On August 25, with the blast of a whistle, a dedicated express loaded with high-end auto components for China FAW's Hongqi, Jiefang, and Bestune models departed from the FAW Logistics Railway Terminal in Changchun, Jilin Province. Bound for Europe via the Manzhouli Port, this marked China FAW's first direct China-Europe railway express.

In 2024, China FAW registered an export volume of 125,000 vehicles, increasing 36.2% year-on-year and outpacing industry growth for the fourth consecutive year. Notably, two flagship new energy vehicles from the Hongqi brand made their European debut, garnering widespread attention and significantly strengthening the brand's global presence.

This railway express underscores China FAW's commitment to implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting the globalization of its automotive industry. Spanning approximately 7,900 kilometers and passing through the Manzhouli Port to directly reach major European markets, the service reduces transit time from 45 days (traditional maritime shipping) to just 18 days while cutting logistics costs by over 30%. This enhances the international competitiveness of China FAW's exports and ensures faster, more reliable service for overseas customers.

As the sole domestic automaker with operational qualifications for China-Europe railway express, China FAW pioneered a logistics model combining rail, maritime, and overseas warehouse services to provide "door-to-door" delivery. This approach can significantly lower integrated logistics costs and strengthen supply chain resilience, with the aim of establishing an efficient, stable, and cost-effective international logistics corridor to seize global market opportunities.

The express carries components for Hongqi, Jiefang, and other domestic brands, facilitating a large-scale supply in Europe. Meanwhile inbound express will import high-quality European auto parts, fostering deeper industrial collaboration between China and Europe.

Zhang Wei, Chairman of FAW Logistics Co., Ltd., stated that through regular express operations, China FAW will establish regional component warehousing centers in Europe and develop a "smart hub" project integrating international rail services with overseas warehouses to mitigate risks from global shipping volatility.

Headquartered in Changchun, Jilin Province, China FAW is a state-owned automotive conglomerate known as the "Cradle of China's Auto Industry." Its portfolio includes domestic brands like Hongqi, Jiefang, and Bestune, alongside joint ventures with Volkswagen (Audi) and Toyota. In 2024, the company delivered 3.2 million vehicles and generated over RMB 550 billion in revenue, ranking among the top tier in China's automotive industry.

Source: Xinhua Finance  Editor: Liu Jiadi