Solutions
Vehicles
End-to-end management of new and used vehicle logistics, from factory inbound flows to final delivery. A network of 97 vehicle activity compounds, 4,000 car-carrying trucks and 2,100 rail wagons enables multimodal transport by road, rail and short sea.
Automotive Pre-Carriage: A Strategic Link in Your Logistics
Pre-carriage (transport from factory to local market) is the key stage for consolidating and securing your vehicle flows. Unlike final capillary distribution, 99% of pre-carriage consists of transporting optimised volumes point-to-point, with maximum load factors right from the factory exit or major entry ports.
Whether for local connections with regional maritime networks or national and international links to distribution hubs, Groupe CAT transports your vehicles anywhere in Europe, using trucks, trains, shortsea vessels and barges.
Groupe CAT’s Multimodal Power: Road & Rail
To reconcile economic agility with carbon footprint reduction, Groupe CAT combines road efficiency with rail performance through a robust network present across 16 countries. By structuring regular, high-volume routes, and relying on a European fleet as well as nearly 2,000 company-owned car carrier wagons, we meet the challenge of rail flexibility to guarantee your transport capacities and offer a green solution, reliable alternative to road-only transport.
B2B Distribution: Automotive Logistics for Professionals
Groupe CAT provides comprehensive Business-to-Business (B2B) distribution, transporting vehicle volumes directly from factories or import ports to all networks and professional stakeholders within the sector. We offer flexible, high-performance solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
- Bespoke tracking and integration: We adapt our systems to offer total visibility over logistics flows, connecting seamlessly with our clients’ tools and processes.
- Energy & electric transition: Thanks to major investments in charging infrastructure across our compounds and the deployment of electric lorries, we ensure the eco-responsible transport and management of all vehicle types (internal combustion and electric).
B2C Distribution: Handover to the End Customer at our Compounds
Beyond traditional professional flows, Groupe CAT offers solutions to support automotive stakeholders right through to the final buyer. We manage the preparation and handover of vehicles at our compounds, ensuring a smooth, secure and professional handover experience for the end customer.
Our Hub Network: The Performance Triptych
To optimise your automotive supply chain, Groupe CAT relies on the synergy of three types of interconnected logistics sites: factory compounds, port compounds, and CAT compounds.
Factory Compound: Releasing Agent
Located directly at the output of assembly lines, this compound manages high-volume flows of new vehicles from the moment production is completed.
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Downstream Production Logistics
Handling, services, and dispatch by road or rail.
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Added Value Solutions
We organise the transfer of vehicles according to your needs, from standard collection at a CAT compound to bespoke setups such as event management.
Port Compound: Import-Export Hub, Handling, Storage & Services
A true international gateway (Europe, Asia, Euro-Mediterranean region), a port centre handles the reception, processing, and dispatch of your vehicles under optimal conditions.
Handling & Services
RoRo ship unloading, container devanning, pre-delivery inspection (PDI), and EV charging.
Storage & Customs Solutions
Long-term storage and bonded warehousing to optimise cash flow and simplify customs formalities.
Transport
Direct delivery from the port to dealerships or rental companies, optimising both costs and lead times.
CAT Compound: Distribution & Services for New & Used Vehicles
Situated on the outskirts of major metropolitan areas, these centres oversee local commercial logistics.
New Vehicle Flows
Off-site storage for dealerships and final preparation with delivery within 48 hours.
Used Vehicle Flows
A reverse logistics hub where used vehicles are collected to undergo reconditioning.
Most of our 100 compounds across Europe are rail-connected and offer a large scope of services: aesthetic preparation, mechanics, software updates, customisation and fleet preparation, rent-a-car, painting and smart repairs.
Used Vehicle: Refurbishment & Remarketing
Within our local compounds, we deploy dedicated logistics engineering for used vehicles (UVs) to drive commercial value and ensure rapid stock turnover. Our integrated remarketing process optimises every strategic stage to guarantee a fast and efficient return to market:
- Rigorous Commercial Inspection & Valuation: Conducted as soon as vehicles arrive to target the right resale channel.
- Resale Value Optimisation: Achieved through meticulous and targeted cosmetic preparation and mechanic repairs.
- Advanced Digital Showcasing: Powered by 360° aesthetic imaging and professional photo booths/studios.
- Seamless Distribution & Marketing: Tailored to meet the requirements of both retail and wholesale buyers.
This end-to-end operational control reduces dwell times and maximises resale value for our partner manufacturers, hire companies, and corporate fleets.
Fleet Management: Comprehensive optimisation of vehicle flows
Groupe CAT’s Fleet Management service ensures the piloting and logistical coordination of vehicle fleets. Acting as the single point of entry for the network, it orchestrates all flows through end-to-end outbound transport solutions, from order receipt to delivery.
Solutions dedicated to each fleet type
Dedicated vehicle solutions are deployed to meet the specific requirements of each market:
- Optimised management: Tailored for corporate fleets, short- or long-term rental companies, and new automotive subscription models.
- Precision logistics: Dedicated to events, exhibitions, and product launches, requiring absolute responsiveness.