Hitachi to Focus on Current Projects, Will Not Progress Bid for Thameslink Rolling Stock Tender

London, 22 APRIL 2009 – Hitachi Europe Rail Group today confirmed that it will not progress in bidding for the provision of new trains for the Thameslink service. By doing so, the company is able to continue its focus on current and future commitments.

Alistair Dormer, Managing Director of Hitachi Europe Rail Group, said: “We are firmly dedicated to the UK rail industry and are currently working towards delivering the class 395 trains into service later this year. Our strategic focus is to successfully fulfil our current commitments and to further build our capabilities in the UK to respond to future bids.

“At the heart of our company lies the belief that whatever our commitments, we want to deliver the best possible result for the UK rail industry and UK passengers. We are in the early planning stages for our rolling stock manufacturing and assembly facility in the UK, which will serve as a European manufacturing hub. These are the strategic activities on which we as a company will continue to focus.”

As part of the Agility Trains consortium, which was recently announced preferred bidder for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP), Hitachi Europe Rail Group continues its discussion with the Department for Transport to bring the contract to close.

Hitachi has informed the Department for Transport of its decision not to progress in bidding for the Thameslink contract.

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