Hitachi’s new intercity express trains. Credit: Hitachi Rail Europe.

Hitachi is set to deliver two new intercity express trains for UK-based train operator Great Western Railway (GWR).

The new five-carriage trains are intended for operation along GWR’s Devon and Cornwall route via Reading and Wiltshire.

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Hitachi is set to manufacture the new locomotives at its facility in Pistoia, Italy.

The vehicles will travel through Austria, Germany and France upon completion, before arriving in the UK via the Channel Tunnel.

"These trains have been privately financed and will help us deliver faster, more frequent services into the South West, with no cost to the taxpayer."

The two trains, 802003 and 802004, will join a fleet of three prototype trains that have already undergone testing in the South West of England.

Great Western Railways managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We know how important the railway is to the economies and communities of the South West, and today marks another significant milestone in delivering the improvements we know our passengers wish to see.

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“These trains have been privately financed and will help us deliver faster, more frequent services into the South West, with no cost to the taxpayer.”

Both of the new locomotives are expected to travel to the South West for testing upon reaching the UK.

The first Intercity Express Train of its kind previously began operation along the Great Western main line last year.

The second wave of 36 modern Intercity Express Trains is expected to start operating from London Paddington later this year.

Hitachi is manufacturing these trains at its UK-based production facility using the company’s Japanese bullet train technology.

The vehicles will be equipped with hybrid systems in order to enable them to operate using both diesel and electric power.

The new trains feature more seats and on-board facilities than previous versions, and also provide real-time journey updates to passengers.