Tag: ports and processors

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Nissan awards top North America logistics partners and calls to go ‘full speed ahead’ in supply chain recovery

Nissan awards logistics partners and calls to go ‘full speed ahead’

Supply chain and aftersales logistics leads in the Americas, Chris Styles and Darrin Lucas, stressed the role that logistics will play in Nissan’s growth plan.

Christopher Ludwig

Neptune Land Services to begin car terminal operations at Port-La-Nouvelle from 2026

Neptune Group to open first vehicle terminal in Port-La-Nouvelle

Neptune Land Services will start operations from Q1 2026 at a new terminal able to process 200,000 vehicles annually.

Marcus Williams

Amports is managing more exports out of the Mexican port of Altamira and expanding operations at Lázaro Cárdenas

Amports is handling the majority of exports out of the Mexican Gulf port of Altamira, which has seen strong volume growth in recent years, and it is now expanding operations on the Pacific Coast at Lázaro Cárdenas

Marcus Williams

UECC adds dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network along with third Turkish port call

UECC adds Blue Heritage dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network

UECC is boosting capacity along with sustainble ocean services options for carmakers with the addition of a dual-fuel car carrier with 7,000 CEU capacity.

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

Vehicle throughput remains steady at Vancouver but is expected to increase when Annacis VPC opens

Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports have affected volumes through the Canadian port of Vancouver but vehicle sales in Canada are up and imports from Mexico have remained consistent.

Marcus Williams

Amports maintains strong throughput at Benicia with strict vehicle scheduling

Amports Mark Boucher outlines the strong and consistent throughput the vehicle terminal operator has maintained through 2024 at the Californian port of Benicia.

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

Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025

The Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025, in partnership with DP World, explores automotive inbound logistics, diving deep into the pertinent issues around tariffs, costs, digitalisation, and investment. Join the survey, win a prize, and gain access to vital insights on the challenges, constraints, and opportunities the sector faces.Take the survey

DP World is expanding its ro-ro services to a new level of scale and efficiency

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with DP WorldDP World is scaling up its investment in efficient ro-ro operations and advanced technologies to meet growing global vehicle demand and deliver connected, sustainable services, suitable for OEM customers.

Automotive Logistics

NYK to operate automated finished vehicle facility at the port of Barcelona port from 2027

Port de Barcelona has awarded NYK a concession to operate a inished vehicle logistics terminal that will feature a fully automated, multilevel parking facility, due to become operational in 2027.

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Bertel O. Steen will work together on a new vehicle processing centre at the port of Drammen

Drammen port in Norway is to benefit from a new vehicle processing centre which is being built and will be operated by a joint venture between Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Bertel O. Steen.

Marcus Williams

NxtPort launches the government- and port-backed Inbound Release Platform to help inbound cargo flows

(Updated 23rd May 2025) The Inbound Release Platform (IRP), which went live at the beginning of April, is now in effect at all Belgium seaports. It acts as a central data sharing site for various stakeholders including customs agents and LSPs, streamlining customs compliance.

Charlie Blackie-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

There has been no marked increase in container and vehicle exports from Antwerp-Bruges ports to US as tariffs bite

Tariffs and trade uncertainty have not yet caused export spikes at the Port of Antwerp Bruges, which handled 28m tonnes of goods in 2024, including significant finished vehicle and parts trade.

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

Greek port of Piraeus reports decline in vehicle volumes in 2024 but increase in revenue

Vehicle throughput at the Greek port of Piraeus was down in 2024 but the port authority has recorded an increase in revenue and will benefit from a new joint venture between Cosco Shipping and Neptune Lines.

Marcus Williams

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

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

Spain’s Vigo port records increase in vehicle throughput including trade out of Morocco

Spain’s port of Vigo has maintained a top position in the ranking of European vehicle-handling ports in 2024, helped by an increase in trade with Morocco. It is also installing an onshore power supply from renewable sources for berthed vessels.

