Tag: green freight and transportation

Going green at scale demands more than ambition; it demands a different kind of partnership

As leaders from JLR, Volvo Group and Wallenius Wilhelmsen made clear at ALSC Europe 2026, the gap between what is possible and what is deployed for low-emission logistics at scale is not primarily a technology problem. It is a collaboration, affordability and ecosystem problem and solving it will require the industry to work in ways it has never worked before.

Anushka Dixit

Automotive Logistics magazine – Winter 2025

Discover how automotive supply chains are evolving for resilience and agility in the Winter 2025 issue of Automotive Logistics magazine.

Automotive Logistics magazine – Autumn 2025

Discover how supply chains are building resilience in the Automotive Logistics Autumn 2025 issue, with insights on lean logistics, digitalisation and packaging.

Maruti Suzuki starts rail operations at Manesar in-plant siding

The project marks the OEM's second commitment to rail logistics over the last two years. With this new addition, total rail dispatch could reach 750,000 units annually.

Toyota uses VDL Groep hydrogen fuel cell trucks for Europe parts distribution

The OEM is using the trucks for distribution between its European parts centre in Belgium and locations in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Stellantis centralises service parts distribution in Ellesmere Port, UK

The newly built facility will distribute 4m spare parts a year to a network of nearly 1,000 service centres via 19 regional hubs.

Neptune Group to open first vehicle terminal in Port-La-Nouvelle

Neptune Land Services will start operations from Q1 2026 at a new terminal able to process 200,000 vehicles annually.

Car and truck makers adapt transport planning to increase the use of EVs

The rise of the electric passenger car has a longer history than most suppose but now carmakers are engaged with making inbound and outbound transport modes electric as well, which makes for a greener supply chain altogether.

Maruti Suzuki moves half a million vehicles on Indian Railways network in last year

Maruti Suzuki has moved more than 500,000 finished vehicles by rail in the last financial year, almost a quarter of its total 2024 outbound volumes.

UECC adds Blue Heritage dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network

UECC is boosting capacity along with sustainble ocean services options for carmakers with the addition of a dual-fuel car carrier with 7,000 CEU capacity.

Amports maintains strong throughput at Benicia with strict vehicle scheduling

Amports Mark Boucher outlines the strong and consistent throughput the vehicle terminal operator has maintained through 2024 at the Californian port of Benicia.

JLR alternative fuels, digital tools and close supplier collaboration

JLR has been shifting its priorities through its Reimagine Strategy in recent years, laying out a clear vision to become a carbon net zero business by 2039. While the company pushes forward in this vision, its head of freight operations is leading the way for the carmaker’s logistics operations. Automotive Logistics speaks to Levent Yuksel to discover how he is using alternative fuels and data tools to find efficiencies and opportunities for sustainability.

Automotive Logistics magazine – Summer 2025

The Automotive Logistics Summer 2025 issue dives deep into the forces reshaping the industry – from digital transformation and port reinvention to next-gen sustainability. This essential edition offers exclusive insights, high-level interviews, and global analysis designed to help logistics professionals stay ahead in an era of rapid change. Purchase print edition

Ceva Logistics using Stradot conveyor robots for vehicle handling at Nanteuil-le-Haudouin facility

Ceva Logistics will start using automated robot conveyors to move vehicles at its distribution yard in Nanteuil-le-Haudouin from September this year.

Panattoni completes work on Mercedes-Benz’s International Consolidation Centre

[Updated May 27] Mercedes-Benz is ready to open its International Consolidation Centre in Germany, which will bundle and preassemble parts for distribution to its global production locations.

Suardiaz Shipping Lines invests in sustainable vessels for Atlantic ro-ro services

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Suardíaz GroupSuardiaz Shipping Lines, the maritime division in Suardiaz Group, is investing in sustainable vessels and route optimisation to decarbonise finished vehicle, high & heavy, and trailer services on its European Atlantic service between North Africa and Europe

Grimaldi has grown its fleet of hybrid short-sea ro-ro vessels to 14 with the addition of the Eco Napoli

Grimaldi’s latest hybrid-power ro-ro vessel will arrive in the Mediterranean from China in May this year and will support services calling between Italy, Greece and Turkey

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.

