Global Automotive Logistics - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Global Automotive Logistics Market size is estimated at USD 336.89 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 464.83 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.65% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Key Highlights

• The global automotive logistics market is witnessing substantial growth, propelled by increased vehicle production and sales worldwide. This expansion is primarily fueled by heightened demand in emerging markets, technological advancements in the automotive sector, and the surge of e-commerce. Projections indicate a steady growth trajectory, underpinned by the globalization of automotive manufacturing, the pivot towards electric and autonomous vehicles, and the continual evolution of global supply chains.
• The automotive logistics market's growth is closely tied to the overall health of the automotive industry. As vehicle production and sales rise, the demand for efficient logistics solutions increases. Emerging markets are playing a crucial role in this expansion, offering new opportunities for logistics providers. Technological advancements are not only enhancing vehicle features but also transforming logistics operations, making them more efficient and secure. The shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles is creating new logistics challenges and opportunities, particularly in the handling of specialized components and batteries. Additionally, the emphasis on sustainability is driving companies to adopt greener logistics practices, which can also lead to cost savings and improved brand reputation.
• Despite this, Asian nations retained their dominance in auto components imports, accounting for 63%, with Europe at 27% and North America at 9%. While imports from Europe and North America saw modest growth rates of 8% and 2.5% respectively, those from Asia increased by a more conservative 2%. Furthermore, the aftermarket segment, focusing on post-sales services and products, saw a notable 7.5% expansion, reaching USD 5.5 billion in H1 FY24.
• India's auto parts manufacturers raked in a revenue of USD 36.1 billion in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, largely driven by robust demand from automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This surge in demand from OEMs is poised to be a key driver for the auto components logistics market.
• Technological adoptions, such as IoT, AI, and blockchain, are revolutionizing supply chain visibility, operational optimization, and enhancing security and efficiency. For instance, in May 2023, South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, in collaboration with local automakers, pledged over KRW 14 trillion (USD 11 billion) to fortify the nation's automotive supply chain, boost exports, and facilitate the transition to next-gen technologies.
• The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and the rise of autonomous vehicles are reshaping logistics, necessitating specialized handling of components and batteries. Simultaneously, there's a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in logistics. Companies are increasingly adopting green practices, including optimizing transportation routes, using energy-efficient vehicles, and embracing sustainable packaging solutions.
• As logistics technology continues to innovate, it's poised to further enhance supply chain efficiency, transparency, and adaptability. The burgeoning markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, are set to be significant contributors to the global automotive logistics market's expansion. Moreover, the shift towards online vehicle sales and an amplified focus on customer experience are reshaping logistics strategies and operations.

Global Automotive Logistics Market Trends

By Service Transportation Service Occupies the Largest Market Share in the Future

• Automotive vehicles primarily utilize roadways, railways, maritime, and airways for transportation. The roadways segment is poised for global market growth, driven by advancements like real-time tracking, RFID technology, and IoT devices, enhancing supply chain visibility.
• Low costs and the adoption of intelligent transport systems, particularly in Europe, are fueling the roadways segment. These systems facilitate high-level connectivity, platooning, and pave the way for automated driving. Meanwhile, the maritime segment is set for significant growth, attributed to the rise of high-performing port services and quality infrastructure, which reduce costs for operators, shippers, and consumers.
• In a notable move in December 2023, Changjiu Logistics, a prominent third-party automotive logistics firm in China, took on SAIC-GM-Wuling's cross-border road transport. The journey saw nearly 500 vehicles leaving sequentially from Liuzhou plant, traveling from Kashgar port in Xinjiang, China, to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This cross-border road transport is lauded for its speed, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. Changjiu Logistics' team meticulously handled operations at SAIC-GM-Wuling's Liuzhou plant, loading Wuling passenger cars onto double-deck car carrier trailers destined for Uzbekistan. This development boosts the automotive logistics market in the Asia-Pacific region by enhancing cross-border connectivity and operational efficiency.
• CEVA Logistics made headlines in May 2023 with the launch of new international road transport (TIR) routes spanning China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan and China-Pakistan corridors. These routes, aimed at bolstering trade and reaping regional benefits, were inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The convoy, comprising six trucks laden with industrial components, auto parts, and consumer goods, set off from Kashgar in western China, crossed into Kyrgyzstan, and successfully reached Samarkand in Uzbekistan after a journey of about 1,100 kilometers. This initiative significantly enhances the automotive logistics market in the Asia-Pacific region by opening new trade routes and facilitating smoother logistics operations.
• Central Railway saw a commendable 33% surge in car transportation, moving around 27,000 cars in the first three months of FY 2023, compared to the same period in FY 2022.
• Central Railway reported a significant uptick of 33% in car loading via trains in the first quarter of FY 2023, compared to the corresponding period in FY 2022.
• Leading automobile manufacturers like Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Maruti Udyog have been relying on railway services for their vehicle transportation needs.
• In a strategic move in June 2023, DMN Logistics acquired JLL Vehicle Distribution, emphasizing its commitment to bolstering its electric vehicle (EV) and general vehicle logistics operations. JLL Vehicle Distribution, based in Alvechurch and founded in 2010 as a family business, specializes in boutique and EV transport services, catering to clients like Inchcape, Autorola, and Audi, as well as other major dealer groups and brands.
• Besides, JLL Vehicle Distribution offers delivery and vehicle transfer services to corporate clients, dealers, and handles customer handovers. DMN Logistics initiated discussions with JLL's managing director, eventually culminating in a full acquisition. The acquisition is poised to capitalize on the growing interest from emerging Chinese OEMs eyeing expansion into the UK's vehicle logistics market.

