Tag: united kingdom

Stellantis distributes service parts to UK and Ireland from newly built facility in Ellesmere Port

Stellantis is now distributing service parts across the UK and Ireland from a newly built facility in Ellesmere Port which promises more efficient and sustainble aftermarket logistics.

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.

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.

DHL and Cox Automotive launch UK’s largest EV battery services centre for manufacturers to tackle complexities in battery handling

Housed within DHL’s 146,000-square-foot EV Centre of Excellence, a joint venture battery hub supports manufacturers and fleet operators across the UK. It combines specialist safety infrastructure, remanufacturing workshops and on-site energy storage to meet tightening regulations and rising demand for transparency around battery health and end of life processing.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK is getting ready to launch its first European recycling factory in the UK

Toyota is launching is European recycling initiative in the UK with the launch of its Toyota Circular Factory at the Burnaston plant in Q3 this year, which will supply 120,000 recycled parts to the aftermarket.

Vehicle ro-ro exports continue to recover at Barcelona while containerised imports double

The port of Barcelona has registed an increase in vehicle exports in 2024 and while imports have dropped overall, cars in containers imported have more than doubled.

Barbara Bergmeier steps down as executive director of industrial operations at JLR, replaced by Nigel Blenkinsop

[Updated February 5] Barbara Bergmeier has stepped down as executive director of industrial operations at JLR to be replaced by Nigel Blenkinsop, who will continue her leadership focused on maintaining a robust and sustainable end-to-end supply chain.

Peel Ports invests £30m in ro-ro berth and pontoon to boost throughput at UK port of Sheerness

Peel Ports will begin work on a new ro-ro berth and floating pontoon at the port in March next year with the aim of improving throughput for finished vehicles and other cargo.

UK budget aims to support EV sector but it’s not enough says SMMT

As part of the UK Labour government’s Autumn Budget announcement on October 30, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced several measures to support transition to electric vehicles (EV) in the country.

Euro Car Parts improves aftermarket services with Evri

Euro Car Parts has signed a one-year partnership with parcel firm Evri to enhance its service parts distribution in the UK by offering later cut-off times on orders, more convenient click-and-collect options and a commitment to sustainability, according to the company.

BMW, Ford trial 3D printing automotive parts using recycled fishing nets

BMW, Ford, Daimler-Benz and other OEMs have been working with UK-based firm Fishy Filaments to trial the use of 3D printing materials made from recycled end-of-life fishing nets.

Stellantis revenue and profits fall in ‘challenging’ automotive market

Stellantis’ revenue and profits have dropped in the first half of the year, with the OEM blaming a “challenging industry context” and a product blitz underway. Meanwhile, its CEO has triggered a “strategic review” of UK business because of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

Digital Catapult launches online supply chain hub for problem-solving innovation

Digital Catapult, the UK technology innovator that brings together government, industry and academia, has launched a platform designed to facilitate collaboration between manufacturers and technology providers across the country.

DHL to provide EV warehousing for Chery brands

DHL Supply Chain has partnered with Chinese-owned Omoda and Jaecoo on a three-year warehousing contract that will enable specialist storage of parts and components including batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles.

BMW renews contract with BCA for UK vehicle remarketing

BMW has signed another five-year contract with BCA for used vehicle logistics services in the UK. The contract includes BMW’s specialist leasing and fleet management business Alphabet. The companies signed their first contract in 2018.

Orbis to open packaging manufacturing plant in Texas

Resuable packaging supplier Orbis is entering into a lease-to-own agreement for a manufacturing facility in Greenville, Texas, and will work with industrial real estate developer EPM Partners.

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

JLR’s strategic shift towards a carbon-free future

JLR is on a transformative journey to drastically reduce its Scope 3 freight carbon emissions. Under the leadership of freight operations director Levent Yuksel, the company is redefining its logistics services to align with its carbon net-zero ambitions, setting a new standard for supply chain sustainability in the automotive industry.

DHL Supply Chain establishes HVO fuelling across UK

DHL Supply Chain has set up supply lines for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) across all of its UK fuelling stations throughout the UK. The logistics service provider has moved more than 6m tonnes of the fuel to its UK operations, replacing diesel in 20 locations.

Tata’s Agratas confirms location of UK gigafactory for anchor client JLR

Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, will build Britain’s biggest battery manufacturing facility at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, Somerset.

