World premiere of Velaro D at Innotrans 2010 – first presentation of new high-speed train for Deutsche Bahn

The Velaro D, Germany’s new high-speed train, is celebrating its world premiere at the InnoTrans 2010. Peter Löscher, Siemens CEO, presented today the latest generation of the high-speed train for the first time to Dr. Rüdiger Grube, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG. The new ICE (Class 407), DB’s future flagship for international high-speed rail travel, is due to go into operation at the end of 2011, running initially between Frankfurt am Main and South France, followed by Belgium. A total of 15 eight-car high-speed trains are scheduled for delivery by 2012. In Berlin Siemens is showcasing a shorter version of the train, consisting of one end car, intermediate car and another intermediate car with bistro.

With a top speed of up to 320 kilometers per hour, the new Velaro is not just one of the fastest production trainsets in the world; it also defines the premium class among Europe’s high-speed trains. The fourth and most recent version, based on Siemens’ successful and proven Velaro platform, has been perfected in several technical areas and sets new standards in terms of efficiency, flexibility and comfort. The Velaro is more energy-efficient, quieter inside and is even more cost-effective in maintenance in comparison to previous types, benefiting from a ten-year innovation lead.

Against this background, Siemens is placing great hopes in the Velaro as an export hit, “made in Germany”. The platform concept means that the Velaro trains can be deployed flexibly in different railway networks and adapted to meet specific customer requirements. Velaro trains run today in Spain, China and Russia. Siemens is confident of benefiting from opportunities arising from the planned expansion of the high-speed network in the USA.