shipping

The awakening of global manufacturing from a Covid-induced coma has coincided with the usual holiday season rush and a move away from the just-in-time delivery model to produce a nightmare peak season that’s making replenishing stock in the automotive industry a Herculean task. Illya Verpraet and Christopher Ludwig report.

Toyota to trial heavy-duty fuel cell trucks for parts shipments

From spring 2022 Toyota will start on-road trials of heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) to transport parts between its plants in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and the Toyota Tobishima Logistics Center in Nagoya Port.

Toyota supply chain management VP Pflughaupt retires, replaced by Keith Robertson

Randy Pflughaupt is retiring as Toyota North America’s group vice president of supply chain management after 38 years at the company. He will be replaced by Keith Robertson.

Watch: Moving ahead of the pack in container management

Manufacturers are turning to new technology, data and sustainable materials to revolutionise returnable packaging and container management. Learn the strategies being used at Rivian, Ford Europe, Toyota North America and by returnable specialist CHEP.

Watch: Optimising supply chain demand and capacity planning

Manufacturers are facing recovering but uncertain automotive demand, while limits in ocean and air freight capacity risk disruption and cost increeses. In this session at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, experts from Toyota North America, Adient and CNW discuss strategies for improving demand forecasting and network planning across transport modes.

Watch: Delivering innovation at Volkswagen and Toyota’s service parts logistics

As service parts demand in the US recovers, OEMs like Volkswagen Group and Toyota are carefully monitoring shortages in parts supply and inventory, while accelerating new delivery channels, including ecommerce sales and direct customer deliveries. VW’s Anu Goel and Toyota’s Mike Schober share their views during Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.Featuring:Mike Schober, vice-president parts supply operations, Toyota Motor North AmericaAnu Goel, executive vice-president group after sales and service, Volkswagen Group of AmericaModerated by Christopher Ludwig, editor-in-chief, Automotive Logistics and Ultima MediaThis interview took place on September 17th during the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live virtual conference. Click here to view all videos from the conference on demand.

Ford and Toyota talk about the benefits of returning to sender

Carmakers used last week’s ALSC Live online conference to reveal a range of sustainable packaging strategies they were employing in an effort to cut waste along with cost.

Toyota uses Fujitsu quantum computing to solve complex parts distribution

Toyota’s Phoenix PDC cuts aftermarket fulfilment times

Volatile demand testing distribution of automotive service parts

Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 6 – Aftermarket and Service Parts: Keeping the wheels moving

In this episode of the Livestream Hour, we discuss the pandemic’s impact on aftersales supply and the aftermarket, including the long-term effects on supply chains and what this means for managing inventory. With special guests from Toyota North America, LKQ Europe and CLEPA. Hosted by editor-in-chief Christopher Ludwig.

Inaccurate EDI call-offs a risk for tier suppliers

Watch: Livestream Hour Episode 4 – Tier Suppliers on the Road to Recovery

The Livestream Hour features intelligence and updates on important automotive value chain developments, Covid-19-related topics and best practice featuring special guests and experts, as well as behind-the-headlines INSIGHT from our editors and analysts. In Episode 4, we discuss the key areas that suppliers especially need to consider as the automotive industry stirs back into action, including supply chain and logistics processes, sourcing considerations, digital tools and collaboration.

Toyota revises production in Japan as sales decline and supply is disrupted

Brazil’s automotive industry paralysed in the second half of March

Coronavirus leads to capacity crisis at Zeebrugge

Calling stop on automotive supply chains: how long can companies survive the Covid-19 crisis?

With the coronavirus pandemic causing a level of automotive plant shutdowns not seen since the second world war, suppliers and logistics providers will face failures without direct support from government, and close collaboration with OEMs and industry.

6 questions in 60 seconds…with Missy Pearlman

Missy Pearlman, group manager, vehicle transportation operations, Toyota Motor North America, talks singing, respect and working in an open environment

Toyota begins exports of Tacoma from Guanajuato

Toyota to invest in Sao Paulo plant with focus on exports

Cuxport on a roll with 2m BMW exports

Distribution Down Under: How AIVs are smartening up Toyota’s new parts centre

Intelligent robots and sophisticated design are helping Toyota to achieve a higher level of efficiency at its new warehouse in Sydney, Australia. Automotive Logistics finds out more