ABP invests to manage larger volumes through UK ports

Associated British Ports (ABP) moved 1.3m finished vehicles through its port facilities in the Humber and Southampton last year, with a surge in volumes recorded in Q4.

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.

UK outlines strategy to protect supply of critical materials

The UK government’s Department for Business and Trade has launched a Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy to safeguard the supply of goods including minerals and semiconductors, seen as essential for the future of the country’s domestic automotive industry. It also includes measures to protect other manufacturing sectors as well as pharmaceutical supplies.

European Commission calls for three-year extension to EV trade deal with UK

The European Commission has proposed a three-year extension to the current rules of origin for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and batteries under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

UK government reveals Battery Strategy to support EV production

The UK government’s recently announced £2 billion ($2.5 billion) Advanced Manufacturing Plan includes a new Battery Strategy that will see £50m of government funding allocated to deliver a globally competitive battery supply chain by 2030.

Nissan announces further investment in UK EV supply chain

Nissan is expanding its local EV supply chain by investing £3 billion ($3.8 billion) in its EV36Zero hub – the flagship facility centred around its plant in Sunderland, UK, where it will build three new gigafactories in total for its three EV models.

Peel Ports and Suardíaz set up sustainable logistics for EV parts deliveries to Stellantis

Stellantis is benefitting from a sustainable logistics service opened this week that will see EV parts shipped from Spain via the port of Vigo and delivered to a new logistics hub at Merseyside docks in the UK. From there the parts will be moved to its nearby Ellesmere Port assembly plant.

JLR battles service parts shortage

JLR is facing delays in the delivery of service parts to its retail network during the transition of parts distribution from multiple locations to its global parts distribution centre (PDC), nearing completion at Applby Magna, in the UK Midlands.

BMW’s digital strategy for better supply chain visibility

What the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic and subsequent repercussions such as the semiconductor crisis have revealed is that the automotive industry needs a clearer line of sight up and down the supply chain to secure flexible production and the timely delivery of vehicles.

JS Bolton crosses the pond to manage production at Nissan Sunderland

Jennifer Sarah Bolton has moved from her role as director of finished vehicle logistics and supply chain systems and strategy at Nissan North America, based in Tennessee, to take up a new role as director of production at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, UK.

JLR to use alternative fuel and EV transport fleet in UK in contract renewal with DHL

The carmaker’s UK road freight vehicle fleet is to be replaced with over 220 bio-fuel and electric HGVs by April 2024.

UK supply chain strengthened by EU exports, but rules of origin risks remain for EVs

The EU remains the UK’s largest export market, accounting for 59% of all British car shipments, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), but risks such as looming Rules of Origin tariffs threaten future growth.

What Tata’s new UK battery gigafactory means for the supply chain

Tata’s announcement of a new battery plant in Somerset is a significant development for the future of UK automotive manufacturing. Automotive Logistics looks closer at what it means for the supply chain’s bottom lines.

Tata to build UK gigafactory with JLR as anchor client and strong benefits for supply chain

Tata Group has confirmed it will build a £4bn ($5.2bn) battery cell gigafactory in Somerset in the UK, establishing a regional battery supply chain for JLR.

UK automotive supply chain demands support in EV transition

The UK automotive industry is calling for an industrial strategy to aid its transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

XPO Logistics and Mazda use HVO trucks to cut aftersales emissions

XPO Logistics and Mazda UK are working together to cut the carbon dioxide emissions from the carmaker’s aftersales parts distribution network.

Stellantis warns rules of origin threaten production and raise logistics costs

Stellantis said it will be at a “major competitive disadvantage” against Asian imports if it is unable to rely on sufficient electric vehicle (EV) battery production in the UK and Europe.

Jaguar Land Rover plans EV supply chain for UK

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to supply electric drives and battery packs from its Wolverhampton Engine Manufacturing Centre to its UK assembly plants for next-generation electric vehicle (EV) production.

UK electric truck market two decades behind passenger cars

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has appealed to the UK government to come up with a dedicated charging and hydrogen infrastructure for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

BYD delivers first vehicles to UK but rules out local production

BYD Auto delivered its first fully electric passenger car to the UK in March but the Chinese vehicle maker has ruled out building a manufacturing plant in the country because of Brexit.

Improved chip supply helps JLR return to profit

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reported an improvement in the supply of semiconductors chips helped it return to profitability in the third quarter.

