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All Feature articles – Page 290
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FeatureGetting China on the right track
Specialised rail wagonsPriority conflictsWeighing up the costsThe damage questionRail versus road in the China contextChanging paceGuarded optimismWith finished vehicles way down the list of priorities for Chinese railways compared to passengers and with the cost of road haulage low, Ellen Hua examines the long-term prospects for increasing rail for vehicle ...
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FeatureEnsuring a bon voyage for global parts
PSA Peugeot-Citroën’s evolution from a European carmaker to one which sells and builds vehicles in global markets has been under way for some years. But as the pace accelerates and its supply chain becomes more complex–with more shared platforms and increasing parts exchange–so too has the need arisen for a ...
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FeatureIn Profile: Christine Kratwohl
Christine Krathwohl brings 18 years of logistics and purchasing experience to the top logistics position at GM. She spent eight-and-a-half years at Ford and Visteon before joining GM in 2002, where she has held numerous positions in North America, including as logistics business planning manager and director of inbound logistics, ...
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BLG sets up Chinese JV, avoids going inland
BLG Logistics has made a move to work directly within the Chinese market with the signing of a letter of understanding for a new joint venture with the Chinese supply chain provider Cinko SCM.The scope of the agreement mainly covers imports and exports, rather than inland distribution, an area in ...
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FeatureGefco’s global resurgence
On the acquisition trailRussian returnOpportunities within the groupEuropean capacity shiftsIT evolution and an electric futureGefco is using its strong position to expand globally and acquire assets for vehicle logistics, both as the outbound arm of the PSA Group and as it diversifies its customer base, writes Christopher Ludwig.Gefco stands out ...
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FeatureUS awaits bill on infrastructure spending
At the time of writing, US president Barack Obama was pushing congress to pass a new transportation bill before it was set to expire at the end of September. The bill provides funding for highway construction, bridge repair and public transport among other projects. Obama has warned that even a ...
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CSA could be a boon for some, but worries persist
Following regulations under the first phase of the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 programme, introduced last December, the US Department of Transport’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has released a draft strategic plan for 2011-2016, called Raising the Safety Bar.The report outlines a framework for making trucking safety the administration’s ...
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FeatureFlexibility over austerity
Even as the financial markets ricochet up and (mostly) down the prognosis for the motor industry and its supply chain in North America and Europe looks more to be one of caution rather than outright alarm.“We are seeing the return to caution,” said Christophe Stürmer, director of OEM research for ...
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FeatureWhiplash with worry
Manufacturers and logistics providers may find themselves dizzy trying to balance demand and capacity with economic worry.Is the automotive industry in for another whirlwind ride as the global economy hits more sharp turns? The dangers remain, with high unemployment, government debt and austerity measures in Europe and the US coupled ...
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FeatureThe importance of developing e-Port
Rescheduling the pastSuccess over speedMazda’s e-Port system is revitalising compound system management. Malcolm Wheatley looks at how, from a modest investment, the manufacturer has achieved real-time visibility and boosted labour productivity with predictive scheduling.Visit one of the American ports through which Mazda imports vehicles from Japan and you’ll Vlikely see ...
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FeatureVertical impact in a volatile market
While the automotive industry holds its breath over economic forecasts, DB Schenker Logistics is looking ahead with cautious optimism and expanding its contract logistics offering for the sector. Marcus Williams finds out whyFlexibility to meet fluctuation;Targeted growth;Broad customer base;Cross-sector solutions;Investment in IT;Logistics growth in Leipzig;Strong focus on spare parts;Footprints to ...
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FeatureClouding communications
Low costs and minimal hardware considerations have enticed some of the industry’s biggest suppliers to conduct their business on cloud networks. Malcolm Wheatley looks at how SaaS and cloud technology are transforming financial operations and establishing themselves as collaborative tools in supply chain management.Freedom of the cloud;Overcoming conservatism;Connecting and collaborating.It ...
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FeatureThe Moroccan connection
Thomas Cullen analyses Renault’s ambitious plan to produce nearly half a million cars a year at a new manufacturing complex in the Moroccan port of Tangiers.Tangiers-Med port;Tangiers-Med industrial complex;Logistics at Renault Tanger;Incipient revolution?.Renault has announced its intention to open a fully built-up assembly plant producing 400,000 cars a year in ...
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FeatureProviders long to be longer in India
The long and the short of itGovernment lethargyWhy should automotive be so special?Business as usual for mostThe Maruti side, and the othersKeep firm and carry onThe Indian authorities’ inability to define a length for car carriers has led to confusion and fines in certain states, while the industry is unsure ...
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FeatureKeep on road-running
Driver shortageLack of equipmentProblematic legislationMoving forwardWith US car carriers facing ongoing troubles with low margins and in obtaining financing, the prospect of an upturn in North American production and imports has led to capacity shortages. Marcia MacLeod looks at the obstacles currently facing the major players.Even before automotive production and ...
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FeatureStaying afloat on shifting seas
Shipping lines reign in capacityA more complex networkA quick recovery from earthquakeTough market for European short-seaCould emission regulation benefit road transport?From financial crises to environmental disasters, the ro-ro market has weathered an almost perfect storm in the last few years. With tougher emission rules in the offing and new-building at ...
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FeaturePackaging the future
Return to sender;Global versus local;Raising the standard;Pooling resources.China’s growth in automotive sales has led to a related increase in volume and sales of automotive packaging. Andrew Williams looks at how local and international suppliers are responding to pressure from manufacturers to provide cost efficiency, good service and product sustainability.China’s recent ...
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FeatureIndian aftermarket is no afterthought
Growing sales and ever-increasing customer expectations are driving a transformation in the Indian aftermarket.Complexity and potential for change;Broadening the reach.The automotive aftermarket is not so-named because OEMs think about it after they have developed their new vehicle sales channels, but in developing markets that is often the way things work. ...
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FeatureIn Profile: Evelyn Chiang, Tesla
Evelyn Chiang’s first taste of logistics was when she was 13, virtually penniless, and supporting her family. Today she is the vice president of supply chain and IT at EV-maker Tesla Motors.
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FeatureTreading on new ground
While focusing its North American logistics efforts on more lucrative, higher premium products, tyre manufacturer Pirelli is opting for a ‘local for local’ philosophy as it expands into emerging markets. Tony Danby looks at the company’s LSP selection criteria and its investment in new plants.Trimming costs;All-round expertise;Outsourcing;Mexican factory.Pirelli, one of ...