CRRC and Acemil Join Forces to Boost Rolling Stock Manufacturing

Vossloh DE18 locomotive, product of CRRC’s European subsidiary In an article published in Railway Gazette, it was reported that Hungarian company Acemil has partnered with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned grou

By: hungarytoday.hu

Sep 06 2024
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CRRC and Acemil Join Forces to

Vossloh DE18 locomotive, product of CRRC’s European subsidiary

In an article published in Railway Gazette, it was reported that Hungarian company Acemil has partnered with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned group CRRC, to build a new rolling stock manufacturing plant in Hungary.

This collaboration is a key part of China’s expanding industrial presence in Hungary, facilitated by the country’s strong diplomatic ties with China. Companies have invested in several sectors in the country, including battery and car manufacturing plants. The partnership aims to manufacture vehicles for the European market, and the plant is expected to be operational by 2024.

Acemil Board Member Dávid Kovács stated, “we would like to bring Hungary back to the map of the European railway rolling stock production,” the portal writes. He added that the goal is to offer products with “a minimum of 51% EU added value,” highlighting the strategic intent to cater to European demands.

CRRC’s expansion into Europe has seen gradual growth, with smaller orders already supplied to EU operators, primarily through its Vossloh Rolling Stock subsidiary.

CRRC ZELC, the branch partnering with Acemil, is targeting mainline locomotives, shunting locomotives, electric multiple units, and double-deck train sets for European customers.

As Railway Gazette reports, Mr. Kovács emphasized the opportunity, saying, “we can be sure that there will be a huge demand for new locomotives,” pointing out that many locomotives in Europe are aging and the green transition will drive demand for modern, environmentally friendly rolling stock.

In addition to passenger vehicles, Acemil has signed an agreement with another CRRC subsidiary, CRRC Shandong, to manufacture freight wagons in Hungary. In the article Dávid Kovács explained that there is significant potential, especially as “many operators may find it cheaper and more rational to replace their older wagons rather than change the couplers” to meet the requirements for digital automatic ones. He also noted that the replacement pace will likely accelerate, predicting that

in the coming 10 years there will be demand to replace more than 100,000 of the roughly 500,000 wagons operating in Europe.”

The collaboration between Acemil and CRRC marks a significant step in Hungary’s bid to re-enter the European rolling stock market. With both freight and passenger vehicle production planned, Hungary is positioned to become a key hub for the manufacturing and servicing of railway vehicles for Europe, addressing both current and future market demands.

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