The need to know
The need to know for the week ending 5th June 2020
The need to know from Reuters global network of journalists
Factbox: German stimulus to drive forward green vehicles
Germany’s coronavirus recovery stimulus package contains measures to boost low emission cars and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Zebra adds social distancing warnings to warehouse workers' barcode scanners
Zebra Technologies Corp, which sells barcode scanners and other computers used in warehouses globally, introduced a feature on Thursday that sounds an alert when workers breach physical distancing guidelines over the novel coronavirus.
Geely's Volvo Cars sales soar 40% in May vs. month-ago as virus curbs ease
Volvo Cars, owned by China’s Geely Holding [GEELY.UL], said on Wednesday it sold 40% more cars in May than in April, as restrictions to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic started to ease in several markets.
Walmart's Flipkart to re-apply for food retail license in India
Walmart Inc’s (WMT.N) Indian e-commerce unit Flipkart said on Monday it would re-apply for a food retail license in India after reports said its earlier proposal was rejected by the government last week.
China's Dada targets U.S. IPO amid Washington-Beijing tensions
Chinese online grocery firm Dada Nexus Ltd said on Monday it aims to raise up to $280.5 million in a U.S. initial public offering (IPO), attempting a listing on New York’s Nasdaq at a time of deepening tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Shipping group CMA CGM aims to be carbon neutral by 2050
French-based CMA CGM, the world’s fourth-largest container shipping group, said on Tuesday it would aim to become carbon neutral by 2050.
China to encourage mergers among large logistics firms
China will encourage large logistics firms to merge in order to enhance their competitiveness and capabilities, the cabinet said in a statement on Tuesday.
Amazon's Jeff Bezos invests in UK digital freight forwarder Beacon
Amazon.com Inc Chief Executive Jeff Bezos has picked British startup Beacon, a digital freight forwarder, for his latest investment.
Amazon is sued over warehouses after New York worker brings coronavirus home, cousin dies
Amazon.com Inc has been sued for allegedly fostering the spread of the coronavirus by mandating unsafe working conditions, causing at least one employee to contract COVID-19, bring it home, and see her cousin die.
France nears 1-billion-euro crisis fund for aero suppliers: sources
French government and industry officials are negotiating a 1-billion-euro, privately led investment fund for small aerospace suppliers in which major manufacturers could invest 200 million euros, people familiar with the proposals said on Wednesday.
Column: Global diesel use likely to be depressed all year – Kemp
Consumption of diesel and other middle distillate fuels is likely to be depressed for many months, as stay-at-home orders are lifted but the lingering effects of the epidemic and lockdowns reduce business activity.
U.S. manufacturing activity crawls off 11-year low
U.S. manufacturing activity eased off an 11-year low in May, the strongest sign yet that the worst of the economic downturn was behind as businesses reopen, though the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis could take years because of high unemployment.
China's Didi hires van drivers for logistics services
Ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing is hiring van and truck drivers in ten Chinese cities as it plans to join the already crowded on-demand logistics industry to diversify its business.
From elsewhere around the web
Amazon looks to establish supply chain trust with new blockchain patent. [FreightWaves]
Dismal Figures Show Britain's Rail Freight in Decline Despite Government Promises. [Handy Shipping Guide]
'Aggressive' blanking brings capacity crunch, cargo rolling and rocketing rates. [the Loadstar]
Airfreight rates continue to decline on key trades. [Aircargo News]
CVS Pharmacy partners with Nuro on autonomous last-mile delivery pilot. [SupplyChainDive]