Britishvolt collapse a shock to UK’s electric vehicle goals

The collapse of Britishvolt’s battery manufacturing ambitions in the UK, which was announced last week, is a setback for the UK automotive sector as it strives to become a competitive market for electric vehicle production.

Vehicle-handling expansion at port of Liverpool

Following an agreement worth £1m ($1.2m) signed between UK port and logistics services company SCH and Peel Ports, vehicle storage at the UK’s port of Liverpool has been expanded by more than 25% to over 4 hectares.

Stellantis to benefit from short-sea delivery of parts into Ellesmere Port

Stellantis is setting up a new twice-weekly shipping service with Suardíaz from the port of Vigo in Spain to the Queen Elizabeth II Eastham docks in the UK.

Jaguar Land Rover adjusts assembly mix to manage chip shortage

Jaguar Land Rover is cutting production of certain products at its Halewood and Solihull plants in UK between January and March next year because of the ongoing shortage of semiconductors, which is affecting carmakers globally.

Neil Marsons leaves purchasing role at Jaguar Land Rover

Close on the heels of CEO Thierry Bolloré leaving Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the carmaker has confirmed that its director of global purchasing, Neil Marsons, is also leaving the company. No permanent replacement has yet been announced.

Jaguar Land Rover chooses Wolfspeed for semiconductor supply

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has contracted electronic subcomponents supplier Wolfspeed to supply semiconductors for the inverters used in its forthcoming electric vehicles (EVs). Inverters manage the transfer of power from the battery to the electric motor.

JCB signs up Maersk and Unipart Logistics for parts handling

JCB has signed two major contracts with logistics providers Maersk and Unipart Logistics for global parts management.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks partners with XPO to open UK distribution hub

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has opened a new, dedicated service hub that will store spare parts and act as the logistics centre for all of its UK-based trucks, and also those of Daimler sister brand Fuso. At 13,000 sq.m it adds a fifth more space capacity than current facilities and is based in Willen, just outside Milton Keynes.

BCA takes over rival UK vehicle haulier ECM

The UK’s biggest finished vehicle transport provider BCA has bought rival car haulier ECM for an undisclosed sum, which will give the carrier one of the largest fleets in Europe.

BMW streamlines steel press logistics at Swindon

BMW is now using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from EK Robotics to move steel blanks and panels around its new press facility in Swindon, UK. The parts are then delivered to the Mini assembly plant in Oxford, around 50km away.

Clean energy around the coast

The main vehicle-handling ports in the UK were dealing with volatile volumes and labour shortages last year but business continues on a more sustainable footing for the future.

Ford signs up DHL for fleet services

DHL Inside Track has secured a new multi-year contract with Ford Fleet Management to organise the preparation and transport of leased vehicles in the UK.

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.

VW extends contract with Unipart Logistics in UK

Volkswagen Group has extended its contract with Unipart Logistics for aftermarket services in the UK and Ireland for a further two years. The logistics provider has been working with VW in the UK since 2018.

Start-up pace, high-end experience at Lotus

It is all change as Lotus gears up to make itself a global contender in the production of high-end, electric sportscars. Michael Dickinson, executive director of supply, describes how integrating supply chain functions and scaling operations will help Lotus keep pace with launches while remaining as agile as any new player would be. By Christopher Ludwig and Marcus Williams

Bentley includes logistics in carbon reduction initiative

Luxury carmaker Bentley Motors has furthered efforts to reduce the carbon output from its operations at the Crewe plant in the UK and reports an 81% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions per vehicle made.

Gefco invests in UK sequencing centre to support Jaguar Land Rover

Gefco has expanded its operations in the Merseyside region of the UK with the opening of a 16,350 sq.m logistics sequencing centre next to its existing facility in Speke.

UK haulage industry in crisis as driver numbers haemorrhage

The current fuel crisis in the UK, which is being blamed on a severe shortage of HGV drivers available to distribute it, is the latest example of a transport staffing crisis that is now affecting most industries, including automotive.

Cazoo doubles vehicle logistics capability in UK with SHM buyout

Online used car retailer Cazoo has bought SMH Fleet Solutions, one of the UK’s leading vehicle preparation, logistics and storage businesses, for £70m ($51m). The takeover will double Cazoo’s reconditioning and logistics capability in the UK, as well as its storage capacity, according to the company.

Marcelo Navarro to lead logistics at Lotus as it expands global supply chain

As it gears up to launch new, electric models and produce in China, Lotus Group has reorganised its supply chain management, with Mike Dickinson now leading an integrated purchasing and supply chain division, and Marcelo Wilson Navarro responsible for logistics.