Marcus Williams

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

US trade organisations sign letter urging US Trade Representative to refrain from charging steep port fees on China-related vessels

During this week’s hearing in Washington DC, trade organisations from across US industry have signed a letter urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to row back on its proposal to impose heavy fees on China-made vessels calling at US ports.

Marcus Williams

National Transportation Safety Board report finds Francis Scott Key bridge was at high risk of collapse

The risk of catastrophic collapse to the Francis Scott Key bridge was 30 times higher than the established safety threshold, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The report also finds that 68 other bridge in the US could be at risk.

Marcus Williams

Jaxport completes first stage of $60m berth expansion at Blount Island vehicle terminal as Toyota prepares to expand operations

The port of Jacksonville has completed first of two berth expansions designed to accommodate bigger car carrier vessels which will help it manage turnaround as vehicle volumes increase, not least for Toyota.

Marcus Williams

ILA and USMX sign six-year Master Contract securing wage increases and controls on automation

In the latest development in the dispute between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), both parties have reached an agreement on a new six-year master agreement, subject to review and ratification by members on both sides.

Megan Kelly

Marcus Williams

MSC stake in Terminal Investment could make it global leader in container terminals after Hutchinson sale

MSC’s stake in the BlackRock-TIL buyout of Hutchinson’s non-China terminal portfolio could make it the global leader in container terminal capacity, according to market analysis by maritime expert Drewry.

Marcus Williams

CMA CGM to invest $20 billion in US shipbuilding, port infrastructure and automotive platforms

CMA CGM plans to invest $20m in shipbuilding, ports, warehousing and automotive platforms over the next four years.

Marcus Williams

BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers to work together on China vehicle and equipment imports to Europe

An agreement between BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers will make the German port of Bremerhaven a hub for Chinese vehicle and equipment imports to Europe.

Marcus Williams

BlackRock to acquire Panama Canal ports as Trump pressures Panama over Chinese business ties

Two ports at Panama Canal, owned by Hong Kong firm CK Hutchinson Holdings, are set to be sold to American asset management firm BlackRock, following Trump’s threats to “retake” the Panama Canal amid his claims it was being run by China.

Megan Kelly

PSA is using the latest automation technology to increase container throughput at the port of Tuas

Container terminal operator PSA has moved 10m containers through the port of Tuas in Singapore using the latest automation technology for dockside and ajacent supply hub operations.

Marcus Williams

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

United States Trade Representative is looking to impose heavy service fees on China-related shipping

[Updated March 3] Following an investigation into unreasonable or discriminatory practice in international shipping, the United States Trade Representative is proposing to bring in fees of up to $1.5m for China-related vessel calls at US ports.

Marcus Williams

Disruption, diversion and a year of delays: European finished vehicle ports review

Lower car sales in Europe combined with disruption to routes in the Red Sea corresponded with a drop in volumes at a number of leading European vehicle terminals in 2024.

Marcus Williams

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

Port Freeport strengthens automotive logistics with record growth, new infrastructure, and multimodal connections

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Port FreeportWith soaring vehicle and container volumes, Port Freeport is investing in capacity, multimodal links and nearshoring-driven growth.

Automotive Logistics

Tanger Med increases vehicle exports from Morocco in 2024 with majority heading to Europe

Renault’s two plants in Morocco increased output in 2024 with the great majority exported to Europe through Tanger Med port.

Marcus Williams

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

Vehicle ro-ro exports continue to recover at Barcelona while containerised imports double

The port of Barcelona has registed an increase in vehicle exports in 2024 and while imports have dropped overall, cars in containers imported have more than doubled.

Marcus Williams

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

Chinese carmaker Chery builds on containerised vehicle shipments to Turkey with DP World service

Chery is building the volumes of cars it ships in containers from China to Turkey supported by DP World operations at the Yarímca container terminal.

