ALSTOM receives order for trams including Germany's first
diesel-hybrid tram-trains

In an important milestone, the diesel-hybrid version of the
Regio
CITADIS
will be the first trams-trains with this traction system to
operate in Germany. While the electrical versions to be supplied
for city center rely on traditional traction technology, the
hybrid tram-trains represent a true departure. They are designed
to operate on both the electrified tracks of city center and the
non-electrified tracks of suburbs, when they rely on their
diesel-electric traction. This traction technology will allow
passengers to circulate in and around the Kassel region without
having to change trains. The Regio CITADIS will provide a
seamless connection between inner-city tramway lines and suburban
railway networks.

ALSTOM will supply low-floor, three-car trainsets in two
variations:

• 18 bi-current vehicles (600/750 Volt DC and 15 kV 16 2/3 Hz
  AC);  
• 10 diesel-hybrid vehicles (600/750 Volt DC and
  diesel-electric traction).

Basic vehicle information 

• Length: 37 meters  
• Floor height: 70% low-floor (areas between
  doors)  
• Passenger capacity: 220 total, including 92
  seats.  
• Speed: up to 100 km/h.

The vehicles will be designed and built by ALSTOM's unit in
Salzgitter,
Germany. The electric traction system will be supplied by the
company's unit in
Ridderkerk,
Netherlands.


In selecting ALSTOM from strong international competition,
the customer cited the companys widely recognized
competence as a systems supplier, 'less interfaces result in
synergies having a positive influence on the delivery period and
the overall price.'

Delivery of the vehicles will begin between the end of 2003
and the beginning of 2004, with the first 8 electric vehicles.
The remaining 10 electric vehicles as well as the 10
diesel-hybrid vehicles will be delivered in the course of
2005.

Technical Highlights

Benefits of the two-system tram-train with variable
traction system
ALSTOMs innovative two-system train concept is based
on similarly designed vehicles equipped with different traction
packages: for bi-current operations (electric for tram lines as
well as electrified railway lines) and for diesel-hybrid
operation (electric for tram lines and diesel-electric for
railway lines). The two-system vehicles are able to run both on
the urban tramway and on the suburban railway network, saving
costs by using existing infrastructures. The similar design of
the vehicle fleet leads to advantageous economic maintenance and
repair for the transport authority.

Roof-mounted diesel motors permit low-floor areas
A further advantage is the mounting of the motor aggregates
on the roof. This innovation enlarges the underfloor area of the
vehicle and makes possible the low floor area between passenger
doors. This design concept has already been successfully used in
the LIREX, a regional motor unit prototype developed by
ALSTOM, which will start its regular commercial operation in
Saxony Anhalt at the end of 2002.

Comfortable and passenger-friendly
The vehicle design focuses on passenger comfort. Spacious
multi-purpose areas between doors of end cars leave room for
prams, bicycles, luggage and wheelchairs. Each vehicle side is
provided with a specially developed foldable ramp allowing easy
access for the mobility-impaired. As only end cars are equipped
with entrance doors, the intermediate car becomes a room for
relaxing. Here, passengers can enjoy increased seating comfort
and make use of numerous luggage racks. All cars have
air-conditioning.

Editors notes
ALSTOM Transport, with a worldwide market share of 17 % and
annual sales of 4.4 billion, is an internationally
leading supplier of rolling stock, signalling systems, services
and complete turnkey systems to the rail industry.

ALSTOMs Unit in Salzgitter, Germany, achieved a sales
volume of nearly M 200 in the first half of the current
financial year and employs approximately 2,200 people.

ALSTOMs Unit in Ridderkerk, Netherlands has long
specialized in traction systems for motor trainsets, underground
trains and tramways. The ALSTOM traction technology that it
produces is now in use in 70% of all mass transit vehicles,
underground trains and tramways in the Netherlands.

Press relations:
(Germany) Sabine Groß,

tel. 05341/213247,

sabine.gross@transport.alstom.com

Ruth Pavans,

tel. 33 1 41 66 97 16,

ruth.pavans@transport.alstom.com