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Day: 28 April 2025

BMW Group Logistics Tests Hydrogen Trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

The BMW Group is driving the future of emission-free heavy-duty transport – with pilot operations of the first hydrogen trucks now underway at Plant Leipzig as part of the H2Haul project. Demonstrating its openness to different technologies once again – including in logistics – the BMW Group’s involvement is one component of its more comprehensive hydrogen strategy connecting transport, production and products.

Emission-free Heavy-Duty Transport

The BMW Group is taking the next step towards sustainable transport logistics: two local emission-free fuel-cell trucks are now entering pilot operations. Part of the European H2Haul project supporting hydrogen-powered freight transport, the trucks will travel between Leipzig, Landsberg and Nuremberg to see how their drive technology performs in everyday operations. In addition, state-of-the-art hydrogen filling stations are currently under construction at Leipzig and Hormersdorf (northeast of Nuremberg) to offer the fast refuelling necessary for truck operations to succeed. The project is being realised by the BMW Group in conjunction with Iveco, DHL and TEAL mobility.

“The right choice of transport is important in global logistics, as elsewhere, to keep us future-focused and efficient in our work. So, transport logistics is another area reflecting the BMW Group’s open-minded approach to technologies. For the first time, hydrogen-powered trucks will support series production in German car manufacturing. We have been working on the project for a number of years now and are rolling out this pilot fleet in collaboration with our partners. It’s an important milestone as it will give us experience of how these trucks work in series operations and help us continue enhancing this crucial technology,” says Michael Nikolaides, head of Production Network and Logistics at the BMW Group.

The H2Haul project looks at how hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks perform in real-world driving and what they can contribute to fossil fuel-free heavy-duty transport. All in all, 16 vehicles are involved, subsidised by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and operating across Europe. Of those, two are IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell trucks on the road for the BMW Group. Findings from the pilot project are expected to help enhance the technology and get it market-ready. A valuable addition to the battery-electric trucks already on the road, the hydrogen vehicles are quick to refuel and offer significant range. They are also flexible to use as they are independent of the charging infrastructure or grid development.

The BMW Group’s participation in the H2Haul project is a key cornerstone in its Reduced Logistics Emissions Strategy. This aims to achieve emission-free transport logistics, with a dedicated cross-departmental team developing measures to reduce CO₂ from the BMW Group’s road, rail and shipping transport worldwide. Drive technologies receiving a positive rating are advanced into pilot projects and new plant concepts, whose emissions data is then systematically recoded to enable accurate CO₂ reporting.

Fuel cell technology is not all the BMW Group is testing: it is also involved in the HyCET (Hydrogen Combustion Engine Trucks) project. In the future, this will see two 40-tonne and one 18-tonne truck powered by hydrogen combustion engines join its logistics fleet. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the HyCET project is being implemented by the BMW Group in conjunction with DHL, Volvo Trucks, Deutz, KEYOU and TotalEnergies.

By testing H₂ fuel cells and combustion engines simultaneously, the BMW Group is remaining true to its open-minded approach to technologies – including in logistics. While fuel cells work more efficiently, combustion engines are cheaper to produce as they essentially work on the same tried-and-tested principle as a diesel. The EU ordinance classes both hydrogen technologies as zero-emissions, and out on the road they are both being trialled on the same routes and refuelling at the same filling stations. The aim is to determine the best use case for each technology in BMW Group logistics.

Heavy-duty transport is not the only area where the BMW Group uses hydrogen: it also uses it within its own plants. Plant Leipzig is considered a pioneer in this regard, being home to the first indoor hydrogen filling station in Germany since way back in 2013. Today it operates five such facilities as well as one of the largest fleets of fuel cell-powered forklifts and tug trains in Europe. The latest filling station even offers fully automated refuelling – another first.

Innovative solutions are a defining feature in production too, where the BMW Group is the first carmaker in the world to roll out a brand-new type of burner, now on stream in Plant Leipzig. The new bivalent system can be powered by gas as well as hydrogen, and there are currently five such burners operating in contrast roof painting for the MINI Countryman. Further burners are currently being converted for hydrogen, with the longer-term aim of doing away with gas power completely and reducing CO2 emissions further. “Our vision at Plant Leipzig is to largely decarbonise production. We can achieve that, in part, by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen,” explains Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director at BMW Group Plant Leipzig, taking a longer view of the plant’s overall direction for the future.

