Škoda Group awarded Hübner a contract for the supply of tram gangway systems and other components for 22 light rail vehicles that will be in service in Kassel from 2027.
The Hübner Group will start delivering the components and systems to the Škoda Group in mid-2025.
The manufacturer of the largest vehicle investment in the history of the Kasseler Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (KVG) to date is the Škoda Group.
Under the contract, Hübner Group will supply Škoda Group a total of 44 tram gangway systems consisting of outer corrugated bellows, inner bellows and turntable. In addition, there are 44 upper and 44 lower articulation systems.
A core component in the gangway systems for the new Kassel trams is the FX1000pro lower articulation, which Hübner has further developed and manufactures in a recently rebuilt production section at the Kassel-Waldau plant. It is now characterized by low lifecycle costs with a service life twice as long as before.
An important aspect of the project is the promotion of accessibility, because not all KVG trams are currently equipped with same-level entrance. In order to ensure that barrier-free access is also provided for people with limited mobility, Hübner is manufacturing 88 folding ramps for the new Kassel trams.
“As a group of companies, we have a global presence, but our headquarters with the important areas of development, design and production are located in Kassel. We identify with the region to a great extent. That’s why it’s a matter close to our hearts that our components and systems also benefit local public transport,” said the Managing Director Kai Mentel, who is responsible for the Mobility Rail business division of the Hübner Group.
The upper articulation systems also come from the Hübner Group. The innovative articulations will be supplied directly to the Škoda Group by the affiliated company Hemscheidt Engineering. They have an integrated spring element that helps to reduce weight as well as optimise the spring characteristics.
In July 2023, KVG awarded Škoda Group a contract for the supply of 22 30-metre two-way trams including an option for further 18 light rail vehicles.
The first new trams are then to be transported from the Škoda plant in Pilsen to Kassel in mid-2026. After approval, the first trams are expected to be able to be used in KVG’s regular services in Kassel as well as on the routes to Baunatal, Vellmar and through the Losse Valley from 2027.
Share on:
