Agenda

Transformation, innovation and advancements in the automotive supply chain are underpinned and predicated by a global network of talented, highly skilled people at every level of an organisation. Having that set of motivated and skilled workforce, while ensuring diversity, inclusivity and equity is at the heart of it, enables automotive companies to develop new ideas, remain competitive and create win-win supply chain partnerships.
Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe 2025 kicks off with a unique opportunity to connect with the industry’s progressive minds and champions of progressive change, providing an important platform for fostering cultural conversations in an open forum for discussions and sharing views on the intersection between talent, skills, and diversity. Celebrating progress made and exploring the barriers still to be overcome to achieve positive progression, this session will not just frame the discussion but also provide insights on the way forward.

In this exclusive keynote, BMW Group's lead for sustainability in the supplier network, Nadine Philipp, addresses just why the carmaker's supply chain will remain such a critical factor in decarbonisation as BMW ramps up electrification and in meeting the company's targets to reduce emissions. She will share more about the impact that the carmaker's 100,000-strong suppliers and sub-suppliers play in the end-to-end lifecycle of emissions, and highlight the most important levers that BMW Group and the automotive industry can pull to have major impacts.

Nadine Philipp will outline more about BMW's supply chain strategy for decarbonisation, including across major materials and inputs such as aluminium, steel and the battery supply chain; on setting clear targets and measurements for suppliers; and on digitalisation and optimisation opportunities across the supply chain.

Join this important keynote and understand why sustainability remains a critical focus and priority for BMW Group and the automotive industry in Europe despite challenging economic, regulatory and geopolitical circumstances.

Europe’s automotive supply chain is at a critical juncture, requiring bold strategies and innovation. Leading carmakers, suppliers and logistics providers are pushing the limits to re-imagine a more resilient supply chain that is also leaner; that is more agile but also cost effective; that is more ethical and sustainable, but even more competitive. Never has the industry faced more change and more uncertainty, with high-performing, efficient logistics and supply chains now mission critical for existing and new market players in Europe to survive and thrive.

In this session, learn about technology, data layers and processes that help manufacturers and logistics providers be more proactive and continuously engineer supply chains for efficiency, including digital control towers, artificial intelligence and new partnership models. Understand how Europe’s top logistics leaders are embracing the challenge and driving change, redesigning the supply chain footprint, integrating ethical and sustainable practices, advancing digital capabilities and boosting competitiveness as the industry navigates the uncertain, but ongoing transition to electric vehicles.

Join Europe’s top logistics minds in this agenda setting opening session and gain invaluable insights into how market leading manufacturers and providers are breaking new boundaries and forging new pathways for a thriving and flexible supply chain ecosystem in Europe.

Unpredictable market shifts and uncertain market behaviour are straining the supply chain, from OEMs to their sub tier suppliers. Understand how market leaders are managing the end-to-end supply chain, improving demand forecasting and reliability, and creating more agile, responsive supply chain operations. Experts will share insights on leveraging real-time data, digital tools, and collaboration to better synchronize production, logistics, inventory levels and sub-tier supplier management, ensuring a more resilient and efficient supply chain despite extreme volatility

In a transformative era, carmakers globally must be competitive at all levels to gain and maintain market share, and whilst some carmakers can’t compete on price alone, delivering outstanding service levels has become more crucial than ever. With competition fierce amongst existing and new players in the European market, aftersales and service parts logistics is under increasing pressure to maximise revenues and operational efficiencies to satisfy customers and board members alike. In this session, hear how Europe’s leading manufacturers are pushing service parts logistics to the next level, reducing order-to-delivery times, increasing distribution options and improving fill rates across the network to remain lean and exceed customer expectations. Our panel of experts will explore the key strategies to better align aftersales supplier orders with production parts, adapt cycle times to serve changing customer habits, and prepare to service greater volumes of electric vehicles and batteries. 

Shifting product and powertrain mix demand patterns, fierce competition from new market players, and evolving vehicle distribution strategies are increasing the complexity of Europe’s finished vehicle logistics supply chain, at a time when driving efficiency and competitiveness is a top priority, and sustainability demands are becoming ever more stringent. This session will explore how OEMs and logistics providers are adapting vehicle logistics networks to optimise transport costs and emissions, manage inventory and lead time, and improve quality as they respond to rising competition and changing customer expectations. Experts will also discuss the digitalisation and processes changes, as well as adapting mindsets and organisations to be fit for today and the future.

In this interactive hackathon and workshop, participants will collaborate to develop practical frameworks and solutions to advance Europe’s finished vehicle logistics. Teams will break into focus areas with the aim of generating solutions that reduce emissions, improve visibility and improve capacity planning. After the interactive session, workshop leaders will share a key summary of results and action points with the audience.

Workshop 1 – Improving visibility in vehicle logistics
Moderated by Martina Graser, Director, Material Planning and Logistics, Ford Motor Europe
This workshop will address how carmakers, logistics and technology providers should work together to establish the right level of transparency, implement the right technology and define processes to better respond and anticipate changes in the network.
Key questions will include:
-What is the right level of transparency needed in vehicle logistics?
-What gaps exist in the logistics network and with partners, and how can they be filled?
-What are the right tools and technology for visibility?
-What data strategy is needed to best connect end-to-end vehicle logistics processes?
-What internal processes are needed for companies to optimise and engineer networks based on improved transparency?

