Predictions for the Year 2025 suggest challenges in the form of trade instability, electric vehicle transformations, and the fragmentation of digital markets will put resilience to the test
The Transport Logistic international trade fair, held in Munich from June 2 to 5, 2025, saw over 2,700 exhibitors come together to discuss the future of the automotive logistics sector.
One of the key takeaways from the event was the growing adoption of AI in logistics, with 54% of companies reporting some level of AI adoption. Logistics service providers and manufacturers led the uptake, signalling a digital transformation in the industry.
Automotive Logistics was a significant presence at the exhibition floor, engaging with stakeholders, distributing reports, and previewing insights for upcoming global events.
People were still cited as the greatest success factor in logistics, but challenges persist in the form of infrastructure and labour issues. North American rail and port congestion, and Europe's driver shortages and mounting congestion at key finished vehicle ports, were highlighted as particular concerns.
Successful digitalization in the automotive industry was demonstrated by examples such as Renault's real-time visibility platform and JLR's risk mitigation tools. However, adoption of AI remains slow, hindered by legacy systems, fragmented data, and cultural resistance within organizations.
In North America, the top 28 inbound players cover just 37% of the market, while in Europe, the top ten inbound logistics providers make up only 25% of the market. This highlights the need for consolidation in the logistics industry, as demonstrated by DSV's high-profile takeover of Schenker.
Other companies are also making moves to consolidate their positions. CMA CGM is expanding into air freight, while Kuehne+Nagel has acquired a stake in intermodal operator IMC.
A dedicated session titled "Automotive logistics on the move: Forecast and trends in a disrupted market" was hosted by Automotive Logistics. The session, moderated by Richard Logan, senior content producer at Automotive Logistics and Ultima Media, featured speakers such as David Resetar, executive vice president of global vertical lead for automotive at DSV, David D'Annunzio, global vice president, vertical lead for automotive at DP World, Antonio Fondevilla, global head automotive at Maersk, Emily Uwemedimo, managing editor at Automotive Logistics and Ultima Media, and other industry leaders.
Forecasts shared during the session pointed to steady but cautious growth for the automotive logistics sector in North America and Europe over the next decade. However, challenges such as trade policy volatility, geopolitical tensions, rising cost pressures, and skilled labour shortages remain.
The conversation at the conference turned to digitalization and the gap between its promise and implementation. Electrification adds complexity to logistics, with EVs being heavier and built on more complex modular platforms, affecting how many can be loaded per carrier and how quickly they can be processed.
Localisation is a recurring theme, but it isn't simple due to the difficulty of reconfiguring upstream inputs like batteries or chips. The panel concluded that operational flexibility, clearer digitalization strategies, and long-term partnerships are priorities for creating strategic value in the future.
A survey conducted by Transport Logistic identified four dominant concerns: cost pressures, bureaucratic burdens, geopolitical tensions, and skilled labour shortages. In North America, inflation, high interest rates, and the aftershocks of tariff announcements have created a cautious outlook. In Europe, recovery is still under strain compared to pre-pandemic figures, with carmakers navigating high vehicle prices, falling incentives, and growing competition from Chinese EV imports.
Despite these challenges, the automotive logistics sector is moving forward, adapting to the disruptions and embracing digitalization to create a more efficient and sustainable future.
