CAF-Alstom Wins €80M SNCF Order for Régiolis Trains in France

PARIS, France – The CAF-Alstom consortium has secured an €80 million order from SNCF Voyageurs for ten new Régiolis bimodal trains, destined for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. This contract further solidifies CAF’s strategic position in the French rail market, building on its 2021 acquisition of the Reichshoffen manufacturing plant from Alstom.

Main Body:

French national operator SNCF Voyageurs has officially selected the consortium of CAF and Alstom to expand the regional train fleet in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The order covers ten new Régiolis electric multiple units (EMUs), continuing the modernisation of rolling stock in one of France’s largest regions. Under the terms of the agreement, Spanish manufacturer CAF will lead the design and final assembly of the trains at its facility in Reichshoffen, Alsace. Alstom, as a consortium partner, remains a key supplier, responsible for producing various on-board systems and critical equipment for the new fleet.

The new units are four-car bimodal trains, a versatile configuration capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified lines. This dual-mode capability—drawing power from 1.5 kV DC and 25 kV AC overhead lines or using onboard diesel engines—is critical for providing seamless service across the varied infrastructure of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine network. Each train will offer a capacity of 208 seated passengers and is designed for a high level of comfort, featuring large panoramic windows, indirect LED lighting, and ergonomic seats equipped with armrests, reading lights, and power sockets. The trains are part of the Coradia Polyvalent platform, designed to operate at speeds up to 160 km/h.

This order is a direct result of the landmark 2021 agreement where CAF acquired the Reichshoffen plant and the Coradia Polyvalent platform from Alstom. That deal positioned CAF to take over responsibility for developing and fulfilling future orders for this successful regional train family for SNCF. The new order for Nouvelle-Aquitaine will complement the 54 identical trains already in service there and follows a similar contract signed in December 2025 for 22 Régiolis units for the Région Sud. With this latest addition, CAF’s order book for the platform now approaches 50 units, ensuring a stable production volume and reinforcing its role as a major industrial player in the French rail sector.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Growth for CAF: The contract reinforces CAF’s expanding footprint in the French market, validating its acquisition of the Reichshoffen plant and its associated product lines.
• Fleet Modernisation: Nouvelle-Aquitaine continues its investment in modern, flexible rolling stock to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency across its diverse regional network.
• Bimodal Technology is Key: The choice of bimodal trains underscores a growing trend among European operators to procure fleets that can bridge the gap between electrified main lines and non-electrified rural routes.

Editor’s Analysis

While the order for ten trains may seem modest in a European context, its strategic importance for CAF cannot be overstated. This contract is a clear validation of the company’s 2021 move to acquire the Reichshoffen facility from Alstom, transforming CAF from a foreign competitor into a domestic manufacturer with deep roots in the French industrial landscape. By successfully continuing the production and development of the proven Régiolis platform, CAF is demonstrating its capacity as a reliable long-term partner for SNCF and the powerful French regions. This deal, coupled with other major contracts like the RER B and Intercités trains, cements France as a cornerstone of CAF’s global strategy and intensifies competition in a market historically dominated by Alstom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the main parties involved in this contract?

The contract is between SNCF Voyageurs (the operator, on behalf of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) and the CAF-Alstom consortium. CAF is responsible for the overall design and assembly, while Alstom will supply key components.

What makes these Régiolis trains ‘bimodal’?

Bimodal trains are equipped with two power systems. They can run as electric trains using power from overhead lines and can also operate independently on non-electrified tracks using their own diesel engines, providing maximum operational flexibility.

Where will the trains be built?

The trains will be designed and assembled at CAF’s industrial plant in Reichshoffen, located in the Alsace region of France. This facility was formerly owned by Alstom.