Highlights | Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe

How Europe’s automotive supply chain is embracing digitalisation, collaboration and sustainability to drive agility and long-term success

European OEMs, tier-suppliers and LSPs are co-creating smarter supply chains with digital tools, data sharing and decarbonisation strategies. At Automotive Logistics & supply Chain Europe 2025, they shared their exclusive insights, strategies, and advice.

Renault embeds circular economy principles in packaging to cut emissions and logistics costs across its global supply chain

Renault is actively embedding circular economy principles into its industrial packaging strategy, aiming to reduce waste, optimise logistics and extend the lifespan of packaging assets across its global operations.

Key takeaways on how automotive packaging is evolving to meet the triple challenge: sustainability, cost efficiency and EV readiness

Philip Bittermann, editor-in-chief of Neue Verpackung, explores the evolving automotive packaging landscape. Focusing on sustainability, cost efficiency and the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), he discusses the new challenges and solutions the industry must adopt to stay ahead. From reusable packaging to adapting to lithium ecosystems, the future of automotive logistics depends on innovation and efficiency.

Red Sofa interview | Crafting luxury and moving with precision, Aston Martin meets the challenges of low-volume logistics and high-complexity supply chains

Aston Martin’s supply chain management involves overcoming the hurdles of low-volume production and bespoke designs. Martin Corner explains how the company is stabilising its supply chain, enhancing data transparency and finding efficiencies while maintaining luxury quality standards.

Red Sofa interview | Toyota Motor Europe’s head of parts supply chain shares approach to complex service parts demands

Toyota’s approach to service parts logistics is focused on reliability and efficiency, ensuring dealers always have the right parts at the right time. Karel Verpoorten outlines how Toyota is adapting to evolving market demands with a flexible, customer-first strategy.

Red Sofa interview | Peter Hörndlein on how VW is building a more flexible, sustainable and future-ready vehicle logistics network

Peter Hörndlein outlines VW’s flexible logistics strategy, from tackling disruption to investing in sustainable transport solutions.

Red Sofa interview | GKN Automotive’s Chris Payne on co-creation, visibility and sustainable logistics partnerships for the future

GKN’s Chris Payne discusses logistics partnerships, data visibility and sustainable freight at ALSC Europe 2025.

Red Sofa interview | Renault’s Jean-Marc Carlicchi on AI, control towers and reshaping supply chain strategy with digital visibility and smarter planning

Discover how Renault is boosting resilience and dynamic planning with AI-driven control towers for inbound and outbound logistics.

Red Sofa interview | BMW’s Nadine Philipp on how sustainability and decarbonisation are shaping BMW Group’s supplier network and logistics strategy

Discover BMW’s approach to CO2 reduction in the supply chain and logistics with Nadine Philipp at ALSC Europe 2025.

How MSC is driving efficiency and sustainability in automotive logistics with intermodal solutions and customer-focused supply chain strategies

Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, Johanna Wrage, global accounts automotive deputy manager at MSC discusses company’s role in enhancing global automotive supply chains through intermodal solutions and customer-centric service.

ALSC Europe 2025 - Highlights video

ALSC Europe 2025: Conference Day 2 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics closes out the final day of the ALSC Europe 2025 conference in Bonn…

ALSC Europe 2025: Conference Day 1 wrap-up

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer at Automotive Logistics, takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe exclusive Networking Dinner after a full day packed with cutting-edge insights, insightful discussions, and networking…

ALSC Europe 2025: Welcome Cocktail Reception

Christopher Ludwig, Chief Content Officer at Automotive Logistics and Ultima Media, takes us to the Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe exclusive Welcome Coctkail Reception and discusses key agenda topics fo this year’s event…

Watch: Dr Rainer Kiefer discusses cost pressures, supply chain resilience, and the future of global automotive logistics

Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, DB Schenker’s Dr Rainer Kiefer explains how the logistics company is tackling supply chain costs, disruptions, and nearshoring trends in the fast-changing automotive industry.

