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Knorr-Bremse, a global leader in braking systems and other rail and commercial vehicle technologies, has announced significant new contracts in China, further solidifying its position in the world’s largest railway market. These agreements, primarily with CRRC, the globe’s largest train manufacturer, underscore Knorr-Bremse’s enduring partnership with the Chinese rail industry and its ability to capitalize on the nation’s dynamic economic development. The new orders involve equipping over 1,000 metro railcars for major Chinese cities and include projects for international export.
Key Highlights:
- Knorr-Bremse secures contracts to equip over 1,000 new metro railcars in China.
- CRRC, the world’s largest train manufacturer, awarded Knorr-Bremse these significant domestic projects.
- The company will also supply braking systems for trains exported from China to countries like Kazakhstan and Brazil.
- These successes reflect Knorr-Bremse’s strong business performance and long-standing presence in Asia.
- The total order volume for the metro projects is in the mid double-digit million-euro range.
Dr. Nicolas Lange, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG with global responsibility for the Rail division, stated, “Knorr-Bremse has been a highly reliable partner to the Chinese rail industry for over 30 years. Our latest successes reflect our profound understanding of the needs of our customers in China. These new projects in the metro rail segment show that even in challenging times, we can benefit from the dynamic development of China’s rail industry.”
The new projects for China’s megacities, secured in the last quarter, will see Knorr-Bremse supply complete braking systems for metro fleets in Guangzhou (336 railcars) and Fuzhou (192 railcars), as well as Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Ningbo. These systems include electropneumatic brake control systems, bogie equipment, and actuators. Over several years, Knorr-Bremse will equip a total of around 150 trains, representing a substantial order volume.
Beyond its domestic success, Knorr-Bremse is also leveraging China as an increasingly important export hub. The company was recently awarded contracts to equip more than 100 CRRC locomotives destined for Kazakhstan with braking systems. These systems will be customized and produced at its facilities in Suzhou and through Knorr-Bremse Nankou Air Supply Unit (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a joint venture with CRRC. Additionally, Knorr-Bremse is outfitting new light rail vehicles (LRVs) for export to Astana, Kazakhstan, and Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Several factors contribute to China’s growing appeal as an export base for Knorr-Bremse. The company maintains close working relationships with Chinese train manufacturers, who are increasingly supplying trains to global markets where Knorr-Bremse already has established experience and service networks. Furthermore, Knorr-Bremse is optimizing its global organization through its strategic program, BOOST. This initiative includes transforming its primary plants in Suzhou, China, and Palwal, India, into larger manufacturing hubs. These hubs are designed to supply products to export markets with greater speed, flexibility, and efficiency.
Knorr-Bremse has a long history in the rail industry, contributing to safety and energy efficiency globally. With over 32,000 employees across more than 100 locations in 30 countries, the company continues to drive innovation in mobility and transportation technologies.
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