Insourcing and localising supply chains help BMW stay flexible
Insourcing and localising are some of the ways that BMW Spartanburg is staying flexible and lean while growing, according to Oliver Bilstein, vice-president of Logistics and Production Control, BMW Manufacturing.
Collaboration in the supply chain is key for successful EV transition
The switch to EV production demands greater collaboration between the inbound, outbound and service parts logistics sectors
Red Sofa Interview: EVs present opportunities to consolidate a fragmented industry
Daniel Harrison, automotive analyst, Automotive Logistics talks to Christopher Ludwig, editor-in-chief about the highly fragmented North America logistics industry, capacity shortages, and opportunities to consolidate through the transition to EVs.
Red Sofa Interview: Toyota invests in people and partners for North American service parts logistics
Michael Schad explains how Toyota is enhancing its service parts distribution through improved training, new technology and more delivery and pickup options across the US.
Red Sofa Interview: Material control is BMW's next frontier for AI at Plant Spartanburg
Oliver Bilstein, who leads logistics for BMW’s manufacturing in the US, points to new technology and automation to increase flexibility in production and supply chain.
Red Sofa Interview: Honda’s dynamic logistics routing in US a breakthrough in flexibility
Dan Pace reveals how Honda has made its inbound logistics routing more agile to actual demand, and improved part-level visibility.
Red Sofa Interview: Diversity in automotive logistics: taking charge at Bosch
Jessica Hanson shares her personal story and advice for how women, minorities and other diverse groups can develop in automotive logistics and supply chain.
Red Sofa Interview: Keeping calm in supply chain chaos – leadership lessons at Stellantis
Anna Markett shares her approach for navigating the OEM’s complex North American supply chain, notably with empathy and a thirst for learning about all facets of operations across the organisation.
Bringing battery production in Europe up to speed
Speakers from PowerCo, Basquevolt, Li-Cycle and Ceva Logistics discussed the challenges of localising battery production in Europe at this year’s ALSC Europe conference
Highlights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2023
Watch a teaser from our highly successful Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2023 conference on the importance and future of automotive supply chain management in the region
Digital clouds on the horizon for finished vehicle logistics
Speakers from Volvo Cars, Inform and ECG debated the lack of transport capacity on road, rail and ocean at this year’s ALSC Europe conference and talked about how digital tools could make the most efficient use of existing equipment
Renault and Bosch reap the benefits of digital investments
At this year’s ALSC Europe conference, supply chain and logistics leaders from Renault and Bosch outlined the digital platforms they were using to make the inbound delivery of parts more efficient
Supply chain needs its own movement in the C-suite
There need to be more CEOs with a supply chain and logistics background in the automotive industry according to speakers from Aston Martin and Toyota at this year’s ALSC Europe conference
Carmakers and tier ones need better supply chain alignment
At ALSC Europe this year, Jaguar Land Rover, Plastic Omnium and Kuehne + Nagel tackled the issue of supply chain misalignment between the OEMs and tier one suppliers
Coverage from Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe 2023
Audi’s head of supply chain Dieter Braun opened this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference by outlining the carmaker’s goals for more sustainable logistics operations
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.
Supply chain planning to avoiding the next crisis in Mexico and beyond
Gerardo De La Torre Garcia describes how Nissan managed the semiconductor crisis, including how the company adapted supply, logistics and production and its impacts in Mexico and beyond. Experts from logistics providers Ryder and timematters give insights on avoiding future crises.
Welcome to Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico 2022!
Editor-in-Chief Christopher Ludwig kicks off the return of Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico with an overview of the challenges and opportunities for the industry in Mexico, and previews insights from leading experts including Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota, Audi, BMW and more.
Reimagining Mexican automotive supply chains and logistics
Chris Styles at Nissan and Lizette Gracida at Toyota Motor de México join the opening panel at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico to discuss changing policies and regulations that impact automotive supply chains.
Mexico needs a holistic energy policy – interview with Lizette Gracida, Toyota de Mexico
Toyota’s Lizette Gracida stresses the importance of the government setting a plan for Mexico to transition to clean energy and to keep in dialogue with the automotive industry on optimising trade agreements and processes.
