15-17 November 2022 | Marquis Reforma Hotel, Mexico City
Join us again on 5-7 December 2023 | #ALSCLIVE
How logistics can unlock Mexico’s automotive resurgence
The Mexican automotive industry has suffered badly from both Covid-19 and subsequent supply chain shortages, with new vehicle production, exports, and sales below pre-pandemic levels. But the sector is regaining momentum as manufacturers ramp up output and cross-border trade. The supply chain must now keep pace with the recovery despite ongoing capacity and delivery challenges.
Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico returns for the first time since the pandemic, reconnecting decision makers from OEMs, suppliers, government and logistics providers in Mexico City with the mission of developing more optimised, data-driven logistics and more resilient supply chains. That will keep Mexico competitive – and help manufacturers in the country to capitalise on a once-in-a-generation paradigm shift across the supply chain.
To succeed over the long run, Mexico must attract investment in new products and from companies across the automotive supply chain, especially in the context of digitalisation, electrification and changing trade terms under the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). Efficient, reliable, safe, and high-speed logistics networks will be key to the country’s automotive competitiveness. As the premier industry event ALSC Mexico is where stakeholders meet to discuss how to achieve that.
Bringing leaders back together in person at a critical time for the Mexican industry. Sessions will explore solutions for mitigating against ongoing logistics and supply disruptions in the post-Covid ‘never normal’. Case studies will demonstrate how automotive manufacturers should work together with logistics providers to design the most efficient material flows, packaging equipment, shipping networks and export trade routes. And special workshops on ensuring security and quality delivery in Mexico, from using strategically located facilities to alternative transport modes along with opportunities to digitalise processes, automate information flow and use connected data to create more predictive supply chain planning across Mexico and North America.
2022 Speakers
Chris Styles
Vice President, Supply Chain Management, North America
Nissan
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BIO
Chris Styles is vice president, supply chain management, North America. He was appointed to this position in March 2021. In this role, Styles is responsible for overseeing supply chain activities for all production parts and finished vehicle distribution in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Previously, Styles was senior director of supply chain logistics, Nissan U.S., where he was responsible for finished vehicle and inbound production parts logistics, supplier packaging engineering and logistics strategy for the U.S, Canada, and Mexico. Styles has worked as director of logistics for the U.S. and Canada in Nissan's supply chain management organization, director of purchasing for Nissan's Mexico operations, as well as director of purchasing for logistics and aftermarket and accessory parts for the Americas region. Styles joined Nissan in 2002. Prior to joining Nissan, Styles held logistics management positions in auto parts retail and third party automotive logistics companies in the U.S. and Mexico. Styles holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Roberta Palacio
Head of Supply Chain North America
Continental
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BIO
Roberta Palacio is Head of Supply Chain North America, at Contitech, a division of Continental, responsible for locations in Mexico, Canada and US with a key focus on standardizing operations, balancing efficiency with cost control.
Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, she started her career in the automotive industry in 1999, working for several global tier 1 suppliers including ZF and Cummins before joining Continental in 2012, holding positions of increasing responsibility, leading various teams across different divisions. Her last role was Head of Plant Supply Chain in a plant located in Guarulhos, Brazil. As of June 2022, she is working on her first international assignment in Fairlawn, Ohio.
She holds a degree in Foreign Trade and an Executive MBA in Operations.
Lizette Gracida
Senior Director of Institutional Affairs and Foreign Trade
Toyota Motor de México
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BIO
Lizette has a BA from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM for his initials in Spanish). She also specialized in International Trade from the Ibero-American University. Lizette has 11 years of experience in the automotive industry, focusing mainly on international trade, strategic planning, and government relations. In 2014, she joined Toyota de Mexico, she currently serves as Director of Institutional Affairs and Foreign Trade for all operations in the country. Also, Lizette also represents Toyota at the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA), as well as in other industrial and business forums. In addition, Lizette contributed as a permanent member of the ‘Side room’ during USMCA negotiations.
