(file photo)

CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive revealed on Dec. 20 that the company has signed a contract to supply trains to Czech open-access passenger operator Leo Express in Prague. It's the first time China's multiple units have entered the EU market, China News Service reported.

Under a framework agreement with Leo Express, CRRC Zhuzhou will supply three electronic multiple units (EMU) trains, together with initial spare parts, special tools, testing equipment and training services.

Liao Hongtao, deputy general manager of CRRC Zhouzhou, introduced that the trainset, consists of six cars, is designed with a maximum operating speed of 160 kph. The trainset has adopted dual power types AC25KV and DC3000V, making it operable in Czech, Slovak and Poland.

In recent years, CRRC Zhuzhou has conducted cooperation with many countries including Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey in terms of rail transportation equipment. The company has received orders from Macedonia to supply DMUs and EMUs in 2014. It has established a European subsidiary in Austria in 2016 as a basis for the expansion of its European railway business and the company has also signed a cooperation agreement with the Technical University of Graz, a key player in railway research in Austria. It has also been recognized as a highest level supplier by the German railway.

Zhou Qinghe, chariman of CRRC Zhuzhou, noted that it's the first time Chinese multiple units have entered the EU market. As a high-end market for rail transportation equipment, EU has stringent requirements on the quality and reliability of the trains. The successful signing of the agreement means that products made by Chinese train manufacturers have been widely recognized.