RZD proposes building distribution center in Novosibirsk for imported Chinese automobiles

NOVOSIBIRSK. Nov 27 (Interfax) - Russian Railways (RZD) has proposed to build a distribution center in Novosibirsk for automobiles imported from China.

"As for prospects with China, we have a new idea to set up a distribution center to ship in, import automobiles. Dealers are opening up [in Western Siberia], and more and more importers in the country are selling Chinese automobiles [such as] Chery and Geely. We've found some points of contact with them," the deputy head of RZD's West Siberian Corporate Transport Services Center, Kenan Abasov said at the GlobalSibExpo-China 2024 automobile transport, logistics and engineering forum in Novosibirsk on Wednesday.

He said automobiles from China now "go directly to Moscow," but if a distribution center is built in Novosibirsk it would also serve Kemerovo Region and Eastern Siberia.

This would enable Russian automobile dealers to get vehicles faster and automakers to increase sales and reduce transport costs, Abasov said, adding that RZD would increase freight car turnover in this case.

There are now ten Chery and Geely dealerships in Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk, according to Abasov's presentation.