Driving Innovation for the Automotive Industry

With innovation its driving force, DHL is developing cutting-edge logistics solutions for the automotive sector, including two recentlyannounced value-adding ventures to contribute to the sustainability of the industry. One is a customizable, purpose-built logistics solution to meet the increasing demands for a flawless recall process in the automotive sector. The other is the Maintenance on Demand collaborative project, on which a progress report was recently presented to the industry.

Do you recall…?

Automotive recalls have become a familiar news headline – 5.8m cars recalled in the US in 1981; 3.7m in Japan in 1995; another 7.9m in 1996 and 4.5m in 2009 in the US; and 5.3m in Japan again in 2010 – and they tend to be a costly logistical nightmare for the manufacturer involved. The DHL Recall Solution is designed to ease the logistical pain for automotive producers and can be geared up for fast, effective execution of automotive recalls.

Available worldwide, this pioneering solution incorporates a dedicated expert recall team for the customer, with comprehensive experience in the automotive sector and knowledge of regulatory compliance. Customized information platforms, such as a registration website and flexible call center capacity can be deployed at very short notice to manage the information flow between customers and car dealers effectively. An automated data exchange with the customer’s IT system ensures a seamless integration into the existing supply chain and full visibility.

With its global network, DHL manages the swift exchange of replacement parts, their transport and warehousing. The company will also supervise third party providers such as external carriers and recyclers.

Self-maintaining truck technology makes headway

At a recent conference in Galway, Ireland, on “Future Automotive Innovations,” the DHL automotive team discussed with key industry experts how to channel innovation through the automotive sector supply chain and how to create long-term value through innovation at all stages of the lifecycle. The team also presented the latest developments of the collaborative industry project, Maintenance on Demand (MoDe). Supported by the European Union and bringing together academic institutions and 11 companies in the sector, including Volvo, the MoDe project aims to develop a commercially viable truck that autonomously determines when and how it requires maintenance.

 

Energy Center Switches On in Houston

The new DHL Energy Center, which opened in Houston, Texas (USA) on September 25, 2012, showcases the company’s unique range of services for leading players in the energy sector, including international oil and service companies around the globe. In a specially designed exhibition area, visitors can take a guided tour and gain insight into the value chain of the industry and the related products and solutions that DHL offers. The Energy Center also demonstrates innovations relevant to energy logistics, and is linked with DHL’s industry-unique Innovation Center in Germany.

Some 75 customers and journalists attended the day-long inaugural event, which included a panel discussion on innovation in the logistics industry, as well as focused workshops and parallel guided tours through the Energy Center. Energy is one of DHL’s cross-divisional focus industries, with a worldwide network of 600 energy specialists.

 

Spotlight on Energy Sector

Energy was the focus recently during DHL Energy Sector Week, September 24–30, 2012. Building on the success of last year’s Technology Sector Week, the emphasis on energy gave customers, the media, employees, students and the public at large a chance to explore the exciting world of energy logistics, including the supply chain challenges and innovative solutions for the sector. The inauguration of the DHL Energy Center in Houston was the highlight of the week.

Whether it’s moving massive oil rigs around the world, transporting giant wind turbines into the rugged wilds of Africa, or resupplying petroleum operations in deserts of the Middle East, logistics play a key role in empowering the sector to meet today’s and tomorrow’s energy needs.

While Energy Sector Week may be over, the informative articles, presentations, customer cases and multimedia materials are still available online at www.dhl.com/energy-sector.

 

Technology Customers Look Ahead to Shanghai in 2013

Mark your calendars for the next DHL Global Technology Conference, which will be held in Shanghai, June 18–20, 2013. More than 100 top decision-makers from across the technology sector will discuss supply chain challenges and debate best practices for the industry, with a special focus on Asia, in a relaxed atmosphere during two days of conference sessions and networking.

At the 2012 Technology Conference in Berlin, attended by nearly 100 representatives from 50 top technology companies, participants rated the event very highly. This is what some of them had to say:

“DHL is evolving in markets like technology and they go directly into the specific topics the customer really needs.” Björn Berkle, Konica Minolta

“Absolutely fantastic to meet all the colleagues around the world to discuss and share ideas.” Tero Lunnela, Nokia

“The important thing is we all share similar issues, similar concerns, and therefore we should also find common solutions.” Karl Haussteiner, Vishay Semiconductor