DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, and Blue Dart, South Asia’s premier courier and integrated express package distribution company, have announced an innovative logistics solution to support original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) during the launch of new vehicle models in India and abroad.
While most logistics companies focus on inbound to manufacturing and aftersales logistics, DHL’s product comprises the entire go-to-market process. Its four business units in India – DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain and Blue Dart – have together developed different logistics modules which customers can combine or implement individually.
With new product launches in the automotive sector becoming increasingly complex and cost-intensive, DHL – Blue Dart’s focused automotive solution will benefit companies from minimized supply chain risks, lower third party costs, higher efficiency and visibility. The average time from the first sketch of a car to market entry is two-three years and requires precise synchronization amongst several involved parties, more often not located even in the same continent.
DHL-Blue Dart’s new service focuses on three stages of vehicle evolution and marketing: In the research and development phase. DHL – Blue Dart support for shipment of pre-production models by offering specialized packaging of prototypes, customs process management and transportation with a high degree of security and confidentiality. At the trial production stage, DHL – Blue Dart can efficiently manage and control the complex flow of engineering samples from hundreds of vendors based in various locations to the engineering research centers of OEMs and vice versa.
Finally, in the commercial production phase, DHL – Blue Dart provides launch communication facilities, such as cost-effective distribution of direct mailers or parcels, movement of exhibition cars for auto test events or official media presentations.
Risk Management is an integral part of the DHL – Blue Dart ‘Lead Logistics Provider’ service offering in India, through which the company reduces logistics costs for its customers whilst simultaneously improving the supply chain performance parameters.
Additionally, DHL – Blue Dart provide comprehensive logistics solutions for Tier-1 and Tier-2 component manufactures by arranging their delivery to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The efficient supply chain support ensures Just-in-Time deliveries, not just in India but to their plants worldwide. The auto component export market was $9681 million in 2013 and is growing at a healthy pace.
“Judging from the slew of new product launches at Auto Expo 2014 in New Delhi and the throngs that visited the exhibition, a sense of optimism and vibrancy seems to have returned to this industry”, said Ilhami Arslanoglu, Vice President – Automotive, Asia Pacific, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovations. “Being the leading logistics service provider for the automotive industry, serving almost all vehicle manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, we are upbeat and well positioned to provide customers with a complete solution – from first sketch to dealership”.
DHL – Blue Dart together have more than 200 automotive facilities worldwide with a special focus on the US, Europe and China which are the biggest markets. With India expected to emerge as the destination of choice in the world, for design and manufacture of automobiles and auto components, DHL – Blue Dart are well positioned to provide cost-effective customized solutions to ensure improved efficiencies, reduce risk disruptions and allow manufacturers to go to market earlier.