Talgo : confirms AVRIL as the basis of its HS2 bid

Very-high-speed rail manufacturer, Talgo, has confirmed that AVRIL, its latest generation rolling stock platform, is the basis for the company's bid - submitted on 5 June 2019 - for the supply of Britain's train fleet for High Speed Two (HS2) Phase One.

Talgo is renowned for the distinctive quality of the products it manufactures, and to date has developed several generations of high-speed trains, now being used in Spain, Saudi Arabia and Central Asia.

AVRIL represents the latest evolution - over several decades - of very high-speed vehicles. Talgo trains feature unique technology, proven over many years, which ensures world-class passenger experience and comfort, while maximising seating capacity and minimising carbon footprint and maintenance costs.

The company is the leading manufacturer in the ultra-competitive Spanish very high-speed rolling stock market; the only one in the world where almost all the global suppliers are present. Other comparable high-speed rail markets are dominated by a single, local manufacturer (France, Germany) or by a handful of companies, all of them domestically based (Italy, Japan).

Jon Veitch from Talgo UK said:

"We see many opportunities across the UK rail market, with its increasingly challenging demand for more capacity and a passenger-focused offering. HS2 will be crucial as the UK economy grows. Talgo is proud to be associated with the project.

"This project is unique in every way. It has the potential to transform mobility, and make a significant impact in many communities across the UK.

"It is the kind of opportunity which societies can only take or leave once in a century. We humbly believe that Talgo's combination of experience and adaptivity is the best option for both train operating companies and taxpayers."

AVRIL is Talgo's latest development and as a technological platform builds a set of brand new technologies on top of an enviable operating track-record. AVRIL was chosen by Renfe, one of Europe's leading train operating companies, to form the core of its vanguard very high-speed fleet, with thirty trains under construction.
Talgo will provide full maintenance support over the projected thirty - year lifespan of the new Spanish fleet.

Some of AVRIL technologies are also behind the recent success of Talgo in a competitive bid for high-speed trains in Germany. With the working name of ECx, Deutsche Bahn has commissioned Talgo with a framework order for up to 100 trains, and has signed an initial contract for the supply of 23 units, some of which will be operated on the international Berlin-Amsterdam route thanks to the company's extraordinary interoperability capabilities.

About Talgo

Talgo is a global company based in Spain, operating in more than 44 countries and with a permanent industrial presence in North America, Europe and Asia. It is specialised in the manufacturing of passenger rolling stock and was founded 75 years ago. Since 1942, Talgo has evolved to become a multinational player and a systems integrator focused on offering cost-efficient and tailor-made solutions for train operators all around the world.

The company's current portfolio includes not only world-class Very High-Speed trains but also regional and commuter vehicles ready to maximise the profit of train operating companies and to minimise subsidies from taxpayers.

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