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End-to-end Logistics for Farizon Electric Van

Posted on by David Priestman

Jameel Motors UK has appointed DHL to handle finished vehicle and aftermarket logistics for the all-newborn-electric Farizon SV large van in the UK. Established in 2016, Farizon is the commercial vehicle division of Geely, China’s largest private vehicle manufacturer. The Farizon SV is being introduced to the UK by Jameel Motors UK, a London-based automotive distribution business and part of Jameel Motors. The SV will be officially launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham from 29 April – 1 May.

The Farizon SV sets a new benchmark in the electric van market. It features a host of advanced innovations, including drive-by-wire technology, a unique b-pillarless design, and cell-to-pack battery packaging, which combine to deliver market-leading cargo capacity, payload, range and an ultra-low loading height.

DHL will provide an end-to-end solution by combining the expertise and capabilities of its Supply Chain and Forwarding divisions. DHL Global Forwarding will manage the customs clearance and management of the vehicles and parts on entry into the UK. All Farizon vehicles coming into Felixstowe will then be collected by DHL Supply Chain, taken to its container facility in Stanton for checks, then transported to its finished vehicle site in Peterborough.

DHL Supply Chain will be responsible for the Farizon press and demo fleet, preparing vehicles based on custom specifications and managing delivery. For dealership and customer orders, DHL will manage pre-delivery inspections, software updates, and white glove delivery service, applying the same expertise, speed and professionalism to the commercial vehicles market that it offers across passenger vehicle contracts.

Aftermarket support will operate out of DHL’s facility in Stanton and will serve a growing Farizon dealer network, as well as direct customers across the country. DHL’s automotive logistics expertise is increasingly benefiting manufacturers and distributors aiming to enter the UK for the first time and grow market share, through rapid vehicle accreditation and strong aftermarket support.

Kate McLaren, Head of Marketing and Sales Operations at Jameel Motors UK, said: “As a new brand to the UK and with a new benchmark for the electric van market, we recognise the imperative of leveraging the expertise and experience of the very best partners. Having DHL’s expertise, extensive network and facilities as well as its commitment to quality is crucial to the success of our launch and long-term operations.”

Paul Stone, MD Manufacturing Logistics, DHL Supply Chain, added: “Setting up an entirely new operation is a significant undertaking. By giving Farizon a ready-made network and access to the highest level of automotive logistics expertise, we’re enabling seamless market entry. It’s an exciting time for the automotive industry with more choice and innovation than we’ve seen in decades. We’re proud to be a key part of such a dynamic industry and support our customers’ ambitious growth plans.”

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Unified Commerce = Consumers Spend More

Posted on by Keith McKinley

New data reveals multi-channel shoppers spend 15% more per order when unified commerce is offered by retailers. Retailers are engaged in an ongoing battle to innovate and adapt to evolving customer demands in an uncertain economy. New data from Manhattan Associates reveals that retailers relying on siloed, outdated systems are struggling, while leaders in unified commerce are gaining a competitive edge by delivering better customer experiences and more efficient operational outcomes. The report shows that blurring the lines between the physical and digital shopping experiences to create a seamless brand journey is becoming more important. Physical stores can no longer rely solely on transactions; they must adapt to serve as fulfilment hubs, service centres, and brand anchors.

Key to growth

“Retailers who’ve embraced unified commerce are seeing impressive results, including a 23% higher inventory turnover and a 22% reduction in customer acquisition costs,” says Craig Summers (pictured), MD UK/VP Northern Europe & MEA, Manhattan Associates. “In today’s competitive market, that’s a significant advantage.”

With 77% of retailers acknowledging that customer acquisition costs have increased substantially, unified commerce offers a solution by driving efficiency and attracting customers through personalised experiences powered by real-time data. This is key, as customers who engage across multiple channels generate 1.5X higher lifetime value, highlighting the potential of unified commerce.

Bridging the channel gap

While a massive 73% of retailers recognise that seamless cross-channel cart and wish list functionality is essential, only 32% can actually deliver it. Summers adds, “This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about meeting customer expectations. Retailers need to invest in platforms that allow customers to start a purchase on their phone, continue it on their laptop, and pick it up in-store seamlessly.”

The connected customer journey is still reliant upon human relationships, however. Using technology enables retailers to extend the reach and impact of their in-store teams, enhancing rather than replacing human expertise. In-store staff remain a crucial part of connecting the physical and online customer experience.

