In this keynote, senior leaders across Stellantis purchasing and supply chain teams will share the company’s vision for a resilient supply chain and logistics network, and steps for how it is achieving it, notably through its ‘1+1=3 Engage’ programme. You will hear more about this end-to-end approach covering inbound, vehicle and aftersales logistics, and how companies can further engage to meet key targets and succeed, together.

As the European automotive industry goes through substantial transformation driven by technology advancements, regulatory changes and competition, supply chain leaders at automotive OEMs and suppliers must work together with their partners to ensure operations are flexible, resilient and match customer requirements, whilst maintaining lean processes and reducing waste. 

This session will explore how to succeed in automotive logistics in 2026 and beyond, including through integrating advanced tools, including greater use of digitalisation and AI, but also close alignment with suppliers and logistics providers, and how they can best offer high value services at every stage of the European automotive logistics. 

Logistics and service providers must also play a key role in these strategic inputs, and leaders will discuss how they can best offer high value services at every stage of the European automotive logistics.

Hear from major stakeholders in a discussion about:

• Ensuring supply chain management and logistics influence strategic decisions across the automotive sector
• Leveraging digitalisation, planning and transparency tools to reduce cost, risk and lead times
• Building in resiliency strategies to mitigate new and potential supply chain threats
• Deepening long-term partnerships for mutual benefit

Volkswagen Group is advancing a digitally driven approach to vehicle logistics, combining automation, AI and data-powered tools to create more intelligent, efficient and responsive distribution networks. In this session, Peter Hörndlein, Managing Director Vehicle Logistics, Volkswagen Group Logistics, shares how digital technologies are reshaping strategies, operations and capabilities across the finished vehicle supply chain.

Learn about ongoing pilot programmes and practical use cases of advanced digital capabilities paving the way for Volkswagen’s next-gen vehicles and logistics flows:  

• AutoLog project at the Port of Emden: Updates and next steps for VW’s pilot programme testing remotely controlled vehicle flows and port automation
• AI-enabled decision support: Smart solutions adding intelligence to planning and execution processes
• Demand and volume planning: Pattern recognition and improved alignment of flows with real market needs and accurate forecasting for new and used vehicles
• Capacity utilisation: Data-driven optimisation of transport and terminal resources 

Europe’s automotive packaging sector is undergoing significant transformation as manufacturers and logistics providers respond to regulatory change, sustainability targets and increasing operational complexity.

This session will explore the most important trends, challenges and opportunities shaping automotive packaging across the region, supported by business intelligence and market insight from Automotive Logistics and Europe’s leading packaging publication Neue Verpackung.

• The impact of evolving regulations, including PPWR and extended producer responsibility (EPR), on packaging design and operations
• Cost reduction and waste reduction strategies amid inflationary and sustainability pressures
• Packaging’s role in enabling circular economy models and closed-loop supply chains
• Packaging as a strategic lever for efficiency, resilience and competitiveness
• The growing role of automation, smart packaging and digital technologies, including AI
• Innovative and alternative materials transforming returnable and expendable packaging
• New requirements for EV, battery and hazardous component handling and transport

 Automotive manufacturers are increasingly recognising packaging as a strategic driver for logistics and supply chain performance, acting as a catalyst for optimising flows across suppliers, plants, and distribution centres.

This session will explore how to unlock the full scope of opportunities for packaging, including automation, improved trailer fulfilment, streamlining intermodal and international logistics and lowering the total cost of vehicle production.

• Why early packaging input during component and product design is vital for European supply chains
• How part and container design choices impact trailer utilisation and cost efficiency
• Best practices for aligning packaging with logistics to improve flows and reverse logistics
• Leveraging packaging to support sustainability and reduce waste across the value chain

The automotive supply chain generates huge amounts of data across stakeholders, but not all manufacturers, suppliers and logistics providers are benefiting from the potential to predict, anticipate and optimise logistics based on this information.

This session will explore how the industry is making real strides to capture, centralise and analyse data across the supply chain, from real-time transport signals, cloud-based systems and data lakes, and the potential to add analytic and AI data layers to gain real insights into risks and changes, including to enhance demand planning and S&OP.

You will hear practical applications and uses cases, such as AI and ML-powered demand forecasting tools, risk management and mitigation, generative AI and agentic AI data analysis tools, digital control towers and visualisation for supply chain planning. Experts will also share how to prepare teams and employees to gain the most from analytics and AI.

Join this session to hear digital supply chain leaders discuss how they are:

• Developing a clear path to data integration on top of legacy supply chains and systems, real-time transport, inventory and demand information
• Relying on high quality data, process standardisation and human-machine collaboration to gain from AI, from demand planning and S&OP, to transport network optimisation
• Enhancing risk management and risk mitigation through real-time monitoring and data tools
• Changing the work culture to allow the whole workforce to become familiar and comfortable with AI

From digital control towers and AI-driven route optimisation to connected ports and risk monitoring, experts will highlight how innovation is powering the next era of vehicle logistics efficiency and resilience.

