Volvo Cars' Jonathan Flores Cortes on future-proofing material flows At ALSC Global 2026, Volvo Cars' Jonathan Flores Cortes shared best practises for designing an inbound logistics flow and discussed how effective cross-functional collaboration is key to achieving end-to-end gains. Automotive Logistics
Polestar denied authorisation to sell vehicles in the US from 2027 The US Department of Commerce has denied Polestar authorisation to sell vehicles from 2027 under the Connected Vehicle Rule, prompting increased European focus for the OEM. James McLoughlin
EU proposes 90% emissions target for 2035 rather than ICE ban The European Commission proposed a 90% CO₂ reduction target for new cars and vans from 2035 instead of an ICE ban, prompting mixed reactions from automakers. James McLoughlin
Volvo Cars, VW and more warn about Nexperia chip shortage Volvo Cars and VW have warned that the ongoing shortage in supply of Nexperia semiconductors could affect production. Megan Kelly James McLoughlin
Volvo Cars benefits from rail investment in Ghent Volvo Cars stands to benefit from the installation of longer rail tracks at the port of Ghent in Belgium thanks to Belgian rail network provider Infrabel and rail freight operator Lineas. Marcus Williams
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
Volvo Cars announces 3,000 redundancies as part of new lean plan As part of its recently launched cost and cash action plan, the OEM announces it will reduce its global office-based workforce by 15%, mostly based in Sweden. Charlie Blackie-Kelly
European Union imposes retaliatory tariffs on $20bn of US goods in response to Trump’s steel and aluminium duties The European Commission’s proposal to introduce trade countermeasures against the US steel and aluminium tariffs has been approved by European Union member states, following a meeting with automotive industry representatives including BMW, VW Group and Stellantis. Megan Kelly
Volvo Cars promotes Francesca Gamboni to chief supply chain officer, integrating procurement, manufacturing and supply chain Francesca Gamboni has been named chief supply chain officer, and will have combined oversight of procurement, logistics and manufacturing, as Javier Varela leaves the OEM to join Rivian. The enhancement to Gamboni’s role is the latest change to Volvo’s supply chain and logistics management, including recent new additions to lead inbound and vehicle logistics. Marcus Williams
Northvolt starts work on German gigafactory Northvolt has begun work on its battery gigafactory in Heide, northern Germany. Northvolt Drei will have a maximum installed annual capacity of 60 GWh and will begin production in 2026, eventually making enough battery cells for 1m electric vehicles (EVs) a year. Marcus Williams
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. Megan Kelly
Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe: Recap blog Follow our recap blog below for the key highlights and knowledge shared at ALSC Europe 2024. Even though the event is over, the insight doesn’t stop, and we will continue to update this blog with the most valuable insights, data and quotes from automotive experts discussing how to deliver a competitive edge, through reducing complexity, increasing flexibility and maximising capacity. Jump to key highlights:Dr Michael Nikolaides, BMW on market volatilityMartina Graser, Ford Europe on securing ocean-based capacityIza Kalinska, JLR, Sabine Isenbort, Ford Europe and Sonia Santos, Bosch on the Red SofaLevent Yuksel, JLR Red Sofa Interview and article on ‘win win’ opportunities for collaborationJean-Marc Carlicchi, Renault Group on the ‘new never-normal’Jean Christophe Deville, Toyota Motor Europe Red Sofa Interview and article on advantageous partnershipsOliver Bronder, VW Group Logistics keynote panel Automotive Logistics
Richard Campbell moves from Volvo Cars to time:matters Richard Campbell has taken up a new role as industry lead for automotive at emergency logistics provider time:matters. Campbell moves from his position at Volvo Cars as senior director of global packaging engineering. Marcus Williams
The automotive supply chain is preparing for the next generation of AI While the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has only become a reality in the automotive supply chain in recent years, the next generation of the technology, generative AI, is being tested and put to use by technology supplier ZF Friedrichshafen. Megan Kelly
ALSC Digital Strategies 2023 - Wrap-up day two The automotive supply chain remains under pressure while the industry is electrifying and seeing new components and materials coming into play. At day two of the inaugural Automotive Logisitcs & Supply Chain conference in Munich, we heard from even more expert speakers to find out how new data possibilities and technologies can be leveraged to the industry’s advantage.
