As automotive manufacturers race to expand beyond their domestic markets, the ability to move vehicles, components and batteries efficiently across continents is becoming just as important as the vehicles themselves.
That reality is driving a new generation of strategic partnerships throughout the automotive sector, and one of the latest examples comes from Chinese automotive giant Chery Auto, global shipping leader CMA CGM and logistics specialist CEVA Logistics.
The three companies have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to strengthen Chery’s international supply chain capabilities as the automaker continues its rapid global expansion. The agreement highlights a growing recognition that logistics and procurement strategies are becoming critical competitive advantages in the modern automotive industry.
“In today’s automotive industry, success is no longer defined solely by what is built in the factory, but by how efficiently it reaches customers around the world.”
A Partnership Built for Global Growth
Under the agreement, CMA CGM and CEVA Logistics will support Chery’s operations across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. The partnership covers the transportation of finished vehicles, automotive parts and electric vehicle batteries through integrated end-to-end logistics solutions.
The collaboration is designed to leverage CMA CGM’s extensive maritime and global logistics network alongside CEVA Logistics’ specialised automotive expertise. Together, the companies aim to improve efficiency, resilience and sustainability throughout Chery’s international operations.
For procurement leaders, the arrangement demonstrates the growing value of consolidated logistics partnerships capable of supporting multiple regions through a unified strategy rather than relying on fragmented local suppliers.
Why Automotive Logistics Has Become a Strategic Priority
The automotive industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history.
Manufacturers are not only managing increasingly global supply chains but are also navigating the complexities of electric vehicle production, battery transportation, geopolitical uncertainty, evolving regulations and shifting consumer demand.
As a result, logistics has moved from a supporting function to a strategic business priority.
“Supply chain resilience is rapidly becoming one of the automotive industry’s most important competitive differentiators.”
The partnership comes at a time when Chery is aggressively expanding its international footprint. The company has emerged as one of China’s largest vehicle exporters and continues to grow its presence across Europe, Africa and other international markets.
The EV Battery Challenge
One of the most notable aspects of the agreement is its inclusion of electric vehicle battery logistics.
Unlike traditional automotive components, EV batteries require specialised handling, transportation and storage processes due to their size, weight and regulatory requirements. Managing battery supply chains effectively has become one of the defining challenges of the electric vehicle era.
China currently dominates global battery manufacturing and supply chains, making efficient international logistics essential for automakers seeking to expand production and sales outside their home markets. As Chery continues to grow globally, battery logistics will play a crucial role in supporting its electric mobility ambitions.
Resilience, Efficiency and Sustainability
The three organisations have identified resilience, efficiency and sustainability as the core objectives of the partnership. These priorities reflect broader trends shaping global supply chains across multiple industries.
Recent years have demonstrated how vulnerable supply chains can be to geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and transportation bottlenecks. As a result, companies are increasingly investing in logistics networks capable of adapting quickly to changing market conditions.
For automotive manufacturers, maintaining uninterrupted vehicle deliveries while controlling costs and reducing environmental impact has become a key strategic objective.
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Procurement Takes Centre Stage
Beyond transportation, the partnership highlights the growing importance of procurement and supplier management within modern automotive organisations.
Increasingly complex supply chains require closer collaboration between manufacturers, logistics providers, shipping companies and technology partners. Strategic procurement decisions now influence everything from production timelines and inventory management to sustainability performance and customer satisfaction.
For procurement professionals, the Chery-CMA CGM-CEVA agreement demonstrates how integrated supplier partnerships can create competitive advantages through improved visibility, coordination and operational resilience.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Chery, CMA CGM and CEVA Logistics reflects a broader shift occurring across the global automotive industry. As manufacturers expand internationally and electric vehicle adoption accelerates, logistics capabilities are becoming increasingly critical to long-term success.
By combining global shipping expertise, specialised automotive logistics services and ambitious international growth plans, the three organisations are positioning themselves to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing market.
For the automotive sector, the message is clear: the future of mobility is not just about designing better vehicles. It is about building smarter, more resilient and more sustainable supply chains capable of delivering those vehicles anywhere in the world.