All Europe articles – Page 154
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Cat Logistics to open centre in Dubai
Caterpillar Logistics Services is planning to open a new aftermarket parts distribution centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as part of the expansion of its Cat Parts distribution network in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). Operations for the new Dubai Distribution Centre, which will be support the distribution ...
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Global news in brief
Tata suffers tragic lossIt was with great sadness that Automotive Logistics News learned of the passing away this week of Subodh Marathe, country head of the Fiat Product Group at Tata Motors. Marathe, who was just 47 years old, suffered a heart attack. He is survived by his wife and ...
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2011 conference season kicks off in Bonn
The 2011 Automotive Logistics conference season is set to begin with a bang as more speakers have now been confirmed for the 9th annual Automotive Logistics Europe conference, including top logistics executives from major carmakers such as General Motors, Daimler, BMW, Ford of Europe, Audi and others. The conference, the ...
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Divide and conquer
A process built around lead timesThe challenge of ‘singles’Alternative optionsBeyond Mack businessBarry Cross investigates how Mack Trucks distributes its vehicles and what advantages Volvo Logistics can offer over more asset-rich operations in North America.In August 2008, the distribution of Mack Trucks underwent a radical revamp following two years of process ...
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French providers look to intermodal
Current challengesA very French disease?Railing against the systemGovernment interventions ineffectivePrivatisation as catalyst for changeVehicle logistics providers have suffered from price pressure, rising costs and regulation, as well as large scale industrial action. But while more flexibility is sought on rail, there are signs that the country’s intermodal options are growing, ...
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The export engine on the peninsula
As South Korean carmakers watch their sales rise across the globe their logistics providers have been adjusting strategy to keep pace. Marcus Williams reports on the diversification and investment being made to meet demand for faster shipping and greater capacity. Additional reporting by Christopher LudwigCapacity advantagesSpeed of deliveryTwo-basket approachTransit time ...
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The central nervous system
The long road to RFIDTracking transportA Babylon of IT linksBLG depends on a highly advanced and organised IT system to link its distribution, port handling and technical services. Marcia MacLeod finds out what makes the vehicle logistics giant’s system tick.In 2009 BLG Automobile handled 4.6m finished vehicles at its 13 ...
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Dealing with damage
US routinely classifies damageRules of destructionMishmash of guidelinesDamage-free dreamThe challenge grows at ToyotaThe line between when a car damaged in transport should be repaired or scrapped is often blurry, depending on region and OEM. Tony Danby discusses the approaches to dealing with and preventing such damage.Damage is impossible to avoid ...
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Making the most out of Mexico
The lack of investment in Mexico’s supply base offers good opportunities for third party providers to bring in their expertise and improve their competitive standing. DHL Supply Chain is one such provider that is making inroadsConsolidation through 3PLsManagement of networksMexico on the upMexico has been producing cars for the best ...
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Vying for custom
Everything but the kitchen sinkMazda sells the benefitsThe GM approachBrand integrityMaking models accessibleCustomisation can be a simple addition of decals, or a full conversion for wheelchair access, and the degree to which manufacturers want to outsource this operation varies as much as the processes themselves, writes Malcolm Wheatley.At Daimler and ...
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A pivot to the automotive world?
Already integral to European vehicle production, Turkey is back on track to becoming a base for automotive output on a global scale, but OEMs operating there need to tackle the risks involved in their disparate and over-extended supply chainsEuropean connectionsStretching the chainMore consolidationFinished vehiclesA surprisingly open logistics marketTurkey’s automotive sector ...
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No cost to spare
The automotive aftermarket in Europe has become radically more competitive thanks to the Block Exemption and global sourcing. Malcolm Wheatley investigates the approaches carmakers and providers are taking to save costs and increase speed in the supply chainAll in fluxHonda Europe reshapes delivery approachCan't spare the profits from sparesOEMs need ...
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Ready for the rush?
It’s time to ship directFinland will lose outToyota supports revised customs rulesMaking better use of spaceRail remains an expensive optionWill large-sale imports continue?Tran Siberian debate continuesChris Lewis takes another look at the finished vehicle imports going though ports into Russia, and discovers that business is seriously picking up, and that ...
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An economic approach to logistics
The reason behind Renault-Nissan’s restructuring of its logistics organisation was to reinforce the importance of supply chain planning and integrate it fully into the day-today business from the design stage forward. Marcus Williams reports on the progress that has been made since the establishment of the Global Supply Chain DepartmentPart ...
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Tier ones wake up to IT
Tier one suppliers face many challenges in making the most of their supply chain IT, but new offerings by suppliers and a new openness in the industry may deliver much.Garbage in, garbage outShining light into a black holeIn the new normalDon't buy, rentLimitations of a legacyIt is quicker, cheaper and ...
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Packed with potential
Manufacturers in North America have emerged from the crisis with a renewed appreciation for the cost-saving potential of packaging, with more consideration at the part-design phaseSilver liningsRoom for improvementIt's all gone southAutomotive packaging technology tends to evolve at the pace of vehicle programmes. Carmakers and suppliers may feel the pressure ...
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Daimler grows amid a divided Europe
A growing gap among logistics providersThe great capacity debate resumesA time of tender opportunityGrowth at seaGetting back to greenDaimler’s 11th annual European Carrier Day came at a time when the carmaker is accelerating globally in sales and logistics development, and often well ahead of its many vehicle logistics providers in ...
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Ford of Europe’s brave new world
The sales climate might be decidedly mixed in Europe, but Ford is pushing through with big changes and improvements in its logistics networks, from substantially more intermodal transport to time-critical vehicle logistics. Christopher Ludwig catches up with Ford’s Matthias SchulzA marriage of sacred vowsIncreasing rail and short seaPassion projectsUnderstanding the ...
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Geely reaches out for help in a global future
Revising expectationsBackground and careerExporting cars and kitsBuilding better relationships at seaShipping contractsStreamlining managementGeely’s global exports and presence had been small outside China before the Volvo purchase, but it has plans to grow significantly in emerging markets around the world. Namrita Chow caught up with the woman in charge of international ...
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3PLs need to be more proactive
3PLs must become more flexible and innovative in meeting the changing needs of the supply chain, according to carmakers. But manufacturers should do more to help planning.“We want 3PLs to be open to new ways of working, to be more responsive to change,” emphasised Bob Mountain, head of supply chain ...