Watch: CNW Global’s strategy for resilient automotive supply chains

With global disruptions on the rise, agility and resilience are key to navigating supply chain challenges. Ahead of ALSC Europe 2025, Thomas Blank, vice president, EMEA at CNW Global shares how the company bridges the gap between planning and execution. He discusses industry challenges, CNW’s approach to supply chain integrity, and key trends shaping the future.

Aligning logistics partnerships and ROI with sustainability

Six months after the 2024 Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany, we look at the output of a sustainability workshop involving logistics leaders at JLR and Mercedes-Benz and explore the action points needed to scale green logistics, including collaboration and co-investment. We also look forward to what needs to be done by the 2025 event.

BMW’s Michael Nikolaides on a localised, digital supply chain

Dr Michael Nikolaides, senior vice-president, Production Network, Supply Chain Management and Logistics at BMW Group, talks to Automotive Logistics about making cross-functional decisions to make the OEM’s supply chain more localised, digitalised and efficient

Global and European vehicle production and the impacts on logistics

Henner Lehne, vice-president, Global Vehicle Forecasting, Automotive, S&P Global Mobility presents his analysis and predictions for the global and regional vehicle sales and production outlook.

Highlights from ALSC Europe day one

At our recent Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 conference in Bonn, Germany we heard from some of the biggest OEMs, logistics partners and tier suppliers in the continent, who discussed how to deliver a competitive edge through logistics. While the event may be over, Automotive Logistics will continue to bring some of the most important and insightful highlights from the conference.

ALSC EUROPE 2024 Highlights video

The power of digitalised, automated and sustainable automotive supply chains and logistics

Here are the key Automotive Logistics insights from Torsten Müller (Audi), Adam Jones (Unipart Group), and Gabriel Werner (Blue Yonder) on digitalisation, automation, AI, the role of data, and sustainability from ALSC Europe 2024.

Day 2 unwrapped: Pioneering the future of automotive logistics at ALSC Europe 2024

The conference saw keynote addresses from vice-president of Supply Chain at Toyota Motor Europe and senior vice-president, Production Network, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, at BMW along with panel discussion with leaders from JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Asstin Martin among others that highlighted the importance of technology, collaboration, and innovation in meeting efficiency and sustainability goals, as well as adapting to the rapidly changing automotive landscape.

Digital tools that deliver optimised and sustainable networks

The adoption of digital technology has accelerated in the last five years to manage complexity, provide greater visibility and drive sustainable change. Four leading providers of that technology explained some of their most recent developments at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany – Alps Alpine, FedEx, FreightVerify and s2 data & algorithms.

Battling the bottlenecks in European vehicle distribution

Capacity constraints in finished vehicle logistics are a big headache for the automotive industry at the moment and carmakers have been chartering their own trucks and ocean ro-ro vessels to secure the space and get their cars to the end customer. However, taking capacity out of the network has an impact on efficiency and it doesn’t guarantee speed to market given the problems with port and inland compound congestion.

ALSC Europe 2024 Day two wrap-up

Join us as ALSC Europe 2024 comes to a close to take a look at all the inspiring content of the day. From discussions on supply chain management and transportation solutions to advancements in technology and sustainability initiatives, this event has covered it all.

ALSC Europe 2024 Day one wrap-up

Join us as we close the first day of ALSC Europe 2024 and take a look at all the inspiring content of the day - as well as what’s in store for us tomorrow. From discussions on supply chain management and transportation solutions to advancements in technology and sustainability initiatives, this event will cover it all.

Rebuilding resilience and stability for a more sustainable supply chain

The multiple crises the automotive industry has experienced over the last four years have been a driver for innovation for inbound and outbound logistics processes, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany.

Red Sofa Interview: VW’s Oliver Bronder on turning disruptions into strategic advantages

With a focus on reliability, transparency, and the strategic importance of logistics, Bronder delves into how Volkswagen is navigating the complexities of the automotive supply chain to emerge stronger and more resilient.

