Deutsche Bahn and Russian Railways RZD intend to intensify cooperation in automotive sector

In Sotchi today, representatives of DB Schenker Rail and TransContainer, a subsidiary of Russian Railways (RZD), in the run-up to this year’s International Rail Business Forum “Transport Systems 1520 and 1435: A Strategy of Cooperation”, reaffirmed the intention of the two companies to cooperate even more closely in future in the automotive sector in Russia. The aim is to meet the growing demands of suppliers and carmakers in the Kaluga region for supplementary logistics services. To this end, approval was given to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a logistics joint venture company in Russia.

The joint venture company, together with the partners, is to develop logistics services for both European and Russian carmakers and component suppliers in Kaluga that are to be provided as onward carriage services for road and rail shipments.

Dr. Karl-Friedrich Rausch, Member of the Management Board of DB Mobility Logistics AG responsible for the Transportation and Logistics Division, speaking in Sotchi said: “As DB Schenker, we have the international experience and expertise to develop and operate such a network on behalf of our customers. We have enjoyed a successful working relationship with the RZD subsidiary TransContainer in the transportation business to Kaluga for four years now. If we now focus on new market potential and expand the business, we can rely on the capabilities and substantial market knowledge provided by our Russian partners”.

Russia is one of the major growth markets in the automotive sector. Since 2007, increasing numbers of car manufacturers and suppliers have set up facilities in the Kaluga region, which is located some 160 km south of Moscow. Companies such as VW, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Mitsubishi and Volvo have erected their own plants in the greater Kaluga area. DB Schenker Rail has handled automotive shipments to Kaluga for VW/Skoda since 2007.

If the joint venture examination is positive, then the joint venture company could become operational before the year is out. The approval of the relevant bodies and authorities is also required.