ALSTOM to supply and maintain 40 commuter trains in
190 million contract with RENFE

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The contract is for 20 four-car trainsets and 20 three-car
trainsets, a total of 140 cars. ALSTOM will build the cars
according to the specifications of RENFE's platform for its new
generation of modular commuter trains, called Civia.

The trains, based on the latest railway technology, will offer
high levels of performance and safety.

More specifically, the traction system for the trains is from
ALSTOM's service-proven line of ONIX drives. The use of 6.5 kV
insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) in the traction drive
for these trains offers a simpler, more efficient system for the
conversion of the 3 kV power supply to the trains. Additional
advantages include reduced volume and lighter weight.

Computer-based onboard control systems send train information
via digital transmission to the command center and to the depot
workshop. Onboard computers will also make self-diagnostic
applications possible, which helps reduce maintenance costs.

With an aluminum-alloy body shell, the lightweight trains
offer energy-cost savings.

Thanks to the modularity of the vehicles, the articulated
trainsets may be configured with different combinations,
depending on service needs.

A low-floor entrance will offer passengers, including those
with reduced mobility, easy access. A continuous gangway
throughout the train further enhances passenger comfort.

ALSTOM's Barcelona factory will manufacture the body shells,
and assemble and test the trains. The bogies will be supplied by
ALSTOM's factory in Valencia, Spain, with Charleroi in Belgium
manufacturing electrical equipment and Saint-Ouen in France
supplying the train-control systems.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in more than
60 countries, ALSTOM's Transport sector offers complete
products and services for new rolling stock, signaling and
electrical and mecanical infrastructure as well as maintenance
and rehabilitation services to four distinct types of
customers: urban transit authorities and operators; intercity
passenger rail operators and rolling stock owners; rail freight
operators; and intercity railway infrastructure owners.
ALSTOM's Transport sector, with sales of €5.1 billion in
financial year 2002-2003, is among the world's leading
suppliers to the railway industry.

Press information:

Helen Connolly

Tel. +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com