VW Group steers production in line with dropping demand for EVs In its performance update for the first nine months of 2023 Volkswagen Group said the automotive industry is “currently experiencing a general reluctance [by customers] to buy battery-powered models” and that “the overall market trend… fell short of expectations”. Marcus Williams
ALSC Global 2023 On Demand: Day two wrap-up from the Henry Ford Museum Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief, Automotive Logistics gives us the rundown of day two at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023, from the Ryder Gala Dinner at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
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.
Volvo Cars makes Francesca Gamboni head of Supply Chain Volvo Cars has appointed Francesca Gamboni as its head of Procurement and Supply Chain team, effective from October 16th. Megan Kelly
How Volvo Cars made sustainability a way of working OEMs are on a race to achieve supply chain sustainability goals over the next two decades, but Volvo Cars may be miles ahead. Head of inbound logistics and packaging Sean Bricknell explains how sustainability in logistics has moved beyond pilot to become a way of working at Volvo. Megan Kelly
Volvo Cars uses renewable fuels in ocean freight Volvo Cars is reducing the CO2 emissions in its supply chain by 84% switching to renewable fuels for its ocean freight, as it becomes the first OEM to switch all intercontinental container shipments to more sustainable fuels. Megan Kelly
Head of procurement and supply chain Enochsson leaves Volvo Cars Kerstin Enochsson, head of procurement and supply chain at Volvo Cars, is leaving the role after just nine months in the position to Swedish supplier SKF. Megan Kelly
Digital clouds on the horizon for finished vehicle logistics The transport capacity shortage in finished vehicle deliveries could well be the next major disruption for the automotive industry. For Volvo Cars that means innovating to make the best use of available resources, which it is managing with its Over the Horizon planning strategy. Marcus Williams
The end-to-end in sight at Volvo Cars Volvo Cars is on a mission to make its supply chain as sustainable as its electric vehicles, so it has combined procurement and supply chain logistics for greater clarity on the flow of parts, materials and vehicles. Kerstin Enochsson, head of procurement and supply chain, explains more Marcus Williams
Volvo to make flagship electric SUV in US and China Volvo Cars launched its fully electric EX90 SUV last week. The seven-seater vehicle will be mass produced at the Swedish carmaker’s US plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina for domestic and export markets from 2024. Volvo said it also has plans to produce the vehicle in China. Marcus Williams
Volvo Cars tackles material and logistics costs to improve production Higher battery material costs, spot buying of semiconductors and increased logistics costs, incurred through a greater use of premium freight, contributed to a lower operating profit of SEK 3.4 billion ($308m) for Volvo Cars in the third quarter of this year. Marcus Williams
Volvo Cars merges procurement and supply chain under Kerstin Enochsson Kerstin Enochsson has expanded her role as chief procurement officer at Volvo Cars to include responsibility for the company’s supply chain operations, while Chris Godfrey is now head of global logistics and operations. The carmaker has now merged its procurement and supply chain departments. Marcus Williams
Volvo Cars strengthens global logistics and packaging with senior talent Volvo Cars has made two senior appointments with the addition of Anders Zobbe as global head of inbound logistics engineering and Richard Campbell as global head of packaging. Marcus Williams
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. Hazel Southwell
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 Marcus Williams
Russia struggles to repair its broken supply chain In a bid to save what is left of its automotive industry, Russia is taking measures to establish new supply chains and logistics networks following the breakdown caused by the international sanctions applied in the wake of the Ukraine war. Automotive Logistics
Watch: Why supply chain management is a competitive advantage at Audi and Volvo Audi’s Dieter Braun and Volvo Car’s Sean Bricknell debate they strategic role that supply chain and logistics can play in the long-term business success of the automotive industry.
