Bombardier Transportation and its joint venture partners, Power Corporation of Canada and China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry (Group) Corporation, through their joint venture Bombardier Sifang Power (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd. (BSP), along with consortium partner Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., Ltd, received an order from the Ministry of Railways of China (MOR) for the production and delivery of 361 cars to be used for new train line services to Lhasa in Tibet. The order is valued at approximately $281 million US (213 million euros) and Bombardier’s share is approximately $78 million US (59 million euros) Delivery is scheduled to take place between December 2005 and May 2006.
This contract is part of the MOR’s commitment to develop the west area of the country. The new train lines will depart from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to reach Lhasa in Tibet. The new train service includes standard trains as well as special tourist trains. The new lines are expected to begin operation in June 2006.
Commenting on the order, Jianwei Zhang, Bombardier Chief Country representative, China said: “This project represents a very important technology challenge for BSP and Bombardier as the train will reach an altitude of 5000 meters and will be exposed to Tibet’s difficult environment conditions such as low temperature, low oxygen, and sand storms”.
The order includes 308 standard cars and 53 special tourist cars. The trains will be equipped with unique state of the art technology as they will be operated with enriched oxygen systems and special UV protection. Moreover, the tourist trains will ensure a unique experience to the passengers by providing luxury sleeping rooms with individual showers, cars with a panoramic view, entertainment and dining in a luxurious environment.
André Navarri, President, Bombardier Transportation 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”.
BSP is a joint venture between Bombardier, Power Corporation of Canada and China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry (Group) Corporation.
In addition to BSP, Bombardier participates in two other joint ventures in China. The first one, Changchun Bombardier Railway Vehicles Co. Ltd. (CBRC) is dedicated to the production of metro vehicles. The other joint venture, Bombardier – CPC Propulsion Systems Co. Ltd. (BCP) - is involved in the production, marketing and maintenance of propulsion components for rail vehicles.
Including its joint ventures, Bombardier currently employs 1,400 people in China. In addition to its rail transportation operations, Bombardier is the number one supplier to the Chinese regional aircraft market with an installed base of 36 aircraft operated by seven airlines. It is also the top-ranked manufacturer of business aircraft in the country. Bombardier’s longstanding business relationship with China began 50 years ago.
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 and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
For information:
Hélène V. Gagnon
Senior Director, Communications
North America
+1 450 441-8156