DHL is launching new logistics solutions for the automotive industry, including services for newproduct launches and sustainable deliveries of spare parts.
The company announced today a new service to support the development, production and launch ofnew vehicles covering the entire go-to-market process. The modular service, involving the differentDHL divisions, is based on three logistics modules which customers can combine or implementindividually.
The ‘car launch’ service focuses on the three stages of vehicle evolution and marketing. In theresearch and development phase, DHL supports the preproduction of model developments such asspecialised packaging of prototypes, customs clearance and transports with a high degree ofsecurity and confidentiality. In the manufacturing phase, DHL organises in-bound material andin-plant logistics, mitigating supply chain risks and securing a seamless production process.Finally, in the launch phase, DHL covers launch communication, such as the cost-effectivedistribution of direct mailings or parcels, movement of exhibition cars for test car events orofficial press presentation.
“Product launches in the automotive sector are complex and cost-intensive. The feedback wereceive from our customers shows that improvement is in strong demand. With our worldwide solution,companies will benefit from minimised supply chain risks, lower third party costs and higherefficiency, all of which can be tracked via a set of visibility tools we provide,” said FathiTlatli, President Global Sector Automotive, DHL Global Customer Solutions & Innovation. “Theaverage time from the first sketch of a car to market entry is 2 to 3 years and requires precisesynchronizations amongst several involved parties more often not located even in the samecontinent. We can reduce at minimum the supply chain incidents which may happen during thischallenging process and that can cause cost increases and final delays in development.”
DHL pointed out that car manufacturers have to deal with high research and development costs aswell as shorter product life cycles. In this competitive environment speeding up development andproduction processes as well as market entry by improved marketing helps manufacturers to stayahead of the game. “While customers can build their individualised service based on the independentmodules, the service’s real strength is in the combination of all modules: a seamless solution forevery step of vehicle development ensures cost-effective and fast procedures, strengtheningplanning security and allowing manufacturers to go to market earlier,” the company stated.
Meanwhile, DHL is also revamping its spare parts delivery solution for aftermarket logistics inthe automotive industry by improving delivery times and carbon-efficiency. The company will use itsnetwork of local distribution centres and additionally utilise electric vehicles for the deliveryof spare parts in major cities in Europe, Asia and Americas. DHL will capitalise on its cooperationwith global vehicle manufacturer Renault, which contributes with know-how on fleet management andelectric cars based on the Kangoo model.
Unlike the common way to deliver spare parts to workshops and car dealers up front based onexpected needs, DHL employs just-in-time deliveries, which reduces stock for manufacturers and cardealers. Like in a modern production plant, material required for maintenance and repair are onlyordered when they are needed. Finally, the proximity of logistics facilities ensures that cardealers receive spare parts much more rapidly, often no more than 2.5 hours after placing theirorder.
The solution is already available in various European cities in the UK, Portugal, Spain,Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway as well as in Los Angeles, Miami andvarious Chinese cities. It is based on DHL’s extensive logistics network and cross-divisionalcollaboration: DHL Supply Chain will be handling warehousing, waste management and ordermanagement, while DHL Express will be taking care of the transportation.
“Customers’ needs are top priority for vehicle manufacturers and the importance of quality andspeed after sale is constantly growing. This also has an impact on logistics. DHL has found asustainable solution that cuts costs, reduces CO2 emissions and improves quality and speed ofdelivery. It really benefits every party involved, from manufacturers to car dealers to customersand contributes to the climate protection targets of DHL and our customers,” said Manoella Wilbaut,Global Commercial Developments Director Automotive Sector, DHL Customer Solutions &Innovation.
Vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers within the automotive industry share similarconcerns regarding sustainable mobility. Like DHL, they have set themselves clear targets and arecommitted to similar goals: reducing their carbon footprint, improving the quality of theirproducts and services as well as establishing a strong global network. DHL’s partnership withRenault is based on several years of cooperation including sustainability projects such as a supplychain solution for battery systems for electric vehicles.
“The challenge of enabling sustainable mobility needs to be tackled by a global network ofreliable partners. By intensifying our relationship with DHL, we aim to combine both our companies’know-how and innovation power,” said Uwe Hochgeschurtz, SVP, Renault Corporate Sales Division.
DHL sees itself as the leading logistics service provider for the automotive industry, servingalmost all vehicle manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. The company has access to 200 automotivefacilities worldwide with a special focus on the USA, Europe and Japan, which are traditionally thebiggest markets. Global automotive sales are forecast to continue growing in the years ahead.
