All articles by Victoria Johns – Page 2
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NewsVolatile demand testing distribution of automotive service parts
Discussions at last week’s Livestream Hour on the aftermarket revealed that unstable demand for service parts has been testing those responsible for their manufacture and distribution and a full recovery of the aftermarket parts sector is not expected this year. However, leading service parts companies have been maintaining services for customers
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NewsUSMCA will go ahead in July but automotive approval could take 18 months
The new free trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico automotive sector will not have full consensus from the automotive industry by July 1 according to Al Zapanta, CEO, US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, because agreement on labour and vehicle content still need approval
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NewsVW Chattanooga to restart this week as Mexico revs up auto industry
After nearly two months of inactivity because of the coronavirus crisis, Volkswagen’s US assembly plant in Chattanooga will resume operations this week. Dr Susanne Lehmann, senior director of production North America, Volkswagen, revealed the plans during the latest Livestream – Mexico Automotive Supply Chain in Focus.
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NewsCoronavirus policy complicates Mexican automotive recovery
After significant declines in production and sales through March and April this year, Mexico is restarting its automotive manufacturing, but the country’s states are setting different rules regarding ramp up, which is restricting the movement of parts across borders. What could further complicate the situation in the near-term is the US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement (USMCA), which comes into effect on July 1, enforcing complex changes in trade, parts sourcing and labour rules.
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NewsInaccurate EDI call-offs a risk for tier suppliers
The majority of OEMs will return to some level of production this month as pandemic-enforced lockdowns are eased, but there is concern about whether their schedules match customer demand and how this is being communicated to tier suppliers. ..
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NewsDecline in UK car sales worse than financial crisis, says SMMT
The UK new car market declined by just over 44% in March this year, according to figures published last month by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)…
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NewsStart-stop production part of the new normal for OEMs
Carmakers are potentially hostage to a halting series of restarts as the automotive industry tries to gradually restart production across Europe in regions seeing a lowering of coronavirus infections. During last week’s Livestream event from Ultima Media Matteo Fini, executive director, automotive supply chain and technology, at market analyst IHS Markit said start and stop operations, such as Kia has recently experienced, are definitely part of the new normal
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FeatureTrucking North America: in it for the long haul
With a changing model mix and the perennial problem of driver shortages, the US car hauling industry is battling challenges on multiple fronts. But companies are now investing in technology and capacity to future-proof their fleets
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NewsSeat to restart production this week
Spanish carmaker Seat has announced it will restart production gradually from April 27 after agreeing testing procedures on employees with union representatives. Seat aims to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on its employees to screen for the coronavirus…
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NewsChallenges in store for UK supply chain
The coronavirus crisis is having a major impact on the storage options available to UK companies, according to a recent survey from the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), which revealed warehousing space in the country is now approaching maximum capacity with a potential for zero scope within weeks…
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NewsMarelli and BMW light the way with blockchain
Marelli Automotive Lighting is working with the BMW Group on the introduction of blockchain technology to connect suppliers’ and carmakers’ plants to improve the management of automotive supply chains. Together, the companies have designed and developed the PartChain application, which is being used initially as a pilot focused on the traceability of headlamps, rear lamps and lighting modules supplied by Marelli Automotive Lighting to a number of BMW Group vehicles
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NewsUS outbound sector fighting a storage war in coronavirus crisis
The US finished vehicle sector is fighting for space because the outbound supply chain has become congested with excess inventory, resulting in risk of theft and vandalism to vehicles and haulage equipment
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NewsProduction could resume at end of April, says Seat
Spanish carmaker Seat could restart operations at its Martorell and Componentes plants near Barcelona by the end of April, in view of the latest government announcements and the negotiations the carmaker has had with its union representatives…
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News6 questions in 60 seconds…with George Grahovac
George Grahovac, senior manager, Honda North America supply chain, talks welding, optimism and why Covid-19 provides an opportunity to be more efficient than ever…
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NewsFord extends European plant closures until May
Ford has confirmed that the temporary closure of most of its European plants will be extended until May 4, following an announcement on March 17 that it would be for a number of weeks…
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InterviewQ&A: Mike Riggs, CEO, Jack Cooper
US finished vehicle haulier Jack Cooper reorganised its business under Chapter 11 proceedings last year and exited the court process on November 1. In an exclusive interview Victoria Johns talks to CEO Mike Riggs about the company’s ‘picture-perfect bankruptcy’ and why Jack is definitely back
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NewsFinding the space in a crisis with two speeds
Jochen Freese, chief commercial officer (CCO) at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, says that the automotive supply chain is not built for large numbers of huge warehouses in which to stock inbound parts, but it is a problem the industry is having to deal with in the face of a global production shutdown brought about by the coronavirus pandemic
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News6 questions in 60 seconds…with Amy Paulsen
Amy Paulsen, vice-president, logistics, Rivian talks law, electric vehicles and why you should always hire people smarter than yourself…
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News6 questions in 60 seconds…with Kristin Decas
Kristin Decas, CEO/port director, Port of Hueneme, talks, boxing, chocolate and why it’s important to be a sponge
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News6 questions in 60 seconds…with Rory Hepner
Rory Hepner, general manager duty drawback and finished vehicles, logistics/customs, Mercedes-Benz USA, talks leadership, law and why you should never be afraid to ask questions