First Great Western increases Hitachi AT300 fleet size with new £139 million order

The UK Government has given official approval for First Great Western and its financing partner Eversholt Rail Group to purchase from Hitachi Rail Europe an additional seven trains for the West of England franchise in a new deal worth £139 million.

In July 2015 First Great Western ordered a fleet of 29 AT300s to run between London Paddington to Plymouth and Penzance. Today’s announcement of an additional seven nine-car bi-mode trains, able to run on both diesel and electric power, will see the fleet increase to 36 new trains. The new Hitachi AT300 fleet, which will be built by Hitachi Rail Italy in the production plant of Pistoia, is set to enter into passenger service along the Great Western route from mid-2018. The total investment, by First Great Western and Eversholt Rail Group, thus amounts to £500.

The new fleet represents a total £500 million investment in new rolling stock by First Great Western and Eversholt Rail Group. Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Europe said: "Hitachi is thrilled that First Great Western and Eversholt Rail Group have exercised the options they have with us to increase their AT300 fleet. This further strengthens our working relationship with two major customers.

This is a further endorsement of our current work delivering modern, high-speed trains connecting people and communities along the route from London to the South West of England. The iconic image of this brand new, high-speed fleet operating on a railway rich in heritage will be another landmark moment for Hitachi and one we are delighted to make a reality.”

Mary Kenny, Chief Executive Officer of Eversholt Rail Group added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with First Greater Western and Hitachi to deliver more new high-quality trains that will enhance the passengers’ journey experience.” Maurizio Manfellotto, CEO of Hitachi Rail Italy, highlighted: "This further order highlights the high level of Hitachi Group, which includes important production realities such as the Italian ones.

As HRI we are particularly proud of this new proof of trust in us, and we are working hard to build a train that meets the expectations of Great Western Railway and of its customers. These trains, in particular, will be high speed intercity, equipped with hybrid traction, and will have on board the best technologies for passengers’ safety and comfort ".