Bombardier - Alstom Consortium to Provide up to 1,362 Double Deck Train Cars to Belgian National Railways (SNCB-NMBS)

• New contract will enable SNCB-NMBS to offer a total of 145,000 extra seats to its passengers
• First firm order is for 445 M7 double deck train cars

Bombardier Transportation - Alstom consortium, signed a framework contract to supply up to 1,362 M7 double deck cars to the Belgian National Railways (SNCB-NMBS). The total order is valued at 3.3 billion euro ($3.6 billion US). Bombardier’s part is worth around 2.1 billion euro ($2.3 billion US) while Alstom’s share is worth 1.2 billion euro ($1.3 billion US).

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The first firm order signed today includes the design and manufacturing of 445 cars and is valued at approximately 1.3 billion euro ($1.4 billion US). Bombardier’s share is valued at 787 million euro ($853 million US) while Alstom’s share is valued at 471 million euro ($511 million US). Deliveries for this first order will take place between September 2018 and 2021. The frame contract includes options for up to 917 additional cars.

Bombardier’s site in Bruges (Belgium), will provide 65 multifunctional steering cars and 290 trailer cars. Alstom will design and build 90 motorized cab cars in its Valenciennes site (France) with the support of its electrical and signalling centre of excellence based in Charleroi (Belgium). Alstom will also develop and produce the ETCS level 2 system to equip the total fleet. 

Laurent Troger, President, Bombardier Transportation, said, “This framework contract for almost 1,400 double deck coaches will provide the people of Belgium with the highest standard of modern mobility solutions. It also confirms SNCB-NMBS’ trust in Bombardier’s products and technology, further strengthening our long term partnership”.

“This order clearly reflects the strong confidence the SNCB-NMBS has in our double-deck trains and the level of comfort they offer. It is also an indication that the vehicles are really appreciated by the passengers and represent the ideal answer to increasing ridership”, said Andreas Knitter, Senior Vice-President Alstom Europe.

These new trains will increase the overall capacity on SNCB-NMBS’ network by adding an additional 145,000 seats. The trains will be able to run at speeds of up to 200km/h and will operate on all Belgian mainlines, cross border with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, including on some high speed lines. The M7 concept is based on the very successful and highly reliable M6 double deck cars, of which 492 were delivered by the same Bombardier - Alstom consortium. The completely redesigned interior of both first and second class cars was validated by the customer after consulting over 200 representatives from different user groups. The new interior and an improved passenger information system will provide travellers with enhanced passenger comfort while the multifunctional steering cars will feature wheelchair access and space for bicycles. 

The M7 cars are fully flexible. They can be operated either as M7 EMU’s [1] or as loco-hauled trains composed of both M7 and existing M6 double deck cars. A predictive train diagnostic system will improve preventive maintenance activities and reduce the life cycle costs. These extra features turn this new generation double deck trains into one of the most cost-effective solutions for our customer.

[1] Electrical Multiple Unit

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation. 

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

About Bombardier Transportation

Bombardier Transportation is a global leader in rail technology and offers the broadest portfolio in the industry. It covers the full spectrum of rail solutions, ranging from trains to sub-systems and signalling. The company also provides complete transport systems, e-mobility technology and maintenance services. As an innovation driver, Bombardier Transportation continuously breaks new ground in sustainable mobility. It provides integrated solutions that create substantial benefits for operators, passengers and the environment. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Bombardier Transportation employs around 37,700 people and its products and services operate in over 60 countries.

About Alstom

As a promoter of sustainable mobility, Alstom develops and markets systems, equipment and services for the railway sector. Alstom manages the widest range of solutions in the market – from high-speed trains to metros and tramways – and associated maintenance, modernisation, infrastructure and signalling solutions. Alstom is a world leader in integrated railway systems. It recorded sales of €6.2 billion and booked €10 billion of orders in the 2014/15 fiscal year. Headquartered in France, Alstom is present in over 60 countries and employs 32,000 people today.