Hitachi Pulls Out of Thameslink Bid

28 April 2009 (Last Updated April 28th, 2009 18:30)

Hitachi Europe Rail Group has withdrawn from a £1.4bn bid to supply around 110 dual-voltage EMUs for Thameslink services through London, to allow it to focus on its immediate commitments. The company said it would focus on delivering Class 395 EMUs for High Speed 1 domestic services and

Hitachi Europe Rail Group has withdrawn from a £1.4bn bid to supply around 110 dual-voltage EMUs for Thameslink services through London, to allow it to focus on its immediate commitments.

The company said it would focus on delivering Class 395 EMUs for High Speed 1 domestic services and improving its rolling stock manufacturing and assembling capabilities in the UK for future projects.

Hitachi, Alstom, Bombardier and Siemens had been shortlisted for the project by the Department of Transport.

The winner will be announced later this year and train services will start by February 2012.