Successful market entry: Knorr-Bremse equips passenger trains with coupling systems for the first time

• Hitachi Rail has commissioned Knorr-Bremse to equip 46 new metros for multiple lines operated by Milan’s ATM S.p.A. municipal transit authority
• Together with braking and entrance systems, Knorr-Bremse will supply its new couplers for passenger train application to Hitachi Rail, a leader in the railways
• The coupler order is a major milestone in Knorr-Bremse’s drive to gain market share in this highly promising technology segment
• Total order value for Knorr-Bremse is in the mid double-digit million-euro range

Knorr-Bremse has received a major order for multiple systems destined for Italy. Starting in 2023, the company will supply equipment for a new generation of metro trains built by Hitachi Rail. Among other successes, this project will be the first anywhere in the world to feature Knorr-Bremse’s new couplers for passenger train application. The first trains are scheduled to enter service in 2024.

Dr. Jürgen Wilder, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Rail Vehicle Systems division, puts the order in perspective: “Investments in state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure and technologies are vital for the development of reliable, efficient, sustainable rail mobility. We’re delighted that our partner Hitachi Rail has once again demonstrated its confidence in our solutions by placing this high-value order, and that Knorr-Bremse is benefiting from the expansion of transportation services for people living in the Milan area. Being awarded the contract for coupling systems in particular is a fantastic step forward for us as we enter this technically challenging and growing market segment.”

Knorr-Bremse will equip a total of 46 metros, each consisting of six railcars, intended for Milan’s M1, M2 and M3 lines. Knorr-Bremse’s deliveries are due to start in the fourth quarter of 2023, running through to the first quarter of 2026. The contract was awarded to Knorr-Bremse in Q4 2022.

In addition to pneumatic braking systems fitted with FlexControl Modular brake control units, the order includes door systems supplied by IFE, Knorr-Bremse’s world-leading brand for train entrance systems. These highly reliable, weight-optimized, low-maintenance plug sliding doors play a vital role in ensuring that passengers can quickly and safely board and alight from trains. The systems play an important role in streamlining passenger flows on platforms and ensuring that trains are punctual.

The order marks Knorr-Bremse’s successful entry into the international market for coupling systems. Since 2019, Knorr-Bremse has developed a broad range of modular couplers for various types of passenger trains, including the AutoLink center buffer coupler and the ShortLink semi-permanent coupler. As well as being extremely robust and durable, the systems feature numerous functions for safe, dependable automated coupling operations. Thanks to the company’s development expertise, strength in industrial processes and close-knit service network, Knorr-Bremse is ideally placed to fulfil high-volume orders as well as satisfy complex customer requirements across the product lifecycle.

In parallel, Knorr-Bremse is developing a Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC, FreightLink) for freight trains. By 2026, the company aims to become a leading supplier of automated system solutions for the rail freight industry. Accompanying the DAC, Knorr-Bremse’s dedicated automation system will support intelligent functions and digital services enabling such features as process automation and smart, predictive maintenance.