WEDZ launches first Dongfeng China-Europe freight train

The first "Dongfeng" China-Europe freight train departs from Wuhan on March 14. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]

The first "Dongfeng" China-Europe freight train, loaded with Voyah vehicles, departed from Wuhan on March 14, marking a significant milestone for the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ). 

According to Li Wei, chief dispatcher of Hubei Port Group Co, this train, carrying 96 Voyah vehicles, will travel 8,909 kilometers to Moscow in 18 days, supporting Voyah's strategic expansion into the European market. 

Since embarking on its international journey in 2022, Voyah has entered markets in Italy, Spain, and Portugal as well as Belt and Road Initiative countries such as Poland, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. 

The freight train, specifically designed for Dongfeng Motor Corporation, aims to lower logistics costs and facilitate the efficient and convenient export of vehicles manufactured in WEDZ. 

During the launch event, Hubei Port Group and China Dongfeng Motor Industry Import & Export Co signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in integrated logistics and multimodal transport. 

In WEDZ, vehicles like the Voyah Dream, Voyah Free, and M-Hero 917 are reaching global markets. In 2024, vehicle exports from the zone exceeded 120,000 units, double the previous year. Export revenue reached 17 billion yuan ($2.35 billion), a 47 percent increase and 52 percent of the province's automotive exports.

A WEDZ representative said that authorities are committed to building an open platform that connects rivers and seas, further enhancing international logistics channels. The goal is to boost vehicle exports to surpass 200,000 units this year.