Bombardier signs $2B locomotive deal with German rail operator
By François Shalom, THE GAZETTE May 2, 2013 3:09 PM
MONTREAL — Bombardier Inc. will supply German rail operator Deutsche Bahn up to 450 locomotives over 10 years, sources said Thursdsay, in a deal worth as much as 1.5 billion euros, or nearly $2 billion.
Bombardier did not immediately confirm the deal because it must still be approved by Deutsche Bahn internal committees, but is expected to shortly.
The framework agreement calls for the delivery of 130 TRAXX electric locomotives now and the other 320 spread out to 2023.
About 1,600 of the locomotives are in use in 17 countries, including 700 by Deutsche Bahn.
The contract comes in spite of a huge legal battle between the rail operator and Bombardier over problems with commuter trains in Berlin.
Deutsche Bahn is demanding 350 million euros in damages for brake and other technical problems that sparked transport chaos in the capital in 2009.