Almost a year since the purchase was announced, on January 29, Alstom formally completed the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation. Read more
Operators, manufacturers increase focus on accessibility
Businesses across the rail sector are increasing their focus on accessibility through communication and internal change.
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Alstom sustainability targets independently approved
Emissions reduction targets committed to by Alstom have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Read more
First semi-autonomous train runs on French network
A locomotive has completed a trial of semi-autonomous operation under real operating conditions in France. Read more
Alstom achieves top climate rating in global list
Rail manufacturer Alstom has achieved an ‘A’ rating in an annual assessment of companies’ transparency and leadership on climate issues. Read more
Solving the emissions conundrum: Alstom’s hydrogen-powered trains
With the first hydrogen-powered trains in passenger service, there is little holding back a shift to net-zero emissions mobility.
Thales, Alstom selected as part of SNCF signal interlockings innovation program
Proposals from Thales and Alstom have been selected as part of an innovation partnership for next generation signal interlockings organised by French rail network owner SNCF Réseau. Read more
Alstom first to achieve certification for latest ETCS standards
Alstom is now the first company to be fully certified to the latest onboard and trackside European Train Control System (ETCS) standards. Read more
Hydrogen train test in the Netherlands meets all requirements
Hydrogen trains have met all four test requirements in a trial conducted in the Dutch province of Groningen.
Local operator Arriva trialled Alstom’s Coradia iLint trains, in partnership with railway infrastructure manager ProRail and energy company Engie over two weeks in March, 2020. The trains were tested on the line between Groningen and Leeuwarden.
The trial had four objectives for the hydrogen-powered trains: authorisation by the Dutch national safety assessor to run on the Dutch railway network; zero emissions in the commercial service of the current timetable; quick and easy refuelling; and familiarising the general public with hydrogen mobility.
On all four objectives, the trains met the requirements.
“The tests have demonstrated how our hydrogen train is mature in terms of availability and reliability, providing the same performance as diesel equipment, and with the benefit of low noise and zero emissions. The Coradia iLint hydrogen train supports the transition towards global sustainable transport systems,” said Bernard Belvaux, managing director, Alstom Benelux.
To meet the commercial service performance requirement, the trains were tested on an all stations service and an express timetable. The trains were tested on fuel consumption, compatibility with infrastructure, acceleration, braking, docking, and maximum speed. All went without a hitch.
During the trials, the trains were found to be significantly quieter than current diesel trains. Drivers were also familiarised with the trains and found them smooth, comfortable, and easy to drive.
Powered by hydrogen produced from renewable energy, refuelling went faster than expected and was conducted safely.
The Netherlands follows Germany in testing Alstom’s hydrogen-powered trainsets.
“After Germany, the Netherlands is the second country in Europe where the Alstom’s hydrogen train has proven itself a unique emissions-free solution for non-electrified lines,” said Belvaux.
Other trails and plans for implementation are being developed in Austria, Italy, and the UK.
Alstom and Bombardier sign agreement for sale with revised price
The purchase of Bombardier Transportation by Alstom has taken the next step forward, with a definitive Sale and Purchase Agreement signed by the two parties.
The sale involves a €300 million ($486m) write-down of the value of Bombardier Transportation from the figure quoted in the Memorandum of Understanding which announced the sale process.
When the MoU was announced in February, Bombardier Transportation was valued at between €5.8 and €6.2 billion ($9.4 to $10bn). The revised price values Bombardier’s transport business at €5.5 to €5.9bn ($8.9 to 9.5bn). Alstom expects the proceeds will likely amount to up to €5.3bn based on post-closing adjustment and obligations.
Henri Poupart-Lafarge chairman and CEO of Alstom said the sale would strengthen Alstom’s presence in the market.
“Bombardier Transportation will bring to Alstom complementary geographical presence to broaden Alstom’s commercial reach in key growing markets, strong product complementarities in rolling stock, strategic scale in services and signalling, industrial capacity in key countries, a leading portfolio offering and additional R&D capabilities to invest in green and smart innovation,” he said.
Éric Martel, president and CEO of Bombardier Inc said the sale would adjust the profile of the business.
Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone towards achieving our near-term priorities and repositioning Bombardier as a pure-play business jet company,” he said. “The proceeds from this transaction will allow us to begin reshaping our capital structure and start addressing our balance sheet through debt paydown, so that we can achieve the full potential of our incredibly talented employees and our industry leading business jet portfolio.”
According to a statement from Alstom, the company expects to find synergies of €400m ($648m) in four to five years after the sale.
The sale is expected to be closed in the first quarter of 2021 with the sale having cleared antitrust processes in the EU as well as Australia.