In pics: Insights, networking and gala dinner at the first day of ALSC Europe 2024

The ALSC Europe 2024 Day 1 wrap-up offers a vibrant glimpse into the kickoff of the Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany. Panels and workshops took place around the event’s central theme; exploring avenues across digitalisation, speed to market, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

BMW navigates the new ‘never normal’ in logistics

Emerging from four years of geopolitical and market volatility, many OEMs and logistics companies have had to adapt or die. BMW has transformed by installing several strategies, including its Programme Commission which brings production, finance, sales, and purchasing, and supply chain and logistics under one umbrella.

ALSC Europe 2024 Cocktail Reception wrap-up

Join us inside the ALSC Europe 2024 Cocktail Reception as we get revved up for the hottest topics in automotive logistics. From discussions on supply chain management and transportation solutions to advancements in technology and sustainability initiatives, this event will cover it all.

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s Dr Michael Nikolaides on cross-functional decisions in the supply chain

BMW has learned how to better steer its network through volatile times through combining business divisions to make cross-functional programming decisions in its supply chain.

Red Sofa Interview: Why Toyota Motor Europe isn’t looking for flexibility

Jean Christophe Deville, vice-president of supply chain at Toyota Motor Europe said he isn’t looking for flexibility in his logistics partners, and is instead looking for forecasting capabilities.

Red Sofa Interview: Jean-Marc Carlicchi on Renault’s next step in digitalisation

At ALSC Europe in Bonn, Germany last week, Jean-Marc Carlicchi, VP of Supply Chain Engineering at Renault Group took to the Red Sofa with Christopher Ludwig, Chief of Content, to talk about the OEM’s digitalisation journey.

Red Sofa Interview: JLR’s Levent Yuksel on scaling green logistics solutions

At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2024 in Bonn, Germany, Levent Yuksel, freight operations director at JLR sits down on the Red Sofa to discuss how we can scale green logistics solutions by working in partnership.

Red Sofa Interview: Empowering excellence for women in the supply chain

Watch Sabine Isenbort, manager of inbound logistics operations at Ford Europe, Isa Kalinska, lead of logistics and distribution at JLR, and Sonia Santors, vice-president of worldwide manufacturing at Bosch on the Red Sofa at ALSC Europe 2024 in Bonn.

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe: Recap blog

Follow our recap blog below for the key highlights and knowledge shared at ALSC Europe 2024. Even though the event is over, the insight doesn’t stop, and we will continue to update this blog with the most valuable insights, data and quotes from automotive experts discussing how to deliver a competitive edge, through reducing complexity, increasing flexibility and maximising capacity. Jump to key highlights:Dr Michael Nikolaides, BMW on market volatilityMartina Graser, Ford Europe on securing ocean-based capacityIza Kalinska, JLR, Sabine Isenbort, Ford Europe and Sonia Santos, Bosch on the Red SofaLevent Yuksel, JLR Red Sofa Interview and article on ‘win win’ opportunities for collaborationJean-Marc Carlicchi, Renault Group on the ‘new never-normal’Jean Christophe Deville, Toyota Motor Europe Red Sofa Interview and article on advantageous partnershipsOliver Bronder, VW Group Logistics keynote panel

JLR’s strategic shift towards a carbon-free future

JLR is on a transformative journey to drastically reduce its Scope 3 freight carbon emissions. Under the leadership of freight operations director Levent Yuksel, the company is redefining its logistics services to align with its carbon net-zero ambitions, setting a new standard for supply chain sustainability in the automotive industry.

How Group Logistics is overcoming crises and shaping Volkswagen's future supply chain

Volkswagen Group Logistics can increasingly master disruptions thanks to greater resiliency, but its managing director Simon Motter is making sure the group is ready to deliver on long-term goals for electrification, sustainability and cost.

