Talgo has signed an agreement with LE TRAIN to develop a fleet of high-speed trains based on its Avril platform.
These will be adapted for use on French networks and will operate across the regions of New Aquitaine, Brittany, Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val-de-Loire.
LE TRAIN obtained its railway company licence last month and is now working toward meeting the final requirements to begin commercial operation.
Talgo was chosen following a call for tenders issued at the start of 2022 to European train manufacturers.
The agreement, signed in Bordeaux, covers the potential future acquisition of a fleet of up to ten very high-speed trains, including possible extensions and maintenance options.
It also discusses the creation of a joint research and development unit in New Aquitaine.
Alain Getraud, CEO of LE TRAIN, said:The tailor-made design proposed by Talgo will enable us to develop a unique passenger experience, particularly for the on-board transport of leisure and sports equipment such as bicycles and surfboards.
Furthermore, our two companies share a common ambition: to work in a sustainable way for low-carbon mobility.
Once the final contracts are signed, Talgo will begin manufacturing the LE TRAIN fleet at its plant in Rivabellosa, Spain.
This is expected to begin by the summer, with the first vehicle ready for delivery in early 2025.
Carlos Palacio Oriol, President of Patentes Talgo, said:This is a great opportunity for our company to deploy its expertise and innovations north of the Pyrenees.
We’re convinced of the relevance of the LE TRAIN model to make rail transport a real lever of ecological transition.
