Automotive logistics: Groupe CAT celebrates 69 years of innovation and performance

From our beginnings to our position as a leader in automotive logistics: a look back at six decades of transformation serving the global supply chain.

Automotive logistics has sat at the very heart of our work for nearly seven decades, and as we celebrate Groupe CAT’s 69th anniversary this September 2026, we are proud to reflect on this meaningful milestone. Our story has been written hand in hand with the world’s leading manufacturers, allowing us to strengthen our strategic role over time and actively support the industry’s global transformation. Throughout this journey, our core commitment has remained unchanged: building sustainable and healthy growth for everyone. 

The evolution of our businesses: yesterday and today 

Groupe CAT’s history illustrates continuous adaptation to market demands. Comparisons between our beginnings and current realities reflect our dynamic investment.  

Vehicle Logistics 

Our story began with vehicle logistics—the foundational core of our business. In our early days, simple fleets of traditional car transporters navigated regional routes to deliver vehicles from factories to nearby dealerships. Today, that picture has completely changed as we operate a modern fleet of latest-generation transporters engineered for maximum safety and environmental performance. By continually refining trailer design and loading efficiency, we move more vehicles in fewer trips, directly lowering the carbon footprint of every journey while maintaining total precision. 

As an essential extension of our road transport operations, our compounds, port facilities, and rail connections form an integrated network designed to support vehicles throughout their entire journey.  

At the same time, connecting global sea routes with inland transport tells a story of incredible scaling, transitioning from early manual port operations to managing seamlessly across 11 strategic European ports where we orchestrate complex Ro-Ro vessel operations with digital precision and real-time tracking visibility. 

Complementing road and sea transport, our rail footprint has grown from a selective alternative using standard wagons into a cornerstone of sustainable logistics. Managing a dedicated fleet of over 2,100 articulated rail wagons and operating 81 trains every week, this impressive network allows us to transport one million vehicles by rail each year, significantly reducing road congestion and cutting carbon emissions across Europe. 

Cargo Logistics 

Supplying assembly lines and dealership networks with essential components requires flawless timing. In our early days, this activity relied on conventional road freight to move spare parts from point A to point B. Over the years, we have transformed these operations into a highly sophisticated network powered by automated logistics platforms. Through our dedicated night distribution service, our teams work quietly behind the scenes while the world sleeps, ensuring dealerships find their parts ready before opening hours and guaranteeing 24/7 availability for our partners.

Multicultural and intergenerational unity in automotive logistics

For nearly seven decades, our progress has been driven by the shared values that continue to unite our teams across countries, generations and businesses. Operating on an international scale, our people are our greatest strength thanks to the rich diversity of their roles and backgrounds. From central engineering, IT and customs offices to port operations and compound management, this cross-business collaboration fosters a culture of mutual learning. 

We actively encourage intergenerational skills transfer by pairing seasoned logistics experts with emerging talent—both through strategic project squads and on the ground across our 12 practical training centres, supported by continuous learning on our LEARNbyCAT mobile app. By connecting diverse perspectives from central headquarters to local operations, this ongoing exchange naturally blends time-tested expertise with the agility of new digital methods, reinforcing a shared sense of belonging across all our global activities. 

69 years of history, a future to build together in automotive logistics

Nearly seven decades of history stand as a proud testament to how Groupe CAT has navigated industry shifts while remaining true to its core values. As we look ahead, we embrace the coming decades with genuine optimism and renewed enthusiasm. 

We continue to expand our infrastructure while nurturing the unique talents of our teams, guided by an unwavering desire to remain the trusted partner of the global automotive industry. Together, we look forward to shaping the future of smart, sustainable logistics.