What’s ahead for Mexico? North America production and sales outlook
Guido Vildozo at S&P Global to explore the latest global trends and drivers shaping carmaker strategies and volume targets, and how this will impact on Mexican automotive production and exports.
Stronger logistics accelerate Mexico’s recovery
Peter Koltai from Volkswagen de México details the OEM’s logistics strategy, and is joined on a panel by Continental, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and Maersk to explore how to optimise automotive supply chain and production across Mexico.
Logistics powering growth – interview with Roberta Palacio, Contitech
Roberta Palacio explains what Continental division Contitech is doing to strengthen its logistics across North America and the role that Mexico is playing in its supply chain across the Americas.
VW partners for strong logistics in Mexico – Interview with Peter Koltai, Volkswagen de Mexico
Peter Koltai at Volkswagen de Mexico reveals how the carmaker has been managing logistics disruption in Mexico, and how its supply chain is preparing to the launch of electric vehicle production in Puebla.
From the top of Detroit: Welcome to Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2022
Christopher Ludwig kicks off the event at the Kuehne + Nagel cocktail reception, pointing to tools, investments and partnerships needed to mitigate disruption.
How the Department of Energy will invest in the US supply chain
US Department of Energy’s Dr Jacob Ward speaks about its new Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains and investments in sustainable supply chains.
The USDOE wants to energise sustainable automotive supply chains
Dr Jacob Ward from the Department of Energy gives a keynote on policy and investment opportunities for sustainable transport and manufacturing for the US.
What resiliency in automotive logistics looks like
Learn for yourself in this panel discussion featuring top logistics executive from General Motors, IAC Group, DSV and Ceva Logistics.
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.
Shock to the system – scaling up EV and battery supply chains
Experts from Nissan, Cirba and Ryder discuss changing logistics requirements for rising electrification both upstream and downstream.
Bringing production lessons to Nissan’s vehicle logistics with JS Bolton
Nissan North America’s head of vehicle logistics talks about the need for flexibility and strong teams in logistics.
Maximising potential – women in automotive supply chain and logistics
Female leaders in the automotive and logistics industry share insight on how women can advance in the sector, from front-line operations through to senior leadership.
Watch: Better visibility drives continuous improving in Toyota’s vehicle logistics
Manny Bansi, 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: Thank you for joining us at Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2022!
Christopher Ludwig closes out the 2022 Finished Vehicle Logistics North America conference, which was the most important gathering of vehicle logistics executives in more than a decade.
Watch: Welcome to a new world of finished vehicle logistics
Christopher Ludwig kicks off Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2022, where the industry came together to address improving ETA accuracy, managing built-to-order vehicles, ensuring capacity and managing cost rises.
Watch: Vehicle logistics now a top priority at Kia America
Steve Center, COO of Kia America explains how vehicle logistics has become more important across the carmaker’s sales in the face of long vehicle waiting times and business model changes.
Watch: Vehicle logistics is driving production decisions at Nissan North America
Nissan supply chain VP Chris Styles reveals how pipeline ordering has changed outbound processes in North America, and why improving vehicle delivery will determine manufacturing and product decisions.
Watch: Volkswagen dealers want better vehicle logistics visibility
SVP of sales Ray Mikiciuk says vehicle ETA is a top priority for Volkswagen Group’s dealer body in the US – and that is changing how sales work with supply chain teams.
Watch FVL highlights: ETA, capacity, driver shortages and collaboration
Christopher Ludwig summarises key takeaways from FVL North America, where vehicle ETA, capacity and costs were major concerns, but so were finding practical ways to work together.
Watch: The Great Finished Vehicle Logistics North America Quiz
The FVL gameshow is back with contestants from Nissan North America, Glovis America and Acertus.
