Mazda Becomes First Automaker to use Trans-Siberian Railroad

The Trans-Siberian Railway is a massive network of railroads connecting European Russia with the far east side of the country, China and the Sea of Japan. Starting in October 2008, Mazda will become the first car manufacturer to adopt this transport system for regular large-scale transportation of vehicles to Russia. Mazda will ship its vehicles from its factory in Hiroshima, Japan to Zarubino which is near Vladivostok. The automobiles will then be transported on the approximately 9,300 km (5,800 miles) route to Moscow on dedicated block trains of 30 rail cars. As with the passenger train, delivery time to Moscow will be 10 days. -Continued

Mazda claims that this transport initiative will supplement vehicle shipments from Japan, reducing the delivery time to Russia by up to 30 days for high demand models.

“Mazda is one of Russia’s most popular brands with double-digit growth every month,” said Jorgen Olesen, Vice President for Customer Service, Logistics and IS at Mazda Motor Europe. “Rail transport is intended to supplement existing delivery, which will continue to come by ship and road from the west. This dual transport strategy will help meet high demand for Mazda cars in Russia, and to lower overall delivery times to customers.”