Toyota is to use rail rather than ships to get parts to its Russian plant.


The Japanese buiness daily Nikkei reported the automaker would start using the trans-Siberian railway as early as next spring to deliver the parts.


It currently uses ships but by switching to rail, transport times would be cut by two-thirds and carbon dioxide emissions cut.


The report said Mitsui would load Toyota’s parts on trains in Vladivostok on Russia’s east coast for transport to the plant near St Petersburg.


The trip is expected to take about 20 days and the parts will be packed to protect them from damage caused by vibrations.