Workshop 2 – Speeding up the sustainability shift in vehicle logistics
Moderated by Levent Yuksel, Freight Operations Director, JLR
This workshop will address the urgency of decarbonisation and sustainability in finished vehicle logistics, and especially how the European industry can better work together to implement green freight technology, alternative fuels and manage the regulatory landscape.
Key questions will include:
-Which alternative fuels can be implemented at scale, and how can barriers be overcome?
-What optimisation opportunities should be maximised to reduce emissions, including modal shift and improved utilisation?
-What is the potential and drawbacks of e-trucks and other zero emission technology?
-What cooperation models are needed to invest and finance decarbonisation?
-How can the industry best leverage and navigate regulations green subsidies, for example across green corridors?

Workshop 3 – Improving vehicle logistics capacity management and planning
Moderated by Frits Mehrtens, Managing Director, RPM
This workshop will address how Europe’s vehicle logistics industry can better plan and manage transport capacity, including how to best align supply and demand, find the right balance between asset-heavy and asset-light approaches, and develop economically viable capacity planning.
Key questions will include:
-What are the short-term and medium-term risks in current vehicle logistics capacity in Europe?
-How can OEMs and logistics providers better navigate swings between capacity shortages and excess?
-How can technology and communication better help to fill existing assets?
-What is the balance and opportunities between relying on asset-heavy versus asset-light fleet and business models?
-How can the industry better respond to fast changes and new requirements in vehicle logistics, whilst maintaining stable capacity planning?

Stay on the pulse of Europe’s dynamic electric vehicle and battery charge, exploring shifting trends and volume trajectories, infrastructure investments and short and longer-term logistics requirements, complexities and opportunities across hazardous material handling, storage, recycling and transportation, and re-examine the role of logistics and supply chain in supporting EV affordability.

Ultra-luxury and specialised carmakers face a unique set of supply chain and logistics challenges, as even minor disruptions or market shifts can lead to high levels of inventory or delays. Those companies that put more focus on strong logistics and supply chain control functions will see increased flexibility, reduced costs and better supply chain performance. These are lessons also relevant to higher volume manufacturers, as they manage more bespoke, specialised models and technologies. Join this session for a deep dive into strategies for premium and bespoke manufacturers and high-value supply chains, with a focus on how logistics management and partnerships can enhance customer satisfaction and financial results.

As part of this session, gain unique insights from Aston Martin’s supply chain leader, Martin Corner in a special keynote presentation, as he outlines his vision for the carmaker’s supply chain strategy and reveals the complexities of building an advanced supply chain organisation for the luxury sportscar manufacturer, including how to integrate S&OP processes, and manage forecasting, small-batch ordering and lower volume logistics, as well as the need to collaborate closely with engineering and purchasing.

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation introduces new requirements aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability, though the roadmap for compliance remains unclear across European businesses and industries. This session will explore the latest regulatory updates and implications for the automotive packaging and logistics industry, focusing on compliance challenges, reporting obligations, and the transition to more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Industry experts will discuss strategies to meet these regulations while balancing cost efficiency, waste reduction, and supply chain resilience. Learn how the automotive sector can adapt to these evolving standards and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In the drive for ever-greater efficiency and competitiveness, automotive leaders and packaging specialists are investing in packaging and material flow design, engineering, and management strategies, as packaging and container management becomes the next competitive advantage in the automotive supply chain. By optimizing packaging flows and materials, manufacturers can unlock significant cost savings, enhance transport network efficiency, and reduce waste and emissions. Understand what’s driving innovation in automotive packaging and where logistics leaders are prioritising and investing to future-proof their container management strategies, and explore how innovative packaging solutions, from returnable containers to lightweighting and sustainable materials, are driving both operational excellence and sustainability.

In response to mounting pressures on Europe's automotive logistics leaders to cut emissions, costs, and risks, the demand for better rail and intermodal transport has never been greater. Achieving sustainable, resilient, and cost-efficient intermodal logistics necessitates a holistic approach to supply chains, integrating innovative approaches and technologies and enhancing interoperability among logistics providers. In this session, discover how manufacturers, like Audi , are bringing their strategy to life to achieve low emission, seamless multimodal and flexible networks. You will also hear how Audi is partnering with rail freight specialists Helrom to integrate rail and road freight as part of the carmaker’s continuous drive to reduce emissions and improve delivery performance between its suppliers and its plants.

The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is poised to drive significant change in the industrial and automotive packaging sectors, compelling packaging users and equipment manufacturers to rethink designs, processes, and life cycles. Yet, achieving universal compliance remains complex, as regulations vary across member states, and standardised frameworks for recycled material usage, extended packaging lifecycles, and waste prevention are still evolving.

