Forum Automotive Logistics 2025 opens in Dresden – Digitalization and AI as key to sustainable supply chains

Supply chains must become more resilient, modern battery technology must be ramped up in Europe, and artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing logistics. "The new age of exploration - all hands on deck" is the motto of the Automotive Logistics Forum 2025 (FAL), which was opened today by the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Federal Association of Logistics (BVL). Over the next two days, around 350 participants and experts from logistics, supply chain management and automotive production will come together in Dresden. The focus will be on the exchange and debate about the development and relevance of new digital technologies.

Transformation of supply chains requires new strategies

"The world's major economies are competing for supremacy in new technologies - and are increasingly isolating themselves from one another. But increasing protectionism is also slowing down the development of the best technologies - which ultimately endangers growth, prosperity and jobs and harms the climate because innovations are delayed or do not materialize. This makes the use of artificial intelligence, big data and automation all the more important, as they not only enable us to cope with the complexity of global supply chains, but also to operate more sustainably," VDA Managing Director Dr. Marcus Bollig said.

Kai Althoff, CEO of BVL: "No other industry is undergoing a similar transformation likes the automotive sector. Geopolitical shifts, the question of semiconductor supply, difficult location and infrastructure conditions and poorly predictable sales development are additional challenges for the industry. Logistics is the link for everything and must successfully accompany the changes. This year's Automotive Logistics Forum is dedicated to exactly this complexity. 'All hands on deck': We must work together to bring the automotive industry in Germany and Europe forward again."

Artificial Intelligence and semiconductor supply in focus

Meanwhile, the supply situation for semiconductors remains tense. "Whether for deployment in electric cars or the use of artificial intelligence: the demand for semiconductors will increase massively in the future," Bollig continues. "This development makes investments in the production of automotive-relevant chips in Europe essential. Therefore, Dresden could not be a more suitable venue for this year's FAL: Dresden has established itself as one of the most important microelectronics locations in Europe with Silicon Saxony. These investments are essential for Europe's technological sovereignty," Bollig emphasized.

Over the next two days, participants will focus on a stable semiconductor supply, the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing transport and storage processes, and how digitalization will shape supply chains in the future.