BMW, Audi Suspend Shipments By Train To China Due To Ukraine War

BMW, Audi suspend shipments by train to China following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Both automakers have switched to alternative routes/transportation modes to ensure security.

BMW, Audi produce most of their vehicles in China, the world’s largest car market.

But the two brands certain share in China is imported from Europe by rail or ship.

Last year, 846,237 BMW’s and MINI’s were delivered to Chinese customers, while Audi delivered 701,289 vehicles.

Automakers began moving some shipments from ship to rail to lower their carbon footprint.

German auto giants, BMW AG and Audi AG have suspended shipments of cars by rail from Germany to China following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Both carmakers produce most of their vehicles in China, the world’s largest car market, but their certain share are imported from Europe by rail or ship.

Last year, BMW Group delivered 846,237 BMW and MINI vehicles to Chinese customers, while Volkswagen’ premium brand Audi delivered 701,289 vehicles.

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“Due to the current geopolitical situation, our train transport on the Silk Road and Trans-Siberian railway have temporarily been switched to alternative routes or transportation modes to ensure planning and supply security,” said BMW.

“Vehicles for China and Mongolia are now transported by ship from Bremerhaven.”

Audi also suspended rail transports to and from China via Russia with the Trans-Siberian Railway immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a spokesperson for parent Volkswagen said.

“We are currently examining whether transports by rail via the southern route will also be possible in the near future,” the spokesperson added.

In recent years, some automakers, including BMW and Audi, began moving some shipments from ship to rail to lower their carbon footprint as well as to pursue higher speed and schedule reliability.

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