Czech electric motors producer Škoda Electric has signed a CZK1.1bn ($55.9m) contract for the supply of additional drives and motors in China.
The contract includes the supply of drives and motors for 40 six-car metro trainsets which will be used in the Chinese city of Suzhou. CSR Nanjing Puzhen will supply the 40 six-car trainsets for Suzhou Metro Line 4.
This represents the third order for the line, and follows one where Škoda supplied traction equipment for 23 five-car sets that are in operation on Suzhou Metro Line 2.
Škoda Electric CEO Jaromír Šilhánek said: "In autumn of last year we were successful in winning a new tender and we signed a contract for an additional 17 complete equipment sets of five-car metro trains. The first sets of deliveries for these vehicles have already been completed."
Škoda Electric drives division sales department head Jaromír Hájek said: "The prepared trainsets are longer, they have six cars compared to the previous ones which had only five.
"This brings along a series of important technical modifications, but it also shows the continuous growth taking place in China, it is necessary to transport more and more passengers, and this is why not only are metro trainsets made longer, but the platforms of the individual stations are also extended."
The delivery of equipment under the new contract will take place in 2015 and 2016. Škoda Kingway Electric, a joint venture of Škoda Electric and the China-based Jiangsu Kingway Transportation will produce the equipment.
Image: CSR Nanjing Puzhen will supply the 40 six-car trainsets for Suzhou Metro Line 4. Photo: courtesy of Škoda Transportation.