Asia-Pacific is Poised to Maintain its Dominance in Market Share

• The Asia-Pacific region, encompassing countries like China, Japan, India, and South Korea, stands out as a global automotive powerhouse. This market's rapid expansion is fueled by surging vehicle production and sales, a buoyant trend in automotive exports, and an escalating appetite for both new and pre-owned vehicles among consumers.
• The advent of e-commerce and the surge in online vehicle sales are reshaping automotive logistics. This shift underscores the need for streamlined distribution networks and innovative last-mile delivery solutions. Additionally, the mounting interest in electric vehicles is not just transforming the automotive landscape but also revolutionizing logistics. This includes the intricate transportation requirements for specialized components and batteries, paving the way for novel logistics solutions.
• For example, in 2023, China's automotive exports painted a robust picture. In December 2023 alone, China shipped out a staggering 499,000 automobiles. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) revealed that China's auto exports hit a milestone in 2023, surging by 57.9% to a record 4.91 million vehicles. This surge was largely driven by a remarkable uptick in new energy vehicle (NEV) exports, which leaped by 77.6% to over 1.2 million units. Specifically, pure electric vehicle exports soared by 80.9%, while hybrid variants saw a 47.8% uptick.
• The broader auto market in China saw a 12% year-on-year sales increase, crossing the 30 million mark. Production figures were equally impressive, surpassing 30 million units, marking an 11.6% rise from 2022. NEVs played a significant role, with production and sales exceeding 9.58 million and 9.49 million units, respectively, marking a robust 35.8% and 37.9% year-on-year surge. Notably, NEVs captured a market share of 31.6% in 2023. This growth in automotive exports and NEV production significantly boosts the automotive logistics market in the Asia-Pacific region, driving demand for efficient transportation and distribution solutions.
• Japan's automotive sector is a cornerstone of its economy. Global giants like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan not only lead the domestic market but also command a significant presence worldwide. Notably, automotive exports, predominantly automobiles, make up a substantial portion of Japan's total exports, underscoring the sector's pivotal role in the nation's economic landscape. Data from Japan Customs for 2023 highlights that Japan exported around 5.27 million passenger cars, marking a robust 20% increase from the previous year. These exports were valued at approximately 15.54 trillion Japanese yen (USD 105.67 billion). Moving into 2024, January saw Japan exporting 295,133 motor vehicles, as reported by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. The breakdown includes 263,981 passenger cars, 22,755 trucks, and 8,397 buses. The substantial volume of exports necessitates advanced logistics solutions to manage the efficient movement of vehicles, thereby enhancing the automotive logistics market in the region.
• India, the world's third-largest automotive market, sees its automotive sector contributing a notable 7.1% to the nation's GDP. Recent reports also highlight a commendable 33% reduction in the country's greenhouse gas emissions over the past 14 years.
• Amidst a sweeping transformation in the automotive landscape, India is steadfast in its commitment to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The nation aims to slash emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, aligning with global sustainability goals. This commitment, coupled with the growth of the automotive sector, drives the need for innovative logistics solutions to support the efficient distribution of vehicles and components, further boosting the automotive logistics market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Global Automotive Logistics Industry Overview

The automotive logistics market is fragmented in nature, with large global players, small- and medium-sized local players, and few players who occupy the market share. Most global logistics players have an automotive logistics division to meet the market needs and demand. Additionally, local players are increasingly enhancing their capabilities in terms of inventory handling, service offerings, products handled, and technology.

The third-party logistics (3PL) service providers in the market compete intensely based on reliability and supply chain capacity. By offering value-added services, companies would differentiate their service offerings. The growing e-commerce sales are creating opportunities and challenges for logistics firms in terms of speed, delivery, etc.

Global companies with high assets and capital can invest in advanced technology and distribution centers and benefit from the scenario mentioned above. On the other hand, regional and local players are coming up with better sector solutions to support the needs of manufacturers, retailers, as well as dealers. This industry's major players include Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, APL Logistics, BLG Logistics Group, CEVA Logistics, and DB Schenker.

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