Vehicle Logistics Report Volume Decline of Up to 51 Percent

The European Car-Transport Group of Interest (ECG), the representative of vehicle logistics providers in Europe, draws a bleak interim balance. According to the latest survey results, the share of companies reporting a decline in transport volume in the first quarter of 2025 rose to 51  percent.

(Brussels) By comparison, in the second quarter of 2023, during the most severe phase of the capacity crisis, this figure was only 5 percent. For the next six months, most companies do not expect any significant improvement in their business situation. Current trade conflicts, a potential inflation surge, and the increasing unpredictability of political developments further exacerbate market uncertainty.

“Volumes are declining, and the market is becoming increasingly uncertain for companies,” explains Wolfgang Göbel, Chairman of the ECG, adding: “We urgently need to restore confidence in the industry – especially in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts.”

Alarming Pessimism

The willingness to invest in transport means such as ships, wagons, and trucks is also declining: While in autumn 2024, 91 percent of companies planned investments, this figure has dropped to only 75 percent in the last three quarters. The main reason is the lack of optimism regarding future transport volumes. The survey highlights the alarmingly high level of pessimism: While at the beginning of 2023 only 3 percent of companies expected a negative business development, this figure has risen to 36 percent in 2025.

Moreover, automobile manufacturers are increasingly under financial pressure. However, some relief is on the horizon: The European Union has granted manufacturers a time extension to meet the previously very ambitious CO₂ emission targets for cars and vans within the next three years.

In response to the current economic situation, the European Commission has presented several packages of measures – including the “Compass for Competitiveness,” the new “Deal for a Clean Industry,” and the “Omnibus Simplification Package.” “The business optimism among our members has reached a historic low. These political frameworks can only be effective if companies have confidence in them and feel genuinely supported,” emphasizes Göbel.

At the upcoming General Assembly and Spring Meeting of the ECG, taking place on May 22 and 23 in Cascais (Portugal), the finished vehicle logistics (FVL) sector will focus on increasing process efficiency in light of ongoing challenges. A central theme of the event is the contribution of artificial intelligence to improving stability, resilience, and cost efficiency in the FVL sector.

CO₂ Transparency in Investment Decisions

At the same time, the industry continues to drive its transition towards CO₂ neutrality. Special attention is being paid to the potential of a “Green Cost Calculator,” which aims to create more transparency in investment decisions and make CO₂ savings more measurable.

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