Annual Report 2010 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

44 RepoR t | RAIL Ve HICLe SYSteMS
Pan-European maintenance agreement with Bombardier
The first ever pan-European maintenance agreement between Knorr-Bremse and Bombardier was
signed during the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin. Knorr-Bremse is to overhaul the braking systems of all
European TRAXX (Transnational Railway Applications with eXtreme FleXibility) locomotives for which
Bombardier has full servicing agreements with the owners.
The new agreement is not just confined to maintaining the systems supplied by Knorr-Bremse. Parallel
to the regular overhaul work, specialists from both companies will also be attending workshops to
discuss further improvement of the servicing, particularly in terms of cost and availability. As a systems
specialist, for example, Knorr-Bremse can dismantle components in its own service centers to examine
their actual condition and develop specific maintenance measures. It is an approach that supports
Bombardier’s “total cost of ownership” (TCO) approach aimed at making its vehicles and systems more
attractive to potential customers. In return, Knorr-Bremse will receive feedback on the performance of
its systems under real operating conditions.
Another element of the agreement involves Knorr-Bremse advising Bombardier on setting up a warehouse
with a range of replacement components. The company’s years of practical experience in the
field will help Bombardier meet customers’ high expectations in terms of availability.
Major Swiss order
Another success story for Knorr-Bremse came when the company signed a contract to supply braking
systems for 59 TWINDEXX double-decker mainline passenger trains ordered by Swiss Railways (SBB)
from vehicle builder Bombardier. In addition to onboard components – including the EP compact
brake control system – the package includes complete bogie equipment and air supply modules with
oil-free compressors. Knorr-Bremse subsidiary IFE will also be supplying the train doors. The 59 double-decker
trains will require more than 1,600 passenger doorsets, 40 loading doors and 40 catering
doors in all. Each of the passenger and catering doors will also be supplied with an intelligent sliding
step with automatic platform detection.
The order covers nine 4-section and fifty 8-section trains. An option for more than 100 further trains
has also been formally agreed between Bombardier and SBB. Delivery of the first components is
scheduled for the end of 2011, with the 59 completed vehicles due for delivery to SBB between 2013
and 2019. The first trains will go into regular service from December 2013 onwards.
The TWINDEXX double-decker multiple units operated by Swiss Express are some of the most modern
rail vehicles currently available. They include a large on-board restaurant and a spacious family car, as
well as a business compartment offering space for businessmen to hold meetings or work undisturbed.
The trains have a top speed of 200 km/h (optionally 230 km/h) and will initially operate on the
St. Gallen – Zurich – Bern – Geneva and Romanshorn – Zurich – Bern – Brig lines as well as on the Inter-
Regio service between Zurich and Lucerne.