Berlin exhibition features Sverdlovsk trams
Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) and Bombardier have entered into discussions at the InnoTrans exhibition about potential collaboration in the urban transportation sector. The talks centred around leveraging Bombardier’s modern Flexity 2 tram technology.
Key points of the collaboration prospects include:
- Technology Transfer and Localization: UVZ expressed interest in acquiring modern tram technologies to enhance Russia’s urban transport rolling stock. Partnering with Bombardier could enable UVZ to locally assemble or manufacture the advanced Flexity 2 trams, which are renowned for their modular design, energy efficiency, and accessibility features.
- Joint Development and Customization: Both companies explored possibilities for adapting the Flexity 2 tram platform to meet specific requirements of Russian cities, such as climate considerations, infrastructure compatibility, and passenger capacity adjustments.
- Strengthening Domestic Production: UVZ aims to reduce reliance on imports for urban transit vehicles. Cooperation with Bombardier would help build domestic tram manufacturing capabilities, supporting Russia’s broader industrial and transportation modernization goals.
- Market Expansion: The partnership could open opportunities for Bombardier to increase its footprint in the Russian and CIS tram markets through UVZ’s local presence, while UVZ could benefit from Bombardier’s cutting-edge tram expertise and design.
Bombardier, the largest producer of modern trams, showcased its innovative Flexity Swift tram model at the exhibition. Jeremy Walker, President of Bombardier's Light Rail Vehicle Division, led discussions about potential collaborative projects.
Interestingly, UVZ is also considering partnering with Bombardier for urban transportation solutions outside of trams. The possibilities for collaboration extend to various urban transportation systems.
Both parties inspected Bombardier's exhibition during the discussions, indicating a shared commitment to exploring these opportunities further. As the talks progress, it will be interesting to see how this potential partnership evolves and the impact it could have on urban transportation in Russia and neighbouring regions.
- The collaboration between Uralvagonzavod and Bombardier could extend beyond urban transportation trams, as Uralvagonzavod is exploring opportunities for joint ventures in other urban transportation systems.
- With a shared interest in technology transfer and localization, Bombardier's modern Flexity 2 tram technology and UVZ's intentions to manufacture these trams locally could potentially revolutionize the finance and transportation sectors within Russia.
