How the AI data centre boom is reshaping automotive logistics and energy storage The rapid growth of AI data centres and battery energy storage is creating new competition for transport, warehousing and skilled drivers. At ALSC Global 2026, C.H. Robinson and Gallagher-Kaiser explained how automotive logistics providers are adapting to new capacity pressures and opportunities. Megan Kelly
Trump says Chinese OEMs could build vehicles in US, despite restrictive regulations US president Donald Trump has said he wouldn’t oppose Chinese OEMs building vehicles in the US, if it avoided Chinese carmakers nearshoring in Mexico and shipping them to the US. Megan Kelly
JLR and Stellantis to assemble Defender-branded vehicles in the US Jaguar Land Rover has announced plans to assemble Defender-branded models in the US, collaborating with Stellantis, to reduce the JLR's exposure to US tariffs. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
Trump threatens 50% tariffs on Canada-made vehicles and parts US president Donald Trump has threatened that tariffs on Canadian-made cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel could be raised 50% from January 1 next year, following the collapse of trade talks. Megan Kelly
Sponsored How DP World is helping automotive manufacturers stay ahead of disruption Automotive supply chains can become more dynamic as complex geopolitical shifts, trade patterns and customer demands reshape the industry. DP World is helping carmakers seize this opportunity and navigate complexity, according to global vice-president David D’Annunzio. Automotive Logistics
Figuring out humanoid logistics at Spartanburg BMW is testing humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant to see where they can add value in real production conditions. The latest Figure robot is sequencing incoming parts and the move could mark an important step toward more flexible automation in automotive logistics. Marcus Williams
Port of Vancouver USA marks 2 million Subaru vehicles and extends partnership to 2040 The Washington state port handled its 2 millionth Subaru vehicle on August 14, with nearly 2,000 units arriving from Japan each week. The two companies have extended their lease to 2040, securing the gateway’s role as the inbound mix expands to include the Outback, following its production shift from Indiana to Gunma late last year. Emily Uwemedimo
Ford to transition Lincoln production from China to the US from 2030 From 2030, Ford will increase production of its Lincoln SUVs in the US, gradually shifting away from exporting Lincoln vehicles from China to the US. Ilkhan Ozsevim James McLoughlin
How ports are becoming strategic logistics partners: North America’s CY2025 automotive port data North America’s leading automotive ports handled millions of finished vehicles in CY2025, with Brunswick, Baltimore and Vancouver topping the rankings. Automotive Logistics examines how investment in vehicle processing, rail, digitalisation and value-added services is transforming ports into strategic finished vehicle logistics partners. Megan Kelly
Gordie Howe International Bridge between US and Canada opens On July 27, 2026, the Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened, connecting Detroit, USA, and Windsor, Canada. The opening of the bridge comes months after US president Donald Trump threatened to block this from happening and follows a deal between the US and Canada that will see the US take 50% of toll revenue. James McLoughlin
Oil prices surge due to US-Israel war on Iran, impacting automotive logistics and supply chains Global oil prices surged to more than $120 per barrel in light of the US-Iran conflict, creating a knock-on effect for automotive logistics and supply chains around the world in terms of costs, with the possibility for further disruption to vehicle production and distribution long-term. Megan Kelly
UP-NS merger likely to bring more disruption to North American automotive logistics The planned merger of Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) is likely to bring more challenges to North American automotive logistics than benefits, according to supply chain professors at Michigan State University. Megan Kelly
Taking control of the supply chain Carmakers and their suppliers are investing in AI-enabled control towers to gain transparency on the magnitude of supply chain data they need to make supply chain logistics operations more efficient, according to experts at this year’s ALSC Global conference in Michigan. Marcus Williams
EV charging firm plans first US-Mexico electric freight route EV charging infrastructure company Greenspace E-Mobility has announced plans to create the first binational electric freight route between the US and Mexico. Megan Kelly
How supply chains are learning to flow with disruption As tariffs shift weekly and demand forecasts lose reliability, automotive supply chain leaders at ALSC Global 2025 revealed how they're replacing rigid planning with flexible frameworks, real-time data systems, and deeper collaboration. Anushka Dixit
Ford faces $1 billion hit after fire at aluminium supplier’s New York plant A blaze at aluminium supplier Novelis’ New York plant is expected to impact Ford’s F-150 production and hit its bottom line by up to $1 billion, analysts say. James McLoughlin
