Astra Vagoane and Siemens to launch new 'Imperio' tram

Astra Vagoane Calatori SA carriage maker based in Arad (western Romania) will launch on the Romanian market the new modern concept, ultra low floor and very silent 'Imperio' tram, in partnership with Siemens company, in the third quarter of 2010.

'The document signed today (editor's note: Wednesday) by Astra Vagoane Calatori and Siemens marks the beginning of a new collaboration between the two companies, this time in the field of tram production. For Siemens, it means the entry on a new market, the Romanian market, with respect to trams, while for us, it means an additional credit source, the creation of new jobs, the assurance of additional incomes, as well as the fact that we will identify new financing sources for the company's development', said to Agerpres businessman Valer Blidar, major shareholder and president of a group of firms of which SC Astra Vagoane Calatori SA Arad is the main company.

According to Blidar, the investment exceeds six million euros and the participation of the two companies within this partnership is almost equal, with a small plus for Astra.

The protocol regarding the partnership between the two companies was signed by Blidar and by General Manager Alexandru Truta on behalf of the Arad-based company and by Siemens Tram Division - Austria Manager Franz Proksch and Siemens Romania General Manager Cristian Secosan; among others, Mayor of Arad Gheorghe Falca attended the event.

'Considering that, at present, the need for trams would be of roughly 1,500 units, according to specialized studies, we will firstly produce for the Romanian market, but for the future we aim at exporting', added Valer Blidar. The new type of tram will be hinged and will measure 27 meters in length. It will consist in three wagons and will provide approximately 200 places.

Developed by Codecraftsman