High-speed train company, Flixtrain, intends to procure as many as 65 new trains for its fleet.
German long-distance rail provider FlixTrain announces plans to significantly expand its service offerings by purchasing up to 65 new high-speed trains. These locomotives will be acquired from Spanish manufacturer Talgo, with the engines supplied by Siemens. The Munich-based company has already secured orders for 30 of these trains, while an additional 35 can be optionally purchased. The entire deal, including maintenance for the trains, is estimated to cost up to €2.4 billion. Confirmation about the delivery schedule remains pending.
The new trains will reach speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour, feature barrier-free access, and are part of a strategy to create a new era for train travel. FlixTrain currently operates on the long-distance rail market under the FlixTrain brand, but with only 13 trains, mostly operated by partners. The purchase of 65 new vehicles, therefore, signifies a substantial expansion of the company's fleet.
FlixTrain CEO and co-founder André Schwämmlein expressed the company's long-term strategy, stating, "We are pursuing a long-term strategy with FlixTrain and will significantly expand our offering in the coming years." Schwämmlein aims not just to increase the market share but also to expand the market for sustainable rail travel. The newly appointed German transport minister, Patrick Schnieder (CDU), backs this endeavor, expressing that such large-scale investments by a German tech company are strong indicators for the rail market.
The acquisitions and growth plans of FlixTrain are expected to lead to a more competitive market, which aligns with reforms in the track access system and the German government's commitment to long-term investments in rail infrastructure. Additionally, FlixTrain is collaborating with the European Commission to promote European train travel, fostering cross-border service expansion and integration within European rail networks.
- The main categories of trains, including transportation, industry, and business, will see a notable shift with FlixTrain's expansion, as the company announces plans to invest in up to 65 new high-speed trains from Talgo, financed partially by Siemens.
- The German rail market, particularly sectors related to finance and investing, may experience significant changes due to FlixTrain's strategic long-term plans, as the Munich-based company aims to increase market share and foster sustainable rail travel.
- The automotive industry might also be impacted by FlixTrain's growth, as the new trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour, could potentially attract passengers seeking alternative transportation methods.
