Hitachi aluminium shell new intercity trains for Avanti West Coast touch down in UK

Hitachi's first nine body aluminium shells that will transform to Avanti West coast new fleet have touched down in the United Kingdom.

The shells are extra spacious, comfortable, and greener models made by Hitachi Rail are due to enter service on the West Coast Main Line in 2022.

The Hitachi train will substitute the current diesel-powered Super Voyagers and serve the West Midlands, North Wales and Liverpool.

The aluminium shells landed in the UK this week by the sea at Southampton docks from Hitachi Rail’s Kasado factory in Japan, ahead of the train building work that will start at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe plant in County Durham later this year.

When completed, the fleet will comprise of 13 Class 805 Bi-Mode trains and 10 Class 807 Electric trains. Each Bi-Mode train comprises five carriages. The Electric trains will have seven. While initial empty body shells of the Bi-Mode fleet will be sent from Japan, the Avanti West Coast order marks an important change in Hitachi’s train building approach.

The 56 body shells will be completely welded together in the North East, marking an exciting new chapter for Hitachi’s factory, where £8.5million is being invested to allow the full build of trains to take place in the UK.

The final assembly, where all components and electrics are fitted, of the entire fleet, will take place at the Newton Aycliffe facility.

Liam Hockings, Senior Project Manager, New Trains for Avanti West Coast said: “Our new trains are going to make a difference and it’s very exciting.”

“Together with our partners Hitachi Rail and Rock Rail West Coast, we will be looking to raise the bar for our customers on the West Coast Main Line route.”

Rock Rail West Coast, a joint venture between Rock Rail and Aberdeen Standard Investments, is financing the trains and will be leasing them to Avanti West Coast.