DHL Supply Chain supports monthly mobility with outbound services

Well established as a global inbound logistics provider, DHL Supply Chain is also refining its services to the outbound sector as end customers choose to use the vehicles they drive in different ways.

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.

British car manufacturing recovery hampered by ‘pingdemic’ and chip shortages

UK vehicle production and exports are rising from pandemic lows, but the sector facing serious challenges in supply chain bottlenecks and labour shortages because of the need to self-isolate.

Second phase of work on Jaguar Land Rover’s logistics centre underway

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has started the second phase of development on its new 92,000 sq.m logistics operations centre near Solihull in the UK’s west Midlands region

Lotus Cars contracts DHL to handle inbound logistics in UK

Sportscar maker Lotus Cars has chosen DHL Supply Chain to manage warehousing and transport operations for production of the Emira sportscar on a five-year contract. Operations will start next month.

Stellantis invests in Ellesmere Port for electric future

Stellantis is investing £100m ($137m) in Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant for the exclusive production of electric vehicles. The move will contribute to the establishment of a net zero carbon automotive industry in the UK by 2030, by which time production of pure petrol and diesel engine vehicles is legislated to end.

Nissan announces battery hub and electric crossover for UK

Nissan and its battery making partner Envision AESC are investing £1 billion in a 9 GWh-capacity gigafactory next to the carmaker’s assembly plant in the UK. Nissan is also going to make a new-generation electric crossover at the plant.

Unipart Logistics to run JLR aftermarket parts facility in UK

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has signed up Unipart Logistics on a five-year contract to run its global parts logistics centre at Appleby Magna in the UK Midlands. The 270,000 sq.m facility, which will distribute aftermarket parts, is due to open in 2022.

ABP turns to Inform for digital vehicle management at Southampton

Logistics software specialist Inform is providing an integrated and scalable cloud management system for Associated British Ports’ (ABP) vehicle terminal operations.

International Motors to take over Mitsubishi aftersales in UK

International Motors (IM) is in talks with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to take over the carmaker’s aftersales business this autumn.

Building a future for vehicle trade after Covid

Last year was one of unprecedented challenge for the UK’s vehicle handling ports but, as Marcus Williams reports, they maintained operations, invested in infrastructure and are taking lessons forward for future trade

AL FVL Spring 2021 Digital Edition – Coping strategies for a global crisis

The spring digital edition of Automotive Logistics and Finished Vehicle Logistics is out now, featuring comprehensive overviews of the main vehicle ports in continental Europe and the UK, as well as the maritime transport sector. Plus, we look at the latest packaging initiative supporting VW’s lithium-ion battery deliveries to VW Zwickau, Vijay Ratnaparkhe’s IT revolution at Bosch and talk to carmakers about supply chain lessons ten years on from the Fukushima earthquake disaster

Ford to export Transit Custom diesel engines from UK to Turkey

Ford has announced its engine plant in Dagenham, UK will export diesel engines for the next generation of Ford Transit Custom vans built in Turkey.

Mini gets more sustainable on inbound moves with Imperial

BMW is benefitting from more sustainable inbound logistics at its Mini plant in Oxford, UK thanks to the deployment by its transport provider, Imperial Logistics, of a new fleet of 18 trucks powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). The trucks are being used to transport parts, including engines, from suppliers on 15 routes across the UK into the Oxford plant.

Jaguar Land Rover reimagines its electric future

Jaguar will be a purely electric vehicle (EV) maker by 2025, with its partner Land Rover also adding six pure electric variants over the next five years as it aims to power 60% of its products with “zero-tailpipe powertrains” by 2030. The first pure-electric Land Rover will go on sale in 2024 and diesel models will be phased out in 2026.

Watch: Beyond Brexit – Navigating global trade and customs (EP.5)

Watch this Livestream Hour episode to get the inside track on coping with Brexit and optimising global trade processes, with exclusive insight from customs experts at Volvo Cars and GEFCO

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.

Automotive sector welcomes EU-UK trade deal

The UK car industry has welcomed the new EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which was finally announced on December 24. The agreement avoids a no-deal Brexit that would have added tariff charges to the import and export of parts and vehicles, but there are still hurdles to overcome in terms of new customs procedures.

France and other EU countries close border with UK putting freight flows at risk

A number of countries, including France, have closed their borders with the UK to passengers and accompanied freight following the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK which is suspected to be more infectious than previous types.