Speed and standards are key to the automotive future Things are changing fast in the automotive industry. The Covid pandemic set off a chain of disruptive events that forced many into crisis management they are still living. There have been more changes in the last two years than there probably have been in the previous 20. Marcus Williams
Martin Corner moves on from Volvo to Aston Martin Lagonda Martin Corner has moved from his role as vice-president of global supply chain management (SCM) at Volvo Cars to take up a new position at Aston Martin Lagonda as head of supply chain management and logistics. Marcus Williams
A carbon-neutral network for Volvo At last year’s COP26 climate conference Volvo Cars signed a declaration to phase out fossil fuels from its cars, but as Martin Corner, vice-president of global supply chain logistics, explains to Marcus Williams, that commitment to carbon cutting goes for logistics as well. Marcus Williams
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 Automotive Logistics
Volvo installing UVEye vehicle inspection system at US dealers Volvo Cars is rolling out a high-speed, automated vehicle-inspection system across its dealership network in the US, starting on the east coast. Marcus Williams
Semiconductor shortage disrupts production at Ford and Volvo The ongoing shortage in the supply of semiconductors to the automotive industry means that parts shortages are arresting production for Ford and Volvo this week. Marcus Williams
Electrifying Europe: EU ‘Fit for 55’ legislation will transform the automotive supply chain The EU’s latest salvo to mitigate against climate change is the most radical yet, tightening emission targets more than previously announced and setting a timetable to eliminate combustion engines – all of which will ultimately transform automotive manufacturing and supply chain Daniel Harrison
Sean Bricknell appointed head of inbound logistics and packaging at Volvo Cars Volvo Cars has appointed Sean Bricknell (pictured) as head of global inbound logistics and packaging. Bricknell will be responsible for engineering and operations across both functions supporting Volvo’s plants in the Asia, EMEA and US regions. Marcus Williams
Material shortages are forcing a supply chain rethink in automotive Widespread shortages in range of materials used to make cars are impacting production but OEMs and suppliers are responding by accelerating the development of alternative closed-loop supply chains Namrita Chow
Polestar to make next electric SUV in US Polestar has announced it will build its Polestar 3 electric SUV in the United States to reduce delivery times and make procurement more efficient, according to chief operating officer (COO) Dennis Nobelius. 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. Illya Verpraet
Better cooperation is needed to decarbonise the supply chain The automotive industry is investing to decarbonise the vehicles it makes as well as individual links in the supply chain used to deliver the parts and finished vehicles. However, without better logistics planning there will still be a lot of waste and the industry needs to join up its thinking, said Martin Corner, head of supply chain at Volvo Cars, on a recent panel discussion about shipping in the automotive industry. Illya Verpraet
Polestar looks deeper into supply chain with Circulor Polestar has signed a deal blockchain technology provider Circulor that aims to extend its visibility of ethical raw materials sourcing. Marcus Williams
Watch: Dealing with continuous disruption in finished vehicle logistics Christopher Godfrey of Volvo Cars and Ruud Vossebeld of INFORM discuss how the pandemic, remote working and digitalisation are changing vehicle logistics, requiring ever more focus on people.
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
The way we buy cars has changed forever The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a latent online sales trend, with more than 50% of vehicles across Europe currently sold across some form of online channel, according to new research. This has solidified automakers’ roll out plans for new sales structures across the continent and beyond. Namrita Chow
Volvo Cars appoints heads of procurement and supply chain management From this month, Volvo Cars has appointed Kerstin Enochsson the global head of its Procurement division and Martin Corner head of its new Supply Chain Management organisation, which combines operations planning and logistics for inbound parts, outbound finished vehicles and aftersales. Marcus Williams
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. Illya Verpraet
Brexit means business as usual, but with more work for Volvo and Gefco At last week’s Livestream Hour from Ultima Media, panellists from Volvo Cars and Gefco discussed how their daily business had changed with nearly two weeks of Brexit under their belts. Volvo had yet to experience severe disruption but both companies are seeing an increased workload to comply with the eleventh-hour regulations Illya Verpraet
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
AL FVL Winter 2020 Digital Edition The winter digital edition of Automotive Logistics is out now, featuring an overview of how automotive supply chains have adapted during the crisis, and how digitalisation will reshape logistics. Plus insight on battery supply chains, used car logistics, vehicle logistics quality systems at Daimler and much more!
More than one way to buy a car – subscription models and FVL The Covid-19 crisis has forced dealers faced with closure to adopt online sales and subscription models. We take a look at what it means for the logistics sector and how start-up Lynk & Co is going all-in on it. Illya Verpraet
Volvo opens central distribution centre in Thailand Volvo Cars has opened a $32.7m vehicle and parts distribution centre in Thailand containing a vehicle inspection centre, spare parts warehouse, performance testing facility and training centre. Marcus Williams
Carmakers focus on China for electric vehicle exports to Europe A growing number of carmakers are looking to China for the production of electric vehicles (EVs) destined for sale in Europe, including Tesla, BMW and Renault. Marcus Williams
Watch: Why Volvo’s Martin Corner thinks there has never been a more exciting time for automotive logistics Volvo Cars’ head of global logistics thinks the supply chain has a long way to go to match the digital, visibility and flexibility requirements of the automotive sector, but he also tells the audience of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live that electrification and new distribution models provide an opportunity for positive transformation.
