DB Cargo UK has signed a seven-year contract with CAT UK to transport finished vehicles from Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant in Merseyside to the Port of Southampton.

Teams in Cheshire, the West Midlands and Hampshire currently run around three weekly services between Merseyside and Southampton, with an aim to expand operations and increase freight journeys.

Jaguar Land Rover has invested hundreds of millions towards Halewood’s future and output of the next generation of electric vehicles manufactured in the UK.

The deal underscores rail freight’s reliability and sustainability, cutting CO2 emissions by around 76% versus road. With major EV investment at Halewood, output and rail volumes are set to rise.

“It’s a real honour to play a continuing role in the transportation of such an iconic British brand. We have worked with CAT UK, formerly STVA, for more than two decades, helping them to move high-value automobiles across the UK and Europe for both import and export.”

Roger Neary, Chief Commercial Officer.