Stadler Rail Scores Major Contract with VIA Rail Canada

Swiss train manufacturer Stadler Rail has secured a major contract to supply 45 hybrid locomotives to VIA Rail Canada, the country's leading passenger rail operator. The deal is valued at 1.6 billion Canadian dollars (CHF0.9 billion) for the purchase of the rolling stock, with an additional 20-year contract for technical support and maintenance worth an undisclosed amount.

The new locomotives will be specifically designed to withstand Canada's extreme climatic conditions, with temperatures that can drop as low as -50°C. They will feature a hybrid traction system combining diesel-electric technology with batteries, aiming to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

The partnership with VIA Rail strengthens Stadler Rail's position overseas and confirms the company's ability to meet complex technical requirements. The deal also guarantees a stable revenue stream for the next 20 years, solidifying the commercial relationship between the two companies.