Tag: fleet and route optimisation

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Car and truck makers adapt transport planning to increase the use of EVs

The rise of the electric passenger car has a longer history than most suppose but now carmakers are engaged with making inbound and outbound transport modes electric as well, which makes for a greener supply chain altogether.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Maruti Suzuki moves more than 500,000 outbound vehicles by rail in FY2024-2025

Maruti Suzuki moves half a million vehicles on Indian Railways network in last year

Maruti Suzuki has moved more than 500,000 finished vehicles by rail in the last financial year, almost a quarter of its total 2024 outbound volumes.

Marcus Williams

North America’s vehicle handling ports are investing in strength to manage volatility

Upgrades to port infrastructure through 2024 have given some of the top volume processors room for manoeuvre amid uncertainty.

Marcus Williams

VW Group Logistics launches Venice port terminal to optimise exports, reduce emissions and improve resilience across vehicle logistics

Volkswagen Group Logistics will expand its port network for finished vehicles of the Volkswagen Group with a terminal at Venice port in Italy, which will reduce lead times for many plants, increase rail transport, and shorten shipping times with Asia.

Christopher Ludwig

Megan Kelly

JLR alternative fuels, digital tools and close supplier collaboration

JLR has been shifting its priorities through its Reimagine Strategy in recent years, laying out a clear vision to become a carbon net zero business by 2039. While the company pushes forward in this vision, its head of freight operations is leading the way for the carmaker’s logistics operations. Automotive Logistics speaks to Levent Yuksel to discover how he is using alternative fuels and data tools to find efficiencies and opportunities for sustainability.

Megan Kelly

James Todd Kloeb, former head of material planning and logistics for the Americas at Ford, joins Lucid Motors as global vice president of MP&L

James Todd Kloeb announced the news on social media, with it following a three-decade long stint at Ford. His role is expected to encompass global supply chain planning.

Charlie Blackie-Kelly

Court of Appeals allows tariffs to continue after US court rules Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ tariffs illegal

Trump tariffs back on following appeal of US Trade Court's block

Trump has appealed a decision made by US court that blocked his ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, ruling he lacked authority under emergency powers to impose reciprocal trade measures.

Megan Kelly

How digital data strategies are helping automotive supply chains manage trade volatility, compliance risks and tariff disruptions

Digital strategies are becoming increasingly important in automotive supply chains to predict and protect against risks and improve resilience, and data lies at the foundation of these digital tools. In our latest livestream, supply chain experts weighed in on the importance of creating and maintaining data you can trust, educating teams on how to use, store and share data, and how to avoid data silos within organisations and the wider supply chain.

Megan Kelly

Potential US tariff cuts reshape global vehicle trade talks with EU, UK, China and more

US president Donald Trump is reportedly set to lower tariff rates on countries that are negotiating in “good faith”, while imposing ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on those who are not, according to US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

Megan Kelly

US-UK auto trade deal lowers vehicle import tariffs to 10% but caps UK exports at 100,000 vehicles

US-UK trade deal reduces tariffs on vehicles and steel imports with immediate effect, offering some relief for carmakers – but further details remain unclear.

Megan Kelly

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain ASEAN to debut in Singapore with senior OEMs, suppliers and tech leaders shaping regional strategy

ALSC ASEAN debuts in Singapore on 28 Oct, uniting OEMs and suppliers to shape the region’s supply chain and EV strategy.

Automotive Logistics

US automotive part tariffs come into effect as Ford forecasts $1.5bn hit and suspends financial guidance

Automotive part import tariffs are now in force in US, with Ford warning of $1.5bn loss as industry faces widespread production disruptions.

Megan Kelly

US provides auto industry tariff relief offsets and new limits on stacking duties

US president Donald Trump has offered relief to carmakers in the form of tariff rebates while clearing up some uncertainty on tariff stacking.

Megan Kelly

DSV finalises €14.3bn acquisition of DB Schenker, doubling size and strengthening global logistics network

DSV acquires DB Schenker, adding 160,000 staff and boosting revenue to €41.6bn amid rising demand for global logistics solutions.

Megan Kelly

Opinion: Tariff shockwaves, investment freezes and cost pressure reshape global automotive logistics in 2025

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, inhouse automotive analyst, Automotive Logistics, explains what Trump’s tariffs will mean for the automotive industry.

Daniel Harrison

US Trade Representative announces fee structure for vehicle and container deliveries by China-related shipping

The US Trade Representative has announced that fees on China-related vessels calling at US ports will include a cost per car unit of $150 for finished vehicle carriers.

