Hitachi and Alstom team up to build HS2 fleet
The next generation of high-speed trains will be designed and built in Britain.
A JOINT venture between Hitachi and Alstom has been awarded the £2 billion contract to build and maintain a fleet of 54 eight-car high-speed trains for use on HS2 services.
The “predominantly UKdesigned” 225mph (360kph) all-electric trains will be built across sites in Crewe, Derby and Newton Aycliffe (Country Durham). The contract is expected to create more than 2500 jobs, with around 500 directly employed in the design and manufacturing phase, and a further 2000 indirect jobs in the supply chain. In addition, train maintenance will create more than 100 new jobs at Washwood Heath in Birmingham.
Vehicle bodies will be assembled and fitted out in Newton Aycliffe before shipping to Derby for all remaining components to be added, including interiors and electrics. The bogies will be made in Crewe.
Alstom’s managing director for UK & Ireland Nick Crossfield said: “HS2 is a once-in-ageneration opportunity to transform Britain by building a sustainable transport system fit for the 21st century.” Hitachi Rail’s group CEO Andrew Barr added: “This British-built bullet train will be the fastest in Europe.”
A spokesperson for the High Speed Rail Group said: “HS2 trains will offer passengers a world-class on board experience and make a huge difference to how people think about rail travel in this country.”