Hitachi Rail Europe exhibits commuter rolling stock

[bikkuri bahn]

*Mainly posted here for the interesting part about the difference between European and Japanese (or at least Hitachi) rolling stock designs WRT customer specifications.

In Japan, Hitachi mainly manufactures customized rail cars according to specifications provided by railway operators. But overseas, the three big players -- Canada's Bombardier, Germany's Siemens and France's Alstom -- all offer standard models and modify them based on customer requests. Using the same designs and parts helps them keep production costs down.

 

http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Hitachi-throws-down-gauntlet-to-top-3-train-makers

 

Note also this bit:

Many industry players believe that it is just a matter of time before Siemens unloads its unprofitable rail business.

 

Edited July 26, 2014 by bikkuri bahn

[bikkuri bahn]

Some other articles related to above:

 

Train firm bid for hi-tech commuter train on Glasgow to Edinburgh line A NEW hi-tech commuter train, which could come into use on the Glasgow to Edinburgh line, has been revealed.

The trains have a sophisticated air cond-itioning system and power sockets at every seat,

The designs were displayed in London by Hitachi Rail Europe which is in competition to operate commuter trains as part of the £741million Edinburgh-Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) and in east London.

 

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/train-firm-bid-for-city-line-deal-172381n.24804341

 

Hitachi Rail Europe has been shortlisted for a contract to supply at least 39 new trains for the London Overground network, as the Japanese giants revealed a new model which will be manufactured in the North-East.

Transport for London (TfL) revealed Hitachi, Bombardier, CAF and Siemens have been whittled down as the front-running bidders to win the contract to supply Electrical Multiple Units, with delivery starting in 2017.

Should Hitachi be selected for the job, the carriages would be manufactured at its new £82m factory in Newton Aycliffe, which is currently being constructed.

 

https://bdaily.co.uk/industrials/22-07-2014/hitachi-shortlisted-for-london-overground-contract-as-new-trains-revealed/

Edited July 26, 2014 by bikkuri bahn

[katoftw]

Japan is going down the same road as euro manufacturers. Look at the E7/W7/GCT for example. As sharing common chassis.

[bikkuri bahn]

The J-Trec/JR East commuter rolling stock is the prime example of standardized models (with narrow and wide body types).  But overall the domestic rolling stock industry tends to still build custom designs. Which is a godsend for railfans (and modelers) at least.

[Davo Dentetsu]

Note also this bit

Surprising, I thought Siemens had quite a healthy account.  Then again, tough times for everyone right now.