Bombardier Receives Order from DSB in Denmark for the Delivery of 10 Three-car Contessa Trains

The new trains are based on proven Bombardier design for high-level reliability and comfort

Bombardier Transportation has received an order from the Danish State Railways (DSB) for the delivery of 10 three-car Contessa trains, valued at approximately 82 million euros ($118 million US), with a foreseeable option of 30 additional trains.

The trains, which can reach a maximum speed of 180 km/h, are capable of crossing the bridge between Denmark and Sweden despite the different rail infrastructures used in both countries. The trains automatically shift signalling and power systems when crossing the border thanks to a sophisticated dual system integrated into the vehicles. Other features of the inter-regional train include a middle-car design with low floors, and entrances giving access to disabled passengers and passengers carrying heavy luggage, for example.

Since the start of operation in July 2000, the Contessa trains, crossing the bridge between Sweden and Denmark, have become a vital part of the everyday life for thousands of commuters and are one of the key factors behind the successful integration of the prosperous Öresund region. It also links the entire southern part of Sweden to Denmark and the rest of Europe.

“I am very happy that our subsidiary, DSBFirst, will now be able to offer our many daily customers an even better service with the purchase of more Öresund trains. Previously, we have been the victims of our own success, so to speak. The massive growth in passenger numbers across the Öresund has occasionally led to an insufficient number of seats during peak hour. Consequently, some of our customers have had to remain standing on their way to or from work. With these additional 10 train sets, we aim to increase the satisfaction of our customers in the future”, said DSB’s Chief Executive Officer, Søren Eriksen.

The trains will be leased by the National Rail Authority, which will, in turn, make the trains available for DSBFirst, when the company takes over the Öresund services as of 11 January 2009.

Commenting on the order, President of Bombardier’s Passenger Division, Stephane Rambaud-Measson, said: "This new order confirms our commitment to continously evolving and improving our Contessa trains. Comfort and flexibility are just some of the features to be enjoyed by this highly reliable product. We are proud that DSB once again opted for this product in order to enhance its service quality. 79 Contessa trains are already in successful operation in Denmark and Sweden.”

The vehicles and propulsion equipment will be designed by Bombardier in Sweden, with the propulsion equipment being manufactured at Bombardier’s production site in Västerås. The cars will be produced in Germany at Bombardier’s Hennigsdorf and Görlitz production sites, while the bogies will be produced in Siegen.