DP World brings predictive modelling to auto supply chains

As the automotive industry faces the twin pressures of electrification and geopolitical uncertainty, logistics providers are turning to digital tools to stay ahead. At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2025 in Detroit, DP World will showcase how predictive modelling, scenario simulations and new inbound logistics insights can help OEMs and suppliers strengthen resilience, reduce costs and make better decisions across global networks.

Automotive Logistics: At Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global, DP World’s panel will explore how scenario simulations and data analysis can optimise networks and minimise disruptions. What perspectives or key insights are you planning to share, and what do you hope the audience takes away from the discussion?

David D'Annunzio: With the rapid pace of change in the automotive sector, from EV transitions and new major markets and players to geopolitical volatility, reactive strategies alone are no longer viable. During our panel session, 'Simulating supply chains: Combating unpredictability with scenario planning tools and collaboration' my boss Beat Simon, chief operating officer of logistics will explore how digital simulations and predictive data modelling are transforming resilience in the automotive supply chain.

Cost pressure and tariff turmoil major concerns for inbound logistics says survey

The results of the first "Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey", carried out in partnership with DP World, reveal that the automotive logistics sector is responding with fortitude to the cost pressures, tariff turmoil and supply chain disruption affecting the sector in 2025.

The discussion will focus around our work with leading OEMs to simulate ‘what-if’ scenarios, optimise routing and create agile options across sea, land and rail. We handle 10% of global automotive trade across the full automotive supply chain from inbound and production logistics through to finished vehicles and aftermarket – so we have a unique insight into the possibilities of how predictive modelling can really help to optimise global auto supply chains. Our goal at ALSC Global is to show how our network and our innovative tools have the potential to unlock better decision-making, reduce risk and deliver measurable savings across global inbound networks.

AL: This year also marks the launch of the first Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey, developed in partnership with DP World. How do you see the survey findings helping the industry, and in what ways can DP World support overcoming the challenges it may highlight?

D'Annunzio: The Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey, developed with DP World, is a fundamental step in our partnership with Automotive Logistics. Through working together on our first whitepaper, we have taken a deep dive into understanding where the automative industry stands and its strategic priorities for years to come. The survey results highlight real-world constraints – whether this is visibility gaps, inconsistent transit times or missed supplier deliveries – facing OEMs in today’s landscape. These new insights provide the industry and ourselves a view on how to best build inbound solutions to overcome the challenges facing OEMs today. The insights also inform future decision making, such as the right regions, routes, infrastructure and technology for the industry to invest in for future resilience and performance.

AL: DP World partners with Automotive Logistics events not only in Detroit, but also in Germany, ASEAN (South East Asia) and Mexico. What are the advantages of engaging with such a global network of automotive logistics experts, and how does this align with DP World’s approach to supporting the industry worldwide?

D'Annunzio: DP World has been the designated ‘Knowledge Partner’ for ALSC since 2023 and we are delighted to watch our partnership develop year on year. Engaging with global audiences across the ALSC network in Detroit, Germany, ASEAN and Mexico allows us to stay close to the local market challenges - whether that’s RoRo capacity crunches, port congestion, geopolitical shifts or decarbonisation targets. We recognise that each market is different but all share a growing need for resilient, connected, end-to-end logistics. 

At DP World, our integrated network spans 76+ countries, and we offer a full spectrum of supply chain solutions for the automotive industry - including finished vehicle and inbound logistics, to CKD packing and more. Wherever our customers build, assemble, ship or sell, we’re there to strengthen resilience and accelerate speed to market - from factory floor to customer door. Come and visit the team on the ground at ALSC Global at stand 36 or learn more via our website here.

Watch Beat Simon's panel session, 'Simulating supply chains: Combating unpredictability with scenario planning tools and collaboration' on September 24 at ALSC Global in Detroit. Register now here. 

Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global

23-25 September | Plymouth, MI