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All features articles – Page 56
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FeatureRolling out on to terra firma in Brazil
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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FeatureClosing the gap
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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FeatureThe struggle for survival in Spain
Adapting to changeReflecting the marketHarbouring plans for the futureA massive drop in imports and subsequent over-reliance on the export market has left the Spanish vehicle logistics sector in a critical state. Barry Cross looks at how manufacturers and providers are working to ensure a healthy prognosis for the industry.The Spanish ...
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FeatureThe making of a Maruti market
Outsourcing challengesImproving IT systemsRolling out hub-and-spoke distributionThe need for multimodal transportLogistics for the road aheadAs the biggest passenger carmaker in India, Maruti Suzuki has almost single-handedly transformed the country’s vehicle transport network. Ramesh Kumar looks at the achievements, legacy and aspirations of the manufacturer’s logistics operations.You may have the best ...
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FeatureGM's Christine Krathwohl looks at the road ahead
The major challenges she faces in the coming year, including logistics spend, accelerated product launches and a serious look at supplier relationships. Christine Krathwohl takes two minutes out of a busy second day at Automotive Logistics Global 2011 conference to talk about the major challenges she faces in the coming ...
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FeatureRebuilding from out of the wreckage
Japan’s manufacturers and suppliers have bounced back with vigour since being devastated by the tsunami earlier this year. William Ross looks at the implications of the disaster and the strength of the yen for the automotive logistics industry.A shared experience;Lessons and challenges in the aftermath;Tough trading conditions;Foreign part production.Rows of ...
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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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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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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. ...