Marcus Williams

Trump’s 25% vehicle import tariffs could cost US carmakers $108bn and cut output by 17.7m vehicles

As automotive supply chains across North America (and the world) come to terms with Trump’s current and upcoming tariffs and how to navigate them by restructuring their supply networks, the potential impact on vehicle sales and production volumes is beginning to sink in.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa interview | International’s Tony Stinsa on the realities of EV truck logistics

Tony Stinsa, director of inbound and finished vehicle logistics at International, shares the logistical challenges in transporting electric commercial trucks and the innovations needed to move zero-emission vehicles more sustainably.

Red Sofa interview | Nissan’s Todd Myers on optimising FVL through data, digital tools and holistic planning

Todd Myers, director of finished vehicle logistics North America at Nissan, shares how the carmaker is continuously optimising logistics with data-led tools, system-wide planning and a focus on agility, skills and visibility.

How Trump’s changing tariffs are disrupting automotive supply chains across China, Mexico, Canada and the EU

Following a week of negotiations and trade wars, Automotive Logistics looks at what has changed for the automotive supply chain globally, and what effects are already being seen in regional supply networks.

Megan Kelly

JLR restarts vehicle shipments to the US following a pause due Trump tariffs on car and parts imports

JLR has said it will pause all shipments to the US, following the raft of tariffs announced by US president Donald Trump last week.

Megan Kelly

EV logistics, charging infrastructure and strategic decision-making take centre stage on the final day of FVL North America 2025

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer at Automotive Logistics, wraps up the final day of Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 with key insights into electric vehicle logistics, charging constraints, quality control and strategic resilience amid uncertainty.

FVL North America 2025 opens with optimism, strategy and connection amid trade uncertainty

Christopher Ludwig shares insights from the welcome drinks reception of FVL North America 2025, as the vehicle logistics sector tackles tariffs, technology and transformation.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” automotive import tariffs disrupt global production, logistics and investment strategies

US president Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on automotive imports on Wednesday, imposing 25% tariffs on vehicle imports immediately, and 25% tariffs on parts imports from next month.

Megan Kelly

FVL NA 2025 - “Get ready to re-imagine logistics: Creating a faster, agile, more competitive vehicle supply chain”

Welcome to the recap blog from Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025, which took place at Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach, California, on 8-10 April. The conference brought over 400 delegates and leaders, and featured discussion on real-world issues and offering innovative and implementable solutions in the inbound logistics, transportation, supply chain strategy and much more. While the conference has ended, our coverage has not - keep following this recap blog for more insights and interviews from the event, and register now for next year here!

Anushka Dixit

Emily Uwemedimo

Megan Kelly

Cosco Shipping Car Carriers and Neptune Lines working together on Chinese vehicle distribution in Europe

Cosco’s car carrier division has signed an agreement with European short-sea car carrier Neptune Lines to manage finished vehicle shipments from China to Europe via the Greek port of Piraeus.

Marcus Williams

The race before the border closes, as auto logistics braces for a 25% tariff reckoning

[Updated 1 April] Automakers and logistics providers are scrambling to move vehicles before the US imposes a 25% tariff on automotive imports. With USMCA exemptions narrowing and global supply chains under pressure, manufacturers face a costly and complex reckoning.

Emily Uwemedimo

Red Sofa interview | Levent Yuksel on JLR’s push for greener corridors and industry-wide logistics collaboration

Levent Yuksel explores JLR’s approach to sustainability, the role of green corridors, and the need for industry-wide cooperation.

How Europe’s automotive supply chain is embracing digitalisation, collaboration and sustainability to drive agility and long-term success

European OEMs, tier-suppliers and LSPs are co-creating smarter supply chains with digital tools, data sharing and decarbonisation strategies. At Automotive Logistics & supply Chain Europe 2025, they shared their exclusive insights, strategies, and advice.

Megan Kelly

Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace deal signals major shifts in automotive logistics, reshaping markets in Russia, Europe, and China

A 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration on March 11, designed to be a prelude to a lasting peace deal, can pave the way to tremendous changes for the automotive industry in Russia, Europe and China.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

How MSC is driving efficiency and sustainability in automotive logistics with intermodal solutions and customer-focused supply chain strategies

Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, Johanna Wrage, global accounts automotive deputy manager at MSC discusses company’s role in enhancing global automotive supply chains through intermodal solutions and customer-centric service.

How nearshoring and battery localisation are reshaping Europe’s EV supply chain amid shifting demand, Chinese competition, and policy shifts

With battery investments in flux, Europe’s OEMs push for local supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and Chinese EV competition.

Megan Kelly

Breaking new ground: How Helrom’s Block Train is transforming Audi’s supply chain network

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Helrom.Helrom is redefining supply chain logistics with an innovative intermodal system that slashes emissions and improves efficiency.

Automotive Logistics

Smarter logistics, lower emissions: How digital tools are reshaping automotive supply chains

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with DP World.The global inbound supply of automotive parts needs to be quicker, cleaner and ready to deal with dwell and disruption, something DP World is supporting with the latest digital technology, according to Kai Olschner, global vice-president of Supply Chain Engineering.

