Rhenus and Zhengtong Auto plan China–Europe automotive logistics network
Rhenus Logistics and China’s Zhengtong Auto have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop automotive logistics solutions connecting China with Poland, supporting the Chinese company’s plans to expand its vehicle distribution activities in Europe.
The agreement was signed on 4 November 2026 at Rhenus’ Greater China headquarters in Shanghai by Hong Shaoyong, General Manager of the Automotive Supply Chain Division China at Zhengtong Auto, and Tobias Koenig, Chief Commercial Officer of Rhenus Group.
The cooperation will focus on international vehicle transportation, warehousing and distribution, with Poland identified as the main European logistics hub for the proposed activities. Zhengtong Auto operates within the Xiamen ITG Holding Group.
Under the MoU, Rhenus will support plans to establish a bonded warehouse and distribution facility in Poland, providing a base for handling vehicles imported from China before their onward distribution.
Poland planned as distribution hub
The proposed logistics arrangement covers the movement of finished vehicles from Shanghai to Poland, alongside overseas storage, vehicle yard management, inventory control and domestic distribution services.
Rhenus will also work with Zhengtong Auto to develop standard operating procedures tailored to automotive logistics, including requirements associated with vehicle handling and distribution.
The planned facility is intended to support Zhengtong Auto’s development of an international automotive supply chain, linking vehicle exports from China with storage and distribution capabilities in Europe.
The companies have not disclosed the planned warehouse location, handling capacity, investment value or timetable for the start of operations.
Beyond Poland, the two partners are exploring additional business opportunities in other markets, including Italy, Belgium and Norway, as well as Argentina.
These potential projects remain under development and have not been announced as confirmed operational expansions.
Partnership targets wider automotive logistics activities
The agreement builds on Rhenus’ existing logistics operations between China and Europe, covering international freight transportation, contract logistics and distribution services.
Hong Shaoyong, General Manager of the Automotive Supply Chain Division China at Zhengtong Auto, said Rhenus had supported the company during the early stages of its European expansion plans.
“Rhenus supported us from the very beginning of our Europe expansion journey,” said Hong Shaoyong, General Manager of the Automotive Supply Chain Division China, Zhengtong Auto.
Tobias Koenig, Chief Commercial Officer of Rhenus Group, said the partnership would draw on the company’s existing China–Europe network and experience in developing integrated logistics solutions.
The cooperation is intended to support Zhengtong Auto’s overseas distribution requirements while providing a framework for potential expansion into additional markets.
For now, the agreement establishes a framework for future cooperation rather than confirming the opening of a new warehouse or the commencement of additional transport services.
