Knorr-Bremse and Hitachi Rail signed an agreement to supply new brake pads and discs for intercity Class 800 / 801 / 802 trains manufactured by Hitachi which are serving the UK intercity rail routes.
Under the contract, Knorr-Bremse will deliver new friction technology for over 1,200 intercity train cars starting the first quarter of 2021. The new brake pads and discs will optimise vehicles’ braking systems performance as well as minimise the maintenance time and life-cycle costs.
The “multi-million Euro” contract will be carried out for a period of four years and has an option for an additional four – year extension. Hitachi Rail has long-term maintenance contracts, ensuring it will be maintaining and servicing trains in the UK for several decades.
Supporting the Hitachi Rail maintenance regime, the innovative Knorr-Bremse braking system equipment for the Class 800 series trains has been designed to facilitate longer maintenance intervals and reduce maintenance time.
“With our state-of-the-art local RailServices support logistics we can guarantee both reliable original parts delivery as well as rapid and efficient brake system overhaul including technical support and advice,” Paul Goodhand, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse Rail UK said.
The two companies are collaborating for many years, with Knorr-Bremse providing brake control, air-supply and friction technology. Their intense cooperation started in 2013 when Hitachi Rail awarded Knorr-Bremse a contract to supply and commission braking systems for the Class 800 trains as part of the UK’s high-speed programme. Since their entry into service in 2017, the trains have been providing mainline services, running with a top speed of up to 200 km/h, across major routes in the UK. They increased the transport capacity by 18% compared to the fleets they have replaced.
“For many years now, Knorr-Bremse and Hitachi have cooperated closely and in a spirit of mutual trust to deliver intercity trains with outstanding performance and reliability,” said Mark Cleobury, Member of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems.
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