Source: Knorr-Bremse
Munich – Knorr-Bremse, the world’s leading manufacturer of braking systems and supplier of additional sub-systems for rail and commercial vehicles, will equip the new generation of France’s TGV high-speed train with braking and HVAC systems. The contract calls for an initial 100 Avelia Horizon trains Avelia produced by Alstom to receive these systems, with the potential for additional ones in the future.
“Knorr-Bremse’s strategy and product development activities are geared toward low life-cycle costs, energy efficiency and eco-efficiency,” said Dr. Jürgen Wilder, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Rail Vehicle Systems division. “The resultant solutions that we presented thoroughly im-pressed SNCF and Alstom. We are proud to be on board in such a significant and prestigious pro-ject as the new generation of the TGV.”
In the Avelia Horizon for the first time the French national rail operator SNCF has opted for the direct braking systems that have proven their worth in high-speed trains around the world. The initial delivery of braking and HVAC systems from Knorr-Bremse for the Avelia Horizon are scheduled in 2020. The new Alstom high-speed train will enter scheduled commercial service in 2023.
“This contract for the Avelia platform represents the next step in our successful collaboration with SNCF and Alstom that already covers several generations of high-speed trains,” said Mark Cleobury, Member of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems. “We have considered the requirements of both SNCF and Alstom from the very beginning. Through our expertise we are helping to assure the establishment and long-term success of the new TGV.”
In 2015, SNCF and Alstom formed a taskforce together with preferred suppliers including Knorr-Bremse charged with developing the new Avelia Horizon. For more than three years they collaborated on the concept and realization of the new generation of trains, with Knorr-Bremse providing valuable input by proposing innovative product and system solutions.
“Eco-efficiency and environmentally compatible mobility are important considerations for us,” said Dr. Peter Radina, Member of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems and responsible for On-Board Systems.