JV created for urban transport vehicle production in Russia

Škoda Transportation and Sinara Group signed on December 17 an agreement to establish a joint venture for the production of metro trains, trams and trolleybuses in St. Petersburg.

“Through our partnership with Škoda Transportation we will create high-quality, modern vehicles for public transport, such as next-generation trams. Our experience in development, production and service will enable us to create products that will outperform existing vehicles in terms of comfort, ergonomics, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness,” Viktor Leš, CEO of Sinara – Transport Machines, said at the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, the two companies will have the same share in the new business, and the products of the joint venture will be marketed under the Sinara-Škoda brand.

It is expected that the production of the new urban transport vehicles will be launched in 2020-2021. Under the agreement, the companies plan to invest between RUB 1.5 – 2 billion (USD 24 – 32 million).

“Russia is a huge and promising market in which we want to establish ourselves in the long term. The local fleet requires a massive renewal, entailing large investments and opportunities. In Sinara Group we see a stable and reliable partner with whom we will be able to develop the production of electric vehicles for public transport in Russia,” Petr Brzezina, President of the Škoda Transportation group, said.

In 2017, Vagonmaš part of the Škoda Transportation Group, won a tender for the supply of 7 six-car NěVa trains for Saint Petersburg Metro. The new trains, with a value of RUB 4 billion (USD 64 million), were delivered in 2018 and 2019. In the last years, Vagonmaš has delivered a total 24 NěVa train fleet for the city’s metro system.

Škoda Transportation has also delivered low-floor ForCity trams for St. Petersburg. The city intends to expand its tramway system by constructing a 13.5-km LRT line from Yuzhnaya metro station to Kolpino district. The project includes the procurement of 22 new trams which will operate the new connection.

Sinara Group says that the new products will be in demand in St. Petersburg, as the city will significantly expand its public transport network until 2038.

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