🌎 Global Outlook

Lamborghini: Record-Breaking Procurement

In 2024, Lamborghini recorded a landmark year with increased deliveries, becoming the first supercar manufacturer with a fully electrified portfolio.

Under the leadership of CPO Silvano Michieli, Lamborghini's procurement has evolved into a strategic engine of profitability and innovation, no longer merely a cost center. Michieli emphasizes that procurement has "significant leverage in terms of influencing profitability." The approach is founded on early engagement and robust supplier relationships, because, as Michieli explains, "it's difficult to keep pace going it alone and developing your own competencies. This reality makes strong supplier relationships essential."

Recent crises have driven Lamborghini toward "anti-fragile" procurement—an "ecosystem that continuously develops and evolves, and even gains from ongoing shocks and disruptions." For Michieli, true partnerships transcend contracts, since "contracts are useless if there's a serious disaster or force majeure and it suddenly disappears. At that point, there's only one thing: the relationship you've built with your strategic supplier." This approach has ensured, for instance, carbon fiber supply even without written contracts, demonstrating that "it's about investing time and effort, but it definitely pays off."

For Lamborghini, sustainability is a constant priority, rooted in corporate values rather than fleeting trends. Silvano Michieli emphasizes: "We don't move based on politics; we move on values we trust, which is why we don't give up." This commitment creates unique opportunities for innovative suppliers, as Lamborghini serves as an ideal testing ground for solutions too bold for mass manufacturers. Ultimately, a strong collaborative approach between departments and suppliers transforms procurement into a strategic engine of innovation and profitability.

🔗 Source: https://procurementmag.com/articles/lamborghinis-record-year-driven-by-strategic-procurement

Earth-to-Space Logistics: Supply Chain Challenges in the NewSpace Era

The intensification of space missions, both private and governmental, is transforming Earth-to-Space logistics, bringing new challenges to ensure sustainable operations.

Supply chain management presents unique logistical challenges inherent to space transportation, such as rocket transfer and cryogenic fuel transport, requiring specialized vehicles and rigorous safety protocols. 98% of NASA projects have experienced delays, highlighting the need for more efficient management.

What is the solution according to experts? First, establishing strategically located intermediate storage depots near launch sites or in orbit would contribute to space debris removal.

Terrestrial logistics innovations are becoming a model for the space sector. Tools such as inventory tracking and logistics simulations, originally developed for terrestrial applications, are being adapted for more efficient space supply chain management. Collaborations with 3PL operators demonstrate that terrestrial experience can be fundamental, albeit with necessary adjustments for space's unique challenges.

🔗 Source: https://www.logisticamente.it/articoli/54591/logistica-terra-spazio-sfida-supply-chain-era-newspace/

🖼️ Meme of the Day

⚖️ Compliance Focus

CBAM: Exemption Approved

Where we left off...

The CBAM regulation required companies to purchase carbon certificates to offset their emissions related to imports of specific products, such as iron, steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers. However, no minimum threshold existed for smaller enterprises, which were equally subject to the obligation, making the system complex and burdensome, especially for small and medium enterprises.

What's changing?

The European Parliament has (finally) approved the modification of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) proposed by the European Commission in the "Omnibus I" package. The reform provides that 90% of companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, will be exempt from the carbon tax, thanks to the introduction of a minimum threshold of 50 tons, excluding sectors such as electricity and hydrogen.

The vote was favorable with 564 in favor, 20 against, and 12 abstentions. CBAM's environmental objective remains unchanged, still covering 99% of emissions linked to imports of materials such as iron, steel, and cement. Antonio Decaro (PD) highlighted how the modification simplifies procedures without weakening the mechanism, while Nicola Procaccini (FdI) considered the vote a step forward toward common sense. The League abstained from voting. The next step will be the EU Council's position.

🔗 Source: https://www.eunews.it/2025/05/22/carbon-tax-cbam-eurocamera-omnibus/