ZIM Magazine | #96 | Autumn 2107

22 ZIM Magazine ZIM was chosen to bring 64 new buses from China to Israel this May, as part of a large-scale fleet overhaul for Egged, the largest bus company in Israel. The Chinese-made Yutong buses, imported by China Motors, were loaded onto ZIM's Car Star ship in the Port of Shanghai. China Motors' management team, led by owner Itzik Koifman, presided over a welcome ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the first shipment to the Port of Eilat. The event was attended by Egged's Purchasing Manager, Nir Landau, as well as the company's senior logistics team. Gideon Golber, Manager of the Port of Eilat, spoke about the tasks and challenges facing the port in the coming years, and Eitan Keidar, ZIM's Sales Manager, also shared a few words. To wrap up the ceremony, China Motors invited guests into a large warehouse to see the newly arrived buses. The highlight of the welcome ceremony was a fascinating, informative tour on board the ship led by Mr. Keidar. Guests learned about the latest car transportation methods using roll-on/roll-off ships and the route to the Port of Eilat, as well as the challenges involved in operating a giant ship with a minimal yet skilled crew. Towards the tour's end, the guests met the captain, who hosted them on the bridge and even treated them to a brief review of the ship's cutting-edge navigation systems. At the end of the event, the managers of China Motors and Egged thanked the management of the Port of Eilat and ZIM, and surprised them with an announcement of additional shipments. In total, 279 buses from China will join the new and improved Egged fleet in Israel by the end of the year. Moving the Movers