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By Stuart Todd
Chinese automakers entering the European market represent an “important (business) opportunity” for logistics providers, according to a senior industry executive.
“Several of these brands are moving beyond vehicle imports and are now planning to produce in Europe, which will bring new supply chain dynamics, new flows, and new partnerships,” Geodis’s VP vertical market hi-tech and automotive, Sander Van Der Meer, told The Loadstar.
In October last year, the EU slapped tariffs of up to 35% on Chinese-made electric cars after an anti-subsidy probe concluded Beijing’s support undercut European automakers.
However, aggressive pricing and an attractive range of technologically-advanced vehicles has done very little to check the import surge into Europe.
Some of the latest data reveals that 2025 has seen Chinese brands almost double their market share, reaching 5.1% across Europe.
Arguably, the most well-known Chinese automaker on the international front is BYD (Build Your Dreams) which is enjoying rapid growth and global expansion, poised to open a production plant in Hungary next year and possibly two others in the mid-term, as well as rolling out a network of over 2,000 retail outlets across Europe.
“We expect others to follow relatively soon. Most Chinese brands view local assembly or production in Europe as a logical next step once they reach sufficient market share and need to reduce lead times, tariffs, and logistics costs. The timing will vary but we foresee multiple players moving from import-based models toward partial localisation within the next three to five years,” said Mr Van Der Meer
In the meantime, Geodis is seeing growing demand from Chinese OEMs seeking logistics support in Europe.
“Many of them are still relatively new to the European market and not yet fully familiar with its complex logistics landscape – from regulatory compliance and customs to the network of established logistics players. As a result, they often approach us to benefit from our expertise and to leverage existing, proven supply chain solutions.”
Initially, their needs focus on core activities such as vehicle imports, pre-delivery inspection, spare parts warehousing and distribution, and the safe transport of EV batteries, Mr Van Der Meer explained.
“These are critical steps to ensure a smooth market entry and customer readiness. As their operations mature, we expect this to evolve toward more integrated services, including contract logistics, aftermarket solutions, and eventually outbound flows from local production sites.”
Another clear trend, he said, is the growing importance of low-carbon logistics. Sustainability is no longer a secondary topic, but rather is becoming a decisive factor in how these brands select their logistics partners.
In sharp contrast to their Chinese counterparts, European manufacturers have been mired in a slump, with output declining amid weak customer demand, and the outlook for the next few years is for low production growth.
“European OEMs are facing pressures in this changing landscape. Adapting to new competition and evolving consumer expectations will take time, but their logistics needs will remain significant – and, in some cases, become even more complex as they transform their production and distribution models.”
Mr Van der Meer views the market’s changing landscape as “bringing fresh energy and new challenges”. He said: “We see this shift as a chance to leverage our global network and end-to-end capabilities to support both established European manufacturers and new entrants in building efficient, compliant, and sustainable supply chains across Europe. In the end, competition often fuels innovation – and in logistics, that’s exactly what drives us forward.”
Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders appears to show a significant negative impact from US tariffs on UK automobile exports.
In the third quarter of this year, exports totalled 15,788 vehicles compared to 23,450 in the same period in 2024.
However, the sharp decline could be partially due to front-loading in Q2 ahead of the imposition of the tariffs.
Comment on this article
Jakub Zawidzki
October 29, 2025 at 2:44 pmvery optimistic vision.
It is rather short term opportunity. Can work few months max 2-3 years until Chinese will establish their own logistics structures in Europe.
It is the same opportunity for LSP’s as for European car makers. Last moment to weak up.