All articles by Marcus Williams – Page 43
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FeatureA fitful start to the year for automotive supply in North America
The repercussions of Covid-19 continue to disrupt the automotive supply chain in North America, not least in the disruption caused to inbound container freight and the serious shortage in the supply of semiconductors. Marcus Williams reports
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FeatureA fab future for the automotive sector
A shortage of semiconductors is hampering global automotive production. Bettina Weiss, chief of staff and global smart mobility lead at electronics association SEMI, tells Marcus Williams why this is happening and why OEMs need to forge more direct links with the chip manufacturers
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FeatureFrom doom and gloom to fast and furious
Ocean-going container vessels have been anchored off the west coast of the US in January because of congested port terminals. Dr Noel Hacegaba, deputy executive director and COO at the Port of Long Beach tells Marcus Williams about the misalignment of supply and capacity, and how the port is tackling it
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NewsChris Styles to lead supply chain operations for Nissan North America
Chris Styles will take up a new role as vice-president of supply chain management at Nissan North America, replacing Mike Steck, who is retiring at the end of March this year.
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FeatureGood things come in sustainable packages
The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) is an association of vehicle makers and suppliers that works with US government bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on projects designed to advance environmental sustainability while providing economic value to the automotive supply chain. At the end of 2020, the SP published guidance on sustainable packaging aimed at reducing waste in the automotive sector and increasing the amount of packaging that could be recycled
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FeatureCredit where credit is due
The coronavirus pandemic meant 2020 was a tough year for everyone in the automotive sector. GM was no exception. While the carmaker’s sales for the calendar year reached 2.5m units, total deliveries were down 12% and retail deliveries down 6% for the year. However, toward the end of 2020 retail sales recovered to pre-pandemic levels. According to the carmaker’s executive vice-president, Steve Carlisle, that was down to the efforts made by GM’s workforce. They kept launches on track and each other safe.
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NewsLEVC opens parts distribution centre in Germany with TVS
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has opened a parts distribution centre in Eisenach, Germany as part of a new five-year deal with TVS Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) to operate a parts distribution network in Europe.
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NewsHellmann appoints Hüwel to CEO North America and Eberle to CFO
Organisational changes at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics mean Peter Hüwel has become the new regional CEO for North America, replacing Steen Christensen, while Martin Eberle will take over as chief financial officer (CFO) this coming spring, replacing Michael Noth.
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NewsVW reported to be seeking compensation from suppliers
Volkswagen is reported to be in discussion with two of its top suppliers over possible compensation for losses caused to its output in Germany.
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NewsStellantis announces top logistics and supply chain roles
Following the completion of the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA into the newly formed Stellantis earlier this month, the company has appointed its top executive team, with Michelle Wen taking the lead role for purchasing and supply chain.
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NewsHonda to import Cruise Origin AV to Japan this year
Honda will be importing test versions of the Cruise autonomous, electric vehicle from the US to Japan this year for use in its Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) business there. Meanwhile, Cruise and its owner GM have signed a deal with Microsoft to further commercialise autonomous vehicles through the computing giant’s Azure application.
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NewsSemiconductor shortage will hit auto industry well into 2021
An ongoing shortage in semiconductor supply is disrupting production of parts and vehicles around the world. The supply bottleneck, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the impact of Covid-19 on production in the first half of 2020 and on manufacturing investment, is affecting a number of major carmakers and their suppliers.
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NewsBuilding more resilient supply chains with technology integration from the top
The Covid-19 pandemic has made it clearer than ever that better visibility of the supply chain is needed, even if its sheer complexity doesn’t make that easy. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology may help, but a clear workflow process, and a talented and inspired workforce, are essential to make the technology effective.
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NewsVW Group reports success of Asia-Pacific PDC in Malaysia
Volkswagen Group’s 50,000 sq.m regional parts distribution centre (PDC) in the Malaysian port of Tanjung Pelepas is processing aftersales parts for 21 markets in the wider Asia-Pacific region.
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FeatureBridge over troubled waters
Kuehne + Nagel is supporting its automotive customers’ transition to an electrified future with the provision of battery chain services. At an event the company held in December, mobility and materials experts discussed the challenges facing the industry.
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NewsBridgestone opens $48m distribution centre in eastern Canada
Tyre maker Bridgestone has opened a distribution warehouse in Ancaster, Ontario, which it said it will better serve the market in eastern Canada. The facility, which represents an investment of CAN$65m ($48m), has a storage capacity of 570,000 tyres and will reduce transport costs and shorten delivery times, according to the Bridgestone.
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NewsFord cuts its losses in Brazil with closure of all production in 2021
Ford will shut all three of its production facilities in Brazil this year and import vehicles from other markets in South America, including neighbouring Argentina and Uruguay, to meet demand in the country.
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NewsBMW’s purchasing strategy gets more sustainable for EVs
BMW Group is more closely aligning its purchasing activity with goals for greater sustainability as it plans for greater vehicle electrification.
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NewsInform expands management team with four co-CEOs
Inform has announced changes to its management structure with the appointment of four co-CEOs to join Adrian Weiler, who has been CEO at the optimisation software specialist since 1986 and continues to lead the company.
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NewsMarvin Cooke to oversee production and logistics at Toyota Motor Europe
Marvin Cooke has moved to become executive vice president of manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe (TME). He will oversee the operations of all Toyota plants across Europe, overseeing the Toyota Production System, including logistics, production control and production engineering.