Beijing: A new $15m vehicle terminal in China's northern port of Tianjin, being developed jointly by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, NYK and the port authority, will open for business by the end of this year. The new facility, which will provide pre-delivery and inspection facilities (PDI) as well as other services, will process international imports and exports as well as Chinese-built cars for distribution along the country's coast. WWL China MD Trond Tonjum says the new terminal is an important step forward in China's vehicle distribution infrastructure. His company is in the process of establishing a range of facilities across China to improve inland vehicle distribution networks.
Despite rising domestic production at both national car makers and foreign firms with joint venture production plants, exports are taking longer to build up than some expected. Demand amongst Chinese consumers for premium cars is buoyant and top-of-the-range Audis, BMWs and VWs are commonplace on the Chinese road system. Although export growth is, as yet, slower than expected, it is only a matter of time before exports of makes such as Chery, Brilliance, Great Wall and SAIC take off, say experts. Indeed WWL shipped the first consignment of Brilliance cars to Germany in February of this year. [26/06/07]
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
