Citroën C3: the unexpected return of the train for a greener delivery

The new Citroën C3 is already generating significant buzz, and for good reason. With its confident urban SUV styling, it is shaking up the conventions of its segment. True to the brand's DNA, it promises an unparalleled comfort experience thanks to its Advanced Comfort suspensions and seats—a true Citroën signature. Above all, it positions itself as a particularly affordable electric mobility solution, making this technology accessible to a wider audience. But beyond these intrinsic qualities that position it for success, the C3 is innovating in a more discreet but equally crucial area for our future: its logistics. Indeed, after an eight-year hiatus, I am pleased to report that vehicles produced at the Kragujevac plant in Serbia are once again being transported by rail, marking a major ecological and strategic turning point for the brand.

A Journey on the Rails for a More Sustainable Future

Imagine thousands of brand-new Citroën C3s rolling off the Serbian production lines. Until recently, their long journey to French dealerships was predominantly made by road. This meant a relentless stream of trucks crossing a large part of Europe, with the significant carbon footprint that entails. Today, that picture is changing. As part of its commitment to a more virtuous industry, Stellantis has decided to place the train back at the heart of its logistics strategy. This ambitious decision was brought to life by Groupe CAT France, a major player in automotive logistics, which took over the contract previously managed by CEVA Logistics. Instead of continuing with a conventional road-based model, Groupe CAT made the bold and visionary choice to favor rail transport.

In practical terms, entire trains loaded with gleaming C3s now depart from Serbia, bound for the Forbach station in the Moselle region of France. This shift is far from trivial. Each freight train replaces dozens of trucks on the highways. The reduction in CO2 emissions is therefore substantial, as is the decrease in road congestion. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Stellantis group's goal of reducing its environmental impact at every stage of a vehicle's life, from manufacturing to delivery. To orchestrate this railway ballet, the journey is managed by two operators: Rhenus Rail handles the German leg of the trip, and Time Fret Express takes over for the final kilometers on French soil, ensuring seamless coordination.

Forbach: a station reborn as a strategic hub

The return of rail traffic to Forbach is not a matter of chance but the result of significant investment to modernize infrastructure that had been dormant for nearly a decade. To safely and efficiently accommodate full-length car-carrying trains, the station underwent a complete overhaul. Sleepers were replaced, switches were refurbished, the ballast was renewed, and new LED lighting was installed on the platforms. These were not mere cosmetic changes; they were essential to restoring Forbach's role as a logistics hub. The city has thus become a major entry point for vehicles produced in Central Europe and destined for the French market.

This revival is excellent news for the local economy, but more importantly, it showcases a modern and intelligent logistics approach: multimodal transport. The Citroën C3s arrive in bulk by train to Forbach, an efficient and eco-friendly mode of transport for long distances. From this strategic hub, they are then loaded onto trucks to cover the "last mile," allowing for precise distribution to dealerships across the country. It’s the best of both worlds. Furthermore, this strategy is designed for the long term. Following the Citroën C3, the Kragujevac plant will also produce the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda. It will follow the same railway path, confirming Forbach's central role in Stellantis's distribution strategy for years to come.

In conclusion, the decision to reactivate the railway for transporting the new Citroën C3 is much more than a simple logistical detail. It symbolizes a growing awareness and a profound transformation within the automotive industry. This initiative is a perfect illustration of a virtuous circle. For Stellantis, it is a way to optimize costs while strengthening its image as a responsible manufacturer and reducing its carbon footprint. For the planet, shifting traffic from road to rail is a tangible victory in the fight against climate change. Finally, for us, the customers, it provides the assurance that the innovative and accessible car we are waiting for is reaching us in the most environmentally friendly way possible. This return of the train is excellent news, proving that innovation is not just found under the hood, but also on the tracks that lead the way.