All articles by Chris Ludwig – Page 3

  • Feature

    It may not be popular, but collaboration is still the only smart option

    2017-01-26T12:35:01Z

    Despite the rise in populist protectionism so clearly underlined by the UK's recent vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump's surprising US election win, working together remains the only sensible way forwardSupply chain experts will spend 2017 dealing with the aftermath of the protectionist sentiments that helped propel the ...

  • Mercedes-Benz Werk Bremen: Mercedes-Benz startet Produktion des neuen E-Klasse Coupés
    Feature

    Intelligent logistics supports Bremen output for Mercedes-Benz

    2017-01-25T13:03:12Z

    Intelligent logistics and a flexible supply chain are being used to underpin the recently launched production of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé at the OEM’s plant in Bremen, Germany, Daimler has claimed ­­– helping to maintain the site as the most complex globally for its number of variants.Markus Schäfer, member of ...

  • BMW nedcar
    Feature

    BMW to subcontract additional X1 output to the Netherlands

    2017-01-25T12:37:47Z

    The VDL Nedcar contract manufacturing plant in the Netherlands will start assembly of the BMW X1 this August to serve local and global export markets, sharing output with BMW’s plant in Regensburg in south-east Germany, the carmaker has confirmed.By sharing production of the model at the Dutch plant, close to ...

  • BLG-China1-300x200
    Feature

    Emerging market growth overshadowed by protectionism concerns

    2017-01-25T12:06:35Z

    China topped the index once again, based on market size, ease of doing business and logistics infrastructureThe outlook for growth in emerging markets is decidedly mixed, according to a recent survey of logistics and supply chain professionals, with economic uncertainty compounded by worries over rising protectionism and restrictions to ...

  • brexit-1477611_640_opt (2)
    Feature

    Brexit: Why a nod of recognition is not enough to calm the nerves

    2017-01-18T17:44:54Z

    Insights from British prime minister Theresa May this week into how she sees the UK's exit from the European Union panning out have done little to address the main concerns of the automotive sectorYou might accuse the current British government of many things in its strategy for leaving the European ...

  • General Motors Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant
    Feature

    General Motors: The new law of supply & demand

    2016-12-29T12:46:38Z

    GM has restructured its order fulfilment, supply chain and logistics to share more common objectives, grouping them together in a department reporting to James BovenziThe size and complexity of General Motors’ supply chain mean that designing and sourcing the most effective logistics and distribution network for the carmaker is a ...

  • Modestrip
    Feature

    What to watch in 2017

    2016-12-27T09:00:56Z

    The automotive supply chain could take several knocks in 2017 from rising protectionism and regulatory changes. Automotive Logistics consults its crystal ball to highlight some of the potential hotspots…North AmericaWhich way will Trump blow? There will be worries, especially in Mexico, about overhauls to Nafta or import rules, though it ...

  • DSC_0031
    Feature

    American Honda: Looking for smart, sustainable solutions

    2016-12-19T14:23:09Z

    All photos of Chuck Kendig by: Walter SavinovichAmerican Honda’s head of sales planning and logistics, Chuck Kendig, reveals the philosophy behind his approach to managing the carmaker’s outbound flows and describes how the department operates to cope with changing model demand Since April 2015, when Chuck Kendig inherited vehicle ...

  • Feature

    BMW e logística de automação: do protótipo à realidade (aumentada)

    2016-11-24T09:52:36Z

    A montadora premium está tomando uma abordagem passo a passo para trazer uma automação mais inteligente e tecnologia digital para suas operações diárias, com grandes planos para o futuro. Gerentes de logística seniores da BMW estão trazendo novas tecnologias para a cadeia de suprimentos da montadora, com uma série de ...

  • Verschiffung BMW i3 in Bremerhaven 11-2015
    Feature

    BMW and logistics automation: from prototype to (augmented) reality

    2016-11-18T17:01:05Z

    The premium carmaker is taking a step-by-step approach to bringing smarter automation and digital technology into its day-to-day operations, with big plans for the future. BMW’s senior logistics managers are pushing new technology into the carmaker’s supply chain, with a number of pilot projects involving automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robots ...

