GERMANY: Knorr-Bremse is to supply Stadler with braking, door and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems for the 606 J/JK series metro cars ordered by Berlin transport operator BVG.
The order announced on March 4 is the first for metro doors and HVAC which Knorr-Bremse has been awarded by Stadler Deutschland. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q4 2021 and run through to the end of 2026, with Knorr-Bremse responsible for supplying replacement parts and maintenance services for 32 years.
Knorr-Bremse will supply what it said is ‘the world’s best-selling brake control system for modern metros’. Originally known as the EP2002 and now as CubeControl, more than 100 000 units have been installed worldwide.
Its IFE subsidiary will supply the latest version of its RLS sliding plug door system, previous versions of which are used on BVG’s existing metro trains. These will be equipped with obstacle detection and LED lighting.
Its Merak subsidiary will supply the HVAC equipment.
BVG and Stadler have a framework agreement covering up to 1 500 metro cars, and further orders for Knorr-Bremse to supply equipment for up to 894 additional cars could follow between Q1 2026 and 2031.
‘In terms of both its size and its relevance, this order represents a huge success for our company and is the largest and longest-term order Knorr-Bremse has received from Stadler to date’, said Dr Jürgen Wilder, Knorr-Bremse executive board member responsible for the Rail Vehicle Systems division. ‘With a view to local value added and as a sign of our long-term commitment to the city where the metro cars will operate, our Berlin plant will also be playing a major part in the production and servicing of the equipment.’