Francisco Bravo Gómez
Senior Director Supply Chain
Audi Mexico
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Francisco Bravo Gómez has been responsible for Audi’s logistics in Mexico since December 2021, where he has helped to make the carmaker’s plant in San José Chiapas a global benchmark for logistics. He has worked at VW Group for more than 27 years, including 15 years in IT, where he was chief information officer for VW's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee; later he was GM for IT for the group’s global production network and helped to establish Volkswagen Group IT Services in locations including Germany, India and Portugal. Bravo joined Audi Mexico in 2017 and has worked in programme planning, production control and led inbound logistics. He has further been involved in tech startups, including as cofounder of Blonic.com in Spain. He has an MBA from Ibero-American University and a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Puebla Institute of Technology, Mexico, along with other qualifications and trainings in executive leadership from the US, Mexico and Europe.
Peter Koltai
Senior Director Production Control, Logistics
Volkswagen de México
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BIO
Peter Koltai is responsible for logistics planning pperations and production control for Volkswagen México, overseeing the supply chain for its plant in Puebla, which has a capacity to produce 600,000 vehicles per year and currently builds the Jetta, Tiguan and Taos. Before starting his role in January 2022, he held a variety of roles in logistics at Audi, including most recently as senior Director of International Logistics, and before that at Audi Mexico, where he led Logistics and Production Control and helped launch the carmaker’s new plant in San José Chiapas. An engineer by trade, Peter Koltai started his career with Audi in the mid-1990s in international logistics planning. He moved to Cosworth Technology, based in Worcester, UK, for three years before returning to Germany to a role in inbound logistics. Peter Koltai studied Nautical Science at the Nautical University of Odessa and at the University of Györ (Hungary), Business Administration and Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Of Würzburg (Germany).
Siegfried Jung
Vice-President Production Control, Production System and Logistics
BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosi
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BIO
As of August 2022, Siegfried Jung took over as vice-president of logistics for BMW's plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico responsible for all logistic processes. He started his career at BMW as an apprentice in 1992 in the logistics material control team in Plant Munich. He later worked at BMW’s Plant Rosslyn in South Africa as part of the logistics support team for launches and plant expansion. He later held leadership roles in physical logistics, material control and vehicle distribution, including in Munich and Spartanburg, South Carolina. He worked in purchasing as a capacity management supplier network manager in Germany. Most recently, Siegfried Jung oversaw the restriction management and product data department at Munich Headquarters. He has an Industrial Business Management Degree from IHK Munich (Chamber of Industry and Commerce).
Discover Agenda Themes
Recovery in the new ‘never normal’
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Mexico’s automotive industry has been hard hit by chip shortages and logistics disruptions. But now OEMs and suppliers are ramping up to regain lost output, with pressure on the supply chain to meet demand in the face of cost and capacity challenges in the ‘never normal’ post-Covid environment. The conference is about the supply, freight and planning strategies needed to build more resilient and predictive supply chains and keep Mexico’s recovery on track.
Localising to compete
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Global logistics bottlenecks have underlined risks across the supply chain, with automotive manufacturers in North America gaining lead time and sustainability advantages when they source within the region. If it can ensure supply chain resiliency, Mexico has a huge opportunity to localise more components and vehicles from current and new players, including as part of the USMCA trade agreement. The conference explores how the industry can ensure the logistics, border-crossing and trade efficacy OEMs and suppliers need to invest confidently in Mexico.
Optimising world-class networks
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The Mexican automotive industry depends on reliable logistics networks to maintain just-in-time manufacturing and support high volumes of vehicle exports. To stay competitive, manufacturers need the most efficient material consolidation, packaging and transport mode engineering, and access to strong port, shipping and rail networks. Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Mexico brings together the logistics experts, infrastructure providers and government authorities needed to ensure Mexico’s freight network and supply chain compete on the world stage.
Ensuring quality and security
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Mexico faces unique environmental and security challenges that affect lead times, quality and costs. But proactive supply chain management can keep goods and people moving safely. ALSC Mexico shares case studies and best-in-class strategies for mitigating quality issues across inbound, storage and finished vehicle logistics, including assessing security hotspots, using alternative routes and adapting protective technology. Along with countermeasures, the conference aims to help the industry work together to ensure issues can be avoided altogether.