Maxime Picat, Stellantis talks strategy and influencing supply chain and manufacturing design

The chief purchasing and supply chain officer, who leads all procurement functions including logistics, gives an exclusive interview on improving supplier relations, planning for the future of the battery supply chain, the growing influence of supply chain costs and localisation, and why Stellantis needs to ensure it has access to critical logistics capacity.

Bringing battery production in Europe up to speed

As carmakers in Europe scramble to localise pure electric vehicle (EV) production they have one major obstacle to overcome – Europe has no legacy of lithium-ion battery production. China has long dominated the mining, refining and production of battery cells, a situation that European carmakers were happy to go along with until very recently.

Highlights from Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2023

Watch a teaser from our highly successful Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Europe 2023 conference, which was full of insightful discussions, celebration and valuable networking on the importance and future of automotive supply chain management in the region

Digital clouds on the horizon for finished vehicle logistics

The transport capacity shortage in finished vehicle deliveries could well be the next major disruption for the automotive industry. For Volvo Cars that means innovating to make the best use of available resources, which it is managing with its Over the Horizon planning strategy.

Renault and Bosch reap the benefits of digital investments

Carmakers and their suppliers are looking at a range of digital platforms to provide a complete end-to-end view of the automotive supply chain and make operations more predictable, stable and transparent. They are also looking to save transport costs at a time of rising fuel and equipment costs, a saving that goes hand-in-hand with a more sustainable transport strategy.

Supply chain needs its own movement in the C-suite

Recruiting and retaining staff in automotive logistics is one of the most pressing issues the industry is currently facing, with shortages reported across all functions, from warehouse labour to truck driving.

Carmakers and tier ones need better supply chain alignment

If the semiconductor shortage taught the automotive sector anything, it is that closer collaboration between carmakers and their suppliers, not just at the tier one level, is crucial to mitigate disruption to the supply chain.

Audi’s ambitious strategy for a cleaner future

The automotive industry continues to fight supply chain disruption on a number of fronts, from the ongoing shortage of electronic parts, the war in Ukraine, high inflation, and a critical shortage of transport capacity and labour. The impact of these factors is estimated by analysts S&P Global to account for a 50m shortfall in vehicle deliveries between January 2021 and February 2023 (with 19m accounted for by the semiconductor shortage).

Interview: Jean-Christophe Deville, Head of Production and Logistics, Toyota

Toyota’s Jean-Christophe Deville discusses prioritising supply chain planning with the customer view, providing LSPs in Europe with confidence to invest and dealing with the bumps in the long road to sustainable logistics.

Interview: Step-by-step to a better supply chain at Plastic Omnium

Plastic Omnium’s Étienne Jacob wants to improve communication between OEM and tier one supply chain teams to help mitigate risks – part of his strategy of practical steps for suppliers to improve efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation one step at a time.

Interview: Renault's journey to the supply chain metaverse

Jean-François Salles reveals how Renault Group is advancing predictive management of its supply chain and supporting employees to take faster decisions across locations – while looking ahead to a true ‘metaverse’ for supply chain and logistics

Interview: How Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing learned to be flexible

Paulina Chmielarz reveals how Jaguar Land Rover’s production team has worked with supply chain teams to increase planning flexibility, and the great potential of its overhaul of manufacturing and logistics systems

Interview: Audi’s Dieter Braun on leading a long-term sustainable supply chain strategy

Dieter Braun says the key to reducing emissions and making supply chains more sustainable is committment to Audi and the Volkswagen Group’s long-term strategy – as well as focusing on total emission calculations in transport and purchasing decisions, including for energy sources.