Marcus Williams

VW Group moves more than 1.2m vehicles through German port of Emden in 2024; almost 5% down on previous year

Volkswagen Group imported and exported 1.2m vehicles through Emden port in 2024, including 419,000 battery electric vehicles and hybrids, and is bringing in a new dock and yard management system.

Marcus Williams

Kawa Shipping makes first call at JadeWeserPort on China-Europe Express container service

Zhejiang Seaport Logistics has received its first express container ship call at JadeWeserPort in Germany with the arrival of the Kawa Ningbo.

Marcus Williams

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

Tariffs and geopolitical disruption take their toll on ro-ro volumes through Antwerp-Bruges

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has seen a fall in the processing of new and used passenger cars but overall throughput has increased thanks to a boost in container traffic

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Georgia Ports Authority officially open Brunswick vehicle and equipment processing complex

Wallenius Wilhelmsen officially opened its South Atlantic Transportation and Logistics Mega Center with Georgia Ports Authority at the US port of Brunswick last week.

Marcus Williams

DP World begins finished vehicle and rolling equipment operations at port of Zeebrugge

DP World is building up its European finished vehicle services with the opening of facility at the port of Zeebrugge.

Marcus Williams

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

Trade disputes accelerate nearshoring trend with implications for logistics providers

The automotive supply chain is facing many hurdles this year, as set out in our key automotive logistics trends for 2025. Here, we look at the accelerating trend of nearshoring in the first part of our series.

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

JLR becomes fourth carmaker to join UECC’s Sail for Change sustainable fuel switch programme

[Updated January 9] JLR is helping advance its own emissions reduction goals by taking part in the Sail for Change fuel switch initiative for the maritime delivery of finished vehicles, which offers the option to switch to biofuel for short-sea shipments.

Marcus Williams

Seismic shifts in the global trade of electric vehicles: 2024 in review

The car industry is going through a volatile adaptation as it seeks to decarbonise mobility and clean up the logistics supporting production. This year it has also been dealing with trade and labour disruption but the focus is adamantly on a more resilient supply chain and the adoption of digital technology.

Marcus Williams

Top automotive logistics Red Sofa insights of 2024: Sustainability, digitalisation, nearshoring and robotics strategies from leading OEMs

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back at some of our best Red Sofa interviews from this year, where we spoke to experts across the globe about automotive logistics and strategies for success in the supply chain.

Megan Kelly

Mexico’s port and rail network has improved since the failures in 2023 with expanded terminals and tracks

Veracruz port has dealt with last year’s congestion problems by adding capacity for more than 30,000 vehicles and there have also been improvements to previously disrupted rail services, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference

Marcus Williams

Analysis: Automotive logistics providers are experiencing increasing cost pressures

Cost pressures across automotive logistics are escalating as OEMs prioritise profitability to finance EV transitions and counter rising competition.

Daniel Harrison

Red Sofa Interview | Kia México’s multidimensional approach to logistics, customs and purchasing

Ricardo Ortega Márquez, senior manager for purchasing, customs and logistics at Kia México takes to the Red Sofa at ALSC Mexico 2024 to discuss the innovative strategies driving the OEM’s success.

How Trump’s promised tariffs on Mexico and Canada could threaten the North American auto supply chain

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all goods being imported into the country from Mexico and Canada, deepening fears for the automotive industry in North America and threatening the trend of nearshoring.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa | Adapting vehicle logistics: Carlos Eudave on building resilient networks for Nissan Mexico

Nissan Mexico’s head of FVL, Carlos Eudave, took to the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico 2024.

Peel Ports invests £30m in ro-ro berth and pontoon to boost throughput at UK port of Sheerness

Peel Ports will begin work on a new ro-ro berth and floating pontoon at the port in March next year with the aim of improving throughput for finished vehicles and other cargo.

Marcus Williams

Typhoon Kong-rey’s disruption on automotive logistics highlights the need for predictive tools

Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taiwan at the end of October before impacting the Philippines, East China, South Korea and Japan, disrupting ports in the region.

