Bombardier Receives From SNCF a $71-Million Order for
Additional AGC High-Capacity Trains to be in Service in
the French Regions of Limousin and Auvergne
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--MARCH 24, 2003 - 09:51 EST
Bombardier Transportation has received an
additional order for 14 high-capacity trains type AGC (Autorail
Grande Capacite) from the French National Railways (SNCF), valued
at approximately $71 million Cdn (45 millions Euros). The SNCF
represents the Regions of Limousin and Auvergne in this
transaction. These 14 3-cars trains are scheduled to be delivered
between January 2006 and December 2007. Bombardier will build
these AGC trains at its Crespin plant, in the Valenciennes region
in France.
Twelve of the 14 AGC trainsets were ordered on behalf of the
Region of Limousin. These 12 AGC are equipped with a bi-mode
power transmission (diesel and electric). The two AGC trainsets
ordered by the Region of Auvergne are provided with a diesel
motorization.
This additional order brings to 279 the number of AGC trains
ordered to date by SNCF. This is a follow-on order to a contract
awarded to Bombardier by SNCF in December 2001, for the supply of
up to 500 AGC trains to the French Regions.
The AGC is available in numerous versions. The seating capacity
of the trains can range from 160 to 220 seats, depending on the
number of cars. Modular interior design exists in the High Class
and Intercity versions. The trains can run on either diesel fuel,
electricity or a combination of the two. The AGC will travel at a
maximum speed of 160 km per hour. Thanks to its articulated
architecture, it sports wide carbodies and inter-circulation
gangways, as well as a continuous low floor. These features
provide excellent access for travellers, make it easier to move
about in the trains and deliver greater comfort, visibility, and
security.
Bombardier Transportation's Executive Vice President Jacques
Lamotte commented on the occasion, "We welcome the opportunity to
extend our relationship with the SNCF and the French Regions.
This additional order brings to 18 the number of Regions who have
ordered AGC trains to date."
Bombardier Transportation in France operates primarily at its
Crespin site in the Valenciennes region, where it employs more
than 1,800 people. In the French market, Bombardier
Transportation participates in all TGV programs and manufactures
a wide range of rolling stock for public transport. Among these
products are the MF 88 and MF 2000 vehicles for the Paris metro,
the Strasbourg, Nantes and Saint-Etienne tramways, the Nancy and
Caen trams-on-tires, the recent vehicles for the RER network and
the TER2N NG regional transport railcars.
Bombardier Transportation is the global leader in the rail
equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. Its wide range of
products includes passenger rail cars and total transit systems.
It also manufactures locomotives, freight cars, propulsion &
controls and provides rail control solutions.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services
company, is a world leading manufacturer of business jets,
regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized
recreational products. It also provides financial services and
asset management in business areas aligned with its core
expertise. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the Corporation has
a workforce of some 75,000 people in 24 countries throughout the
Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal
year ended Jan. 31, 2002 stood at $21.6 billion Cdn. Bombardier
trades on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges
(BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). |
