The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission expressed preliminary concerns regarding the proposed merger of Siemens Mobility and Alstom on September 6. 'The ACCC’s preliminary view is that the proposed merger may substantially lessen competition in the supply of heavy rail signalling systems for passenger rail networks in Australia, in particular interlocking systems and ATP systems', said ACCC Chair Rod Sims. 'The loss of competition could result in increased prices for customers, or lower levels of service, quality, or innovation.' ACCC’s final decision is scheduled for November 29.
Voestalpine Group has launched a Railway Systems brand covering all of its hardware and technology activities in the sector. This is a 'symbol of Voestalpine’s successful development from a traditional steel company into a leading technology group', said Chairman of the management board Wolfgang Eder on September 12. The brand will be officially launched at InnoTrans 2018.
On September 12 Bombardier Transportation and Hitachi announced the opening of their High Speed 2 bid centre at Millennium Point in Birmingham, where up to 50 experts from both companies will develop their joint proposal to supply rolling stock fore the planned high speed line.
Voestalpine VAE Apcarom has acquired a 60% stake in PCM Rail.One’s Romanian subsidiary Travertec for an undisclosed price. Travertec produces concrete sleepers in Buzău, where VAE also manufactures turnouts.
Alstom has reopened a production line at its Taubaté site in Brazil, where it will produce stainless steel metro car bodyshells for Santiago in Chile.
Leasing company MRCE has joined the Rail Working Group, which represents the rail industry in regard to the implementation of the 2007 Luxembourg Protocol to the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment.
