Europe’s automotive future to be shaped by logistics-led innovation group
Europe’s automotive future is being reshaped — and logistics is now firmly at the centre of it.
Three major transport and logistics organisations — ALICE, Einride and Gruber Logistics — have joined a new EU expert group tasked with steering research and innovation across the automotive sector.
The group, known as EURIAS (European Union Research and Innovation for the Automotive Sector), held its first meeting in Brussels on 27 March and brings together around 60 organisations, including manufacturers, suppliers, universities and research bodies.
Their inclusion signals what the organisations describe as a decisive shift, with logistics no longer seen as a downstream function but a central pillar of automotive innovation.
ALICE, which focuses on logistics innovation across Europe, is expected to play a key role in shaping strategy within the group, drawing on its experience in major EU initiatives linked to decarbonisation, automation and connected transport systems.
Fernando Liesa, secretary general of ALICE, said: “EURIAS is a critical step in ensuring that Europe's automotive innovation reaches the market and is fully embedded in real logistics operations and systems.”
He added that bringing logistics into core discussions would help turn “technological ambition into deployable, economically competitive solutions for road freight decarbonisation and automation.”
Einride, known for its work in autonomous and zero-emission freight, will contribute expertise in next-generation truck technologies, ensuring future-ready transport solutions remain high on the agenda.
Its chief technology officer Henrik Green said: “Europe's freight sector stands at a defining moment,” adding the company would work to ensure autonomous and electric technologies are embedded in transport policy from the outset.
He said the firm brings “proven, real-world experience in deploying zero-emission, autonomous freight at scale” to help shape a framework that positions Europe as a leader in sustainable logistics.
Gruber Logistics will provide insight from managing complex international supply chains, with director of public affairs Andrea Condotta stressing the need for collaboration across the sector.
“The transformation of the European automotive sector can only succeed through close collaboration between policymakers, researchers, industry and the logistics sector,” he said, adding the company aims to help make innovations “practical, scalable and ready for real-world deployment.”
The expert group will support the European Commission by identifying research priorities and key innovation areas across the automotive value chain.
Its work will feed into a Strategic Research, Innovation and Deployment Agenda (SRIDA), due by June 2026, which will help shape future EU funding programmes, including the next research framework and competitiveness fund.