SEE ALL VIDEOS FROM FINISHED VEHICLE LOGISTICS NORTH AMERICA 2022
Watch: Fuelling the future of green trade
Experts in new energy and propulsion technology discuss the transformation of the logistics industry and what the automotive industry can do to reduce emissions in the transport of parts and vehicles, as well as reducing risk as fuel prices continue to rise
Watch: Consolations for a container shipping crisis
The global container shipping industry is in a state of disarray that has set it back 50 years in terms of transit and arrival times but there are contingencies that can be taken, according to Drewry Shipping Consultants
Watch: Finished vehicle logistics – delivering vehicles with better data
Experts from Designwerk Europe, Inform and Seoul Robotics discuss the latest technology designed to help carmakers get their vehicles to market more efficiently and sustainably in the face of ongoing disruption
Watch: The supply chain heroes of net carbon zero
Logistics leaders from Yazaki, Maersk and Höegh Autoliners discuss strategies for achieving carbon neutrality across the automotive supply chain
Watch: Future battery technology - a journey into the unknown for the supply chain
Battery technology expert Greg Ombach explores shifts the balance of power in the value chain and what different cell and pack designs will mean for the battery and EV supply chain.
Watch: Lessons from a crisis – designing smarter automotive semiconductor and material supply chains
Leaders from SEMI Europe and CNW explore how OEMs, chipmakers and logistics providers are working together to mitigate semiconductor shortages.
Watch: Forecasting in the never normal – European vehicle production and sales outlook
Learn the outlook for European vehicle production, electrification and ownership models and how they will impact the automotive supply chain
Watch: How Renault is regaining control in the ‘supply chain of chaos’
Jean-François Salles explains how Renault Group is digitalising its supply chain and partnering more closely with its suppliers to navitage a supply chain of chaos and reduce emissions
SEE ALL VIDEOS FROM AUTOMOTIVE LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN EUROPE 2022
Partnering to prepare for the coming outbound crisis – in conversation with Nissan’s Steve Jernigan
Nissan North America’s Steve Jernigan thinks the focus of supply chain constraints will soon shift from inbound to finished vehicle logistics, and encourages stakeholders in industry to work together during the opening session of Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2021
Outsmarting the capacity crunch
There is no single solution to the challenges facing North American vehicle logistics, but watch what Mercedes-Benz USA’s Rory Hepner is doing to manage the crisis with vehicle logistics providers, along with insights from top vehicle logistics brokers Acertus and outbound specialists RPM
Delivering on net carbon zero in vehicle logistics
Reducing emissions in finished vehicle logistics is increasingly an imperative, and stakeholders need to take ownership. Learn how technology and equipment providers are offering new solutions, and hear about innovations and targets at the Port of Los Angeles
Automotive outlook: No going back to ‘normal’
Top Eaton analyst Brandon Mason discusses how inventory and supply chain issues are impacting North American sales and production, as well as how the industry might be seeing the start of permanent changes
The end-to-end supply chain visibility is nigh
Repent, the spreadsheet apocalypse is here! Watch how Nissan, Jack Cooper and Draiver are aiming to digitalise more vehicle logistics processes and improve visibility for the supply chain and vehicle logistics
Why vehicle dealers and customers want real-time visibility of distribution pipelines
With vehicle inventories low, and more customers buying vehicles to order or with longer waiting times, the urgency for visibility in the pipeline is now critical for dealerships such as those for Chevrolet – and their end customers. And increasingly, the technology to achieve this tracking exists. This session features learnings from GM, FreightVerify, Glovis America and Black Widow
FVL Family Feud – a game that challenges new ideas and innovations
Tune in for this fun, interactive game involving industry innovators from Volkswagen, Nissan and Glovis, along with plenty of audience participation. ’Survey says…’ the industry is ready to change and try new things.
Alternative propulsion, alternative thinking
In this session, leaders from the National Automobile Dealers Association and the American Trucking Associations share the key considerations, changes and innovations required for scaling up electric vehicle sales and logistics in the US
SEE ALL VIDEOS FROM FINISHED VEHICLE LOGISTICS NORTH AMERICA 2021
Working together to shape sustainable EV supply chains – ALSC Ideas Lab wrap-up
Following a workshop on sustainable EV supply chains at ALSC Global, Chep’s Sean Maguire discusses the challenges that the industry faces in maintaining sustainable supply chains whilst ramping up EV production, including managing varying cycle times and the importance of creating open forums
Raising up finished vehicle logistics quality – ALSC Ideas Lab wrap-up
Dennis Manns recaps a workshop on damage prevention and quality, and reveals why staying connected across the supply chain is critical, especially at a time when inventories are so low that there is literally no car to lose.
