Vehicle logistics in Europe is a complex and highly synchronized system. Finished vehicles move continuously between production plants, ports, distribution hubs, and dealerships across the continent. Reliability, capacity, and flexibility are critical to keep these flows running smoothly. Rail plays a central role in this network, and GATX Rail Europe supports the automotive industry with railcar solutions designed specifically for transporting both conventional and electric vehicles across the country.

Automotive logistics today: high volumes and changing supply chains
The European automotive industry moves millions of vehicles every year. In 2023, passenger car production in the EU reached around 12.1 million vehicles, while total transportation demand amounted to 15.4 million vehicles when imports are included.* These volumes create constant demand for efficient logistics solutions.

At the same time, automotive logistics networks are evolving. Production capacities are expanding in Eastern Europe, imports are increasing, and supply chains are becoming more international. Vehicle flows are therefore more dynamic and geographically diverse than ever before.

Environmental considerations are also playing an increasing role in logistics decisions. Transporting vehicles by rail can significantly reduce emissions compared to road transportation. For example, transporting a car over a 600 km route by rail can reduce CO₂ emissions by around 78%.* These developments strengthen the role of rail as a reliable and sustainable transportation mode for ready-to-sell vehicles.

Laaers railcars optimized for finished vehicle transport
These logistics flows require railcars designed specifically for transporting vehicles safely and efficiently. To this end, GATX Rail Europe’s Laaers railcars come into play.

The Laaers, GATX type 9302, is a 4-axle, double-deck open railcar designed for the transportation of passenger cars, SUVs, small utility vehicles, and vans. The railcar consists of two short-coupled segments, enabling stable operation and efficient loading configurations.

The railcar features a lifting upper deck and optimized inner space, allowing maximum utilization of the loading area. This flexible configuration supports the transportation of modern vehicle types, including heavier electric vehicles with a weight of up to 3.2 tons per vehicle.

With an overall length of 31,000 mm, the railcar provides generous loading dimensions across both decks, for up to 12 automobiles in total, enabling efficient vehicle transportation while ensuring safe handling during loading, transit, and unloading operations.

From factory to dealership: built for the full vehicle logistics chain
Our Laaers railcars support both domestic and international transportation flows and integrate smoothly into existing automotive logistics networks. GATX automotive railcar solutions are used by a wide range of market participants:

• Automotive manufacturers (OEMs)
• Logistics service providers
• Railway undertakings
• Vehicle distribution and port operators

By enabling high-volume vehicle transportation across long distances, railcars form the backbone of Europe’s finished vehicle logistics system.

We have installed modern telematics devices in our wagons and make the data from each one available to our customers. This data can be used to track the current location of the wagons, monitor border crossings and loading/unloading times, and access other information to optimize your logistics tracking and planning.

A reliable partner for Europe’s automotive logistics
Vehicle logistics requires capacity, reliability, and efficient coordination between many partners. At GATX Rail Europe, we combine a modern railcar fleet with deep market expertise to support the automotive industry across Europe efficiently, reliably, and sustainably.
Working in automotive logistics, vehicle distribution or finished vehicle transportation? Our experts are ready to support your automotive transportation requirements.

*Automotive Study (Infront)