In this interactive workshop, join industry leaders and experts to explore practical strategies for sustainable, cost-effective packaging that aligns with the shifting regulatory landscape. Join this session and address key topics including:

- Will PPWR guidelines align with existing sustainable packaging practises and processes?g
- Tools, data and methodology for efficiently calculating and reporting packaging waste
- Navigating regulatory uncertainties and ensuring PPWR compliance doesn't escalte costs
- Optimal packaging materials for PPWR compliance, durability and end-of-life recycling

As Chinese carmakers rapidly expand their sales and production footprints in Europe, the region’s automotive logistics and supply chains face new competitive dynamics. This session provides expert analysis on Europe’s evolving automotive landscape, exploring the key threats and opportunities for existing players and new market entrants, from adjusting to shifting market shares to managing tariffs and international trade complexities. Experts will explore the strategic implications for vehicle production and logistics and distribution networks, and global trade flows, and discover how heightened competition can be the catalyst for innovation, optimisation and hyper-flexibility.

Digitalisation is transforming automotive logistics, offering new strategies to create leaner, cleaner, more flexible yet competitive supply chains. Harnessing innovations such as IoT, real-time tracking, data analytics, AI, and machine learning is key to increasing transparency, mitigating disruptions, and optimising logistics flows. Discover how cutting-edge digital tools are enabling companies to predict demand, streamline operations, and enhance collaboration across the supply chain. Experts will share insights on building a data-driven, agile logistics network that reduces costs, emissions, and risk in an evolving industry landscape.

In this interactive hackathon and workshop, participants will collaborate to develop practical frameworks and solutions across people, process, data and technology to integrate AI technologies into supply chain and logistics systems, processes and functions. Teams will break into focus areas with the aim of identifying common barriers and requirements across People, Process, Data and Technology, and developing best practices for advancing artificial intelligence integration in demand and production planning, material flows and transport management. After the interactive session, workshop leaders will share a key summary of results and action points with the audience.

Workshop 1 – Advancing supply chain planning
Moderated by Dr Gisela Linge, Vice President Global Logistics, Autoliv

Workshop 2 – Optimising freight and transport management
Moderated by Fabian Pobantz, VP Operation Digitalization & IT - Supply Chain and Purchasing, Schaeffler

Workshop 3 – Improving inbound logistics management
Moderated by Sabine Isenbort, Manager Inbound Logistics Operations, Ford Europe

As sustainability becomes a core driver of competitiveness, the automotive industry is shifting towards green logistics as the optimal choice. Manufacturers and logistics providers across road, ocean, and rail transportation are investing in sustainable transport equipment, eco-friendly materials, and innovative packaging. This session explores how co-creative partnerships, standardisation, emission reporting, and compliance with European environmental regulations are advancing green logistics. Discover strategies for making sustainable practices not only viable but the most cost-effective and efficient option across the entire supply chain.

In today’s automotive supply chain, packaging is no longer just a protective necessity—it’s a strategic enabler of cost efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. Automotive OEMs and suppliers who consider packaging requirements early in programme planning processes – including design, materials and cost – will often see significant savings and reductions in risk. As European regulations and carmaker and component suppliers’ packaging needs evolve, forward-thinking manufacturers and packaging specialists are challenging the packaging status quo, from material choices to product lifecycles, technology applications, and design-for-production and design-for-logistics principles. Hear from packaging innovators and experts adding a new dimension to automotive packaging and redefining the strategic and operational influence, impacts and benefits that advanced packaging engineering and planning can deliver. Join this session for inspiration and practical insights on how leading manufacturers and packaging specialists are unpacking new-found packaging potential for the automotive supply chain.

As the demand for electric vehicles rises, handling and packaging requirements for EV batteries present unique challenges and requirements. This interactive workshop explores the specific needs for safely transporting, storing, and managing battery packs, including hazardous material regulations, temperature control and materials. Join fellow packaging and material flow experts to discuss the latest innovations in packaging design, materials, and logistics strategies to ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient movement of batteries through the supply chain, while minimizing environmental impact and optimizing cost-effectiveness for carmakers.

Europe's road freight transportation is on the cusp of a major transformation, driven by autonomous technologies and alternative fuels, with large-scale implications for Europe’s automotive logistics and supply chain. This session will explore the roadmaps and timelines for developing and adopting electric, hydrogen, and autonomous heavy-duty commercial vehicles, highlighting key investments and infrastructure requirements, progress made and barriers to widespread adoption across automotive parts and vehicle logistics networks. With insights into current use cases from leading commercial vehicle manufacturers and operators, attendees will learn how Europe is progressing towards a greener, smarter road freight network.

Adapting to change requires collaboration, and co-creating agile solutions is the key to building a resilient, win-win automotive supply chain. The closing session of ALSC Europe 2025 will bring together OEMs, suppliers, logistics providers, and technology experts to explore how co-creative partnerships can overcome rising complexity, cut costs, optimise transport networks, and improve sustainability. Through shared innovation, standardisation, and collaborative planning, Europe’s automotive logistics leaders will demonstrate how working together not only drives competitive advantage but ensures flexibility and success amidst growing market and regulatory pressures.