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CAF Rail unveils bid to supply trains for HS2
CAF has announced a bid to supply its high-speed Oaris trains to the UK’s revolutionary HS2 project. The announcement comes less than a week after Hitachi Rail and Bombardier announced a joint-bid to supply trains for the project
CAF is proposing the high-speed Oaris platform to meet the exacting requirements of the £2.75 billion contract to design, build and maintain at least 54 trains for Phase One of HS2.
In 2018 CAF opened a new manufacturing facility in Newport, South Wales, where the company is investing in local training and employment. Current contracts scheduled to manufacture and deliver to UK franchises include; DMU’s for the Northern, West Midlands and Wales and Borders Franchises.
CAF Rail has joined the HS2 race by submitting a bid to design, build & maintain at least 54 trains / Picture: CAF Rail
CAF UK director Richard Garner, said: “We are delighted to announce that CAF has submitted a bid in response to HS2’s rolling stock invitation to tender.
“The Oaris platform uses the latest technology to offer high-speed travel and has demonstrated its capacity to operate at speeds over 360 km/h – combined with the advantages of proven reliability, comfort and safety.
“Exciting and innovative solutions mean our trains meet the highest international standards for passenger experience, noise reduction, and environmental sustainability.
“HS2’s ambition is to design a transformational rail system that is admired around the world – CAF has the expertise to make that vision a reality.”
CAF provides comprehensive services including; design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing and maintenance employing 800 people across the UK, which will increase to 1,000 by 2020.
Andrés Arizkorreta, CEO and Chairman of CAF Group, added: “HS2 is such an iconic project, one which we consider to be business critical.
“It is instrumental to the future of the UK economy and this impact will be felt for generations to come.”
CAF has extensive high-speed fleet maintenance experience serving Renfe, Turkish Railways and Trenitalia – the Italian national operator’s fleet of 59 Frecciarossa ETR500 trains providing technical support both on-track and at the main stations served by the fleet..
HS2 Ltd intends to make a decision on the rolling stock contract award next year. Alongside London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, HS2 services will also serve destinations beyond the core network, including York, Newcastle, Liverpool, the North West, Glasgow and Edinburgh.