Transportation plays a crucial role in the supply chain, and VW has indeed made changes in the way the company utilizes this driver. Two points from the case study that support this claim are as follows:
1. Transition to Electric Vehicles: VW has shifted its focus towards electric vehicles (EVs) and has made significant investments in developing and manufacturing EV models. This shift has necessitated changes in transportation methods. Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs require specialized transportation considerations due to factors such as battery charging and range limitations. VW has had to adapt its transportation strategy to accommodate the unique needs of EVs, such as implementing charging infrastructure and optimizing logistics to ensure efficient delivery of electric models to customers.
2. Multi-modal Transportation: VW has embraced a multi-modal transportation approach to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. This involves utilizing a combination of transportation modes, such as rail, road, and sea, depending on the specific requirements of each leg of the supply chain. By leveraging different modes of transportation, VW can optimize cost, reduce transit times, and minimize environmental impact. For instance, the company may transport components by rail for longer distances and then switch to road transportation for final delivery to dealerships.
Overall, VW has changed its transportation approach by shifting to EVs and adopting a multi-modal strategy. These changes reflect the company's commitment to sustainability and efficiency in its supply chain operations.
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