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.