Helrom, Duvenbeck and Audi Launch Full Train Project

With the official start on April 4, 2024, the first exclusive Helrom full train will commence its journey. The new Helrom Trailer Rail connection is part of the logistics chain of AUDI AG and connects the material supply for the three Audi locations Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, and Győr via the railway line from Regensburg in Germany to Lébény in Hungary. The project is a collaboration between AUDI AG, the logistics group Duvenbeck, bayernhafen, and Helrom.

(Frankfurt) By integrating this innovative intermodal concept into the Audi Supply Chain, Helrom GmbH significantly contributes to the potential annual reduction of up to 11,500 tons of CO2 emissions on this route. After a planning and implementation phase of less than 12 months, the first exclusive full train from Helrom will begin operations following a ceremonial opening event on April 4. Thanks to the globally patented technology of the Helrom trailer wagon, it is possible to load all types of truck semi-trailers onto a train without special terminals and cranes – a significant step towards a more climate-friendly and efficient logistics system. In combination with Duvenbeck’s sustainable truck drive concepts for the pre- and post-haulage, the new connection between Regensburg and Lébény in Hungary will save up to 11,500 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The new connection is part of AUDI AG’s sustainability strategy Mission:Zero and represents the first realization of barrier-free rail transport of truck semi-trailers as an exclusive full train. This sets new standards in transport logistics for Audi. Per round trip (Regensburg-Lébény-Regensburg), the Helrom train covers 1,000 km in just 24 hours. Within these 24 hours, the train travels back and forth, with loading and unloading taking place in Regensburg and Lébény.

Each train consists of 18 cars that can transport 36 trailers. This means that daily from Monday to Friday, 72 trucks are shifted from road to rail, resulting in a weekly reduction of truck transport performance by approximately 185,000 kilometers. Roman Noack, CEO of Helrom, describes this as a significant step for the company and emphasizes the forward-looking nature of the new full train connection: “With our innovative technology, we overcome the barriers of previous intermodal transport. By eliminating the need for special terminals for loading semi-trailers, we integrate more smartly into the supply chains, completely without detours.

Faster and more reliable than previous intermodal transport

Furthermore, we are faster and more reliable than the previous intermodal transport. The efficient networking of different technologies and transport modes, such as road and rail, into a Physical Internet of Semi Trailers via HelromHubs as Smart Interfaces is key to achieving climate goals in freight transport.”

According to Roman Noack, the successful implementation of this project was primarily based on the good cooperation of all parties involved: “The successful launch is the result of a shared vision from Audi, Duvenbeck, Helrom, and bayernhafen. The project demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile environmentally friendly solutions with economic interests and social concerns through innovative technology.”

Dieter Braun, Head of Supply Chain AUDI AG: “Consistent decarbonization is one of our central challenges in the supply chain. We at Audi pursue a holistic approach to optimally design the logistics processes between our suppliers and our plants. This project shows that we can also integrate innovative and climate-friendly solutions from partners in our supply chain.”

Norbert Joichl, COO South/East Duvenbeck: “Intermodal full train concepts are an important part of our strategy to reduce CO2 emissions. We are pleased to implement this project with innovative partners like Audi and Helrom. In addition to the train handling by Helrom, we will also employ alternative technologies in the pre- and post-haulage.”

Open to all solutions

Joachim Zimmermann, Managing Director of bayernhafen: “In combined transport, we predominantly see containers today. Now it is about solutions for the large trailer volumes on continental routes. We are open to all proposed solutions in this regard. With the trailer port, we have set the course early on specifically for this segment.”

Photo: © Helrom / Astrid Piethan