ALSC Global 2026 - Welcome Drinks Reception Wrap up

Yesterday, Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global welcomed over 500 automotive leaders for our Welcome Drinks Reception, hosted by Axle Logistics.

Automotive Logistics’ chief content officer, Christopher Ludwig, took a moment away from the bustling drinks reception to give us a sneak peek into what’s in store over the next few days.

With a record turnout and a packed agenda, ALSC Global 2026 is once again proving to be the premier gathering for the sector, bringing together the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of automotive supply chains across North America and beyond.

“There are a lot of things that we have to focus on this year,” said Ludwig, pointing to rising diesel costs, tightening capacity, market consolidation, supply misalignment, and ongoing geopolitical pressures. Despite these challenges, he emphasised that these headwinds are focusing the minds of industry leaders.

Under this year's theme, "Turning pressure into performance," Ludwig highlighted that the sector has no choice but to deliver. “There’s a priority on maintaining market share, serving the customer, and keeping the supply chain flowing. And that’s what everybody is here to do today—really bringing people together.”

Over the next two days, leaders from General Motors, Volkswagen Group, Rivian, Nissan North America, Ford Motor Company, Brose North America, Stellantis, and BMW Group will explore the industry's most pressing priorities, from mitigating cross-border tariff friction and expanding multi-tier visibility to scaling outbound capacity and integrating AI into manufacturing workflows. Keynote speakers include Marcio Lucon, Executive Director of Global Logistics and Containers at General Motors, discussing the strategic role of logistics in enterprise success; Anu Goel, Vice-President of Aftersales and Services at Volkswagen Group of America, unpacking service parts transformation; and Michael Schwabel, Head of Global Logistics at Rivian, detailing vehicle launch scaling.

Check out all content highlights from ALSC Global here.