Launching a new vehicle brand is complex. Launching one while building a new inbound automotive supply chain almost from scratch is even more demanding. Working closely together, INEOS Automotive and Ewals Cargo Care created a flexible Control Tower set-up that supported a rapid transport transition, improved operational control and helped bring the first Grenadier into production within three years.

As INEOS Automotive moved towards launch, it faced several major supply chain challenges. Automotive inbound logistics are complex by nature, but in this case, the business also needed to build a new ecosystem of suppliers, systems and processes at pace. At the same time, the acquisition of the Hambach plant in France created opportunities but also introduced infrastructure constraints that had to be carefully managed.

One of the most critical moments came when the previous transport provider unexpectedly stepped down. This meant transport operations and related Control Tower services had to be switched within a matter of days, without causing major disruption to inbound supply. For a business preparing for production, that was a significant operational risk.

Key challenges

• Building a new inbound automotive supply chain from the ground up.

• Managing supply chain complexity during a start-up phase.

• Working around infrastructure constraints at the Hambach plant.

• Switching transport operations at very short notice.

The successful transition of transport operations at short notice became an early proof point of the partnership’s effectiveness.

“I think our first success story together was that overnight, in very, very few days, all transportation and related operational services were fully switched to ECC on a very short notice, without causing major disruptions.” - Björn Ibach

To support INEOS Automotive during this crucial phase, Ewals Cargo Care implemented a tailored Control Tower solution built around flexibility, transparency and close cooperation. Together, we did more than organise transport. We helped build an inbound operating model that could support a new automotive brand during a demanding growth stage.

The solution included designing fixed routes, agreed lead times, transport modes and routings to create a stronger operational foundation. We also worked together on customs processes, consultancy support and the execution of multiple transport modes, including road, ocean and air. This gave INEOS Automotive a set-up that could respond quickly when circumstances changed.

How Ewals Cargo Care supported the project

• •Designed routes, lead times and transport flows for a more stable inbound network.

• Supported customs processes and wider supply chain consultancy.

• Coordinated road, ocean and air transport within one Control Tower approach.

• Built reporting and dashboard solutions to improve visibility and cost control.

To improve transparency and control, Ewals Cargo Care customised its systems to work seamlessly with INEOS Automotive, including Power BI dashboards and the Control Tower portal. These tools gave the team better insight into costs, operational status and performance, while also supporting easier communication and faster decision-making.

“We value the expertise of ECC and its control tower. In my eyes, they do a really good job. (...) The strong advantage of ECC’s Control Tower is the package of the various elements which we need for operational service and transportation.” - Björn Ibach

To strengthen day-to-day collaboration, Ewals Cargo Care also established a planning and logistics engineering team in the INEOS office in Porto. With operations running from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus Saturday coverage, both teams could stay closely aligned and respond quickly when issues arose.

Bringing the Grenadier into production required more than transport execution. Together, INEOS Automotive and Ewals Cargo Care built an inbound supply chain set-up that combined network design, operational support and improved visibility across performance and costs.

Ewals Cargo Care supported the project by:

• Designing the inbound network, including routes, lead times and transport modes.

• Co-developing customs processes and providing supply chain consultancy.

• Coordinating road, ocean and air transport within one Control Tower approach.

• Implementing dashboards and reporting to improve visibility and cost control.

To enable close collaboration, a dedicated planning and logistics engineering team was established in the Porto office. With extended operating hours, both teams could stay aligned and respond quickly when needed.

“It was unique that ECC was willing to set-up operations so close to our teams.” – Björn Ibach

Customised systems such as Power BI dashboards and the Control Tower portal provided INEOS Automotive with greater transparency and control, while daily communication helped resolve issues quickly and keep operations on track.

“We find solutions via daily communication. That’s the key to this
cooperation.” – Fredrik Karlsson