Megan Kelly

Mexico needs a long-term framework of certainty to make good on its future as North America’s automotive hub

The majority of Mexico’s vehicle and parts output goes to the wider North American market and that demand is increasing, but to keep up with that demand automotive companies need to work more closely with the government to improve infrastructure and security, according to speakers at the tenth Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico conference.

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa | Rubén Ballesteros on how MG Mexico drives growth with innovative logistics strategies

MG México has been expanding and building out its supply chain by tailoring it to the Mexican market. In a Red Sofa interview at Automotive Logsitics & Supply Chain Mexico 2024, its head of logistics, Rubén Ballesteros, spoke to Automotive Logistics’ chief content officer about the company’s ability to make flexible decisions faster and its future plans in the country.

GPA reports increased vehicle and equipment handling at Brunswick port in the fiscal year to October

The port of Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island ro-ro terminal has increased finished vehicle and equipment volumes by 10.6% in the fiscal year to October.

Marcus Williams

Toyota announces $1.4 billion investment in Mexico for its Baja California and Guanajuato facilities

Toyota has announced it will invest $1.45 billion into its factories in Mexico to renovate its facilities in Tecate, Baja California and Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato.

Megan Kelly

A more sustainable service with Suardiaz Group

This content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Suardiaz GroupCustomised integral logistics provider Suardiaz is making its inbound and finished vehicle logistics services more sustainable through a combination of new truck and vessel technology, optimised route planning, including mixed short-sea loads, and the adoption of alternative fuels.

Automotive Logistics

US-Mexico automotive trade faces new challenges amid shifting policies, labour costs and Chinese investment

[Updated Novemeber 11] Following the announcement that Donald Trump has won the 2024 US presidential election, the North American automotive supply chain has been plunged into further uncertainty and unpredictability.

Megan Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

Strike by ILWU over manning and automation disrupts finished vehicle imports at Canadian port of Vancouver

[Updated November 13] A lockout of workers by the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) following threatened strike action by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which was affecting cargo throughput at the Canadian port of Vancouver, has ended following intervention by Canada’s labour minister. Steven MacKinnon has used federal powers to end work stoppages at the port, ordering binding and final arbitration between labour unions and ports ownership.

Marcus Williams

ALSC Mexico 2024 recap blog: Discussing nearshoring, digital transformation and cross-border strategies

The tenth Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico conference has wrapped up, after industry leaders, logistics experts and automotive pioneers gathered to discuss the latest trends, challenges and innovations transforming Mexico’s automotive supply chain. That transformation comes at an uncertain time for the North American supply chain, with shifting global dynamics and a pivotal US election.

Leaps and bounds across the strait: How Morocco has become the new hub driving exports to Europe

Morocco leads North Africa as a vehicle manufacturing base for exports to Europe, based on the sort of long-term commitments and investment that its neighbours need to embrace if they are to compete.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

RPM aims to quadruple under Mehrtens’ leadership: “It’s all about agility in a volatile market”

RPM Freight Systems has appointed Frits Mehrtens as managing director for Europe, where he will focus on aligning operations for significant growth in the finished vehicle logistics sector. With over 30 years of experience, Mehrtens aims to enhance sales, improve collaboration and prioritise sustainability in response to industry challenges.

Emily Uwemedimo

VW Group opens dedicated vehicle terminal at Freeport

Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) has officially opened a vehicle terminal facility at Port Freeport in Texas following an investment of $114m.

Marcus Williams

Impact of Hurricane Milton on auto operations not as severe as Helene

The impact of Hurricane Milton, which landed as a Category 3 storm on the Florida coastline late Wednesday (October 9), is still being assessed for its impact on container and finished vehicle logistics in the affected region.

Marcus Williams

Container ports at LA, Long Beach and Montreal disrupted by lithium battery fires

The US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach were forced to shut container terminals on September 26 because of a fire caused when a truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned on the Vincent Thomas Bridge at Terminal Island. The LA Fire Department moved and contained the load at another location in the port of LA, where the container of batteries continued to burn out.

