Alstom Signs €500M Deal for High-Speed Trains in Germany

STUTTGART, Germany – Alstom has solidified its partnership with the German state of Baden-Württemberg, signing a €500 million contract to supply 26 additional Coradia Max double-decker trains. The agreement, which includes a comprehensive full-service maintenance plan extending to 2055, exercises an option from a major 2022 framework agreement and reinforces the state’s commitment to high-speed, high-capacity regional rail.

The order was announced as an extension of a landmark contract from May 2022, under which Alstom initially supplied 130 Coradia Max trains to the Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Württemberg (SFBW). That original framework allowed for the procurement of up to 100 additional trains, and this latest order for 26 units marks a significant step in exercising that option. The new trains are scheduled for delivery between mid and late 2028 and are intended to meet rising passenger demand and significantly enhance service quality across the region’s vital transport corridors.

Engineered for performance and passenger experience, the Coradia Max trains are set to become the fastest in German regional service with a top speed of 200 km/h. Each four-car set is configured with two double-decker control cars and two single-deck intermediate cars, providing a spacious layout with 380 seats. The interior design prioritizes comfort and practicality, featuring dedicated lounge, conference, and family areas, alongside multi-purpose compartments for luggage, bicycles, and prams. Accessibility is ensured through wide single-leaf doors for rapid boarding and barrier-free access for passengers with reduced mobility.

These trains are a cornerstone of the region’s broader transport strategy, destined for deployment on key Regionalexpress and Metropolexpress lines operated by DB Regio and Arverio. Critically, they are equipped with modern signalling and automation technology for integration into the “Digital Hub Stuttgart” project, Germany’s first fully digitised railway hub. This technological capability, combined with amenities like free Wi-Fi, powerful air conditioning, and charging stations, positions the fleet at the forefront of modern, climate-friendly public transport. The long-term maintenance will be managed under Alstom’s FlexCare Perform programme, ensuring fleet availability and reliability for the next three decades.

Key Takeaways

• Major Fleet Expansion: The order for 26 new trains significantly increases capacity on Baden-Württemberg’s regional network, building on an initial order of 130 units.
• Long-Term Partnership: The contract includes a full-service maintenance agreement until 2055, highlighting a lifecycle approach to procurement that guarantees performance and operational stability.
• Technological Leadership: With a 200 km/h top speed and integration into the “Digital Hub Stuttgart,” these trains represent a new benchmark for speed, efficiency, and digitalisation in German regional rail.

Editor’s Analysis

This €500 million deal is more than a simple rolling stock order; it represents a strategic, long-term investment by a public authority in the future of regional mobility. By bundling the procurement of high-performance trains with a 30-year maintenance contract, SFBW de-risks its operations and ensures predictable lifecycle costs. For Alstom, this model secures a stable, long-term revenue stream and solidifies its position as a key partner in Germany’s rail modernisation. This integrated approach—combining advanced, digitally-native hardware with a comprehensive service solution—is increasingly becoming the global standard for public transport authorities looking to deliver reliable, high-capacity, and climate-friendly services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of this new contract with Alstom?
The contract is valued at €500 million. This amount covers the delivery of 26 Coradia Max trains and a full-service maintenance plan for the fleet until the end of 2055.

What makes the Coradia Max trains unique for this region?
Their primary distinction is their 200 km/h top speed, making them the fastest regional trains in Germany. They also offer high capacity with 380 seats and are equipped with advanced technology for integration into the “Digital Hub Stuttgart,” Germany’s pioneering digitised rail network.

When will these new trains enter service?
The 26 newly ordered trains are scheduled for delivery from mid to late 2028. They will join a larger fleet of Coradia Max trains that will begin a gradual phase-in on Baden-Württemberg’s network from December 2026.