Digitalising logistics
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While Mexico benefits from integration in the North American supply chain, there are opportunities to improve visibility, connectivity and automation. Sessions at ALSC Mexico showcase leading systems and strategies to digitalise logistics, including inventory and capacity planning, tracking parts and vehicles in real time, customs clearance and data analytics. Logistics digitalisation will be at the heart of Mexico’s automotive competitiveness.
Future supply chains, today
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Mexico offers cost and lead time advantages, but will it provide manufacturers with the infrastructure, technology and talent base to invest in an electrified, sustainable future? With billions of dollars’ worth of investment in EV and battery plants at stake, the Mexican industry needs to prepare its logistics network, systems, infrastructure and partnerships to meet changing requirements. Hear from OEMs, suppliers and officials on the country’s plans for ramping up EV supply chains and achieving net carbon zero ambitions – all of which is needed to keep the Mexican automotive supply chain moving far into the future.
2022 Partners
PREMIER
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We are the fire department for Automotive Logistics because we ensure that you can keep your promise to your customers. For over 20 years we have been providing high-performance logistics solutions for the most challenging environments.
Based on your requirements, our experts develop customized transport solutions that quickly and reliably move your time-critical parts via air, rail and road to where they need to be. We can provide you with On Board Couriers (OBC) as well as chartered aircraft. In many cases, however, neither are necessary due to an even better solution that is more cost-effective, yet still timely and dependable: with our unique Sameday Air network, we can transport your urgent shipments to their destination via our next-flight-out service (NFO).
With our own operations at several airports, including tarmac access with physically supervised loading, time:matters offers the shortest handling and transit times as well as priority loading. Why conform to a rigid, predefined logistics infrastructure when you can tailor a supply chain to your individual needs?
Based on your requirements, our experts develop customized transport solutions that quickly and reliably move your time-critical parts via air, rail and road to where they need to be. We can provide you with On Board Couriers (OBC) as well as chartered aircraft. In many cases, however, neither are necessary due to an even better solution that is more cost-effective, yet still timely and dependable: with our unique Sameday Air network, we can transport your urgent shipments to their destination via our next-flight-out service (NFO).
With our own operations at several airports, including tarmac access with physically supervised loading, time:matters offers the shortest handling and transit times as well as priority loading. Why conform to a rigid, predefined logistics infrastructure when you can tailor a supply chain to your individual needs?
GLOBAL
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Cargobase (since 2013) is an independent logistics tech company that offers no-nonsense cloud-based software solutions. Software built by logisticians, for logisticians. “Our vision is to simplify and automate freight for all stakeholders. We are fast to implement, easy-to-use and affordable. We understand the objectives of senior management and the incentives of logistics operations; a key-factor to our success.” Cargobase’s unique Transportation Management System (TMS) can be used stand-alone, or integrated with existing systems for production, non-production, project, contracted, spot-buy and premium freight flows. Key-features include: Freight Procurement. Approvals. Shipment Execution. Advanced Track & Trace. Invoice Audit. Cost Recovery and Analytics. The platform covers all freight modes, is available in all major languages, and is used daily by the world’s leading OEM’s and 8 of the top-20 Tier-1 suppliers in the automotive industry.
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When your expedited shipment needs to reach its destination fast, we do whatever it takes to make it happen. We are more than an international courier, we are your partner in emergency logistics. We understand your challenges and work tirelessly to find the perfect solution for every urgent shipment. Delivering customised, reliable and efficient NFO (next flight out) and hand-carry solutions for time and mission-critical shipments from anywhere to everywhere in the world. Our focus is your business and we treat your shipments as our own – working around the clock to make sure they get to their destination on time. CNW is a major supplier in the Semiconductor and Automotive Industry. With global offices in the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Germany, France, Budapest, England, Ireland and Israel – plus an arsenal of loyal local logistics partners – CNW is ready to take on your logistic challenges.
