Chilean multinational logistics agency Agunsa has teamed up with Japanese shipping firm K-Line to form a dedicated automotive logistics company, KAR Logistics.

The new company, which will operate in Latin America, has been created to help meet rising automotive import traffic in the region, especially in Chile.

In a press statement, Agunsa said it had seized on the opportunity to set up a new automotive logistics company because of the continuing growth in vehicles being imported into Chile and the surrounding region.

KAR Logistics, which has initial capital of $5m, is marketing its services at automotive companies and finished vehicle importers in Chile and throughout Latin America. It offers an integrated transport service as well as warehousing, customisation, pre-delivery inspection and spare parts services.

The company has its main base some 6km from the Chilean port of San Antonio, which is in the country’s Valparaíso region, where it provides cross-docking and warehousing facilities. In addition, it has a presence at Noviciado, close to the capital Santiago, where it can accommodate up to 7,000 finished vehicles.

KAR Logistics also runs its own fleet of GPS-equipped car transporters and is currently working with General Motors.