Stellantis invests $10bn in US manufacturing, reports say, while tariff negotiations continue New CEO Antonio Filosa is reportedly looking to localise US manufacturing while tariff discussions with the US government continue. Ilkhan Ozsevim Megan Kelly
Sponsored Watch: Ron Glowinsky on building resilient and flexible supply chains CNW’s vice president of global sales explains how urgent logistics, flexibility and technology strengthen resilience for OEMs and suppliers. Automotive Logistics
Watch: Ryder's Gary Allen on automation, scalability and supply chain excellence In this video interview, Gary Allen, vice president of supply chain excellence at Ryder, explains where automation delivers the strongest ROI, the challenges of scaling technologies, and how data and collaboration underpin resilient and future-ready supply chains. Automotive Logistics
VW Group offers US localisation in tariff negotiations VW Group is in advanced talks with the US government about making substantial investments in the US, as part of its ongoing negotiations for favourable tariffs. Megan Kelly
Cost pressure and tariff turmoil major concerns for inbound logistics says survey The results of the first "Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey", carried out in partnership with DP World, reveal that the automotive logistics sector is responding with fortitude to the cost pressures, tariff turmoil and supply chain disruption affecting the sector in 2025. Automotive Logistics
Cross-border automotive freight consolidation to mitigate US tariffs Logistics service provider CH Robinson is aiming to tackle the impact of higher US tariffs by consolidating freight in its cross-border logistics. Megan Kelly
Sponsored Navigating the EV transition: Building better and more flexible supply chains The uneven adoption of electric vehicles worldwide is adding complexity to automotive supply chains, meaning carmakers are seeking comprehensive logistics support, says DP World’s David D’Annunzio. Automotive Logistics
Watch: DSV’s David Resetar on resilience, localisation and shifting global supply chains David Resetar, executive vice-president and global head of automotive at DSV, shares his perspective on building supply chain resilience in an era of tariffs, geopolitical shifts and regionalisation. Automotive Logistics
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. Marcus Williams
Tariff analysis deep dive: The most important changes for the auto industry How regional tariff updates and expanded tariffs on parts and components such as aluminium and steel derivatives are affecting OEMs, suppliers and LSPs. Megan Kelly
Stellantis to open automated Mopar PDC in Georgia The OEM is investing $41m in the Georgia PDC to support Mopar's long-term growth strategy. Marcus Williams
US immigration raid Hyundai Metaplant battery site and arrest 475 workers US immigration authorities arrested 475 workers at Hyundai’s Metaplant in the US state of Georgia in a raid carried out on September 4. Marcus Williams Anushka Dixit
Michael DeLuca steps up to take CEO role at Acertus Michael DeLuca replaces Trent Broberg as CEO of Acertus after three months as CFO. Marcus Williams
SYCN collaborates with Mercury and Rite Way on vehicle shipments Three US-based finished vehicle logistics brokerage companies have merged operations under a joint technology platform that provides real-time tracking, automated processes and expanded national coverage. Marcus Williams
Wolfspeed appoints Bret Zahn to develop automotive products Wolfspeed has appointed Bret Zahn as vice-president and general manager of its automotive division. Marcus Williams
Panama Canal to sell two new ports and boost competition The Panama Canal Authority is aiming to sell the rights to two new planned ports within its zone, in a bid to improve competitiveness among ocean carriers. Megan Kelly
US implements 50% tariffs on India The US administration has implemented tariffs of 50% on goods imported to the country from India, effective immediately. Megan Kelly
CPKC opposes ‘transcontinental’ rail consolidation Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has said it opposes further consolidation in the rail industry in North America, following the announcement of the potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Megan Kelly
Ford begins local battery cell production at BlueOvalSK in Kentucky Ford has started production of battery cells at one of its joint venture BlueOvalSK plants in Glendale, Kentucky. Marcus Williams
US and EU trade deal details: How auto industry will be affected The US and the European Union (EU) have revealed the details of the trade framework agreed to last month, while other regions file disputes against US tariffs. Megan Kelly
US extends 50% steel and aluminium tariffs, driving auto supply chain risk The US administration has extended the scope of 50% import tariffs for steel and aluminium goods, adding more than 400 additional items to the levy. Megan Kelly
GM to import EV batteries from CATL despite tariffs GM is planning to import EV batteries from Chinese battery producer CATL, despite the tariff of 30% on imports to the US from China. Megan Kelly
