RZD taps Siemens for electric trains
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefRussian Railways announced Wednesday it has signed a contract with Siemens AG and Siemens Russia for 16 electric trains for suburban passenger transport, with the start of localized production in Russia.
The contract was signed Tuesday by Russian Railways President Vladmir Yakunin, Siemens Mobility CEO Hans-Jorg Grundmann, and Siemens Russia President Dietrich Möller.
The contract follows pre-existing agreements between the companies. Under the contract, 16 electric trains will be supplied. Their production will be partially localized in Russia (at least 20%). The new rolling stock will be used for suburban services in central and southern Russia.
In December 2009, Russian Railways ordered 54 suburban trains from Siemens AG. A contract was later signed for 38 Desiro-class trains, which will be produced at the Siemens plant in Krefeld, Germany.
