Stadler is designing and building 26 single and double-decker multiple units for the Slovenian state rail operator Slovenske Železnice.
The order comprises eleven FLIRT EMU trains, five FLIRT DMU trains and ten KISS EMU trains, plus an option for 26 additional vehicles. These very different types of train are being engineered in a way that allows mixed compositions within the fleet.
This is Stadler’s first contract from Slovenia – and a hard-fought victory.
Back in the late 1990s, Stadler submitted a bid for a contract to deliver 30 multiple units to Slovenia, but lost out to the competition after a hotly contested tender.
“It delights us even more that 20 years later, our second attempt has been successful and we have managed to break into the Slovenian market”, explains Peter Spuhler, owner and CEO of Stadler. Spuhler was in Ljubljana yesterday with Stadler Sales Director Peter Jenelten to meet with General Manager of Slovenske Železnice, Dusan Mes, and sign the major contract for the supply of 26 single and double-decker multiple units for the Slovenian state rail operator.
“The signing of this contract with Stadler is the first step toward modernising rail passenger transport in Slovenia. With new modern trains we are taking a step forward in the renewal of our fleet and as a result in the satisfaction of our customers,” comments Dusan Mes.
The contract for the fleet capable of mixed traction consists of the engineering, construction and delivery of 11 four-car FLIRT EMU trains, 5 three-car FLIRT DMU trains and 10 three-car double-decker KISS EMU trains, including warranty coverage. It includes an option for 26 additional vehicles. The contract is valued at approx. 170 million euros.
Over 1,500 FLIRT trains sold
Stadler’s best-selling FLIRT vehicle has already sold over 1,500 units in a total of 18 countries. The KISS is also very popular: It has sold nearly 300 units in 11 countries. Stadler trains operate in a total of 41 countries.
The single-decker FLIRT trains are intended for cross-border use on standard gauge track between Slovenia, Austria and Croatia. They will also be authorised for use in these countries. The double-decker KISS trains will operate on routes in Slovenia. The first units are expected to be delivered 24 months after the contract signature date.
One notable feature of the contract is that the Slovenian state rail operator will be able to operate routes with mixed trains composed of single-decker and double-decker cars as well as using the single-decker vehicles in double traction.
Peter Jenelten, Deputy Group CEO and Head of Marketing & Sales, comments, “Stadler is very proud not only to be delivering trains to Slovenia for the first time, but also to be able to construct a complete series of different vehicles that have been coordinated with each other to form a uniform fleet”.
