Angel Trains, one of Europe’s largest rolling stock lessors has signed an agreement with Siemens Transportation Systems for the purchase of Desiro ML electric multiple units. The first 16 trains, worth a total value of approximately 70 million Euros, have been ordered and will be leased to trans regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH. The German company had signed a contract in January 2007 for the Mittelrheinbahn concession (a rail service between Mainz and Cologne) running for 15 years and commencing in December 2008.
The agreement between Siemens and Angel Trains includes an option for a further 84 trains to meet the needs of its portfolio and its clients. Work will commence on manufacturing the trains in July in the Siemens works in Krefeld, Germany.

Oliver Feicks, General Manager of Angel Trains Europa GmbH said: “We are delighted to have concluded this deal. This major investment will enable us to diversify our portfolio with the addition of the Desiro ML – one of the most modern trains available on the market at present. We are pleased that our knowledge and experience has helped trans regio in this complex deal and that our trains will be operated on one of Germany’s most beautiful routes.”

The Desiro ML is a train that has been specially designed to meet the ever changing needs of regional rail networks. The modular design allows cars to be combined in different ways to configure trains varying in length between 49 and 282 meters. The system operator can also choose between different interior layouts. For example, he can vary the number of seats and the seat spacing and he can change the amount of room provided for bicycles and wheelchairs to suit passenger needs.

“With the development of one of the most efficient platforms for commuter trains regarding economic and environmental facts, Desiro ML, we mark a milestone in innovative railway business. We are looking forward to this first Desiro ML contract with Angel Trains and trans regio and would like to thank for their confidence”, said Lothar Dill, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Commuter and Regional Trains at Siemens Transportation Systems.
 
Christian Klein, Managing Director of trans regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH commented: “Angel Trains has proven to be a reliable and confident partner for us and we are delighted to work with them on this deal. Siemens offer a very flexible rolling stock product series which trans regio will take into consideration when awarding contracts in the future. We have established a firm relationship with both Siemens and Angel Trains Europa and they will play a key role in trans regio's future corporate development.”

This latest order takes the total fleet of passenger trains now managed or ordered by Angel Trains Europa, the Cologne-based German subsidiary of Angel Trains, to over 220 units all together, comprising sixty electric multiple units.

Pictures accompanying this press release may be found under
http://www.siemens.com/ts-pictures/Angel_Trains