Volvo has begun shipping its China-built S90 sedans to Europe by train under China’s new ‘One Belt, One Road’ trade initiative, making it the first automaker to do so via the rail route.
The first S90 premium sedans, which were built at the Swedish automaker’s plant in Daqing, China, will arrive at a distribution centre in Zeebrugge, Belgium this week, having travelled by rail on the recently-opened China-Europe railway link.
The automaker says that the land connection brings down the time it takes to transport vehicles to Europe by two thirds compared to a sea-going route. It adds that beyond shorter waiting times for customers, rail is also a better choice in terms of the environmental impact of transportation, with CO2 emissions reduced by a third by choosing rail over sea transport.
Each of the Volvo-dedicated trains traveling between Daqing and Zeebrugge carry around 120 Volvo cars, which are transported in specially-designed containers. One container holds three cars at different angles in order to maximise the use of space available inside, and special fixtures ensure that the cars are fastened during transport and do not move.
Initially, trains will depart from Daqing once a week, but the company says it plans to increase this frequency, in line with growing volumes.
Last November, Volvo started building high-end versions of its S90 premium sedan in Daqing for global exports, and will soon be building all S90 variants at Daqing for global export.
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Volvo aka Geely and China got vision. They know how to plan 20 years ahead. Even when they make money, they save for a rainy day. Look at Geely, past 3 years, average made about USD30 billion per year (RM135 billion), yet, they save the money and focus far ahead.
They don’t dapat duit only, pergi jolly, buy Ferrari, buy fancy car, take mistress etc.
made in china cars…the end is near sigh
no end in sight
even U add comment from a China-made Iphone.
Looks like it’s nearing the end … indeed !
Better than some unwanted made in india abd tata, not to mention their railway accidents which happens annually
Made in China, beware of imitation parts. They will do anything to squeeze even a dollar.
I only buy china made stuff, say no to india
Nobody even wants made in india
Singapore can tapau going tikar after this?
OBOR will gulong SG tikar alredi.
Habislah Sweden! Tokmoh, apa komen hang?
China came from a long way. Well done. From iPhone to S90.
Soon once the rail connects to Malaysia, Geely can export Proton to Malaysia via rail too!.. cheaper cars!.. win win!
See Geely dem smart. DRB should ktm MY-built Protons to TH & SG.
All the S90s are built in China? Or is it some variants are still built in Gothenburg? How will the European market response to this car? The cars quality will be closely scrutinized!
Scrutinize all u want, but if u pay cheap prices u still get the quality u deserves
What the fuzz abaot Made In China? Most of branded product are made in China. Iphone, Canon etc..
Kolos P1 Tanjung Malim plant. Ship China-built Proton to Mesia.
Lagi save money, lagi DRB untung.
Mystvearn clone dun have Mystvearn pic
Would be nice to see pictures of how they stack the 3 cars in one container.
Epic journey for train engineer and driver
Will proton made in china one day?
Whats wrong with made in india products. Have you drive their latest SUV ?? If not shut up.
Certain model with small margin may not suit for Europe, that why only high end chosen
Can not wait what happen to Volvo,proton, lotus and geely model for the next 5 yr
Isn’t Sweden nearer to Belgium compared to China?
In terms of dollar & cent savings, nope.
Have you driven their SUV ?? if not shut up