Hitachi has presented the first pre-series train it is building for the UK’s Intercity Express Programme (IEP) at its Kasado factory in Japan.
Hitachi is currently manufacturing three test trains for IEP which are set to arrive in the UK next year.
In 2012, Hitachi was awarded a £4.5 billion order for 92 new intercity trains for the Great Western and East Coast main lines. In July 2013, an option for an additional 30 sets was exercised.
The £5.8 billion scheme will see Intercity 125 and 225 trains replaced with the new electric and bi-mode vehicles from 2017.
Of the 122 trains on order, only 12 will be manufactured at the Kasado Works. The remaining trains will be built at Hitachi’s UK factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, which held its topping out ceremony last month.