Watch: Carmakers preparing for supply chain and logistics reinvention The pandemic isn’t over, but senior logistics leaders at General Motors, Nissan, Volvo Cars and Glovis America are looking beyond the crisis to new technology, electrification, capacity planning and the skills needed to succeed in supply chain management in the 2020s. Watch this in-depth panel discussion from Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.
Watch: Scaling up battery and electric vehicle supply chains Sales and production for electric vehicles are growing fast, as new vehicle and battery plants come on line. In this panel discussion at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, global experts from Volvo Cars, Gefco and Maersk share insights on the logistics challenges and advantages in building efficient and nimble EV supply chains.
Watch: Keeping the metal moving in Europe As the European vehicle logistics sector faces huge challenges and changes, senior logistics leaders from Daimler, Volvo Cars and Hyundai Glovis discuss capacity requirements, digitalisation and requirements from their logistics partners during a panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.
Now is the time to get vehicle distribution out of the stone age The number one strategic challenge for the automotive logistics sector right now is in matching vehicle distribution with demand through new channels of communication and different levels of service. According to Volvo Cars’ logistics chief Martin Corner, the future depends on better collaboration between carmakers and their LSPs on adapting the outbound supply chain to accommodate the growth of electric vehicles. Marcus Williams
The medium is the message An industry-wide initiative in Europe aims to set a standard for digital communication across all outbound delivery processes from factory to dealer. Joanne Perry talks to some of those involved Joanne Perry
A cloud with a silver lining Groupe Renault and Google have announced a new industrial and technology partnership to accelerate the digitisation of the carmaker’s Industry 4.0 transformation. Victoria Johns investigates the benefits of cloud computing for the carmaker’s supply chain Victoria Johns
Pros and cons on the Pacific Coast While vehicle dwell and allocation are still challenges for some ports, others are benefitting from capacity gains and stronger rail links, which are helping with increased short-sea trade from Mexico and the build-up of inventory during Covid-19. Marcus Williams reports Marcus Williams
Kia suspends production in Slovakia on supply shortages Kia has had to halt the assembly lines two weeks after restarting them, demonstrating the challenges that OEMs face in restarting vehicle production during the ongoing lockdown and coronavirus crisis. Christopher Ludwig
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. Christopher Ludwig
Taking the assault out of the battery The electromobility revolution is widely regarded as a positive development in the history of the car, but with concerns over raw material resources, as well as human rights issues, how realistic is sustainable battery supply? Victoria Johns
North American ports go in search of the promised land US east coast ports have been grabbing land to handle increased volumes while some on the west coast deal with dramatic volume fluctuations. In Mexico, meanwhile, private investment is helping to deal with congestion. Marcus Williams reports on the performance of North American vehicle handling ports in 2018 Marcus Williams
Stronger ties: Growth of a new Silk Road Increased investment in rail services across Eurasia is contributing to rising volumes of automotive shipments via this mode – not only components but finished vehicles as well Marcus Williams
Fighting for space at Europe’s ports European vehicle-handling ports faced a squeeze on space last year for several reasons, including wild fluctuations in distribution patterns caused by WLTP implementation. But the situation is now improving, because of investment in infrastructure and digital technology Marcus Williams
Production & logistics part 4: Logistics organisations and skills How has your company’s supply chain and logistics management organisation changed over the past 20 years? Christopher Ludwig
JLR part 1: Ensuring logistics is not a victim of success With so much expansion, change and inevitable risk still ahead of the carmaker, JLR’s director of global material planning and logistics, David Dyke, is pushing his department’s influence across the company and the supply chain to gain efficiency and further strength Christopher Ludwig
Plant locations: Right place, right time Considerations such as market demand, time to market, regulations, supplier and infrastructure issues are essential in choosing new manufacturing locations. Automotive Logistics
China conference: preparing for the new and the old, for growth and decline Chris Ludwig Christopher Ludwig
