Hitachi wins £350 million contract to build 23 new trains

Hitachi has won a contract to build 23 new trains at its factory in Newton Aycliffe.

The £350,000 million contract with Avanti West Coast is for 125 mph intercity trains which are expected to enter service from 2022.

Avanti West Coast replaces Virgin Trains, running services linking London with the North West, North Wales and Scotland, on Sunday.

Credit: ITV TYNE TEES

The trains are based on Japanese bullet train technology, they will be a mix of electric trains and bi-mode trains, which switch from electric to diesel where the railway is not electrified.

Avanti West Coast is owned by First Trenitalia, a partnership between Aberdeen-based transport company FirstGroup and Italian firm Trenitalia. It says the trains are more sustainable and environmentally friendly and will reduce CO2 emissions by 61%.