Deutsche Bahn is merging two of its existing automotive subsidiaries operating under the DB Schenker Rail division in the first quarter of 2011. ATG Autotransportlogistic and Schenker Automotive RailNet will now be managed as a single unit by the Automotive Market Unit in Europe called DB Schenker Rail Automotive. It will be headed by Axel Marschall.
"By merging the two companies, we hope to increase our efficiency in serving our customers in the automotive sector,” said Karsten Sachsenröder, member of the management board of DB Schenker Rail responsible for sales. “The merger is a response to the industry’s greater demand for integrated network solutions for components as well as finished vehicles from a single source.”
The newly merged company will be made up of four divisions. Marschall will be responsible for comprehensive business development and coordinating the cooperation with the European sister companies as chairman of business management. The Finished Vehicles Division (formerly ATG) will be headed by managing director Peter Büsing, while Components (formerly SAR) will continue to be managed by managing director Jens Nöldner. Meanwhile, Arthur Meurer will serve as managing director for Finance and Controlling.
DB has stated that sales and logistics for finished vehicles and components will remain separate to meet existing purchasing directives, customer contacts and their “specific features”.
“The new structure continues to ensure business neutrality through third-party forwarders for the finished vehicle business,” said the company in a statement.
DB Schenker Rail operates more than 200 trains a day and over 3m finished vehicles a year, and generated sales of around €650m ($907m) in 2009.