GM and Hyundai to launch five co-developed models in the Americas by 2028 under strategic partnership GM and Hyundai are advancing their production partnership with five co-developed models, leveraging shared manufacturing platforms and integrated supply chain planning to serve key markets in North and South America. Charlie Blackie-Kelly Emily Uwemedimo
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
Interactive map: New US automotive tariffs & global trade rates (China, EU, Mexico) Recent trade deals have been changing tariff rates for various countries, seeing some drop from previously threatened higher tariffs, while others have increased. Each rate holds consequences for the automotive industry, potentially shifting supply chains and flows as OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers alike attempt to ascertain the most optimal, efficient and cost-effective transport routes and markets. Anushka Dixit
Regional tariffs, trade deals, and what they mean for automotive logistics and supply chains Automotive manufacturers and logistics providers face a shifting geopolitical and regulatory landscape as the US recalibrates trade relations with key vehicle- and parts-exporting nations. Megan Kelly
South Korea tariff deal with US: What it means for automotive The US and South Korea have agreed on tariffs of 15% for vehicle imports and automotive parts imports, replacing the previously threatened 25% rate. However, the US set tariffs of 50% on steel and aluminium imports, in line with the rest of the world. Megan Kelly
Ford recalls 312,000 vehicles as product cycles speed up Ford has recalled 312,000 vehicles across five different 2025 models due to potential failure of the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) while driving or using the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature. If the EBB fails, it can cause a loss of power brake assist. Megan Kelly
McLaren invests in VPC at Baltimore port with Tradepoint Atlantic McLaren partners with Tradepoint Atlantic to establish a 4,600 sq.m vehicle processing centre at Sparrow’s Point, streamlining North American distribution and value-added services. Marcus Williams
Tata-Iveco charts a new $4.3bn global industrial map Tata Motors will acquire Iveco Group’s commercial vehicle business for €3.8 billion, excluding its defence arm. The move aims to build a diversified global champion with combined revenues of €22 billion and a shared focus on sustainable mobility. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Automotive logistics and supply chains in 2025: Tariff turmoil, investment uncertainty and further cost pressures The automotive industry is reeling from the US’s hugely disruptive reset of the world economic order, and this will have profound ramifications for logistics providers around the world. Daniel Harrison
US announces new tariff rates, delays implementation again US president Donald Trump has again delayed tariffs on individual countries, extending the implementation deadline from today (1 August) until next week. Megan Kelly
CPKC and CSX add new rail route across Mexico and southeast US A new Class 1 rail corridor from CPKC and CSX is reshaping cross-border finished vehicle logistics with enhanced capacity, faster transit times, and expanded access to key ports and OEM production hubs. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
US and EU reach tariff deal, industry reacts The US and the European Union (EU) have reached a deal on tariffs, agreeing to a 15% tariff on most exports to the US, including vehicles and automotive parts. Megan Kelly
What the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger means for automotive logistics Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have confirmed plans to merge to create a single trans-coastal railroad in the US. Megan Kelly
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
Pacific shipper Matson halts transport of EVs over fire safety concerns Matson is pausing EV and LFP battery shipments while it assesses risk mitigation strategies, following a series of maritime fire incidents involving EVs. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
Routes, reassessments and regionalisation: How auto supply chains are turning trade changes into network gains In our latest livestream, logistic experts explored how to capitalise on crises, examining finished vehicle routes, port congestion and a fluctuating EV landscape Charlie Blackie-Kelly
US threatens tariffs on Japan, OEMs face billions in losses US tariffs could cost Japanese carmakers billions, with a looming deadline for negotiations. Megan Kelly
US Senate passes ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, ends EV tax credits The US Senate has passed ‘The One Big Beautiful Bill’ act, a budget bill that has several implications for the automotive industry, including the ending of EV tax credits in September. Megan Kelly
Chandan Trehan of Bosch North America on failing correctly and ensuring digital fluency Leveraging failure can be paramount to success, especially when adopting new digital processes and tools, Trehan says.
It may not be popular, but collaboration is still the only smart option Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
