Knorr-Bremse has once again contracted with Skoda Transportation — the Czech Republic’s largest vehicle manufacturer — to supply original equipment for light rail vehicles and commuter trains. The total value of the orders is in the ‘high single-digit million-euro range’. The vehicles will be used primarily in the Czech Republic.

Five new low-floor light rail vehicles (LRVs) destined for the Czech city of Brno will be fitted with a Knorr-Bremse hydraulic braking system; the contract includes an option for equipping another 35 LRVs. Knorr-Bremse has also been commissioned to equip 19 two-car electric commuter trains (each with a seating capacity of 160) and 29 three-car electric commuter trains (each with a seating capacity of 240).

The contract includes an option for equipping another 31 trains in the same class. Knorr-Bremse is providing the air supply units, pneumatic braking systems (including magnetic track brakes developed and manufactured in Mödling, Austria) and sanding systems (also produced in Mödling).

Manfred Reisner, managing director of Knorr-Bremse GmbH in Mödling, said: “All projects are managed on the basis of highly standardised ‘platform agreements’. For us and our customer, this has the advantage of reducing the amount of engineering effort required on both sides, as well as shortening delivery times.

“The proven, streamlined project management approach we have established with Skoda Transportation has, once again, proved its worth. We are hoping to win new orders from the growing market in Central and Eastern Europe.”