Can the UK supply chain keep up with a 2030 ban on new ICE vehicle sales?

The UK government has announced it is bringing forward its plans to phase out the sale of new cars and vans powered by internal combustion engines. Daniel Harrison, automotive analyst at Ultima Media, examines how realistic that is and whether supply chains are ready to produce enough electric vehicles and batteries.

Industry makes last call for zero tariffs and greater clarity on Brexit

Bodies representing the UK’s automotive and logistics sectors are calling on the government for a zero-tariff trade deal with the European Union and clearer instruction on customs processes as Brexit negotiations enter their final stage.

Mercedes-Benz to increase stake in Aston Martin

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz division is increasing its stake in Aston Martin Lagonda from 5% to 20% in what the carmakers are calling a ‘strategic technology agreement’.

Unipart Logistics using digital technology for Kubota aftermarket

Unipart Logistics, the supply chain services division of Unipart Group, has extended its partnership with equipment maker Kubota UK to provide aftermarket warehouse operations.

No deal Brexit would increase cost of EVs by £2,800, says SMMT

The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has warned that a no deal Brexit could push up the cost of buying an imported battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the UK by £2,800 ($3,600). Two thirds of all BEVs on sale in the UK are imported from Europe and between January and September this year 40.8% of all the new BEVs registered on UK roads came from the EU, more than from any other territory.

Japan-UK free trade deal will benefit automotive industry

Groupe PSA introduces second service parts network in UK

Honda global operations hit by ransomware attack

The supply and demand of power

The future of vehicle propulsion depends on greater integration of engine technology, emerging trends in vehicle use and the changing supply chain for materials used in alternative powertrains. Jon Beasley, director of technology and projects at the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre talks to Daniel Harrison about the technology pushing the sector forward

Kia UK opens online sales and provides maintenance services

Decline in UK car sales worse than financial crisis, says SMMT

Challenges in store for UK supply chain

Covid-19 and Brexit – a double whammy for UK automotive

Next step into the unprecedented

The disruption to the global automotive supply chain caused by the coronavirus pandemic is being exacerbated by uncertainty fed by a lack of accurate information. At last week’s Automotive Supply Chain update webinar, presented by Ultima Media’s business intelligence unit, analysts tried to provide some clarity on the current situation and what lay ahead for the industry

Marsh to take up manufacturing and supply chain role at Nissan NA

XPO Logistics to manage Mercedes-Benz parts network in UK

DHL expands contract with Aston Martin at St Athan

Unipart leads the charge with JLR battery contract

Trade barriers threaten automotive sector after Brexit

Supply shortage hits Jaguar I-Pace assembly in Graz

Al-air: a better battery for EVs?

The deficiencies of Li-ion batteries contribute to consumer doubts about EVs, but switching to a different type of technology – Al-air – could solve crucial problems

Fighting back against fake parts

Counterfeit components can be dangerous for road users and are a growing problem for the automotive industry. Automotive Logistics examines the lucrative fake parts trade

DRS and STVA UK to support Ford finished vehicle shipments

Damage control: How technology can assist vehicle inspection

The quality of finished vehicles has traditionally been checked by eye, but this convention is being challenged by automated image technology such as that developed by British start-up DeGould

Blowing the footprint at Castle Bromwich

Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich plant in the UK Midlands was this year’s venue for the Automotive Logistics UK summit. Originally the site made fighter planes and bombers, a fitting location for an industry doing battle with economic and trade uncertainty, and a carmaker used to facing adversity with innovation

Brexit uncertainty is death by a thousand cuts for UK car industry

JLR moves into larger VPC in North America

Snapshot of UK automotive before Brexit

No-deal Brexit fears taking toll on UK jobs and investment, says SMMT

Dyson pulls plug on EVs

Hunkering in a bunker for Brexit

Comment: It’s carmaking, Jim, but not as we know it – Grenadier turns industry logic on its head

Cuxport on a roll with 2m BMW exports

Unipart picks up contract extension at JLR

The facts don't support the idea of 'global Britain'

Why the UK’s aim to be a world leader in EVs is nothing but a dream

Contingency costs for Brexit exceed £330m while automotive investment plummets

Non-EU markets will not save UK automotive in a no-deal Brexit

JLR supplier IAC signs lease at Prologis park

A letter to the UK’s new prime minister, Boris Johnson, from the SMMT