Beijing: Vehicle manufacturers in China are being asked to arrange for a larger transport capacity in order to cope with the increase in cars manufactured in China. "Finished vehicle shippers face challenges from an underdeveloped transportation infrastructure that limits their choice for optimizing efficiency," says Trond Tonjum, md and head for China of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), which currently ships vehicles for a Guangzhou-based manufacturer along the Chinese coast to Shanghai and the northern region.
"The challenge for optimising inland distribution is that most vehicle manufacturers in China still transport vehicles from factory to dealer by truck. Rail and short-sea could be the new solution," he claims, adding "barging on the Yangtze River is also developing."'
Tonjum highlights the need for flexibility and says that manufacturers should consider linking up with domestic service providers to take advantage of more comprehensive routes.
China is slated to be a major player in the automotive industry, albeit one subject to infrastructural hurdles, particularly in terms of transport from the hinterland to ports. [09/03/07]
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