photo: Škoda Group/Škoda Group Continues Its Expansion by Upgrading Sleeper Cars for ÖBB
Škoda Group, a leading manufacturer of public transport vehicles, has been awarded a contract to modernise sleeper cars for ÖBB, Austria's national transport operator. The contract includes the modernisation of six cars from the Nightjet fleet of the carrier ÖBB. The work will be carried out at the Škoda Group's production plant in Šumperk, with delivery scheduled for 2024. It is a significant milestone for the Group, as it is another major order in the West region, where the Škoda Group is looking to further strengthen its position.
We are delighted to have won this order for ÖBB and to have the opportunity to modernise their sleeper cars. We have years of experience in the field of service and modernisation, which will enable us to deliver products that will improve the passenger's driving experience," said Jan Christoph Harder, President of Region West at Škoda Group. "Austria and the wider West region are crucial markets for our Group, and this order further strengthens our commitment to the region. However, we are certainly not new to the region. We produce modern trams for several German cities. And in February this year, we established a new subsidiary, Škoda Group Austria, with a team of technical engineers and designers, giving us a home for our business in Austria and thus an opportunity for further growth."
Austrian national carrier ÖBB has ordered the modernisation of six sleeper cars from Škoda Group, with an option for 28 more cars. The modernisation will take place at the Škoda Group's production plant in Šumperk, which has many years of experience in modernising and repairing various types of rolling stock. Among other improvements, the modernised carriages will be equipped with comfortable beds, modern lighting, refurbished bathrooms, and a new wheelchair-accessible compartment. Thanks to its extensive experience and innovative solutions, Škoda will offer passengers modern sleeper carriages that will ensure a comfortable and pleasant overnight train journey, whether they are travelling for work or adventure.
A hotel room on the tracks
Škoda is experienced in the production of sleeper carriages, with its carriages operating in Finland and modernised carriages in operation in other European countries. In addition, the Škoda Group is producing another brand new night train, again for Finland. The Finnish state railway operator VR Group has ordered nine sleeper cars and eight freight cars for car transport from Škoda. These trains will be manufactured at the Škoda Group's Finnish production plant in Otanmäki. The individual cabins have been designed to resemble hotel rooms so that passengers can work comfortably and rest undisturbed during their journey.
Source: Škoda Group