‘Key milestones’ reached in development of next generation TGV

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An SNCF TGV Duplex. Credit: Olrat/Shutterstock.
An SNCF TGV Duplex. Credit: Olrat/Shutterstock.
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Alstom has said that ‘key milestones have been reached in the development of TGV 2020’ – the new generation of TGV power cars in France.

The announcement was made as part of an update on commitments made between itself and the French Government to maintain rail activities in Belfort, which was prompted by Alstom’s decision in 2016 to cease locomotive production at the site because of a lack of orders.

Alstom said that it is investing €30 million at Belfort as part of the innovation partnership with operator SNCF and that 60 employees are currently working on defining the specifications for TGV 2020.


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A statement on Alstom’s website reads: “Given the opportunities for renewal of the French TGV fleet, the TGV 2020 is a crucial issue for the sites of Belfort and La Rochelle, as well as for the entire French industry.

“The TGV business model in particular needs to be redesigned and reinforced. This is the motivating factor of the work begun by the Government and whose conclusions will be delivered in January 2018. ”

TGV 001, the prototype which formed the basis of France’s iconic high-speed train, was built at Belfort.

It was the third such ‘monitoring committee’ between Alstom and the French Government.


Read more: What you need to know about Alstom’s hydrogen-powered Coradia iLint