The first lot of Volvo S90 sedans built at Daqing plant in China, will arrive in Belgium this week, via the recently opened China-Europe railway link. The railway link is a part of China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ trade initiative, and Volvo became the first automaker to utilize it.
Volvo says, the connection brings down the time it takes to transport vehicles to Europe by two thirds compared to the sea route, meaning faster delivery of vehicles to the customers. CO2 emissions per tonne/km are also reduced by choosing rail over sea, added the company.
Each of the Volvo-dedicated trains traveling between Daqing and Zeebrugge (Belgium) carry around 225 Volvo cars, which are transported in specially designed containers. One container holds three cars at different angles in order to maximize the use of space available inside. Special fixtures ensure that the cars are fastened during transport and do not move.
Initially, trains will depart from Daqing once a week. The plan is to increase this frequency in-line with growing volumes.
The same week China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang will be visiting Belgium. Along with the country visit, Li Keqiang is also scheduled to meet with Volvo Cars’ chairman Li Shufu and CEO Håkan Samuelsson.
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