ERLANGEN, Germany, April 21 (UPI) -- German engineering conglomerate Siemens said it reached an agreement to supply the Austrian Federal Railway with up to 200 eco-friendly passenger trains.
Siemens said it would supply Austrian Federal Railways, or OBB, with up to 200 of its Desiro trains during the next five years. The electric, eco-friendly train can run at 100 miles per hour. The train will operate between Germany and Austria.
The passenger trains run on an enhanced electric propulsion system, which Siemens said has a smaller environmental footprint than previous models. Interior furnishings and paint, meanwhile, add to the eco-friendly benefits.
"We are pleased to have come out on top in one of Europe's largest invitations to tender for electric multiple-units for regional rail service," said Hans Jorg Grundmann, chief executive officer at the mobility division of Siemens. "It shows how successful our new designs are on the market and underscores our innovative strength."
Siemens builds the passenger trains in Austria. The contract between Siemens and OBB could extend beyond 2015. If all options are exercised, the contract is worth $1.35 billion.