Marcus Williams

How GM is boosting resiliency through predictive AI tools

On day two of ALSC Global 2024 David Leich, executive director, Global Supply Chain at GM took to the stage to discuss the roadmap for connected and predictive supply chains.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview | Jessica Hanson, Bosch on improving cross-border logistics

Jessica Hanson, vice-president of Logistics, Bosch North America discusses cross-border logistics, digital innovations and enhanced partnerships in managing cross-border logistics

The latest insights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2024

Hello everyone and welcome to the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024 recap blog, from our event which took place on 24-26th September at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan. Stay tuned to get the latest updates and insights on our conference speakers and the sessions here!

Megan Kelly

Emily Uwemedimo

Marcus Williams

Sándor Gacsó moves from Great Wall Motor to XPeng

Sándor Gacsó has moved from his European logistics manager role at Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) to Chinese EV manufacturer XPeng.

Megan Kelly

How process-mining in the automotive supply chain drives efficiency

The automotive supply chain has been adopting digital technologies to improve visibility, particularly in the finished vehicle logistics (FVL) sector, helping to speed up deliveries and keep costs at a minimum.

Megan Kelly

Nissan among vehicle and equipment makers benefitting from massive expansion at Brunswick port

Georgia Ports Authority has been investing big to expand services for vehicle and equipment makers at the port of Brunswick, in partnership with Wallenius Wilhelmsen and TransDevelopment Group, reports Marcus Williams

Toyota and Ford sign up to UECC’s Sail for Change programme

Toyota and Ford have signed up for United European Car Carriers’ (UECC) Sail for Change sustainability programme and will use UECC short-sea ro-ro vessels fuelled by bioLNG for finished vehicle transport across Europe. A third unnamed carmaker has also joined the initiative, according to UECC.

Marcus Williams

Mosolf port division to buy Transport Overseas Group

[Updated September 13] Mosolf Port Logistics and Services (MPLS) will take over Transport Overseas Group from January 2025.

Marcus Williams

APM Terminals boosts vehicle throughput at Pipavav

APM Terminals has recorded almost 4,000 vehicles processed through the Indian port of Pipavav for the month of May, and the highest number of rail wagons handled at the port in a single month. The terminal processed 40 newly modified goods (NMG) rakes, up on its previous record of 30 in March this year.

Marcus Williams

Canada imposes tariffs on EVs and materials from China

The Government of Canada is imposing a 100% tariff on all imported Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) beginning October 1 this year, one of four measures the country has announced this week to address unfair international competition.

Marcus Williams

TLE Automotive invests to meet strong demand for vehicle haulage in Mexico

Grupo ATC’s vehicle logistics division TLE Automotive has doubled its transporter fleet and is one of Mexico’s biggest vehicle haulaway firms. Now it is looking to build on quality, safety and innovation to meet the challenges on the road ahead

Marcus Williams

Maersk: Container volume to rise, Red Sea disruption continues

Shipping company AP Møller-Maersk has raised its outlook for the global container market volume growth for the full year, despite supply chain disruption caused by the situation in the Red Sea which is now expected to continue at least until the end of the year.

Megan Kelly

Vehicle throughput down in H1 at ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge

In in its half year results, the port authority of Antwerp-Bruges has reported a drop in finished vehicle handling of -9% to 1.66m units through the terminals at the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. Overall ro-ro traffic is down by 5.7% at 10.3m tonnes.

Marcus Williams

Car carrier arrives in Zeebrugge overrun with spiders

A Glovis car carrier was detained at the port of Zeebrugge on July 18 because it was infested with wolf spiders.

Marcus Williams

Global IT outage affects ports in US, Europe and Africa

The global IT outage that hit industries across the world today has affected ports and airports across the US, Europe, Africa and more, causing problems for the automotive supply chain globally.