Breaking new ground: How Helrom’s Block Train is transforming Audi’s supply chain network

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Helrom.Helrom is redefining supply chain logistics with an innovative intermodal system that slashes emissions and improves efficiency.

Audi’s supply chain in 2033 and beyond: Designed to combine logistics, automation and people

Dieter Braun and his team know exactly where they want Audi’s supply chain to be over the next decade, even if technology and conditions will vary by plant and region.

Smarter logistics, lower emissions: How digital tools are reshaping automotive supply chains

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with DP World.The global inbound supply of automotive parts needs to be quicker, cleaner and ready to deal with dwell and disruption, something DP World is supporting with the latest digital technology, according to Kai Olschner, global vice-president of Supply Chain Engineering.

Audi’s supply chain organisation: Logistics and the 360factory strategy

Under Dieter Braun, Audi’s Supply Chain function is highly integrated with objectives closely aligned to the carmaker’s 360factory strategy, including for sustainability, cost control and flexibility.

NYK Line signs memorandum of understanding with Port of Hueneme to cut emissions and focus on energy efficiency

The US west coast port of Hueneme is building on its commitment to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency in finished vehicle logistics with a new green corridor agreement for Japanese imports signed with NYK Line.

Disruption, diversion and a year of delays: European finished vehicle ports review

Lower car sales in Europe combined with disruption to routes in the Red Sea corresponded with a drop in volumes at a number of leading European vehicle terminals in 2024.

Economic headwinds shake CEE automotive logistics as cost pressures, nearshoring, and geopolitical shifts reshape supply chains

The economic crosswinds sweeping across the continent threaten to stir into a big storm for the automotive industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Automotive Logistics explores how, in the face of uncertainty, logistics providers are streamlining their operations.

BMW’s hydrogen strategy embraces a technology-agnostic approach to reshape automotive logistics

With increasing regulatory pressures and the urgent need to decarbonise operations, automotive leaders are exploring a range of technologies to future-proof their fleets. BMW Group’s latest move – introducing its first hydrogen-powered trucks as part of the European H2Haul pilot project – demonstrates how traditional logistics models are evolving. While electric trucks have been at the forefront of fleet decarbonisation, BMW’s investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology offers another versatile, scalable alternative for long-haul freight that warrants close analysis.

Grimaldi is introducing additional liner services and investing in terminal operations around Europe

Grimaldi is strengthening services for finished vehicle trade in Europe while at the same time building services for EV imports to there from China.

Port Freeport strengthens automotive logistics with record growth, new infrastructure, and multimodal connections

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Port FreeportWith soaring vehicle and container volumes, Port Freeport is investing in capacity, multimodal links and nearshoring-driven growth.

UECC’s sustainable strategy is turning regulation on maritime emissions into a commercial advantage

UECC has outlined its strategy for compliance with European regulations on maritime decarbonisation and how it is supplying OEM customers with alternative fuels

Daimler Truck wins VDA logistics award for use of electric trucks across inbound logistics

Daimler Truck took top prize for scaling the use of electrified trucks in inbound logistics for German plants through its ‘Electrify Inbound Logistics’ project.

Flexis optimises electric van production with shared platform and localised supply chain in Europe

Flexis, a joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM, has unveiled its new range of electric light commercial vehicles; three models all sharing a skateboard platform. Scheduled to begin production this year, the company is making use of its logistics expertise through a dedicated localisation strategy in Europe. Automotive Logistics reports from the Flexis headquarters in Paris.

What day one under the Trump administration signals for the North American automotive supply chain

Donald Trump, who was sworn in as president of the US yesterday, said that his administration is planning to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada from 1 February, threatening the North American automotive supply chain.

Hödlmayr using Mercedes-Benz eActros truck to shuttle finished vehicles from Magna plant in Graz

Hödlmayr International is now using an Mercedes-Benz eAtros 300 truck to shuttle finished vehicles between Magna Steyr’s plant and its nearby vehicle compound in Graz, Austria.

JLR becomes fourth carmaker to join UECC’s Sail for Change sustainable fuel switch programme

[Updated January 9] JLR is helping advance its own emissions reduction goals by taking part in the Sail for Change fuel switch initiative for the maritime delivery of finished vehicles, which offers the option to switch to biofuel for short-sea shipments.

