Flix Expands Horizons with New Talgo 230 Train Acquisition for European Growth Strategy
In a important move for sustainable travel, Flix, the rail and coach operator in Germany, has partnered with Talgo to secure a €2.4 billion framework deal for up to 65 Talgo 230 push-pull trainsets. This initiative aims to enhance access to affordable high-speed travel across Germany and beyond.
The agreement includes an initial firm order worth €1.06 billion for the delivery of 30 trainsets along with a maintenance contract spanning 15 years. flixtrain will finance thes vehicles through a combination of equity and loans facilitated by Unicredit and Deutsche Bank, while leasing Siemens Mobility Vectron locomotives to operate alongside the new Talgo trains.
André schwämmlein,co-founder and CEO of Flix,expressed excitement about this partnership when it was announced on May 27. He stated that this expansion marks the beginning of a transformative era in train travel within Germany and Europe. the goal is not just to capture more market share but also substantially grow the overall market.
The Talgo Experience
The selection of Talgo came after an open competitive bidding process. These new trainsets are designed for speeds up to 230 km/h and will resemble those ordered by Denmark’s DSB and also Deutsche Bahn’s ICE L fleet in Germany.Featuring lightweight construction with self-guided wheelsets that rotate independently, each set will include various high-capacity seating coaches—one specifically designed for passengers with reduced mobility—and an end-coach linked to the locomotive. flixtrain promises improved accessibility compared to existing long-distance options in Germany.
A cutting-edge maintenance system will utilize automated sensors that send daily performance data—upwards of two gigabytes—to AI models for analysis.
‘The Talgo 230 represents an ideal solution for enhancing passenger mobility throughout Europe’s inter-city rail network,’ said Carlos Palacio, President of Talgo.’ We’re thrilled our latest product iteration contributes towards shifting transportation from roads and airways towards more sustainable energy solutions.’
A Growing Market
“FlixTrain sees vast potential within both German and European markets,” they noted confidently. Projections indicate that by 2030,high-speed rail usage in Germany could surge by up to 45% compared with figures from 2021,while Europe-wide growth could reach €27 billion this year alone—with annual increases estimated at 4% or 5%.” p > “We envision FlixTrain as inherently European,” Schwämmlein added enthusiastically.” Our aim is not only rooted here at home but extends into other nations too.” p > Currently operating under brands like flixbus and Greyhound across over 40 countries, Flix employs an asset-light model where they handle commercial aspects such as pricing strategies while partner companies manage day-to-day operations directly connecting around 50 cities throughout Germany using refurbished DB interregio cars—boosting capacity from 60 seats per car up towards 100 seats! p > In response to growing demand ,FlixTrain plans on expanding its services by another 40% come 2024. The newly elected German government recognizes long-distance rail’s immense potential through commitments toward infrastructure investments alongside reforms aimed at track access systems which can stimulate private sector involvement leading ultimately toward enhanced competition benefiting customers alike! p > Commenting on this landmark order ,Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder remarked: “This substantial investment from a German tech company sends out strong signals regarding our railway market.” blockquote > div >
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