Knorr-Bremse has won an order worth EUR 42 million from Hitachi Rail Europe covering the braking systems for the initial 600 Hitachi train cars series Class 800 destined for UK operations.
Hitachi Rail Europe has chosen the extensive systems expertise and experience of Knorr-Bremse to deliver reliability and total compliance with all the rigorous safety, technical and performance requirements of this exciting new train.
Knorr-Bremse will be supplying the entire braking system for the Hitachi Class 800 series train, including EP Compact electronic brake control, the bogie equipment and the air supply system with oil-free compressor.
The Hitachi Class 800 series trains are destined for intercity service at speeds of up to 200 km/h. They are scheduled to come into service in 2017 as part of the Intercity Express Programme, initially replacing the existing Intercity 125 fleets on the Great Western Main Line. The new trains will also replace those currently operating on the long distance routes from London to destinations which include Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Following their initial introduction the new trains will also enter service on the East Coast Main Line during 2018. The contract was signed by Keith Jordan, Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Europe, and Paul Goodhand, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK in Melksham, Wiltshire. Keith Jordan, Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Europe commented at the signing ceremony, “The Intercity Express Programme is a long-term project for us and we have demanding reliability targets. By partnering with Knorr-Bremse, we believe that we have found the right company to help us to achieve these goals. Bringing the right level of reliability and technical compliance, coupled with UK experience and a low life-cycle cost, the Knorr-Bremse brake systems will contribute to the long-term success of the Hitachi Class 800 trains.” “We are proud that Knorr-Bremse has been chosen to play a key role in the creation of this exciting new Hitachi train,” said Dr. Dieter Wilhelm, Executive Board Member of the Knorr-Bremse AG. “The co-ordinated effort and teamwork of Knorr-Bremse colleagues based in the UK, Germany and Japan has resulted in an outstanding braking systems solution for the Hitachi Class 800 trains. We now very much look forward to working with Hitachi Rail on this project and indeed to offering them further systems and services solutions for their other prestigious, global rail projects into the future.”
Paul Goodhand, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK added, “We are all delighted here to become partners to Hitachi Rail Europe and have already formed a close working relationship with this dynamic company. We are committed and indeed look forward, to supporting Hitachi Rail Europe in their UK manufacturing efforts, not only on the initial supply and commissioning of the brake system on this exciting new train, but also on providing support through its entire life cycle, some twenty eight years into the future.”
Knorr-Bremse Press Release
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