Key discussion points:

• How digital tools and data-driven optimisation are accelerating time-to-market and improving visibility across the supply chain
• Using automation, predictive analytics and AI for real-time route optimisation, capacity planning and cost reduction
• Case studies of digital collaboration platforms reshaping OEM–logistics provider partnerships
• Integrating new technologies at ports, compounds and in transport networks to improve lead times and reliability
• How digitalisation supports decarbonisation, transparency, and more responsive vehicle delivery operations

The complexity and changes in automotive supply chains require a material logistics strategy that is always ready to adapt – from innovative logistics routes to re-engineering supplier flows and crossdocks. Developing a strategy is only the start, as real-life business and operational challenges can keep testing it.

This session will explore systems, partnerships and logistics models to ensure dynamic supply chain and logistics engineering, and playbooks to maximise flexibility and efficiency across logistics modes and transport networks, including truck, rail and intermodal options.

Hear from leading experts on how automotive manufacturers and logistics providers can constantly redraw and optimise their supply chain and material networks, including:

• Developing a strategy that has resiliency and agility as twin components
• Creating deep partnerships which enable flexible operations in both daily operations and during disruptions
• Network planning and consolidation that helps manufacturers and suppliers adjust to fast changes through a mix of assets and innovative routing
• Putting in systems and protocols to scenario plan changes and potential crises to help become strategically proactive

Experts will share practical insights into compliance, reporting, and sustainable packaging strategies that balance regulatory demands with cost efficiency and supply chain performance.

Key insights include:

• Understanding the implications of Extended Producer Responsibility on automotive packaging and logistics operations
• Navigating compliance, reporting, and traceability obligations for European manufacturers and supply chains
• The latest details on regulatory timelines and the evolution of PPWR  
• Strategies to reduce waste while maintaining cost efficiency and supply chain resilience

By leveraging innovation, dynamic networks, new trade lanes and equipment, and strategic partnerships, vehicle logistics leaders can navigate uncertainty, adapt and optimise operations, enhance visibility and support more efficient vehicle production and delivery throughout Europe and across global markets.

Join this session to hear OEM and logistics provider leaders discuss:

• Unlocking value through modern equipment, infrastructure investment and new value-add services from pre-delivery inspections to smarter vehicle handling and storage
• How leading players are turning disruption into growth using uncertainty to reimagine their operations and unlock new service-based revenue streams
• Strategies and innovative methodology for improving speed to market whilst lowering costs for established models and new launches, with improved order prioritisation and smarter allocation, proactive risk management and an agile logistics network
• Building resilience and flexibility through intermodal interoperability, new trade lanes, access to modern infrastructure and partnerships that turn uncertainty into opportunity

Discover how a holistic O2D approach transforms uncertainty into tangible value. This session demonstrates how true end-to-end steering connects planning, logistics, procurement, production, sales, and finance into one robust interconnected system – breaking down silos and enabling transparency, speed and smarter decisions.

Learn how digital support, a strong organisational anchoring, and cross-functional alignment build sustainable resilience, reveal supply risks early, and stabilise operations even under extreme pressure. Above all, see why value and resilience arise from people empowered within a robust interconnected system –and not from tools alone.

To drive its EV transition, Renault Group has built one of Europe’s most advanced and specialised EV aftersales supply chains - an independent, resilient and data-driven network managing battery transport, repair, storage, dealer support, second-life deployment and end-of-life processes.

This session will explore how Renault is developing a flexible, scalable and cost-efficient approach to high-value battery handling, repair operations and reverse logistics that enhances service performance and meets rising customer expectations.

Join this session to discover:

• Renault’s independent EV aftersales supply chain model and how it underpins competitive, scalable EV growth
• The 360° reverse-logistics strategy enabling rapid battery replacement, reconditioning and repair
• The additional aftersales KPIs and key operational lessons, from parts availability to repair-centre efficiency, that reduce downtime and improve service quality
• How aftersales logistics can be leveraged as a competitive advantage, lower the cost of EV ownership and accelerating Europe’s transition to electric mobility

Discover how manufacturers and logistics partners are mastering the complexity inherent in international and overseas supply chains through a strategic mix of digitalisation, value-added trade services and supply chain design.

Logistics and trade experts will share best practice in leveraging free trade agreements and strategies to reduce duties and tariffs in international trade, whilst making the best use of enhanced systems to digitalise and speed customs clearance and manage compliance.

Understand how automotive manufacturers can design their freight consolidation, packaging and trade management to master international logistics to and from Europe.

Key topics will include:

• Strengthening resilience with strategies to navigate tariff structures and cross-border complexity
• Systems and tools to streamline customs and compliance processes
• Designing logistics and consolidation to optimise overseas trade with and from Europe
• Opportunities in free trade agreements and trade zones

Over the past four years, Aston Martin has made significant strides in building up a strategic supply chain management and orchestration function that has supported significant reduction in lead time and operational gains, unlocking notable cash-flow benefits.

In this keynote, executive director of supply chain and logistics Martin Corner will share more on the critical role that supply chain direction and responsibility could have across the end-to-end, order-to-delivery cycle, with special emphasis on the unique complexity in low-volume, high-value supply chains, such as Aston Martin’s recently launched Valhalla hypercar.