Volkswagen benefits from green logistics services provided by Duvenbeck and MAN Truck and Bus

Duvenbeck’s use of MAN eTGX trucks will contribute to VW Group’s goTOzero impact logistics programme which aims to reduce CO2 emissions on road transport

Seismic shifts in the global trade of electric vehicles: 2024 in review

The car industry is going through a volatile adaptation as it seeks to decarbonise mobility and clean up the logistics supporting production. This year it has also been dealing with trade and labour disruption but the focus is adamantly on a more resilient supply chain and the adoption of digital technology.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks delivers first eActros 600 units to transport customers and announces upgrades to Wörth plant charging infrastructure

Mercedes-Benz Trucks will provide eActros 600 trucks to its own logistics providers from Q2 next year and is supporting emission-free inbound logistics with upgraded charging infrastructure at the Wörth plant in Germany

UECC adds multi-fuel LNG vessel to car carrier fleet as sector invests to decarbonise global maritime vehicle logistics

UECC continues to invest in decarbonising its car carrier operations with addition of multi-fuel LNG vessel

Wallenius Marine has been testing its sail-driven car carrier concept with Rise Maritime in Gothenburg

Wallenius Marine has been conducting advanced wind tunnel tests for a car carrier vessel that will use Oceanbird wing sails

Hyundai working with Glovis America on Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck rollout at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America

Hyundai Motor Group is working with Glovis America on the use of Xcient hydrogen fuel cell trucks for inbound logistics operations at its EV metaplant in the US

Daimler Truck is making the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 at Wörth assembly plant in Germany with inbound parts from Gaggenau, Kassel and Mannheim

Daimler Truck is using flexible assembly, inbound electric trucks and clean manufacturing to make the long-haul Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 at its Wörth plant in Germany.

JLR, Mercedes-Benz and Renault join logistics providers to discuss sustainable collaboration at ECG conference

Carmakers in Europe are not afraid of collaborating with logistics partners to decarbonise inbound and outbound logistics. At this year’s ECG conference in Hamburg, Germany, speakers from JLR, Mercedes-Benz and Renault outlined what they were doing to secure more sustainable deliveries.

A mixed picture for vehicle logistics capacity from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics Providers

[Updated October 31] There remain transport capacity shortages for finished vehicle movements in Europe, though it’s a mixed picture according to mode, according to executives from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics Providers (ECG), which held its annual conference in Hamburg, Germany last week. The overall message was that the situation has certainly improved compared to 2022.

ECG and Smart Freight Centre take next step in vehicle decarbonisation

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) is working in partnership with Smart Freight Centre (SFC) – non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable freight and logistics – to accelerate the decarbonisation of the vehicle logistics industry across Europe.

Dräxlmaier to use first MAN electric truck for Porsche battery deliveries

MAN Truck & Bus has delivered its first fully electric 40-tonne truck for use by tier one supplier Dräxlmaier to deliver batteries to the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany which makes the Macan Electric model.

BMW using etrucks for inbound battery deliveries to Leipzig plant

BMW has started using two fully electric trucks to move battery cells and modules to its high-voltage battery production halls at the Leipzig plant in Germany from its nearby warehouse in BMW Allee. Rudolph Logistik Gruppe is providing the inbound transport service.

Mosolf starts using electric transporters in Germany

Germany’s Mosolf Group has launched an emission-free finished vehicle logistics service in Baden-Württemberg.

Red Sofa Interview: How California State is investing in finished vehicle logistics

Christine Casey, deputy secretary for Freight Policy, California State Transportation Agency takes to the Red Sofa to tell Christopher Ludwig, chief content officer, Automotive Logistics about the investments into California’s FVL sector.

Red Sofa Interview: BMW’s progress in US-Mexico network strategy

Raúl Gamboa, head of Logistics, Production Control and Production Systems at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí speaks to Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about the progress and challenges facing the carmaker in the finished vehicle sector.

