All Feature articles – Page 286

  • Feature

    In Profile: David Panjwani at John Deere

    2012-01-01T15:02:37Z

    David Panjwani is passionate about how logistics should be handled for high-and-heavy brands like John Deere.Unlike shipping consumer goods or raw materials, Panjwani refuses to see this sector as a commodity. Not only is the equipment and material specialised, but so too must be the providers.That’s one reason he has ...

  • Feature

    An EC-funded supply chain link

    2012-01-01T14:52:51Z

    Cologne-based Alfah is typical of many smaller businesses in the automotive supply chain. A regional spare parts distributor with 12 employees, its business consists of sourcing parts from wholesalers and then selling them to small repair shops.Until recently, the company had to check the availability of a given part by ...

  • Feature

    The next generation of RFID

    2012-01-01T14:49:51Z

    Launched in November, Zebra Technologies’ third generation real-time location system, WhereLAN III, significantly boosts the technology’s appeal to the automotive supply chain.It improves on previous generations in three important regards–each of which has relevance in automotive applications, including the finished vehicle supply chain, inbound logistics and assembly plant operations.First, noted ...

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    European aftershocks in Asia

    2012-01-01T14:31:36Z

    Uncertainty in the eurozone and the economic outlook in the US are having an impact even on fast-growing Asian markets like China, proving again that the world has not ‘de-coupled’ into isolated markets that perform regardless of the global market (as if logistics specialists needed to be reminded). But while ...

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    Another BRIC builds a wall

    2012-01-01T12:48:20Z

    Trade barriers are going up again. Christopher Ludwig writes that carmakers and logistics providers will have to adapt to avoid sinking outside the border.The narrative of globalisation tells of nations steadily dismantling national barriers for a free exchange of goods and services. But in today’s souring political and economic climate, ...

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    An insider's insight into India

    2012-01-01T12:13:53Z

    With carmakers demanding the same level of 3PL service in India as they do elsewhere around the globe, Ramesh Kumar discovers the strengths that enable the country’s homegrown providers–such as TCI Supply Chain Solutions–to compete with global players.When Jasjit Sethi, the chief executive officer of TCI Supply Chain Solutions (TCI ...

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    Stacking up the benefits of IT

    2012-01-01T11:43:50Z

    Aftermarket software solutions are key to OEMs providing a cost-effective and quality service throughout their supply chains. Anthony Coia takes a look at the diversity, drivers and development of several such systems.Integration challanges;Nissan and the click system;Reducing diversity at Renault Nissan;Nascent systems for emerging markets;Growth challenges.In the wake of economic ...

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    Rolling out on to terra firma in Brazil

    2012-01-01T11:04:21Z

    With a fast flow of new cars being produced and an abundance of older vehicles still requiring maintenance and spare parts, Brazil is a busy land for carmakers and logistics providers. The arrival of new manufacturers from Asia and Europe may also kick-start new business, as Tony Danby discoversGrowth opportunities ...

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    Heavy ideas on weighty prices

    2012-01-01T10:37:51Z

    There is a feeling among some high-and-heavy manufacturers that the prices they pay to logistics providers do not always correspond to the service they receive, particularly in relation to the car industry. But should such OEMs be more grateful, particularly to shipping lines, whose services are essential to their global ...

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    Closing the gap

    2012-01-01T10:13:41Z

    Eastern Europe continues to see steady investment in its manufacturing and supply base and with ongoing growth expected in Russia, the region should grow more than Western Europe. But logistics still needs focus, writes Malcolm Wheatley.A long way to go for logistics;Constraints for vehicle logistics;A growing supply base;A mostly positive ...

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    India shelves rail hub plans

    2011-12-14T00:00:00Z

    Indian Railways has suspended its plans to allow private companies in the country to run railway terminals as hubs to ship finished vehicles by rail. The plans, known as the ‘Autohub’ policy, were initially intended to open up some of the handling and operations to the private sector, however the ...

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    UECC hits milestone at Pasajes

    2011-12-14T00:00:00Z

    Norwegian-based short-sea vehicle forwarder, United European Car Carriers, has celebrated a milestone at the Spanish port of Pasajes with the movement of its six millionth vehicle through its terminal facility there. The terminal handles more than 250,000 units a year led by exports of 85% and imports of 15%. The ...

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    Global round up

    2011-12-14T00:00:00Z

    China imposes anti-dumping dutiesChina's Ministry of Commerce is planning to impose punitive anti-dumping duties on vehicles imported from the US that have an engine capacity at or above 2.5 litres. For GM vehicles the duties will be as high as 8.9% and up to 8.8% for Chrysler. Cars made by ...

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    Executives on the move

    2011-12-14T00:00:00Z

    Timothy Nickel has left tier one supplier Visteon in the US to join packaging supply chain expert and container pooling solutions company Surgere as vice president of operations. Nickel has had a 15-year career in the packaging industry, starting as a packaging engineer at Ford in 1997, before moving to ...

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    Supply hold up hits Lordstown Cruze plant

    2011-12-14T00:00:00Z

    Inbound supply problems are reported to be behind the interruption of Chevrolet Cruze production at GM’s Lordstown facility in Ohio this week. While the company would not disclose the exact reasons behind the shutdown, which began Monday lunchtime, unconfirmed reports in the local press have identified the supply of suspension ...

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    Daimler rewards European carriers

    2011-12-14T00:00:00Z

    Last week Daimler held its annual European Carrier Day at the Mercedes-Benz truck plant in Wörth, Germany. The latest Actros truck, which has been coming off the line there since September formed the backdrop for presentations and awards that actually extended over two days, filled with reassuring economic forecasts, brand ...

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    Global round up

    2011-12-07T00:00:00Z

    Ceva expands LCL servicesCeva Logistics has expanded its less-than-container-load (LCL) services with the addition of 30 new consolidation services around the world. Building on the Hamburg to New York City service, which was launched in September this year, the company has now added the following ocean freight services: Los Angeles ...

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    Chrysler Rus to distribute Fiats

    2011-12-07T00:00:00Z

    Fiat distribution in Russia is to be handled by Chrysler’s Russian division, Chrysler Rus, from the beginning of January. Fiat passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) will be imported along with Chrysler and Jeep vehicles and distributed to more than 100 Fiat and Chrysler dealers in the Russian Federation. ...

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    CSA impacts hiring process say carriers

    2011-12-07T00:00:00Z

    Trucking companies in the US are reported to have raised their hiring standards since the introduction of the new safety regulations brought in almost a year ago by the Department of Transport’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, but there are problems with recruitment because of the increased scrutiny now required ...

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    Shacman trucks come to Brazil

    2011-12-07T00:00:00Z

    January 2012 will see the first shipment of Chinese Shacman Trucks to Brazil through the port of Recife in the northeastern state of Pernambuco. The move follows an agreement signed between Recife port, Brazilian truck distributor Caminhões Metro Shacman and the economic development agency AD Diper. The imported trucks are ...