Vector SCM Rolls Out Visibility Solution for GM Europe

NOVI, Mich., May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vector SCM, the global logistics management joint venture between Con-way and General Motors, has successfully rolled out its European Vehicle Visibility (EUVV) program for General Motors Europe (GME), providing comprehensive outbound logistics visibility and exception management of finished vehicles to all GME dealers across Europe covering all modes.

In directing a complex network of more than 70 outbound service providers moving some 1.7 million GM vehicles to 54 countries annually, Vector provides visibility to some 11 million shipments per year, supporting finished vehicle delivery for two GM brands. The management program, which leverages Vector's process-driven methodologies, engineering capabilities and operations expertise in automotive logistics, has generated benefits across several key areas, among these:

-- Reduction of 2.5 days in average transit time (ALT) -- Better cash flow based on shorter ALT -- Improved delivery consistency and contract reliability -- More accurate and timely network visibility -- Improved prioritization of vehicles and customer satisfaction

"With the proven success of this program, we are launching the next stage of deployment to support other GM brands in Europe," said Joerg Parnet, Europe region managing director for Vector. "The higher volume will drive additional economies of scale and greater value to all parties in the network."

The objective of the program was to help GM Europe manage a reduction in inventory levels and achieve lower logistics expense through improving visibility to shipments and consistent, timely communication throughout the supply chain, noted Greg Humes, Vector SCM president. "By eliminating the blind spots in the supply chain we have been able to increase visibility and communication with service providers, improve operational reporting and streamline day to day management of the vehicle delivery process. As a result, we're seeing faster overall transit times as well as increased delivery reliability."

About Vector SCM -- Vector SCM, based in Novi, Michigan USA, is a joint venture of General Motors Corp. and Con-way Inc. that delivers lead logistics provider services for GM's global supply chain operations, as well as other automotive and heavy industrial manufacturing firms worldwide. As a non-asset-based 4PL, Vector SCM provides transportation, logistics and distribution network design and management solutions across multiple service providers, as a neutral, single point of logistics cost measurement, reduction and control. Vector SCM is part of Menlo Worldwide, the US$1.4 billion supply chain services subsidiary of Con-way Inc. . Con-way is a $4.2 billion freight transportation, logistics, supply chain management and trailer manufacturing company. Further information about Menlo Worldwide and additional press releases are available via the Internet at http://www.menloworldwide.com/.