The power of data-driven supply chains – ALSC Ideas Lab wrap-up
Following a workshop on data-driven supply chain at ALSC Global, Tech Mahindra’s Akhil Dabas discusses the role that integrated data analytics can play in influencing supplier and manufacturing decisions.
On the sidelines at ALSC Global Live: the calm before the perfect storm
Christopher Ludwig introduces Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live in Detroit, as the industry meets in the midst of massive disruption and change across automotive supply chain.
Welcome to Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live 2021 in Detroit!
Semiconductor shortages, spiking container shipping rates, the ‘everything shortage’ – it’s a challenging time in the automotive supply chain, and that made it the perfect time for the industry to reunite for the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global Live in Detroit.
Talking strategic planning with Kelly Bysouth, IAC’s chief supply chain officer
The global tier one supplier’s top supply chain and procurement executive talks about the importance of joining up data across the network and organisation, maintaining free cash flow in inventory considerations and why she wouldn’t take the job unless she was chief supply chain officer and not only procurement.
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.
Optimise to thrive: how Ford, Carter Logistics and Ryder are redefining freight networks
Leaders from the North American automotive logistics market share insights, including on Ford’s service parts and customer service network, as well as lead logistics provider strategies from Ryder and Carter.
North American vehicle production outlook – keeping up with disruption
The US automotive market is bouncing back but faces further constraints in the supply chain, while OEMs are investing in an increasingly diverse powertrain and model mix. AutoForecast Solutions’s Joe McCabe analyses the risks and opportunities.
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.
Protecting vehicle delivery quality, sustainably
Prevention is better than the cure when it comes to vehicle damage and insurance. Experts from ABI Tape, Trinity Rail and Horizon Auto Logistics discuss key strategies and data to maintain quality across North American vehicle logistics.
Delivering electric vehicles in America: charging ahead with a heavy load
EV sales are on the rise in the US, and with that new logistics considerations for vehicle weight, charging infrastructure and services. Experts from Lucid, Glovis and the American Trucking Association discuss how best to prepare.
Carbon reduction emerges as an important KPI for vehicle logistics
As OEMs like Volkswagen Group pursue ambitious emission reduction targets, vehicle logistics managers and logistics providers must balance lower emissions with other KPIs including lead time and cost.
Now is the time to invest in sustainable port infrastructure
Ports are the gateway to supply chain recovery and growth for the North American automotive industry, and officials from the US Maritime Administration, Kuehne + Nagel and the American Association of Port Authorities see opportunity to strong returns on investment in capacity, transport links and digitalisation.
OEMs accelerate use of existing digital tools to manage vehicle logistics disruption
Nissan vehicle logistics manager Ryan Purman explains how the OEM is changing paradigms for vehicle logistics in the US, and Inform’s Dan Gosson points to opportunities in telematics and artificial intelligence.
US used vehicle demand brings innovation and opportunity to vehicle logistics
Strong demand for used vehicles, low inventory and rising prices are putting more importance on innovative vehicle logistics and distribution, with remarketing and auction retailers looking to carriers for solutions. Experts from Manheim Logistics, Glovis and ACERTUS share insights on succeeding in a hot market.
Think Tank: How Covid has accelerated digitalisation for finished vehicle logistics
More OEMs and logistics providers in Europe are adapting and investing in digital tools and services than ever before, according to technology experts at INFORM, Proact and Fracht
Think Tank: Future-proofing aftermarket and service parts logistics
As automotive service parts demand and requirements evolve, logistics experts from Jaguar Land Rover, Bosch, Kuehne+Nagel and the European parts association, CLEPA, look to the capacity, technology and network changes necessary to maintain service levels.
Think Tank: Pack to the future
Experts from packaging suppliers DS Smith and ORBIS share new ideas, innovations and new opportunities in automotive packaging and container management that will play key roles in supply chain sustainability and eliminating cost in the European supply chain.
Watch: How automation and data analytics can elevate supply chain performance
Digital supply chain experts from CNH Industrial, IT and software specialist Blue Yonder and freight automation startup Einride discuss how digitalisation can boost reliability, control and end-to-end visibility in logistics.
Watch: Building a viable and sustainable European battery supply base
The huge demand for lithium-ion batteries is requiring massive investments and new supply sources across Europe, and experts from BMW Group, EV battery startup Britishvolt and packaging supplier ORBIS Europe reveal the supply chain opportunities and changes ahead.
Watch: Decarbonising airfreight – A case study in sustainable air freight
Marcel Fujike of Kuehne+Nagel and Gabriël Koetsier of Neste Components discuss practical steps to reduce CO2 from logistics networks including the innovative use of sustainable aviation fuel.
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
Watch: Welcome to the future of North American automotive supply chains
Kicking off the on-demand content for Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain North America Live, our hosts set out the trends impacting the industry today and how they will reshape processes, service and partnerships.
Watch: A surprisingly bright outlook for North American vehicle sales and production
Despite the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, IHS-Markit is forecasting a stronger-than-anticipated rebound for the North American automotive sector, however there are many headwinds, including for production and exports out of Mexico.
Watch: The race to build a North American lithium-ion battery supply chain
Investing in regional battery supply will be critical for OEMs in North America to compete on electric vehicles, but can battery cell capacity keep up? Analyst Daniel Harrison details the evolving battery production footprint in the region.
Watch: Maintaining Mexico’s competitive edge in supply chain
OEMs in Mexico are facing logistics bottlenecks and expect more to come, which is why Nissan and providers like Jack Cooper are strengthening processes and digital tools in logistics to improve resiliency and flexibility.
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 Think Tank: A 360 view of finished vehicle logistics in North America
Key operators from all corners of the vehicle logistics space discuss the major trends in the sector for 2021 as part of an interactive think tank, including representatives from road, rail, ports, IT and integrated services.
Watch: Managing global supply chains in times of disruption
As the automotive industry faces logistics capacity and semiconductor shortages in the supply chain, experts from Volkswagen Group, emergency freight provider CNW and packaging specialist CHEP discuss systems and strategies to improve resilience.
Watch Think Tank: Top tips on transforming aftersales logistics in North America
In a special think tank workshop, leaders from key players in service parts and aftersales logistics discuss how the industry should respond to the current disruptions and get ready for major changes ahead.
Watch: Launching start-up automotive supply chains
As new entrants, tech firms and EV start-up companies jump into the supply chain, this panel at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live explored the logistics requirements with insight from startups Rivian and Ineos Automotive, and supply chain specialist Kuehne + Nagel.
Watch: Building Lucid’s electric vehicle logistics network
Electric vehicle startup Lucid is launching its first production model with support from Glovis America in finished vehicle logistics. Head of logistics Greg Henninger shares details together with partners from Glovis on the unique challenge for EV outbound logistics.
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: Believe the hype! What Hyperloop technology means for the (near) future of logistics
Hyperloop technology sounds futuristics but Hyperloop TT is already implementing a number of projects in logistics, including infrastructure in Dubai to port operations at the port of Hamburg. Chief strategy officer Juan Quintana details the company’s plans at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live.
Watch: The arsenal of health – how GM and Ceva Logistics shifted the supply chain to support the relief effort
In this special session at Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Live, General Motors’ Miguel Tavara and CEVA’s Dave Dudek detail how GM pivoted its manufacturing and logistics to produce ventilators and supply equipment, and what lessons were learned.
Watch: Q&A with Arrival-Elements Tracy Yi
Tracey Yi, who is leading Arrival’s new component and procurement division, Elements, takes audience questions on Arrival’s supply chain strategy, including its localisation targets, sustainability and the future public transport.
Watch: A brand new Element at commercial EV startup Arrival
Tracey Yi, who is leading Arrival’s new component and procurement division, Elements, talks to Christopher Ludwig about the electric bus manufacturer’s unique supply chain and manufacturing localisation strategy.
Watch: Finding opportunities in changing global trade rules
Many factors have been impacting global automotive trade and freight flows, including changing trade agreements, cost considerations and of course the pandemic. In this session, independent logistics strategist Wolfgang Lehmacher discusses opportunities with experts from Gallega Global Logistics and ICR360.