All features articles – Page 60
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FeatureNo 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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FeatureReady 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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FeatureAn 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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FeatureTier 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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FeaturePacked 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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FeatureDaimler 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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FeatureFord 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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FeatureChinese supply grows up
Strikes and walk-outs by workers demanding better pay may be a bellweather for the future, but it is not denting the major suppliers’ commitment to investing in ChinaChoosing a service provider: local vs globalDealing with damageKeeping up with the codesCurrency valuation affects costsThere have been strikes and standoffs at plants ...
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FeatureAsean alliance boosts car industry
Namrita Chow discovers that the Asean states are investing in the car business to the benefit of local and international OEMs. However, the logistics support structure is still fragmented and outdated, and they are competing with the manufacturing expert - ChinaFavourable tariffsAsean versus China as production base?New vehicle port links ...
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FeatureFreight audit on the rise in Europe
Long an outsourced service in the US, Europe-based manufacturers are beginning cotton on to the benefits of freight audit and pay, and other e-commerce tools to tighten their supply chainsEurope is complicatedTier suppliers sold on freight audit and payBorn in the 1950s out of US legislation standardising freight rates and ...
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FeatureFacing up to the capacity conundrum
The North American situationIs investment in capacity the solution?Beyond boom and bustThe European situationTrucking into the futureHow can a country have severe over-capacity for vehicle transport one year, and under-capacity the next? Andrew Williams investigates the factors affecting such swings in the US and Europe, and uncovers the delicate relationships ...
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Feature2nd hand cars need 1st class logistics
A market in need of logistics innovationGetting volumes up, and complexity downWith the rise of internet auctions, the used car sector is becoming more regional and international, stirring greater demand for efficient logistics services, reports Malcolm Wheatley.Used car transactions take place thousands of times a day–in corporate parking lots, rental ...
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FeatureCarefully cutting claims
Driving claims lower in EuropeOEMs trim damage in the USInsurers eye deeper integrationIndians avoid scrapAssociations add impetusClaims and insurance processing have made steady strides in recent years in developed and developing countries alike. Tight cooperation between OEMs, insurers and logistics providers is helping to further accelerate the claims process in ...
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FeatureBrazil’s suppliers expand
Global tier ones in Brazil restructured their supply chains during the industry slump, only to find a year later that they were scrambling to meet huge new demand. Tony Danby investigates how the timely overhaul of their logistics and supply chains has helped them cope with the unexpected onslaught of ...
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FeatureHave the tides turned for car shipping?
A new market entrantTrade from Japan must pick upQuite a bit of cargo aroundThe one concern above all othersNo one is pretending there has been a return to pre-recession highs, but the car shipping market has come back to high speed and nearly full capacity. But with worries over a ...
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FeatureFathoming the new frontier
Carmakers and LSPs getting to grips with the complexities of the new Customs Code unifying Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan need a good eye for detail and a close relationship with customs officials if they are to tackle what remains a risky procedure full of compromise and hidden costsInvestment fearsSomething old, ...
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FeatureThe road to 4m cars is paved with rail
The road remains the only way to goTrailers of all different sizesMature logistics: using regional stockyardsWith the Indian market on pace to surpass 4m units a year in the next five years, manufacturers are increasingly dissatisfied with the low standard of vehicle distribution, and want to see a viable rail ...
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FeatureA misty outlook for container sea trade
Car component trade by sea container has recovered well since the recession, but box shortages and slow steaming have caused issues for some manufacturers’ supply chains. And with the outlook uncertain, capacity questions remain unansweredContainer shipping and the car businessHonda UK works direct with shippersSafmarine builds a closer relationship with ...
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FeatureAn emerging case for change
Supply chains in emerging markets present unique challenges for packaging. Companies are now beginning to adopt the best of the established techniques, and are developing some interesting new approaches of their ownTata introduces pooled packagingWestern packaging providers move into ChinaStandards are a major concernWhat to do when suppliers aren't where ...
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FeatureChina’s growth hinges on its ports
Shanghai PortGerman craftsmanship is in demandHigh and heavy calls the shotsSea routes linking north and south ChinaThe future?China imports more cars from Europe and the US than it exports and the trend looks set to continue. Namrita Chow reveals that in spite of being restricted to five ports for bringing ...