On 16 September 2024, Hitachi Rail marked a momentous occasion with the delivery of its 300th train for UK passengers, a Class 807 designed for Avanti West Coast. This achievement not only signifies an engineering milestone but also highlights the substantial progress in modernising the UK’s railway network since the introduction of the Class 395 Javelin in 2009. Over the past decade and a half, Hitachi Rail has played an instrumental role in revolutionising Britain’s railways, establishing new benchmarks for reliability, connectivity, and passenger comfort.
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The evolution of Hitachi’s fleet in the UK exemplifies a blend of technological sophistication and operational efficiency. The Class 385, recognised as Scotland’s fastest commuter train, serves the Central Belt, while the Class 800 offers a robust intercity service on the East Coast Mainline. The Class 395, affectionately known as the Javelin, holds the title of the UK’s fastest passenger train, operating on the high-speed HS1 line from St Pancras International. These trains are among ten different fleets that collectively achieve reliability rates three times higher than the industry average—a testament to their engineering excellence. Notably, over 70% of these trains were constructed in the North East of England, underscoring Hitachi’s commitment to local manufacturing and economic contribution.
Jim Brewin, Chief Director of UK & Ireland Hitachi Rail, accentuated the pivotal role of strategic industry partnerships in reaching this milestone. “Delivering our 300th UK train is symbolic of what the rail industry can achieve through strategic partnership. Transforming levels in reliability, capacity, and performance across Britain’s railways is only possible due to the quality of industry partners we have in the UK,” he stated. These collaborations have been fundamental in setting new standards for rail travel, making Hitachi’s trains a familiar presence from Penzance to the Scottish Highlands.
A key factor in Hitachi’s success story is its substantial investment in maintenance infrastructure. The company has established new maintenance centres in Ashford, Doncaster, and Bristol, which are integral to their digital maintenance innovations. These state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced digital asset monitoring systems, ensuring the trains are maintained in peak condition. Employing 2,100 highly skilled maintenance workers across 16 sites, Hitachi Rail significantly contributes to the UK economy, generating £500 million annually through its maintenance operations.
Earlier this year, Hitachi Rail expanded its global footprint by acquiring Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems business (GTS). This strategic acquisition has grown Hitachi’s workforce to 24,000 employees across 51 countries, enhancing its product and technology portfolio. In the UK, this expansion includes delivering cutting-edge signalling solutions, with Hitachi’s SelTrac™ signalling technology now underpinning 60% of Transport for London’s network, which facilitates over one million passenger journeys daily.
The industry has recognised Hitachi’s trains with numerous awards, celebrating their exceptional performance and innovation. Fleets such as the LNER Azuma, ScotRail’s Class 385, Hull Trains, and Lumo have all received accolades, reflecting Hitachi’s unwavering commitment to excellence. These recognitions further cement Hitachi’s reputation as a leader in rail transport innovation.
Looking to the future, Hitachi Rail is prioritising green and digital technologies to further enhance the sustainability and efficiency of rail travel. The company is already pioneering innovative solutions that promise to bolster the reliability, capacity, and performance of the UK’s railway network. These advancements are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of rail transport, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship.
The delivery of the 300th train epitomises Hitachi Rail’s remarkable journey in the UK. It reflects the company’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and forging strategic partnerships. As Hitachi continues to invest in green and digital technologies, the outlook for rail travel in the UK is exceedingly promising. The trajectory set by Hitachi Rail not only revolutionises current rail travel but also paves the way for future advancements, ensuring a robust, reliable, and sustainable railway network for years to come.
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