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RPM is one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in the North America and Europe, specializing in Finished Vehicle and Freight transportation. Leveraging a robust network, we deliver thousands of units per month and address our customers’ shipping needs by matching available capacity using our own proprietary technology tools and software. With our continued global expansion into new markets, we have expanded our 3PL solution-driven service offerings to include capacity planning, information technology, strategic planning, and inventory management.
GOLD
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Air Charter Service (ACS) is a multi-award-winning, global leader in providing cargo aircraft charter solutions. Our network of 28 offices spanning all six major continents has access to over 50,000 aircraft worldwide and we arrange more than 25,000 charter flights annually. Our dedicated charter specialists work together to source the most competitive rates and move the cargo that keeps industries alive. Our Time Critical division offers a personalized, international courier service to deliver time-critical consignments to the automotive industry. Taking advantage of the company’s unparalleled global coverage, ACS’s international service will take care of the logistics to ensure on-time parcel deliveries every time. From urgent ‘go now’ requests to large project consignments, ACS’s aviation consultants offer an unrivalled range of time-critical charter solutions for the automotive industry. For the ninth consecutive year, ACS was named Cargo Charter Broker of the Year at the ACW World Cargo Awards last June.
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Cognosos is paving the way for the next generation of real-time location systems (RTLS). Supporting the biggest brands in industries like healthcare, automotive, logistics and manufacturing, Cognosos technology has been used to track over 4 million assets. Cognosos' cloud-based software, and ultra-lightweight footprint delivers an unparalleled combination of price and performance, reducing time-to-value, increasing ROI and eliminating the traditional deployment barriers of legacy systems.
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ProTrans, founded in 1993, is an award-winning Indianapolis based transportation and supply chain management provider that specializes in Third-Party Logistics (3PL), Freight Consolidation, Freight Management Services, and Inventory and Fulfillment Management. We serve many vertical markets including various manufacturing industries within Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Our expertise includes innovative, best-in-class solutions that identify operational efficiency, cost-savings opportunities, and improved transit times as well as accommodate unplanned freight.
We have experienced tremendous growth in our twenty-nine-year history evolving into a dynamic service provider of innovative and customer focused supply chain management solutions. Our creative thinking, nimble infrastructure, and customized logistics solutions will allow you to concentrate on your business.
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When your business’ plant is out of commission due to a broken or missing part, you need an emergency solution. That’s precisely what we specialize in. Our team is skilled at swiftly assessing mission-critical situations and building an expedited solution to minimize the impact and help your organization return to business as usual. We provide access to the largest on-demand cargo charter network of controlled assets through our own fleet and other strategic partners. We solve supply chain and logistics challenges for thousands of customers worldwide, including multiple Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses. Our #1 market share in the North American ground and air expedite market has provided us the foundation to become the preferred logistics provider to a marquee portfolio of the world’s largest and most sophisticated corporations. Our offerings include truckload, less-than-truckload, global forwarding, air charter, specialized, brokerage, managed transportation and expedite solutions.
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KhS Global provides automotive solutions to manufacturers worldwide. The world’s leading paintless dent removal company, KhS also provides a wide variety of automotive solutions including hail repair, stamping reworks, overspray removal, wind damage repair and OEM glass replacement.
Through our partnership with Dent Wizard International, KhS provides additional services including paint repair and battery and key replacement, particularly in the transit damage area.
Our personnel have over 250 years of combined experience in the estimating, movement and repair of damaged vehicles, including all elements involved in the setup of major job operations. This experience, coupled with the abilities of our highly skilled technicians, produces efficient operations and the highest quality repairs.
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RXO (NYSE: RXO) is a leading provider of asset-light transportation solutions. RXO is primarily driven by a tech-enabled truck brokerage and also offers complementary solutions for managed transportation, freight forwarding and last mile delivery. The company combines massive capacity and cutting-edge technology to move freight efficiently through supply chains. RXO’s proprietary technology connects approximately 10,000 customers with more than 100,000 independent carriers across North America. The company has approximately 7,000 employees and is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C.
