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Alstom wins modernization contract for Lille’s driverless metro car
20 December 2006
The Urban Community of the French city of Lille and Transpole (operator of the public transport network for the greater Lille area) have selected a consortium comprising Alstom and Safra to modernize VAL, the city’s driverless metro car. Worth a total of 11 million euros, of which 5.2 million goes to Alstom, the contract, signed on December 18, takes in the modernization of 38 metro trainsets consisting of rolling stock designed and manufactured by Alstom at the beginning of the 1980s.
Modernization of the Lille VAL will be handled on a 50-50 basis by Alstom and Safra. Alstom will take responsibility for project management and coordination, renovation of the running gear and door mechanisms, overhaul of the traction motors and testing. All modernization activities on the project will be handled by Alstom’s Le Creusot site. Safra will manage interior and exterior refitting of the metro coaches.
The modernization activities will get underway in January 2007, with delivery of the first trainsets scheduled for the third quarter of 2007 and deliveries scheduled to end in August 2009.
Alstom is one of the world leaders in metro systems, with a market share of 20%. One in four metro trains currently operating around the world was manufactured by Alstom, and our metros carry 6 billion passengers each year.
About Alstom Transport
World leader in very high-speed trains and No. 2 in urban transport, Alstom Transport has an 18% share of the world rail transport market. With a turnover of 5.1 billion euros and an operating margin of 6.3%, Alstom Transport has established itself as the most profitable manufacturer in its marketplace. Its range of products and services takes in rolling stock, infrastructure equipment, signalling and maintenance. With a presence in over 60 countries, Alstom Transport has 26,000 employees.
About Safra
Safra (Société Albigeoise de Fabrication et de Réparation Automobile) maintains a presence in three complementary sectors of activity: automobile and industrial coach-building and interior outfitting.
Press contacts:
Clotilde Provost
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43
clotilde.provost@transport.alstom.com
Pauline Rey
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 66 83 85
pauline.rey@transport.alstom.com
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