Automotive Logistics

Exemptions will apply to carmakers in line with USMCA, following talks with GM, Ford, Stellantis

The US has officially imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, giving carmakers a one-month exemption if they comply with USMCA, while imposing additional 20% tariffs on China. With OEMs and suppliers already navigating tight margins, these measures are set to significantly increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and force strategic shifts in North American manufacturing and logistics.

Megan Kelly

How Trump’s presidency is reshaping automotive logistics: A timeline of tariffs, trade disputes, and EV policy shifts

The US tariff timeline of trade tensions and tariff changes

The US election outcome triggers uncertainty for automotive logistics, with tariffs, trade wars, and supply chain risks ahead.

Megan Kelly

NYK Line signs memorandum of understanding with Port of Hueneme to cut emissions and focus on energy efficiency

The US west coast port of Hueneme is building on its commitment to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency in finished vehicle logistics with a new green corridor agreement for Japanese imports signed with NYK Line.

Marcus Williams

Economic headwinds shake CEE automotive logistics as cost pressures, nearshoring, and geopolitical shifts reshape supply chains

The economic crosswinds sweeping across the continent threaten to stir into a big storm for the automotive industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Automotive Logistics explores how, in the face of uncertainty, logistics providers are streamlining their operations.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

Grimaldi is introducing additional liner services and investing in terminal operations around Europe

Grimaldi is strengthening services for finished vehicle trade in Europe while at the same time building services for EV imports to there from China.

Marcus Williams

Mazda invests $148m in Thailand to expand EV exports across ASEAN and Japan

Mazda plans to strengthen Auto Alliance Thailand, its joint venture manufacturing base with Ford in Thailand, with an investment of 5 billion Thai baht ($148m), aiming to develop its facilities and become a regional manufacturing hub.

Megan Kelly

Trump’s reciprocal trade tariffs set to reshape global automotive supply chains and disrupt industry investment

The US aims to impose reciprocal tariffs around the world, triggering potential trade wars that could impact automotive logistics networks and dampen investment.

Megan Kelly

Automotive Logistics livestream on trends to watch in 2025: How trade shifts, tariffs and tech are reshaping networks

The first in this year’s series of Automotive Logistics livestreams focused on key trends to watch out for in 2025, including changing trade compliance, regulations and tariffs.

Megan Kelly

The “great divergence” reshapes vehicle production and logistics in Europe amid market forces, Chinese OEMs and tariff shifts

The European automotive market is at an inflection point. Lower vehicle volumes post-pandemic, a shift from net exports to net imports and the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers are fundamentally changing the region’s logistics dynamics. Meanwhile, tariffs and localisation efforts are altering trade flows. As automakers and logistics providers adapt, the success of their strategies will determine who thrives in this new era of European automotive supply chains.

Emily Uwemedimo

Jack Cooper and GM relationship breaks down, leaving hauler to wind down operations

Following concerns about its relationship with two of its biggest clients, Jack Cooper is reportedly winding down operations.

Megan Kelly

US-Panama Canal tensions escalate as US threatens action, raising fears of disruption for automotive logistics

Tensions between the US and Panama over the use of its major logistics waterway have continued to boil, with the US secretary of state making accusations that the Panama Canal is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.

Megan Kelly

BYD and other Chinese OEMs accelerate vertical integration with dedicated ro-ro fleets for global vehicle exports

Chinese OEM BYD has added a new vessel to its fleet, with the BYD Shenzhen ro-ro car carrier having undocked earlier this month.

Megan Kelly

How the automotive industry is tracking and reducing logistics and supply chain emissions

As global standards shift and geopolitical factors influence logistics, OEMs and suppliers must implement more sophisticated tracking methods to comply with emissions mandates. From the European Union’s stringent policies to China’s evolving standards and the uncertainty in US regulations, understanding the latest emissions reporting frameworks and digital solutions is crucial for a sustainable and competitive automotive logistics sector.

Megan Kelly

Automotive OEMs are slashing costs amid margin squeeze and market shifts in 2025

The automotive supply chain is in constant flux, and this year it’s facing many growing challenges. Following on from our reporting of key automotive logistics trends for 2025, we are diving deeper into the cost pressures OEMs are facing, and how they are cost-cutting across their operations and supply chain to reduce the financial pressure.

Daniel Harrison

Expert perspectives on nearshoring: Top 10 Red Sofa interviews on supply chain strategy

The strategy of nearshoring is reshaping supply chains, bringing immense opportunities and challenges to the forefront. We sat down on the Red Sofa with experts leading the trend across the automotive supply chain.

Megan Kelly

How Trump’s Panama Canal threat could reshape the automotive supply chain

In his inauguration speech, second-term US president Donald Trump promised to “retake” the Panama Canal, claiming it was operated by China.

