[101212.EN.LOG] APL Logistics, VASCOR Form Auto Logistics Joint Venture In India

APL Logistics and VASCOR has established a joint venture based in Delhi, called APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive to better serve the growing supply chain needs of the automotive sector in India.

"APL Logistics VASCOR Automotive will seek to raise the bar for automotive logistics in India by developing and offering innovative solutions that meet the increasingly sophisticated requirements of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier suppliers," said CEO Bill Garrett.

The joint venture has appointed Umesh Bhanot as chief operating officer.

"This collaboration between APL Logistics and VASCOR marks the first international 3PL to be dedicated exclusively to India's auto sector, and underscores India's growing importance as a major global automotive manufacturer," said Bill Villalon, APL Logistics vice president for automotive and chairman of the joint venture company.

The joint venture plans to offer a full spectrum of inbound, outbound and aftermarket parts solutions. The company will initially focus on providing finished vehicle logistics, specifically, rail transport, yard management and containerised shipping via APL Logistics' AutoDirect.

In close consultation with original equipment manufacturers (OEM), the start-up has developed a railcar designed to accommodate a wide range of automobiles, including the fast-growing SUV sector. The complete door-to-door service will include collection of finished cars from OEM plants, vehicle loading and unloading at terminals, and long-distance rail haulage, and last mile delivery.

Using these newly designed wagons, the joint venture plans to introduce AutoLinxSM, a rail-based solution for more reliable, damage-free and cost-efficient distribution of finished vehicles and motorcycles across the country. Trial runs of AutoLinxSM rail-based wagons will begin in early 2013 with full-scale operations to begin mid-2013 following regulatory approvals.

The joint venture aims to leverage the strengths of both partners in India, where APL Logistics' international expertise is complemented by its strong intermodal rail capability through IndiaLinxSM, which operates container train services to northern India's hinterland. VASCOR is a leading automotive 3PL with deep experience in inbound-to-manufacturing, outbound finished vehicle, and value-added services throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. It has market-leading expertise in finished vehicle logistics.

Source : HKSG.