From a Renault subsidiary into an independent company

Our industrial heritage is combined with cutting-edge technologies to support manufacturers in the logistics of tomorrow 

1957 – 1979 Origins and expansion of services 

The journey began on September 4, 1957, when Renault founded CAT to export the famous 4CV to North America, quickly becoming the logistical arm of the French manufacturer. 

1963: Opening of the first shipping centres at strategic plants (Flins, Sandouville, Le Mans). 
1967: Diversification into vehicle storage and preparation with the Gennevilliers compound. 
1970: Start of international expansion with the creation of CAT Belgium. 
1974: Launch of spare parts logistics through the TED subsidiary (now Cargo Logistics). 

1980 – 1999 The conquest of Europe 

Over two decades, Groupe CAT accelerated its geographical and technical expansion, opening to new markets and transport modes. 
European Expansion: Successive establishments in Germany (1982), Italy (1984), Great Britain (1987), and Portugal (1990). 
Eastern Europe: From 1994 onwards, the group anticipated logistics needs in Central Europe with subsidiaries in Poland and Slovenia. 

2000 – 2009 Independence and client diversification 

The turn of the millennium marked a strategic shift with the acquisition of the group by an international consortium. 
2001: Groupe CAT became independent from Renault. 
2009: Groupe CAT became 100% owned by TCL. 

2010 – 2026 Consolidation and European Leadership 

Groupe CAT intensified its acquisition strategy to control the entire value chain, from road transport to short-sea shipping. Large-scale fleet expansion: Acquisition of Trial, Toquero, Fleetpoint, and WWL Logistics Germany. 
2017: Acquisition of Sintax Logistica, 100% CVT – Carlson Vehicle Transfer Ltd – and historic acquisition of STVA. January 2018 Groupe CAT is counting +6000 employees, 1,800 trucks, and 2,600 rail wagons. 
2024: Opening of the Killingholme terminal (UK), which has become the largest operational port in the network, optimising flows between the United Kingdom and the continent. 
2025: Acquisition of SEMAT (Spain), strengthening technical expertise in remarketing and expanding operational capacity in the European market. 
2026: Groupe CAT stands as a preferred partner for sustainable mobility, supported by one of the densest and most innovative logistics networks in the world. 

2025 key figures: a global logistics network 

With a strong presence across Europe & beyond, Groupe CAT is a major player in automotive logistics and supply chain management. Our operational scale reflects decades of expertise supporting manufacturers, mobility providers & distribution networks. 

Global presence & workforce 

We operate an extensive international infrastructure that enables efficient, flexible, and reliable logistics solutions.