Dias, J. C. QuaresmaCalado, João Manuel FerreiraMendonça, M. C.2012-03-132012-03-132010-01Dias J C Q, Calado J M F, Mendonça M C. The role of European "ro-ro" port terminals in the automotive supply chain management. Journal of Transport Geography. 2010; 18 (1): 116-124.0966-6923http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/1289The aim of this paper is concerned with the design and development of a functional framework for maritime mode integration in European automotive supply chain management when considering outbound distribution. Furthermore, it provides a readjustment of traditional concepts and terminology with findings that the role of ro-ro port terminals should be considered as decoupling points, poles and postponement platforms. Case studies examine relevant Western European ro-ro port terminals for cars and respective links to assembly/factories of vehicles localized in the hinterland and concludes that ro-ro port terminals reduce logistical friction and impedance, as well as promote space/time compression.engAutomotive Supply Chain ManagementShort Sea Shippingro-ro Port TerminalsLogistics PostponementDecoupling PointsCars TransportationPostponementLogisticsFrameworkPoliciesProductjournal article