BMW’s secret to success is preparation

The heads of global vehicle distribution at BMW Group – Eugen Schantini and Thomas Wiech – tell Marcus Williams about the network strategy and tools the carmaker is using to manage disruption, secure capacity and plan ahead for a more sustainable outbound supply chain

Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to electrify inbound deliveries

German logistics provider Große-Vehne Speditions is deploying two battery-electric eActros 300 semitrailer tractor units for transporting car engines between Mercedes-Benz Truck’s Bad Cannstatt engine plant and its truck assembly plant in Sindelfingen, both on the periphery of Stuttgart.

UECC working on maritime biofuel trials for cleaner vessel services

UECC is working with industry partners to evaluate the suitability of a biofuel made from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) that can be used as a fuel oil for marine transport. The provider of short-sea forwarding services is looking to provide more sustainable transport for the movement of finished vehicle volumes.

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.

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: 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

DHL Supply Chain establishes HVO fuelling across UK

DHL Supply Chain has set up supply lines for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) across all of its UK fuelling stations throughout the UK. The logistics service provider has moved more than 6m tonnes of the fuel to its UK operations, replacing diesel in 20 locations.

The many roads, fuels and tech leading to zero emission logistics at Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen Group Logistics’ plan for cutting supply chain emissions will require multiple transport modes, technology innovation and investment with logistics partners for the long term.

Red Sofa Interview: Navistar to use VW Group and Traton cross-docking in North America and Mexico

Haley Wilson, logistics director at Navistar, is working with Volkswagen Group in North America and the wider Traton Group to enhance best practices, share processes and consolidation such as cross-docking, which will improve logistics while Navistar ramps up its EV production.

Red Sofa Interview: VW Truck & Bus Mexico’s plans to increase localisation

Halley Vieira, plant manager in Production and Logistics, VW Truck & Bus Mexico discusses the decision to localise in Mexico rather than import parts from Brazil, and how synergies with VW Group and Traton Group are playing an increasingly important role in the plant’s logistics.

Red Sofa Interview: Collaborating with Mexican authorities to ease logistics constraints

Lizette Gracida, senior director of external affairs and trade compliance at Toyota Motor de Mexico joins the Red Sofa at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico to share how collaboration can ease bottlenecks and improve logistics within the country.

BMW works with Trailer Dynamics to cut road emissons

BMW Group Logistik has been testing an electric semi-trailer for inbound parts deliveries to its factories in Germany using both a diesel tractor and one driven by battery electric power.

Renault, Volvo Group and CMA CGM partner in JV for electric logistics vans

Renault and Volvo Group have partnered in a joint venture (JV) with logistics provider CMA CGM to produce electric vans designed specifically for logistics and rentals.

Transform, connect and flex: JLR’s end-to-end supply chain upgrade

Executive director of industrial operations, Barbara Bergmeier, has unique oversight of JLR’s production, procurement and supply chain – and she’s using it to upgrade plants, systems, skills and supplier relations as the carmaker gears up to build more electric vehicles (EVs), increase flexibility and cut emissions

BMW expands HVO-trucks pilot, embraces green logistics

With no changes to equipment or infrastructure, BMW’s Michael Nikolaides points to the benefits of using HVO-powered trucks alongside electrified equipment to meet green logistics goals.

BMW’s lean, green and digital difference

Mastering successive supply chain crises has reframed the role of logistics at BMW. Dr Michael Nikolaides, senior vice-president of production network and supply chain management, explains how his team is influencing plant and market decisions, thanks in part to improved visibility

A sustainable supply chain inbound and out at BMW

BMW Group is aiming to make the logistics supporting the production and delivery of its vehicles emission-free and has set up a Green Transport Logistics project team. Maike Rotmann, head of distribution systems and sustainability, and Wolfgang Rudorfer, head of transport planning and steering, explain more

A sea change for sustainable vehicle delivery

A car is only as clean as the boat in which it is delivered. Regulation and investment in new technology are leading to cleaner seas but it is not all plain sailing, writes Jason Dunn

VW to use sustainable electricity for all shipments by rail in Germany

BMW’s ‘connected’ logistics: Shaping a self-steering supply chain

BMW’s senior vice-president of logistics, Jürgen Maidl, and other executives talk to Automotive Logistics about the carmaker’s drive towards a decentralised and fully connected logistics flow