Navigating Global Automotive Logistics: A Case Study of Dacia’s AILN Supply Chain Performance

Abstract The purpose of this research is to analyze Dacia’s AILN (Alliance International Logistics Network) performance metrics and provide an overview of its main distribution centers (via road haulage, rail freight and sea shipping) and the operational logistics challenges faced by its supply chain alternatives. Other research articles deal with issues of logistics operations and/or supply chains of either one particular manufacturing facility (partial optimization) or focus on topics like sustainability, network optimization (re)design and/or resilience strategies to reduce specific automotive industry risks, providing less applicable solutions (overly broad). Relevant production, sales and distribution data (capacities, volumes and lead times) is analyzed at Dacia’s main plants in the last 10 years (2015-2024) using quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive overview of its logistics competitiveness. The case study’s main results show an accelerated sales growth in the last 20 years with over 90% of vehicles being exported, whilst the top 5 international markets account for over a half of Dacia’s total sales volumes. Dacia’s AILN handles outbound logistics operations of assembled vehicles as well as shipping parts to other Renault or Nissan manufacturing sites through Constanta Port (TEU containers), Curtici Cargo Center (freight trains) and Nadlac II border crossing (car-carrying trailers). Heavy road traffic and congestion, low average speed and inconsistent reliability of freight trains, as well as lengthy loading times of ships affect delivery lead times which can reach 30-45 days, on average. The paper highlights practical insights of Dacia’s complex logistics and supply chain management challenges, sourced from automotive industry professionals, adding a real-life impact to the research findings.