Eleven Volkswagen are driving from China to Wolfsburg – on the Silk Road.
On the trails of merchants, military leaders, and scholars
Rough terrain, seemingly endless expanses and an old network of caravan routes characterise the Silk Road between Asia and Europe. A convoy of eleven Chinese Volkswagens has been travelling from China to Wolfsburg along this historical trade route.
On the trails of merchants, military leaders, and scholars they are the heralds – this is the plan of the Chinese government - of the Silk Road revival. The guests received a fitting welcome at the Autostadt before continuing their journey onto Milan.
The travellers faced endless expanses
The journey was organised by XinhuaNet, the largest news agency in the People's Republic, and the China Culture Administration Association (CCAA). The project is part of a Chinese investment campaign "New Silk Road", amounting to $900 billion. The convoy was formed by eight Teramonts, the Chinese counterpart to the mid-size SUV Atlas and three Phideons, the luxury class saloon for the Chinese market. Led by experienced globetrotter Li Feng, the first stage ran from the southern Chinese city of Huangshan to Kazakhstan. One major challenge already lay in wait for the group of travellers:
Also performing well on rough roads: the eleven Volkswagens on their journey.
Freak weather and a wealth of experience
Heavy snowfall and narrow roads ensured that progress was slow for the group. Luckily, convoy leader Li Feng is highly experienced with these kinds of situations: the adventurous family man already circumnavigated the world in a car 13 years ago.
A lot of experience and routine: Li Feng led the convoy.
Equipped with an old mobile telephone and a world road atlas, he drove for six months until, after 45,000 kilometres, he had travelled around the globe to arrive back at home. Thanks to his numerous experiences, Li Feng also knew immediately, what to do in Kazakhstan, as the roads got worse and worse: firstly, stay calm. Secondly, keep an eye on the route. And thirdly, if you lose sight of the road, seek contact with the locals.
After the third case soon occurred, he turned to the locals for help. Consequently, a Kazakh farmer climbed into his tractor and led the convoy. He took charge of the group for 18 kilometres, guiding them out of the wintry steppe. It was blanketed in deep snow until the main road continued.
The ambassadors on the way to Europe.
"It took us a total of 16 hours to cover that day's 200-kilometre stage," says the convoy leader recalling the mastered test. The ambassadors of the "New Silk Road" continued their journey via Russia, Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic. They promoted friendship, mutual exchanges and collaborations at events in all countries.
The Phideon proved its strengths even off-road.
Unforgettable travel experiences and new friendships
With these moving experiences in their hearts, the tour group finally reached the Autostadt. Numerous academics, media representatives, entrepreneurs and Francesco Forte, head of the Autostadt delivery centre, welcomed the much-travelled guests. Many convoy participants had to give interviews, as well as German and Chinese Volkswagen representatives. The long standing partnership of Volkswagen Group with the Chinese Joint Venture Partners was, of course, one of the most popular subjects.
The unforgettable travel experiences, new contacts and friendships were the main topic of conversation at a joint dinner. The idea of developing the "New Silk Road" was vividly discussed. While the once most important trade link between China and Europe aided the meeting of religions, ideas and whole cultures, modern roads, ports and rail connections will help bring about a revival of the Silk Road.
The route continued via Riga to Wolfsburg.
After calling in at the Autostadt, Li Feng and his tour group will drive on along the trail of the "New Silk Road" through Austria and Switzerland to Milan. Despite a thirst for adventure, his priority is that his companions finally get home not just with unforgettable memories, but, above all, safely.
