High-speed train company, Flixtrain, intends to invest in 65 new trains for expansion.
German travel provider Flix is bolstering its long-distance rail offerings with the purchase of up to 65 new high-speed trains. The trains will be procured from Spanish manufacturer Talgo, with locomotives provided by Siemens, Flix announced. The deal reportedly values the entire package, including train maintenance, at up to €2.4 billion. Thirty of the trains have already been ordered; an additional 35 may be placed optionally. The delivery schedule remains undisclosed.
Reaching speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour and featuring barrier-free access, the new trains will notably augment FlixTrain's existing fleet of 13 vehicles. Operating under the FlixTrain brand as one of few competitors to Deutsche Bahn, the company seeks to increase its market share and grow the rail travel market with this investment.
FlixTrain CEO and co-founder André Schwämmlein expressed, "We intend to pursue a long-term strategy with FlixTrain and significantly expand our offering in the coming years." Senator Patrick Schnieder (CDU), the new German Transport Minister, acknowledged the move as a positive signal for the rail market.
The new trains will provide a more comfortable, technologically advanced experience for passengers, potentially enticing more travelers to opt for rail travel. Additionally, the company aims to enhance services, increase frequencies, and secure a competitive edge by investing in advanced technology and features.
FlixTrain stands committed to promoting sustainable travel and is aligning its expansion strategy with the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation options. Furthermore, the company anticipates regulatory reforms and investment in rail infrastructure by the German government, which may foster an environment conducive to private investment and innovation in the rail sector.
With the new trains, FlixTrain intends to expand its services across Europe, capitalizing on new market opportunities and growing the availability of its services. The company is collaborating closely with the European Commission to standardize and improve rail travel options across the continent. By focusing on these key areas, FlixTrain envisions not only increasing its market share but also growing the rail travel market as a whole.
The following are the main categories of train that FlixTrain may integrate with its expanding fleet: technology, industry, finance, energy, and possibly the rail sector itself. This strategic move could potentially attract cooperation with the European Commission, aiming to standardize and improve rail travel across Europe.
With an eye towards growth and sustainable travel, FlixTrain plans to align its expansion strategy with regulatory reforms and investment in rail infrastructure by the German government, fostering an environment conducive to private investment and innovation in the rail sector, as well as promoting eco-friendly transportation options.
