While the coronavirus will disrupt the finances and operations of the automotive industry for some time to come, logistics and supply chain experts have shown remarkable flexibility, adapting early on to shut down facilities, support relief efforts including procuring medical equipment and PPE, and later to safely restart production and deliveries amidst high supply and logistics disruption.
Now, supply chain leaders are adapting again in the early stages of recovery to help with stable ramp ups, optimise networks to meet new regulations and customer requirements, while working to respond to ongoing disruption and to keep all employees, customers and stakeholders safe. And many are doing so by accelerating change in areas that have long been a focus, including improving logistics data visibility, digitalising processes and working more cross functionally and collaboratively with colleagues, suppliers and partners.
Our finale special highlights practical examples and case studies of how OEMs, suppliers and service providers continue to change and succeed in the new supply chain reality.
REGISTER NOW TO JOIN THIS EXCLUSIVE SERIES
*Registration for this event is free, but is separate to registration for the Livestream Hour
Livestream Hour Season Finale Part 1: Global logistics lessons with the Volkswagen Group
July 23rd 9.30 EST | 14.30 BST | 15.30 CET | 21.30 CST
Guest
Matthias Braun, Head of Digitalisation and Concept Development, Group Logistics, Volkswagen Group
Join this exclusive discussion in which Matthias Braun will share the journey and transformation that Volkswagen Group Logistics, which procures and oversees cross-brand logistics and transport at the group, has undergone this year, from pre-crisis ambitions through each stage of the pandemic. He will share insights on working more collaboratively, on keeping employees safe, and on managing uncertainty to help Volkswagen Group’s network of 120 plants and huge supply chain recover and restart. As the head of digital strategy for the group’s logistics, he will discuss digital tools and concepts that are supporting logistics – as well as essential human factors that remain so important.
Livestream Hour Season Finale Part 2: Recovery and Change in China
July 28th 4.30 EST | 9.30 BST | 10.30 CET | 16.30 CST
Guest
Michael Tian, Head of Finished Vehicle Logistics, BMW Brilliance
As China continues to recover, this special episode will share insights into how a major manufacturer has managed the crisis, and the lessons it is applying especially across its outbound vehicle logistics network. Michael Tian will share insights into how BMW Brilliance has adapted its supply chain and logistics service to new requirements in the world’s largest market. He will also progress into how the joint venture carmaker is using digital tools in logistics, transitioning to greener, more sustainable logistics solutions, as well as improving quality. Join this discussion to learn more about how BMW Brilliance is further developing its vehicle logistics processes and network for new models, electromobility and further recovery in China.
Livestream Hour Season Finale Part 3: Update from North America
July 29th 9.30 EST | 14.30 BST | 15.30 CET| 21.30 CST
Learn how major manufacturers and suppliers are managing the ongoing challenges in North America, from ramping up production to replenish inventories, restarting supply from Mexico and mitigating ongoing risks of outbreaks and renewed restrictions. We will share updated data and look across the supply chain to assess the challenges and changes that companies are making to keep the recovery moving.
Guests
Matthias Braun
Head of Digitalisation and Concept Development, Volkswagen Group Logistics
Volkswagen Group
Matthias Braun is responsible for the development of new concepts and identifying opportunities for digitalisation in material and container processes at Volkswagen Konzernlogistik (Group Logistics), the central supply chain management organisation that works across group brands. He is also responsible for the purchasing and steering of the group’s global transport network. He joined Volkswagen in 2004 and has worked across group logistics in areas including pre-series logistics, order management, inbound logistics and network planning before starting his current role in 2018. Matthias’s team runs multiple projects analysing the implications and benefits of using new technologies in supply chain management, including artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
Michael Tian
Head of Finished Vehicle Logistics
BMW Brilliance Automotive
Michael has considerable experience in the automotive sector, spending seven years in Germany for BMW in production and logistics roles and 13 years in a variety of functions at BMW Brilliance Automotive, where he has been involved in areas as diverse as finance, new vehicle launches, production control, program planning and plant capacity planning. He is currently responsible for finished vehicle logistics for the carmaker’s network in China.
Host
Christopher Ludwig, Editor-in-Chief
Ultima Media
Christopher is responsible for editorial production and strategy across Ultima Media’s global automotive media platforms, including Automotive Logistics, Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, Car Design News and its business intelligence unit, Automotive from Ultima Media. He’s covered the automotive industry and supply chain for 15 years and has nearly 20 years’ experience in the media and publishing business. He has an MsC from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
In Partnership
The Automotive Livestream Hour is produced by Christopher Ludwig, Richard Logan and Neemish Ladwa. Please contact us if you are interested in participating.
