Global Automotive Logistics Market
The Global Automotive Logistics Market is analyzed in this report across service type, mode of transport, logistics solution, vehicle type, end-user, and region, highlighting major trends and growth forecasts for each segment.
Introduction:
The global automotive logistics market is in the midst of a major shift, fueled by rapid advances in vehicle production methods, digital supply chain integration, and increasingly intricate global trade routes. As a backbone of the automotive value chain, logistics ensures the seamless flow of parts, components, and finished vehicles—from suppliers to OEMs and on to end consumers. Core operations encompass inbound and outbound logistics, warehousing, inventory control, and aftermarket support.
Market momentum remains strong, underpinned by rising vehicle output, surging electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the mounting pressure for supply chain efficiency in a highly competitive landscape. Innovations such as real-time visibility, IoT connectivity, and automation are redefining logistics capabilities, making operations more responsive and intelligent. In 2024, the global automotive logistics market was valued at approximately USD 335.5 billion and is expected to climb to USD 635.6 billion by 2030, reflecting a robust CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period.
Market Dynamics:
The automotive logistics sector is undergoing dynamic expansion, shaped by a complex interplay of global transportation shifts and evolving automotive manufacturing demands. Central to this growth is the increasing intricacy of automotive supply chains, the heightened need for timely and cost-effective vehicle delivery, and the accelerating production of electric and connected vehicles. Advanced technologies—including AI, IoT, RFID, and telematics—are transforming operations across the logistics value chain, offering real-time tracking, enhanced visibility, and predictive capabilities that are reshaping both transportation and warehousing efficiency.
Rising demand for electric vehicle logistics, expansion into high-growth emerging markets, and growing adoption of multimodal transport strategies are opening new opportunities for stakeholders. As the industry leans further into just-in-time (JIT) and lean manufacturing models, the emphasis on tightly coordinated logistics and inventory precision has intensified. In response, OEMs and suppliers are strengthening collaboration with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, fostering integrated service ecosystems that streamline cross-border operations and improve distribution outcomes. Aftermarket logistics is also gaining prominence, driven by rising demand for efficient solutions in spare parts delivery, returns processing, and end-of-life vehicle handling.
Several key trends are accelerating the market’s transformation. Logistics infrastructure is becoming increasingly digitalized, while investments in autonomous and EV-compatible transport solutions continue to rise. Blockchain adoption is also advancing, offering greater security and transparency across global supply chains. Market leaders such as DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding and Kuehne + Nagel International AG are setting benchmarks through the deployment of advanced digital platforms and sustainable transport innovations. At the same time, the push for environmental accountability is driving a shift toward green logistics, with electric delivery fleets and carbon-neutral facilities becoming strategic priorities. As automotive supply chains grow more interconnected and tech-driven, providers like DB Schenker and UPS Supply Chain Solutions are evolving their capabilities to deliver smarter, more sustainable, and future-ready logistics solutions in a highly competitive global environment.
Segment Highlights and Performance Overview:
| Category | Leading segment | Description | |
| By Service Type | Warehousing | Warehousing represents a substantial portion of the automotive logistics market, contributing roughly 25% to 30% of the overall service segment. This dominance is largely attributed to the growing demand for efficient storage, handling, and staging of both automotive components and finished vehicles. Inbound warehousing, in particular, plays a pivotal role—serving as the backbone of just-in-time (JIT) and just-in-sequence (JIS) manufacturing by ensuring that essential parts are strategically positioned near production lines to support uninterrupted assembly operations. | |
| By Mode of Transport |
| Road transport leads the mode of transport segment, capturing approximately 42% of market share. Its dominance stems from the inherent flexibility, broad geographic reach, and cost-effectiveness it offers for short- to mid-range distribution of both components and finished vehicles. The increasing adoption of telematics and GPS technologies in freight fleets is further strengthening the appeal of road logistics by boosting route efficiency, enabling real-time tracking, and improving scalability—key factors for logistics providers operating in a time-sensitive and competitive environment. | |
| By Logistics Solution | Inbound Logistics | Inbound logistics comprises the largest share within the service type segment, representing approximately 38% to 40% of the global automotive logistics market. Its leading position reflects its essential function in moving raw materials and components from suppliers to manufacturing facilities—a critical link that supports uninterrupted production and ensures alignment with just-in-time manufacturing strategies. | |
| By Vehicle Type | Passenger Vehicles | As of 2024, passenger vehicles account for the largest share by vehicle type, commanding approximately 65% of the automotive logistics market. This dominance is fueled by sustained global demand for personal mobility solutions and the ongoing expansion of passenger vehicle production—especially across emerging markets where rising income levels and urbanization continue to drive consumer adoption. | |
| By End-User | OEMs | OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) represent the largest end-user segment within the automotive logistics market, driven by their expansive requirements for both inbound and outbound logistics coordination. From sourcing and receiving thousands of individual components to overseeing the delivery of finished vehicles from production plants to dealerships, OEMs depend on highly integrated and advanced logistics networks to maintain efficiency and ensure timely execution across the supply chain. |
Geographical Analysis:
The global automotive logistics market is examined across key regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa.
Asia-Pacific commands the largest share of the global automotive logistics market, contributing approximately 40% to 45% of total revenue. This leadership is anchored by the region’s robust automotive manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in key markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India. High production volumes, the concentration of major OEMs and suppliers, and accelerating investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure have firmly established Asia-Pacific as the market’s central hub.
In contrast, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is poised for the fastest growth, with a projected CAGR ranging between 7.5% and 8.5% over the forecast period. This upward trajectory is being driven by the rapid expansion of local vehicle assembly operations, continued improvements in transportation infrastructure, and rising demand for both passenger and commercial vehicles across these emerging markets.
Competition Landscape:
The global automotive logistics market is characterized by a competitive mix of leading logistics providers, automotive OEMs with integrated logistics operations, and specialized third-party service firms. These players compete on multiple fronts, including technological innovation, breadth of service capabilities, and the formation of strategic alliances aimed at enhancing supply chain performance and meeting the increasingly complex demands of the automotive industry.
Key companies profiled in this report include DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, XPO Logistics, Inc., UPS Supply Chain Solutions, GEODIS, DSV A/S, Ryder System, Inc., Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., Nippon Express, Yusen Logistics, BLG Logistics, Hitachi Transport System, Ltd., and Gefco Group.
Key Developments:
- In April 2025, DSV finalized its acquisition of DB Schenker from Deutsche Bahn for €14.3 billion, positioning DSV as the largest freight forwarder globally. This strategic consolidation is expected to significantly strengthen DSV’s logistics footprint and operational scale, streamlining supply chains and accelerating innovation across the automotive logistics sector.
- In May 2024, Hitachi Transport System completed its €1.66 billion acquisition of Thales Group’s Ground Transportation Systems. With this move, Hitachi extends its rail logistics capabilities to 51 countries, intensifying competition and driving advancements in rail-based transport solutions within the automotive logistics market.
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