Interview: Changing trade, technology and mindsets across BMW’s supply chain

Dr Michael Nikolaides, who leads BMW Group’s global logistics, talks about how the OEM is adapting its supply chain to respond to geopolitical changes and new requirements, from vehicle logistics capacity to sustainable trucking

Watch: Fuelling the future of green trade

Traditionally, the fuel and systems that maritime, rail and commercial vehicle operators use have depended on polluting diesel and bunker, which are now subject to both legislative restriction and rising prices. In response, transport providers on road, rail and ocean are embracing new alternative fuels

Watch: Consolations for a container shipping crisis

Global port congestion, and unpredictable transit and lead times in container shipping have resulted in one of the most dismal and uncertain times for the maritime transport of goods, something that isn’t expected to improve until 2023. However, Philip Damas, managing director of Drewry Shipping Consultants advised delegates at ALSC 2022 about the mitigation strategies they could take in the interim

Watch: Finished vehicle logistics – delivering vehicles with better data

Watch this dedicated finished vehicle logistics session from ALSC Europe 2022 in which experts from leading software firms discuss the digital technology that is helping carmakers get their vehicles to market more efficiently and sustainably

Watch: The supply chain heroes of net carbon zero

Logistics leaders from Yazaki, Maersk and Höegh Autoliners discuss strategies for achieving carbon neutrality across the automotive supply chain

Watch: Future battery technology - a journey into the unknown for the supply chain

Battery technology expert Greg Ombach explores shifts the balance of power in the value chain and what different cell and pack designs will mean for the battery and EV supply chain.

Watch: Lessons from a crisis – designing smarter automotive semiconductor and material supply chains

Leaders from SEMI Europe and CNW explore how OEMs, chipmakers and logistics providers are working together to mitigate semiconductor shortages.

Watch: Forecasting in the never normal – European vehicle production and sales outlook

Learn the outlook for European vehicle production, electrification and ownership models and how they will impact the automotive supply chain

Watch: Charging up battery logistics at Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group is building its own gigafactories in Europe, and Matthias Braun is helping to define the logistics. Hear how the OEM and logistics providers like Maersk and Orbis are redefining standards and processes during this panel discussion in Munich.

Watch: Just-in-time for a new era – can supply chains become more resilient and still stay lean?

Toyota’s Leon van der Merwe makes it clear that lean and just-in-time principles are as relevant for the OEM today as ever. But hear why for aspects of the approach are changing both for Toyota, 3PL Ceva and data systems expert E2Open.

Watch: How Renault is regaining control in the ‘supply chain of chaos’

In the opening session of Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe, Jean-François Salles explains how Renault Group is digitalising its supply chain and partnering more closely with its suppliers to navitage a supply chain of chaos and reduce emissions

Watch: Finished vehicle logistics – carrying the weight of the recovery

Watch how Toyota Motor Europe’s head of vehicle logistics is taking new approaches to outbound, while digital and data expert RPM and ICL explore ways to overcome inventory and capacity challenges

Watch: Supply chain resilience – failure not an option

Supply chain experts from tier-1 suplier IAC, Kuehne+Nagel and time:matters talk about how logistics stakeholders should work together to ensure more predictive and responsive supply chains

Watch: Why supply chain management is a competitive advantage at Audi and Volvo

Audi’s Dieter Braun and Volvo Car’s Sean Bricknell debate they strategic role that supply chain and logistics can play in the long-term business success of the automotive industry.

Watch: Spinning the wheel of supply chain innovation

Leaders from INEOS Automotive and GEFCO see AI and real-time visibility as game changes for logistics, but point out that innovation is not just about implementing new systems or digitalising processes, but also adapting working culture and working with the right partners.

Watch: Collaborate to decarbonise European automotive logistics

As European manufacturers set tight emission reduction targets in logistics, experts at Volvo Trucks, DFDS and CHEP reveal just how important collaboration will be for their sustainability roadmaps.

Watch: How today’s chip shortage could help the automotive supply chain flourish in the long run

The semiconductor crisis has caused millions of units in lost production but is also pointing the way towards a more fruitful relationship between OEMs, tier-1 suppliers, foundries and chip producers globally, especially as more electronics are added to future vehicles.

Watch: The (r)evolution at Volkswagen Group’s logistics

Electrification, digital tools and sustainability goals are transforming Volkswagen Group Logistics processes across the carmaker’s global footprint. Matthias Braun outlines how the group is adapting its systems and relationships.

