Trenitalia Invests €2 Billion for 74 New Trains in Italy

Trenitalia Announces €2 Billion Fleet Expansion and Frecciarossa Rebranding

In Milan, Italy, national rail operator Trenitalia announced a €2 billion investment program for 74 new Frecciarossa high-speed trains, which are scheduled to enter service by 2030. The procurement plan, part of the broader FS Group industrial strategy, was detailed during an event at Milano Centrale station that also served as the official launch of a new Frecciarossa brand logo. The new trainsets are designed for a maximum operational speed of 300 km/h and are equipped for interoperability on seven European rail networks.

Technical Specifications and Manufacturing

The new high-speed multiple units are designed and manufactured by Hitachi Rail at its facilities in Pistoia and Naples. The trains are approved for speeds up to 360 km/h, although their standard operational maximum will be 300 km/h. They feature improved traction systems and new-generation electric motors intended to increase energy efficiency and reduce overall consumption.

Environmental performance metrics were a specified design criterion. The new units have a stated recyclability rate of 97.1% and a material recovery rate of 98.2%. According to Trenitalia CEO Gianpiero Strisciuglio, the fleet represents Italian technological and stylistic excellence, with a focus on performance, comfort, and safety.

The train interiors, developed by Giugiaro Design, will introduce new elements while maintaining continuity with the existing Frecciarossa brand identity. The layout and internal spaces are designed to provide full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.

Strategic Rationale and European Expansion

The investment in a new, interoperable fleet is a central component of the FS Group’s strategy to expand its high-speed rail operations beyond the Italian market. The technical capability to operate on seven different European networks enables Frecciarossa to compete directly with incumbent operators in other countries, building on its existing cross-border services. This multi-system capability is critical for establishing a pan-European service footprint.

The rebranding initiative runs in parallel with the fleet renewal. The new logo is derived from the train livery, featuring a letter “F” tilted at 45 degrees to evoke the shape of an arrow and the train’s aerodynamic profile. To reinforce the brand, the FS Group worked with the Pantone Color Institute to officially certify the “Rosso Frecciarossa” shade. The new identity will be augmented by a unique brand sound, inspired by Morse code, for broadcast in stations and other passenger areas.

Next Steps

Trenitalia will gradually implement the new visual identity across its entire Frecciarossa fleet, in its executive lounges, and at all physical and digital points of contact with passengers. The 74 new Hitachi-built trains will be delivered and integrated into active service on a rolling basis through 2030.