  • Arnaud Cauchy, Gefco
    Feature

    India conference: From stockyards to value-added hubs – at a price

    2016-11-11T19:26:36Z

    For nearly a decade, manufacturers and logistics providers in India have anticipated that the eventual implementation of a Goods and Service Tax (GST) would open up opportunities for ‘hub-and-spoke’ distribution patterns, including more efficient transport to dealers and the use of more multimodal transport.With GST finally on the horizon, logistics ...

  • Chandra Mishra, Ashok Leyland
    Feature

    India conference: Ashok Leyland gets rational about logistics

    2016-11-11T19:12:27Z

    Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has not been waiting until the Goods and Service Tax (GST) comes into effect next year across India to make major changes to its logistics and distribution network.Over the past two years, the truckmaker has rationalised its distribution centres and logistics provider base, introduced ...

  • FGTBC pic 1
    Feature

    India conference: Ford’s 4PL model transforms its logistics

    2016-11-11T11:42:36Z

    Ford is transforming its logistics management and analysis in the Asia Pacific region as it rolls out a fourth party logistics provider (4PL) model across its inbound supply chains in India, Thailand and China, Ford Asia Pacific vice-president of inbound logistics, exports and customs operations, Amlan Bose (pictured), told those ...

  • India Road proof
    Feature

    Ten years in India part 3: going back on the Indian highways

    2016-11-02T12:43:05Z

    Continuing our celebrations ahead of the 10th Automotive Logistics India conference on November 8th-10th, we look back at a journalist's adventures and activism aboard the nation's car carriers.About six years ago, our intrepid India correspondent, Ramesh Kumar, set off on a defining journey – one that would change not only ...

  • Christopher Ludwig
    Feature

    Why getting outbound logistics right can take a lot of time

    2016-10-27T14:52:20Z

    Clearly, vehicle logistics is tactically important in the successful launch and sale of new models. OEMs need sufficient logistics services in place to meet campaign dates and, most importantly, get vehicles to end customers as promised.[in_this_story align="right" border="yes"]Launches tend to require a surge of trucks or rail wagons before deliveries ...

  • Christopher Ludwig
    Feature

    'Brexit' may mean 'Brexit' – but then again, it may not

    2016-10-27T12:30:06Z

    After the shock result in the UK's referendum on membership of the European Union back in June, many questions still remain about the implications for the country's relationship with the EU...Automotive Logistics prides itself on global coverage beyond our base here in Britain, but lately we’ve had reason to look ...

  • India look back_maruti
    Feature

    Ten years in India part 2: MM Singh from Maruti Suzuki

    2016-10-26T12:17:54Z

    Continuing our celebrations ahead of the 10th Automotive Logistics India conference on November 8th-10th, we look back at our past decade of exclusive interviews and coverage of the Indian automotive supply chain. After reviewing Tata Motors from ten years ago in part 1, Today, we’re going back in time ...

  • IMG_7368
    Feature

    France adopts digital consignment notes but gaps remain

    2016-10-25T09:00:54Z

    France has become the 10th country in Europe to ratify the so-called e-CMR protocol, a legal standard for the use of electronic consignment notes for international transport. The move will be an important step in digitising logistics processes and documentation in the EU, particularly for moving finished vehicles by road ...

  • IMG_7368
    Feature

    European vehicle logistics could get left behind in the digital dust

    2016-10-24T20:16:59Z

    Experts at this year’s ECG Conference in Hamburg pointed to the risks and rewards for outbound logistics of the automotive industry’s shift towards digital technology and e-commerce[sta_anchor id="1"]Despite its recent run of economic recovery and relatively strong growth, the European finished vehicle logistics industry could become a victim of technological ...

  • BMW P90144188_highRes_bmw-plant-munich-pro
    Feature

    BMW outlines new plans to transform logistics efficiency

    2016-10-21T13:07:05Z

    Oliver Zipse, the carmaker's board member for production, reveals how it intends to sharply increase the level of automation involved in its production and logistics activities BMW is already testing out self-driving robots and sees great potential to extend their useBMW Group’s top executive for production has outlined plans to ...