All articles by Chris Ludwig – Page 3
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It may not be popular, but collaboration is still the only smart option
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 ...
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Intelligent logistics supports Bremen output for Mercedes-Benz
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 ...
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BMW to subcontract additional X1 output to the Netherlands
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 ...
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Emerging market growth overshadowed by protectionism concerns
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 ...
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Brexit: Why a nod of recognition is not enough to calm the nerves
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 ...
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General Motors: The new law of supply & demand
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 ...
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What to watch in 2017
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 ...
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American Honda: Looking for smart, sustainable solutions
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 ...
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BMW e logística de automação: do protótipo à realidade (aumentada)
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 ...
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BMW and logistics automation: from prototype to (augmented) reality
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 ...
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India conference: From stockyards to value-added hubs – at a price
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 ...
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India conference: Ashok Leyland gets rational about logistics
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 ...
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India conference: Ford’s 4PL model transforms its logistics
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 ...
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Ten years in India part 3: going back on the Indian highways
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 ...
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Why getting outbound logistics right can take a lot of time
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 ...
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'Brexit' may mean 'Brexit' – but then again, it may not
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 ...
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Ten years in India part 2: MM Singh from Maruti Suzuki
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 ...
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France adopts digital consignment notes but gaps remain
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 ...
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European vehicle logistics could get left behind in the digital dust
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 ...
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BMW outlines new plans to transform logistics efficiency
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 ...