Megan Kelly

Kia enters European commercial electric van market

Kia is entering the European light-commercial electric vehicle market with its full-electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) van range, due to launch next year via import from South Korea.

Megan Kelly

Sallaum Lines invests to expand vehicle capacity at Antwerp terminal

Sallaum Lines’ subsidiary Sallaum Terminal is investing €20m ($21.6m) in its operations at the port of Antwerp to expand capacity and streamline logistics processes. The vehicle logistics provider said the investment was in response to pent-up demand and persistent capacity pressures as OEM volumes increase and terminal operators cope with the new requirements for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Marcus Williams

Storm Alberto hits automotive supply chain in Mexico and US

Last week Tropical Storm Alberto caused severe flooding across parts of north-east Mexico, cutting power and closing roads inland at the manufacturing cluster around Monterrey. The storm disrupted container and ro-ro shipments to the port of Altamira and also closed the port of Tampico, though both ports are open again now and the storm has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

Marcus Williams

ALSC Digital Strategies North America: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for key highlights and knowledge shared at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies North America 2024, which focused on digitalising North America’s end-to-end automotive supply chain. Following the event in Nashville on 26-27 June, we will continue sharing news and features that relate to the speakers and companies involved in the event. Keep following the blog, as we will share videos straight from the main stage and the Red Sofa at the event!

Automotive Logistics

Europe imposes tariffs up to 38% on Chinese EV imports

The European Commission (EC) has made the decision to impose additional tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EVs, following preliminary results of its anti-subsidy investigation which found that prices are being distorted by Chinese state support.

Megan Kelly

Red Sofa Interview: VW’s Anu Goel on thinking regionally in FVL

Anu Goel, executive vice-president, Group After Sales & Service, Volkswagen Group speaks to Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about bringing together North America’s US, Canada and Mexico vehicle logistics divisions under a Virtual Task Force to explore more opportunities that are beneficial for the region as a whole.

Volkswagen Group’s North America vehicle logistics approach saves cost and delivery time

In the last year, Volkswagen Group of America’s finished vehicle logistics teams have united their US, Mexico and Canada divisions, under the umbrella of Anu Goel’s leadership and ’Virtual Task Force’. Now, Goel and the team are seeing results, not only in efficiency and capacity, but in millions of dollars’ worth of working capital and transport savings.

Megan Kelly

Data snapshot: Volume increases at Mexico’s finished vehicle handling ports

Finished vehicle handling ports in Mexico have seen volume increases across the board in 2023, with three of them now in the top five vehicle-handling ports in the wider North American market.

Marcus Williams

Polestar adopts biofuels to cut emissions from ocean shipments

Polestar is working to reduce supply chain emissions from its global finished vehicle and inbound logistics operations through the use B30 marine biofuel for ocean shipments, which can reduce emissions by approximately 20-25% compared with conventional sulphur fuel oils.

Marcus Williams

Brunswick port records historical month for autos and equipment

The US port of Brunswick has reported its busiest ever month in April, thanks in part to finished vehicles and high and heavy (H&H) traffic diverted from the port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Key Scott bridge in March.

Marcus Williams

BMW and Nissan make Mexican networks flexible for changing market demands

Both BMW and Nissan are preparing their Mexican networks for changes in market demand, with BMW set to begin producing EVs using its battery manufacturing facility next to its San Luis Potosi assembly plant, and Nissan upping its skills in the supply chain to cater to fluctuations in demand from consumers.

Megan Kelly

Port of Baltimore fully restored as last bridge debris is removed

The port of Baltimore could reopen as early as this weekend as the last piece of steel bridge has been removed from the Fort McHenry Federal Channel, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March.

Megan Kelly

How to democratise data and enable transparency in FVL

Sharing data and knowledge in finished vehicle logistics, and across the wider automotive logistics sector, will be beneficial for OEMs and tier suppliers alike – but despite this, there is still a reluctance to break the industry norms and trust other parties with data and information. At this year’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America conference, leaders from Ford, Subaru, VW and more spoke about why it’s necessary to break the status quo and democratise data to see effective results.

