DB Cargo will continue to transport SUVs for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) from Nitra to Antwerp and Zeebrugge for another three years. This extension ensures the ongoing shipment of Defender and Discovery models from the Slovakian plant to major North Sea ports in Belgium.
In Nitra, 19 double-deck wagons from DB Cargo are regularly loaded with vehicles, forming one of eight block trains that travel weekly across approximately 1,300 kilometers, passing through Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. Seven trains head directly to Belgian ports, while one diverts to the trimodal car terminal in Neuss, Germany. This terminal acts as a flexible storage point until port capacity is available, with final transport to the ports completed by lorry or barge.
DB Cargo Logistics oversees the entire logistics chain, coordinating traction resources with other rail operators and managing last-mile transport. Real-time monitoring by dispatchers allows for prompt response to any issues, facilitating smooth operations. DB Cargo introduced a single multi-system locomotive to reduce transport time between Bratislava and Zeebrugge.
Each block train can move around 1,600 new cars weekly, with the double-deck wagons specifically designed for JLR's larger SUVs. This method not only ensures safe transport but also contributes to environmental sustainability. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, rail transport avoided 4,000 tonnes of CO2 compared to road transport.
The partnership, which began with the opening of JLR's Nitra plant in 2018, demonstrates a resilient logistics strategy for exporting vehicles, particularly to Great Britain and other overseas markets.