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Chapman Freeborn Airchartering is a leading global aircraft charter specialist. With nearly 50 years’ experience, their expertise covers cargo, group, animal and private jet charters, plus 24 hour, 365-days-a-year flight support services. Their global network and offices across the world mean they have an established presence in most major commercial and airline hubs, enabling them to provide a local service and competitive pricing to their clients.
Chapman Freeborn works with clients and carriers to arrange the delivery of time-critical air cargo including heavy and outsize equipment for the automotive and energy industries, humanitarian goods, and all other types of freight.
Chapman Freeborn is a family member of Avia Solutions Group, the largest aerospace business group from Central & Eastern Europe, with almost 100 offices and production stations providing aviation services and solutions worldwide.
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CSI Group is the leading company in integrated solutions for the Automotive Industry in Mexico, providing customers with expertise in specialized solutions and the synergy of knowledge, reliable processes, the latest technology and committed personnel.
CSI Group provides the complete logistic chain of services for export and import vehicles in Mexico through its main companies:
CPV – Port stevedoring company in the Port of Veracruz, provides vehicles storage within the unique Parking Garage facility, customization and accessorization services.
CSID – Distribution Center strategically located 21 km from the Port of Veracruz, 38 developed hectares with a static storage capacity of 17,000 vehicles, providing additional services according to OEM specifications.
CSI Transport – offers land route-based finished vehicle transport services with a fleet of nearly 300 haulaway trucks.
CSI Express – Logistic administrator of high volumes in OEM yards and VDCs offering vehicle processing services, load make ups, loading and unloading from rail among others.
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Ryder System, Inc. is a leading North American logistics and transportation company. In Mexico it provides supply chain and dedicated transportation solutions, transportation management, warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment and full service leasing to some of the most-recognized brands. Ryder manages in the country more than 1,000 dedicated vehicles and over 245 carriers under contract, it also operates more than 70 warehouses (Ryder and client’s sites) encompassing approximately 840,000 square meters. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs and the hiring of the best and diverse workforce.
SILVER
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AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including automotive, high-tech, industrial, aerospace, consumer retail, food, government, healthcare and life sciences. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail — on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 100 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.
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The Port of Mobile is one of the nation's largest seaports in overall cargo volume. Located on the northern Gulf of Mexico, the Alabama Port Authority's full-service, public seaport terminals handle both containerized and breakbulk general cargo for the industry's leading manufacturers. The Port Authority provides state-of-the art terminals suited to meet stringent industry standards for efficiency, risk reduction and product quality assurance.
AutoMobile International Terminal (AIT) is a natural gate-in and cost-effective alternative for vehicle imports coming through the Gulf, and also a competitive and value-added choice for export cargo with a combination of maritime and railroad service at the Port of Mobile. The AutoMobile facility is a 57-acre full-service vehicle port terminal, Rail Ramp, and vehicle processing center. With an annual throughput capacity of 150,000 vehicles and a state-of-the-art vehicle processing center, AutoMobile is expected to be a key node for this region's finished vehicles logistic chain.
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Wallenius Wilhelmsen is a market leader in RoRo shipping and vehicle logistics, managing the distribution of cars and trucks to customers all over the world. Our purpose is to build sustainable supply chains, imagining new, more efficient solutions for the changing world of mobility and transport on land and sea.
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TrinityRail® is a leading North American supplier of rail transportation products including the Hourglass® autorack with increased interior width to promote operational efficiency and safety and a 20’-2” autorack for taller vehicles. Also available are railcar leasing and management, parts, maintenance, and on-site field support for training and operational assistance.
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·President & Chief Executive Officer · Chief Strategy Officer · Chief Operations Officer · Chief Technology Officer · Vice President, Aftersales & Vehicle Logistics · Senior Vice President, Logistics · Vice President, Supply Chain · Vice President, Finished Vehicle Logistics · Director, Production North America · Director, Purchasing · Director, Global Customs & Trade Compliance· Finished Vehicle Operations · Port Director · Import Export Manager