Watch: Decarbonising airfreight – A case study in sustainable air freight

Marcel Fujike of Kuehne+Nagel and Gabriël Koetsier of Neste Components discuss practical steps to reduce CO2 from logistics networks including the innovative use of sustainable aviation fuel.

Watch: Europe goes giga on the battery supply chain

Europe has lagged Asia in the race to produce lithium-ion batteries, but automotive and battery players are investing heavily to scale up production. A new forecast by Automotive from Ultima Media reveals the opportunities.

Watch: Digital drivers for Europe’s finished vehicle logistics

OEMs and carriers are turning to more digital tools to optimise vehicle logistics networks, improve visibility and reduce empty miles, but the industry can still work together to fill in gaps.

Watch: European supply chain needs change in skills and culture to remain global automotive powerhouse

The European automotive industry has faced a year of crises, but if it invests in the right digital tools, adapts sustainable processes and an agile working culture, it can achieve long-term sustainability targets and recovery, according to experts from Volkswagen and CSR Europe.

Think Tank: Pack to the future

Experts from packaging suppliers DS Smith and ORBIS share new ideas, innovations and new opportunities in automotive packaging and container management that will play key roles in supply chain sustainability and eliminating cost in the European supply chain.

Watch: Preparing for a 99.99% chance of supply chain disruption

Disruptions in the automotive supply chain are a near certainty but nonetheless near impossible to pinpoint. Supply chain experts from automotive supplier Hella, tracking provider Wakeo and emergency freight provider CNW discuss the best ways to minimise risk.

Think Tank: Future-proofing aftermarket and service parts logistics

As automotive service parts demand and requirements evolve, logistics experts from Jaguar Land Rover, Bosch, Kuehne+Nagel and the European parts association, CLEPA, look to the capacity, technology and network changes necessary to maintain service levels.

Think Tank: How Covid has accelerated digitalisation for finished vehicle logistics

More OEMs and logistics providers in Europe are adapting and investing in digital tools and services than ever before, according to technology experts at INFORM, Proact and Fracht

Watch: Dealing with continuous disruption in finished vehicle logistics

Christopher Godfrey of Volvo Cars and Ruud Vossebeld of INFORM discuss how the pandemic, remote working and digitalisation are changing vehicle logistics, requiring ever more focus on people.

Watch: A permanent change in container shipping for automotive

Capacity, lead time and cost issues in container shipping have disrupted automotive shippers, and long-term structural changes in the sector will lead to new supplier relationships, according to Drewry.

Watch: Building a viable and sustainable European battery supply base

The huge demand for lithium-ion batteries is requiring massive investments and new supply sources across Europe, and experts from BMW Group, EV battery startup Britishvolt and packaging supplier ORBIS Europe reveal the supply chain opportunities and changes ahead.

Watch: Why sustainability will be a major KPI in logistics

Manufacturers including Scania and ZF are already starting to factor emissions reduction and sustainability goals into logistics decisions and purchasing, leaading to changes in transport networks, carrier and returnable packaging operations.

Watch: How automation and data analytics can elevate supply chain performance

Digital supply chain experts from CNH Industrial, IT and software specialist Blue Yonder and freight automation startup Einride discuss how digitalisation can boost reliability, control and end-to-end visibility in logistics.

Watch: Partnerships the only path for real logistics change at Toyota and Volvo Cars

Volvo’s head of supply chain management Martin Corner and Hans Cremers, Toyota Motor Europe’s leader for logistics purchasing, want to achieve sustainability targets and support digital supply chains – and agree that long-term partners will be paramount

Watch: Transforming the European supply chain the Toyota way

Toyota Motor Europe’s VP of supply chain, Leon van der Merve, explains how the carmaker plans to reduce logistics emissions and how he wants to modernise just-in-time to be even leaner wherever possible.