Megan Kelly

Wallenius Wilhelmsen sells Melbourne ro-ro terminal

Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Melbourne International Roro & Auto Teminal (Mirrat) to a subsidy of Qube Holdings, Australia’s largest logistics provider.

Megan Kelly

Managing long-haul partnerships in FVL

Carmakers and logistics providers are redefining partnerships to improve collective competitiveness and foster long-term success. But how is a win-win ensured for both sides?

Megan Kelly

FVL NA in pictures: Day 2

Speakers from Ford, BMW, NIssan and Volkswagen took the stage to share important insights from the finished vehical sector in North America.

Anushka Dixit

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.

FVL North America 2024 Day 2 wrap-up

The final day of Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 the event focused on regulations, governmental support and federal and private investment in infrastructure, and opportunities to become more sustainable.

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.

FVL North America 2024 Cocktail Reception wrap-up

Join us inside the Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 Cocktail Reception as we get revved up for the hottest topics in automotive logistics. Centred on discussions of disrupting the status quo of FVL in the region, we will hear about the innovation in supply chain management and transportation solutions, flexibility and the importance of partnerships and sustainability.

BMW’s secret to success is preparation

The heads of global vehicle distribution at BMW Group – Eugen Schantini and Thomas Wiech – tell Marcus Williams about the network strategy and tools the carmaker is using to manage disruption, secure capacity and plan ahead for a more sustainable outbound supply chain

Marcus Williams

Autoport’s efficiency drive on the east coast

US vehicle terminal operator Autoport, which processes vehicles through the port of Wilmington in Delaware, reports moving 115,000 vehicles through its facilities in CY2023.

Marcus Williams

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.

Finished Vehicle Logistics North America: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for key highlights and knowledge shared at Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024. We will be sharing news and videos straight from the main stage and the Red Sofa, including insight, data and quotes from the automotive experts who discussed how they are disrupting the status quo, and raising performance through innovation, flexibility and partnerships.

Automotive Logistics

Suardíaz adds car carrier to fleet for Africa-Europe vehicle trade

Suardíaz Shipping Lines has added a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) to its car carrier fleet in Europe, bringing the number to nine. The M/V Asturias (formerly Viking Amber) joined the service on May 1 and will operate on the Atlantic corridor between Morocco and Northern Europe. The Spanish logistics provider said has capacity for 4,200 CEUs and would improve its service for Renault, Stellantis and Toyota.

Marcus Williams

Data snapshot: North American ports in review

As North American ports navigated unpredictable vehicle volumes in 2023, the collaboration between terminal operators and port authorities highlighted a dynamic strategy for managing disruptions. Automotive Logistics brings you a comprehensive review of activity at the top-performing US and Canadian vehicle-handling ports

Automotive Logistics

Chinese vehicle exports above 1.3m in first quarter, reports ECG

Latest research from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) reveals that vehicle exports from China hit 502,000 units in March, bringing year-to-date vehicle exports in Q1 to 1.3m.

Marcus Williams

North American vehicle ports review: US and Canada ports adapt after Francis Scott Key bridge collapse

[Updated June 17] Vehicle shipments to the US and Canada have been subject to disruption over the last year, culminating in March with the Baltimore bridge collapse. However, as our annual review of activity at the top-performing vehicle ports shows, that has only tested the mettle of agile cooperation between ports and inland logistics providers. Marcus Williams reports

Marcus Williams

Toyota opens Tri-Gen renewable hydrogen system at Long Beach port

Toyota Motor North America has officially opened a Tri-Gen renewable hydrogen and electricity system at its vehicle processing centre (VPC) at the US port of Long Beach. As reported in September last year, it is the first port VPC in the world to be exclusively powered by onsite-generated, 100% renewable electricity.

Marcus Williams