DHL Supply Chain has been awarded a five-year contract with Volvo Cars to handle its aftermarket parts warehousing and distribution to more than 120 dealers across the UK.

Under the new contract, DHL will manage four shared use local distribution centres.

Deliveries will take place through the night using DHL’s Auto Alliance collaborative platform.

During the day, deliveries are made through the same day service to all of Volvo Cars UK dealers.

DHL said this service incorporates flexible driver departure times to even the most remote dealers, meaning an enhanced, more efficient delivery service nationwide.

A new fleet of increasingly fuel-efficient vehicles will be deployed, with more than 35 trucks that feature forward facing cameras, Microlise vehicle tracking to increase fleet performance, full closure tail lifts to maintain high safety standards and state-of-the-art double deck trailers specifically designed for working in the aftermarket environment.

Through changes to the network, DHL and Volvo Cars have been able to increase the availability of Volvo Cars parts whilst providing an efficient service to the dealer network.

Michael Martin, VP business development, automotive, DHL Supply Chain, said:  "DHL is delighted to be working with one of the world’s leading automotive companies to drive forward innovative approaches for exceptional customer service.

"This new contract heralds a new partnership between DHL and Volvo Cars, which will see us deliver an innovative service-level delivery network, resulting in increased efficiencies.

"Volvo Cars commitment to its customers is outstanding – and at DHL we adopt a matching approach to service quality in all of our collaborative partnerships.”