In September this year, the biggest Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global Conference to date took place, where over 30 automobile and logistics industry giants spoke in front of a large audience. The turbulent years with the pandemic and geo-political disruptions, component shortages and freight restrictions have greatly compromised worldwide automobile production and sales, and this uncertainty is still as prominent as ever. At the conference though one thing was certain: the industry will come out of this crisis period even more competitive, transparent and more sustainable. Supply chains and close partnerships between suppliers and partners are becoming increasingly more resilient and interconnected. New investments in infrastructure, localization and qualifications will also equally contribute to this recovery.  

At the conference at MGM Grand Detroit, future strategies in relevant subject areas were discussed, such as achieving Net Zero, digitalizing logistics, the End-to-End vision of logistics and the development of logistics talents. The atmosphere on site was to that effect ‘very optimistic’, according to Monika Thielemann-Hald, who leads the global Hellmann Automotive Logistics team. She and her team were the on-site experts for US-American manufacturers of electric vehicles who were looking to import into the European market and there were lots of concrete discussions regarding newly implemented business being had. She was particularly pleased about the positive feedback and praise for her team that she received with regards to service quality, especially for complex orders. 

Just a few weeks later, from November 15th-17th , the next Automotive Congress took place, this time in the capital city of Mexico. Decision-makers for vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, authorities and logistics service providers also came together for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic to discuss how efficient, reliable, secure and fast logistics networks can be developed, to set the Mexican automotive sector up for long-term success.

Monika Thielemann-Hald was well supported by the Hellmann Mexico team at the well-frequented Hellmann Worldwide Logistics stand. Honorio Rodrigues represented Hellmann Automotive Logistics at the podium discussion, among other representatives from Volkswagen, Contitech and Maersk, followed by many positive discussions with customers.

Mexico is becoming an increasingly more important market for the automotive industry, not only because of its proximity to the USA, but also due to the considerable investments that are being  made there, taking as an example the new VW plant in Puebla, which should drive the conversion to electric vehicles. 

“It was so impressive to see how well-attended the conference was after a two year break. The need to exchange solutions was very real. I was especially happy to hear from our customers about the positive brand name Hellmann Automotive has built up in Mexico over the years.” - Monika Thielemann-Hald