Toyota Motor Sales, USA, has replaced an outdated, manual forecasting system and has invested in an automated solution that has cut forecasting time, reduced inefficiencies in the supply chain, andimproved communication between divisions.

Automotive manufacturers are attempting to shrink industrial geography in order to squeeze costs. How tight can the screw be turned? By Sam Tulip

Automotive manufacturers are turning to the web to create new business models capable of delivering improved customer service and increased productivity. However, electronic data interchange formats continue to cast a long shadow across the sector. By Jo

Structural change in the automotive sector is placing a heavy emphasis on the supply chain and increasing dependence on international logistics providers. By Mark Seager

Mirror, signal, manoeuvre. The automotive sector is indicating and moving to cross into the fast lane, but it may have neglected to take a look in the mirror.

Slough Trading Estate, Berkshire, has a new flagship warehouse/production building. Kubik is located on Buckingham Avenue, the main thoroughfare through the trading estate.

Store Property Investments has let a 23,000 sq ft warehouse to Cannon Hygiene at Bar End in Winchester, Hampshire. The OCS Group subsidiary is taking Unit E on a 15-year lease with a break at ten years.

Gazeley and Land Securities joint venture partnership, has been granted planning consent for Nova MK – a £340 million logistics park in Milton Keynes. The 241 acre site will provide 3.4 million sq ft of new industrial and distribution accommodation.

At 497,583 sq m in 17 units across Britain, the level of take-up in new units of 10,000 sq m and over in the first three months of 2006 reached the highest level recorded in the first quarter of any year over the past ten years, says King Sturge.

Green buildings will become compulsory, warns property consultant King Sturge. New EU legislation and recent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations will change warehouses. Three key requirements of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive