Bombardier Awarded Breakthrough Signalling Contract for High-Speed Rail Line in China

First implementation of Bombardier’s leading-edge ERTMS Level 2 signalling technology in China

Bombardier Transportation announced today that it has received a groundbreaking contract for rail signalling equipment in China from systems integrator China Railway Signalling and Communications Corp (CRSC). The contract, valued at approximately 66 million euros ($91 million US), involves the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of BOMBARDIER* INTERFLO* 450 ERTMS Level 2 onboard and wayside signalling equipment for CRSC and its customer the Chinese Ministry of Railways (MOR).

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a leading-edge signalling standard being deployed in many European countries. A recognized pioneer in development and deployment of ERTMS systems worldwide, Bombardier is now bringing its ERTMS Level 2 signalling technology to the fast growing Chinese rail market – solidifying its leadership position in the sector.

The new signalling system for China will manage very high-speed (VHS) traffic traveling at speeds up to 300 km/h along nearly 1,000 kilometres of rail line between the cities of Wuhan and Guangzhou. The system is scheduled to enter commercial operation in January 2010. The contract involves a 15-year cooperation agreement between CRSC and Bombardier.

The INTERFLO 450 ERTMS Level 2 signalling solution for the line will consist of 120 onboard systems for 60 VHS train sets and nine BOMBARDIER* EBI* Com RBCs (radio block centres) for the line and stations. It will also provide signalling support on interface specifications and interoperability.

The system will be developed at Bombardier Transportation Rail Control Solutions sites in Sweden and Thailand, and will include technology transfer so that the final units for the contract can be built in China. Product design will be carried out in Sweden and China.

Commenting on the announcement, André Navarri, President of Bombardier Transportation, said, “We are very proud to participate in the very high speed railway programme, and to support our customers MOR and CRSC in supplying our advanced systems and equipment to the Chinese railways. This contract reinforces our excellent business relationship in China and further demonstrates the customer’s confidence in Bombardier.”

Anders Lindberg, President, Bombardier Transportation Rail Control Solutions, said: “As pioneers of ERTMS technology and following our recent successes in Sweden and the Netherlands, we are extremely proud to win this prestigious order which secures Bombardier’s position as the number one supplier worldwide in ERTMS and also brings ETCS Level 2 technology to China.”

Jianwei Zhang, President and Chief Country Representative, Bombardier China, added: “Through its participation in a number of challenging railway projects in China, Bombardier has earned an excellent reputation and has gained a great understanding of the specific needs of the Chinese railway market. This order secures the strategic relationship with the MOR for Bombardier, as state-of-the-art signalling technology provider.”

As market leader, Bombardier has a strong presence in the development of cutting-edge ERTMS technology, including previously delivered contracts for Level 2 onboard equipment in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Sweden. Its INTERFLO 450 ERTMS Level 2 lineside equipment is currently being tested and delivered in Sweden (Botniabanan) and The Netherlands (Amsterdam-Utrecht).

Bombardier Transportation’s Rail Control Solutions portfolio covers the whole range of BOMBARDIER* CITYFLO* mass transit solutions, from manual to fully automatic systems as well as communication-based systems. It also provides INTERFLO mainline solutions, from conventional systems to ERTMS level 2 systems. Bombardier solutions encompass a complete palette of wayside and onboard products.

Background facts and figures

About ERTMS/ETCS Signalling Technology

European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) technology, a supplier-independent rail signalling standard, allows trains to cross international borders safely without having to change the locomotive or driver. At the core of ERTMS is the European Train Control System (ETCS). ERTMS solutions use ETCS onboard and wayside equipment to manage rail traffic more effectively – improving safety, maintaining high availability, providing shorter headways between high-speed trains and reducing maintenance costs for rail operators.

Bombardier Recent Rail Contracts in China
Other recent contracts awarded to Bombardier and its Chinese partners:

  • Automated People Mover System for the City of Guangzhou (May 2007)
  • 192 metro cars and propulsion and controls equipment for Shanghai Metro Line 7 to Shanghai Shentong Co. (May 2007)
  • 500 electric freight locomotives for the Ministry of Railways (February 2007)
  • 306 metro cars and propulsion and controls equipment for Shanghai Metro Line 9 (November 2006)
  • Propulsion and controls equipment for 192 cars on Beijing Metro Line 4 (July 2006)
  • 40 automated rail cars for Beijing Capital International Airport Link (March 2006)


About Bombardier in China

Including its three joint ventures, Bombardier currently employs 2,500 people in China. In addition to its rail transportation operations, Bombardier is also the number one supplier to the Chinese regional aircraft market with an installed base of more than 30 aircraft in operation with six airlines. It is the top-ranked supplier of business aircraft to China as well. Bombardier’s longstanding business relationship with China began 50 years ago.

About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide. The Group offers the broadest product portfolio and is recognized as the leader in the global rail sector.

About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2007, were $14.8 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier, INTERFLO, EBI and CITYFLO are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For Further Information Please Contact:

China
Jianwei Zhang: +86 10 8529 6800

Americas
David Slack: +1 450 441 3190

Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Jürgen Kornmann: +49 30 986 07 1138

Switzerland
Fiona Flannery: +41 44 318 29 91

Central and Eastern Europe
Vicki Luther: + 49 30 986 07 1139

Russia
Alexander Bocharov: +7 495 775 1830

UK, Ireland, Nordic Countries, Australia, New Zealand, other countries
Neil Harvey: +44 1332 266470

Benelux and France
Anne Froger: +33 6 07 78 95 38

Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, India
Luis Ramos: +35 1 919 693 728