Craig Summers

Furthermore, 69% of retailers recognise that real-time clienteling is key. Summers notes, “Retailers need to equip their staff with devices that connect them to customer data and preferences in real-time, enabling them to provide tailored recommendations, and build lasting relationships that shape their digital experiences too.”

Boosting efficiency and slashing costs

Traditional stores are being crushed under the weight of rising expenses, with labour costs having risen for 63% of retailers. Unified commerce offers a solution by automating inventory, routing orders intelligently, and deploying self-service kiosks, thereby empowering retailers to streamline operations and reduce costs.

Summers explains that; “designing operations to anticipate changes and adapt to customer needs is essential to ensure retailers build resilience into their value chain, while giving time back to sales associates who can focus on higher-value customer interactions, and more strategic decision-making.”

This frictionless efficiency extends to the shopper experience too. Seamless checkout is now a basic requirement, with 57% of retailers recognising its importance. This also necessitates payment experiences that automatically adjust to customer preferences offering options like mobile wallets and buy-now-pay-later. 76% of retailers acknowledge that flexible, mixed payment methods are critical for lowering cart abandonment.

Unified commerce is now a strategic imperative

Summers concludes: “The UK retail sector is at a turning point. By embracing unified commerce, retailers can navigate current challenges and market uncertainty to unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and customer loyalty. Investing in unified commerce is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative for long-term success.”

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Security First for Industrial Real Estate

Posted on by David Priestman

In the competitive world of industrial real estate, safety and flexibility are paramount. Network Space’s Broadheath Networkcentre exemplifies these principles through its innovative design and security features. By partnering with ASSA ABLOY, Network Space has ensured that their new development not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern businesses.

Bespoke Secured by Design sectional doors and large-scale loading bays for real estate developer Network Space helped make their new development a safe, flexible and attractive long-term proposition for tenants. Combining high-quality refurbished units with new construction, Network Space’s Broadheath Networkcentre is a modern industrial development, with 206,000 sq ft of space across 25 units. The Altrincham, Cheshire-based contemporary multi-tenant site has been designed to appeal to a diverse range of businesses.

Secured by Design

This large project was split into smaller individual units. ASSA ABLOY supplied and installed each of the 25 units with an OH1042P Secured by Design Overhead Sectional Door, plus added a range of steel and fire exit doors for additional access and several loading bays. Secured by Design is the official police security initiative that aims to improve the safety and security of buildings and their immediate surroundings. Based on the risks in the local area, the local police conduct a full review of the building and advise on the security rating they’d recommend.

The optimal entrance solution for industrial units, the OH1042P door is designed to keep businesses both safe and efficient. Available with a vision panel which is also security-rated, the OH1042P is four metres wide, with a cylinder safe lock on both sides of the door. Its weather-resistant construction protects against wind and water, making it suitable for both loading dock and level access applications. This new door from ASSA ABLOY meets all safety and security requirements without compromising usability.

Bespoke loading bays

Because Network Space was appealing to a diverse range of tenants, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems worked with them to develop a specification for loading docks that could flexibly accommodate all kinds of vehicles and loads. This proactive, future-proofing approach reduces restrictions on tenants, ensuring all of their potential loading requirements are met. This was achieved through fitting longer, telescopic levellers for maximum flexibility, considering the arrangement of the buffers and the size of the shelters to ensure the loading bay can accommodate the maximum size of vehicles and trailers.

A range of high-profile tenants have already chosen to locate their operations in Broadheath Networkcentre. One of the larger units was let in advance of development, which allowed the loading bays to be designed bespoke to this tenant. Their comprehensive entrance solutions included several Crawford OH1042P overhead sectional doors featuring Secured by Design security compliant windows, which were used for both secure level access and dock doors. Their solution also included DL6120T telescopic dock levellers, wheel guides, DS6060P curtain dock shelters, rubber buffers, internal and external traffic lights and dock lights.

This tenant requested a non-standard colour finish to exactly match their brand palette. With no impact on the security rating, the eye-catching colour-matched doors both stand out on the building and provide an elevated customer experience on approach to their unit. The loading bay solution provided by ASSA ABLOY means that Network Space can accommodate different kinds of tenants in these units for years to come, demonstrating a strong commitment to tenant satisfaction and long-term asset management. Tenants can benefit from our service agreements, ensuring consistent maintenance and support for their operations within the units.

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