On December 3, 2013, at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation of the Republic of Italy, CEO of NEWAG S.A. signed a deed of amendment to the first international framework agreement for manufacturing and supply of diesel multiple units (DMUs).
– NEWAG’s international expansion constitutes one of the major strategic goals for the coming years. The agreement signed with the Italian partners has marked the beginning of the implementation of our plan,” said Zbigniew Konieczek, CEO of NEWAG S.A.
The rail buses that will be manufactured by NEWAG S.A. for the Italian client are modern vehicles fitted with diesel engines and electric al transmission. Cutting-edge power and suspension systems will result in noise insulation of the passenger cabin in accordance with the Client’s requirements.
The interior layout will make it possible to operate the DMUs for both urban and suburban passenger transit. Easily– configured seating plans will lead to the optimisation of passenger capacity. The minimum number of seats is 100 and it can be increased depending on the carrier’s needs.
The DMUs will be fully air-conditioned and accessible to passengers with impaired mobility. Each car will be fitted with toilets with hermetically sealed retention tanks, adapted to the needs of the disabled. To ensure passenger safety, the DMUs will be equipped with the monitoring system. Other features include the passenger counting system, the GPS and smoke detectors combined with the fire alarm. The driver’s cab will be fitted with the audio broadcasting system enabling communication with passengers.
The DMUs will travel with the speed of up to 100km/h and will be able to operate in multiple traction.
The DMUs will be manufactured in Nowy Sącz. Their body and interior will be designed by Italian designers.
The deed of amendment to the framework agreement and the first executory contract was signed by Virginio Di Giambattista, Managing Director of the Regional Public Transport and Zbigniew Konieczek, CEO of NEWAG S.A. The maximum net value of the amended framework agreement amounts to EUR 40 million. The net value of the first executory contract providing for the supply of four DMUs is EUR 14,760,000.00.
– We are very happy to have signed this contract. Thanks to NEWAG the rolling stock in Sicily will be modernised, which will significantly improve passenger transit on the island, said Virginio Di Giambattista, Managing Director of the Regional Public Transport.
The deadline for the delivery of the object of the first executory contract is 18 months since signing the work commencement report, thus, the first four vehicles should travel on Italian railway tracks in twenty months’ time.
Within four years, the General Directorate of the Local Public Transport– the Government Board of Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) with its registered seat in Catania can order more vehicles under separately signed contracts for their delivery. The framework agreement stipulates for the supply of ten DMUs.