CAT-WWL Logistics (PTY) Ltd has announced its intention on transforming the motor vehicle logistics sector in South Africa. The Durban-based company, which became fully operational in May 2005, has big ambitions to become the leading provider of logistics management solutions for the automotive industry as well for the agricultural and construction machinery sectors in the country.  CAT-WWL Logistics is a joint venture between Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, the global Scandinavian shipping to logistics company, and the French-based Compagnie d'Affr%ment et de Transport (CAT) Group.

Managing director, Rune Loew intends to introduce what he describes a 'multi-supplier strategy' to the vehicle logistics scene in South Africa.

Mr Loew, the former vice-president of global business development for Ocean Services of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, aims to bring a unique blend of logistics management solutions to the automotive industry in South Africa covering vehicle distribution and compound management.

To ensure transparency of operations, CAT-WWL Logistics will tailor the services of carefully selected transporter fleet operators and vehicle storage providers to offer the best optimal logistics solution for getting customers' vehicles to market based on quality of service, lead time and cost.

This tailored and 'asset neutral' independent approach to vehicle logistics has already found favour elsewhere in the world where Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has a wealth of experience in working with some of the biggest brand names in the motor industry.

Within the past two years it has gained a major contract as a Lead Logistics Provider (LLP) to a prestigious German car maker offering logistics services from three continents (including South Africa) to Australia.

CAT-WWL Logistics will offer IT system solutions - to ensure full visibility of the vehicles from the factory to the dealer - as well as contract management services to vehicle makers.

It also aims to manage for customers a number of value added services such as vehicle processing and pre-delivery inspections (PDI) at the point of entry.

Additionally, the company will follow vehicle movements before they arrive in South Africa to ensure that the same quality standards and system solutions provided to other Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics customers elsewhere in the world are provided to vehicle makers in South Africa.

CAT-WWL Logistics is already undertaking a number of feasibility studies to develop future management solutions for vehicle distribution which will include both import/export volumes as well as locally produced vehicles.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics employs over 6,000 people across its offices and subsidiaries around the world. The company provides vehicle logistics from factory to dealer including vehicle processing and storage.

The company deploys 54 vessels serving trade routes to five continents. The company carries 1.5 million vehicles by sea and handles a total of 3 million vehicles by land every year.

The CAT Group employees over 1,500 people based at 82 centres worldwide. The company transports annually nearly 3 million private vehicles as well as over 72,000 industrial vehicles including construction and agricultural machines. It uses some 1700 trucks and car transporters, 550 rail wagons and 10 river barges to affect deliveries.

CAT is also in the vehicle preparation business. It processes some 1.4 million cars at 26 centres around the world.

The automotive market in South Africa is centred around Gauteng (Johannesburg area) with approx 55% of the domestic car production, followed by East & West Cape with 16% and Kwa-Zulu Natal (Durban area) with 14 %. The remaining volume is spread between the central and North West provinces.

The main car imports and exports are through Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London
Source: Press Release