Bombardier Transportation announced today that it received an additional order for 100 high-capacity trains AGC type (Autorail Grande Capacité) from the French National Railways (SNCF), valued at approximately 350 million euros ($474 million dollars US). The SNCF represents the French Regions in this transaction. The trains will be delivered between December 2007 and February 2009. Bombardier will manufacture these AGC trains at its Crespin plant, in the Valenciennes region in France.
This firm order follows the selection of Bombardier by SNCF in September 2001 for the supply of 500 high-capacity regional trains AGC type for the French Regions. In December 2001, a first firm order of 192 was signed followed by two additional options, one for 73 trains in February 2003 and one for 14 trains in March 2003. With the current order, the total number of firm orders from SNCF for high-capacity regional trains AGC type is 379.
The AGC is available in numerous versions. The seating capacity of the trains can range from 160 to 220 seats, depending on the number of cars. Modular interior design exists in the High Class and Intercity versions. The trains can run on either diesel fuel, electricity or a combination of the two. The AGC travels at a maximum speed of 160 km per hour. Thanks to its articulated architecture, it sports wide carbodies and inter-circulation gangways, as well as a continuous low floor. These features provide excellent access for travellers, make it easier to move about in the trains and deliver greater comfort, visibility, and security. The first AGC was delivered in January of 2004 and about 30 are currently operating in France.
Bombardier’s President of Mainline and Metros, Mr. Olof Persson commented on the occasion, “This order of additional trains based on the contract signed in 2001 confirms SNCF and the French Regions’ trust in Bombardier. These trains have the ability to cover great distances, providing passengers with a comfortable and easy mode of regional transportation. Our staff in Crespin, France is wholeheartedly dedicated to driving this project through to successful completion.”
Bombardier Transportation in France operates primarily at its Crespin site in the Valenciennes region, where it employs more than 1,600 people. In the French market, Bombardier Transportation participates in all TGV programs and manufactures a wide range of rolling stock for public transport. Among these products are the MF 2000 vehicles for the Paris metro, the Strasbourg, Nantes and Marseille tramways, the recent vehicles for the RER network and the TER2N NG regional transport railcars.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004 were $15.5 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto, and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
For information:
David Slack
Manager, Communications
450-441-3190