Learn more about how the right focus on supply chain and logistics visibility, planning and coordination can influence upstream decisions, supporting significant reductions in sourcing costs, emissions, risk and vehicle distribution lead times.

This session will include real-life examples from the supply chain of hypercars – including special video reveals of the product and operations – and demonstrate practical lessons on how embedding supply-chain strategy into product design and operational strategy can maximise cash, profitability, and brand promise.

Europe’s aftersales logistics and supply chains are in full transformation. The increase in battery electric and hybrid vehicles is adding more complexity and requirements for service, whilst customer expectations for speed, transparency, and availability continue to rise.

OEMs, suppliers and battery manufacturers must consider this new reality and work together with logistics parters to develop the right service, inventory and distribution models.

For OEMs navigating an era of cost-cutting, capabilities such as just-in-time replenishment, faster order-to-delivery cycles and efficient last-mile delivery have become essential to staying ahead - even and especially when it comes to managing EV and battery supply chains.

Key session learnings include:

• Reimagining aftersales networks in an era of EV and battery supply chains, and the complexity of multi-powertrain strategies and ensuring reliable parts availability across diverse product lines
• Harnessing AI and digital tools to improve material handling efficiency, optimise logistics flows, and enhance transport scheduling
• Balancing cost pressures with service excellence, developing faster, more flexible last-mile delivery models that meet rising customer expectations without eroding margins
• Shifting from reactive to proactive demand management, leveraging advanced forecasting and fulfilment strategies to anticipate needs and minimize downtime

Across the automotive order, production and delivery cycle, there is considerable lag time and waste, whether in processing orders, managing inventory and across many logistics and delivery points. Even in a digital age, vehicles can end up delays for days or weeks across the chain, leading to waste, higher inventory costs and, ultimately, poor customer experiences.

This session explores innovations in more accurate managing production order, distribution and logistics, including through visibility and analytics, centralised data and more flexible, agile logistics networks that can more proactively manage inventory and streamline delivery, whether to dealers, agency and direct-to-consumer distribution models.

Hear from manufacturers and logistics innovators for strategies on order-to-delivery optimisations, including:

• Improving end-to-end logistics visibility from order through delivery to build more predictive and accurate ETAs
• Robust production management and vehicle logistics networks that can reduce to market
• Leverage predictive analytics and AI to better anticipate and adapt to changing demand and transport requirements
• Understanding the impact of changing business and sales models on order-to-delivery cycles

Get the latest market forecasts and analysis covering:

• Regional and global vehicle production and sales forecasts
• Product mix and electric vehicle transition trajectory
• Analysis of key market influencers including geopolitics, trade uncertainty, macro-economics and consumer behaviour

The European supply chain continues to face higher risk, from operational issues, supplier distress, bottlenecks and market changes. Automotive manufacturers are already good at reacting quickly. However, strategic leaders want to mitigate and avoid these issues, whilst steering the supply chain towards greater resilience and performance in the long run, including reducing downtime, avoiding critical shortages, improving launch performance and more accurate planning and forecasting with suppliers and stakeholders.

This session will explore how manufacturers and their partners can achieve these objectives and shift towards more proactive and resilient supply chain networks, including the digital tools and visibility, data that can be measured, skills and performance objectives across teams, whether reducing inventory, saving costs and cutting emissions.

Key talking points include:

• Strategies for monitoring, anticipating and proactively mitigating supply chain risks
• Improving and deepening transparency, including supply chain mapping, control tower and monitoring
• Digitalisation and data opportunities to improve resilience 
• Measuring what matters: tracking what processes and measures are bringing the most gains

This use case will explore how lessons in resiliency include strategic partnership, co-creation and collaboration across departments. When global tier-1 automotive supplier Schaeffler was facing a challenge in global shipping reliability, it worked together with Maersk to develop solutions that could both guarantee delivery and provide effective expedite options.

The result has been an integrated, scalable transport solution that has reduced reliance on emergency air shipments and emissions without compromising on lead times.

Whilst the results are impressive, they have not come easy, requiring a strong integration of Schaeffler’s supply chain strategy, Maersk’s operational capabilities and cross-functional collaboration at all stages of the process, as well as full visibility of total, end-to-end cost.

In this special session, senior leaders will share best practices and strategies for developing resilient and competitive supply chain and logistics networks.

Understand more about the tools and processes for improving Tier-N supplier visibility to better anticipate disruption and influence overall operations. Leaders from automotive OEMs and suppliers will explore how logistics and total supply chain insight can help to influence strategic regionalisation that can reduce risk, increase speed to market and help companies to be more agile.

Discussions will include material and vehicle logistics planning, innovations in automation and real applications for digitalisation and AI. Drawing from diverse global approaches that position logistics as a strategic lever for growth, the session will outline proven methodologies for boosting supply chain resiliency, reducing waste and improving quality.

• Building resilient and optimised material, container and finished vehicle flows across complex international networks
• Improving end-to-end supplier visibility through control towers, supplier mapping and collaboration
• Designing local-for-local supply chains with adaptable logistics networks that deliver faster to market whilst still leveraging global advantages
• How digitalisation can support process automation, increase visibility and improve quality