Megan Kelly

Automotive logistics and supply chains in 2025: Challenges, cost pressures & nearshoring

As the automotive industry enters 2025, three primary trends are reshaping the landscape for logistics providers. These trends highlight the challenges and opportunities resulting from industry restructuring, cost pressures, and evolving trade dynamics. Before we dive into each, here’s an executive summary.

Daniel Harrison

Associated British Ports to develop Stallingborough finished vehicle facility in Humber region of UK

Associated British Ports is developing a vehicle storage and distribution facility near the Humber ports of Grimsby and Immingham in the UK.

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen to take over finished vehicle terminal operations at port of Gothenburg in 2026

Wallenius Wilhelmsen will take over the management of finished vehicle services at Sweden’s biggest vehicle port on a 12-year concession from next year.

Marcus Williams

Flooding caused by climate change is set to be the biggest threat to the automotive supply chain in 2025

Climate change, and particularly flooding, will be the biggest threat to the supply chain in 2025, according to analysis by Everstream Analytics.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview: How California State is investing in finished vehicle logistics

Christine Casey, deputy secretary for Freight Policy, California State Transportation Agency takes to the Red Sofa to tell Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about the investments into California’s FVL sector.

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s progress in US-Mexico network strategy

Raúl Gamboa, head of Logistics, Production Control and Production Systems at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí speaks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about the progress and challenges facing the carmaker in the finished vehicle sector.

Red Sofa interview: Nissan’s Steve Jernigan on network improvements in Mexico

At this week’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 conference in California, Steve Jernigan, senior director of supply chain management for Nissan North America, took to the Red Sofa to tell Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about improvements to domestic haulaway performance in Mexico, which includes better equipment utilisation and availability.

Red Sofa Interview: VW’s Oliver Bronder on turning disruptions into strategic advantages

With a focus on reliability, transparency, and the strategic importance of logistics, Bronder delves into how Volkswagen is navigating the complexities of the automotive supply chain to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s Dr Michael Nikolaides on cross-functional decisions in the supply chain

BMW has learned how to better steer its network through volatile times through combining business divisions to make cross-functional programming decisions in its supply chain.

Red Sofa Interview: Why Toyota Motor Europe isn’t looking for flexibility

Jean Christophe Deville, vice-president of supply chain at Toyota Motor Europe said he isn’t looking for flexibility in his logistics partners, and is instead looking for forecasting capabilities.

Red Sofa Interview: Empowering excellence for women in the supply chain

Watch Sabine Isenbort, manager of inbound logistics operations at Ford Europe, Isa Kalinska, lead of logistics and distribution at JLR, and Sonia Santors, vice-president of worldwide manufacturing at Bosch on the Red Sofa at ALSC Europe 2024 in Bonn.

Red Sofa Interview: Navistar to use VW Group and Traton cross-docking in North America and Mexico

Haley Wilson, logistics director at Navistar, is working with Volkswagen Group in North America and the wider Traton Group to enhance best practices, share processes and consolidation such as cross-docking, which will improve logistics while Navistar ramps up its EV production.

Red Sofa Interview: VW Chattanooga is sharing EV logistics learnings with the VW Group

Watch Paulo Monteiro, head of Logistics, VW Group of America Chattanooga Operations discuss how the Chattanooga plant is leading the way in terms of EV logistics, and why it is sharing its findings with the wider Volkswagen Group and its resurrected Scout brand.

Red Sofa Interview: How Volkswagen is readying for electrification in México

Peter Koltai, senior director of logistics at Volkswagen de México discusses how the division is getting ready for electrification across the country and how to find synergies between the plants and the wider VW Group.

Red Sofa Interview: VW’s global logistics experts on synergy in the supply chain

Watch Volkswagen Group’s top global logistics experts weigh in on why synergy and collaboration between business units is critical to improving operations, sustainability and advancements within the supply chain.

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s creativity is helping solve its supply chain problems in Mexico

Raúl Gamboa, director of material and transport control, BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi talks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about BMW’s creative innovations to mitigate supply chain problems in Mexico.

Red Sofa Interview: Audi Mexico’s agile supply chain strategies

Francisco Bravo discusses Audi Mexico’s journey towards supply chain excellence, addressing challenges, embracing technology and aligning with the brand’s vision for a sustainable future.

Red Sofa Interview: How Bocar is championing Mexican localisation

Leonardo Martins, global logistics director at Bocar Group, joins the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico to share how Bocar is championing localisation in Mexico.

Red Sofa Interview: Bosch’s Ekaterina Serban on Supply chain cybersecurity risks and opportunities

In this interview, Ekaterina Serban talks about the biggest risks and challenges posed by today’s security environment. With high levels of interconnectivity in products, and compliance and security issues surrounding legacy systems, supply chain cyber concerns are a major challenge for automotive manufacturers and suppliers.