Seibu Railway and Hitachi Rail have agreed to modernise 144 cars from the 20000 series electric multiple unit (EMU) fleet. The EMU cars are scheduled to re-enter service gradually starting in 2028. The work will be carried out at Hitachi’s Kasado plant, the facility where the EMUs were originally manufactured. Both the operator and the manufacturer anticipate that this approach will result in a shorter turnaround time and improved quality. The programme entails major equipment upgrades as well as a refurbishment of the interior and exterior. Seats, flooring and other elements will be replaced, while components that remain serviceable such as luggage racks will be retained. The original design, characterised by a simple and clean aesthetic, will be preserved and further refined. To better accommodate diverse mobility needs, all cars will be equipped with multi-purpose areas. These trains, which have been in operation since February 2000, are primarily used for suburban rail services.
Source: Hitachi press release 03.09.2026

Trenitalia has signed a framework agreement with Bertolotti for the delivery of electric road-rail vehicles for the transport of rolling stock within its own industrial facilities. The contract with a single supplier also includes a full-service maintenance agreement with a term of five years, which can be extended for additional five-year periods. The maximum value of the framework agreement is EUR 18.64 million. The contract was signed on 1st July 2026.
Source: Official Journal of the European Union 03.09.2026

Rheinmetall and Alstom have confirmed that they are in talks regarding a takeover of the Alstom plant in Kassel. Rheinmetall\'s CEO Armin Papperger told the local HNA media outlet on 27th August 2026 while in Kassel that the defence contractor was in discussions with Alstom and expected to meet with Alstom’s CEO in September 2026. Alstom stated that negotiations regarding the Kassel site were likely to reach a conclusion in the coming weeks, but referred to a confidentiality agreement until then. Both sides had already discussed a solution back in June 2026 (SCI RAILDATA Issue 24/2026). In August 2026, there was some uncertainty regarding the negotiating partner (SCI RAILDATA Issue 34/2026). The works council rejected a sale. Alstom employs around 900 people at the site. Rheinmetall, which is planning to expand in Kassel, has around 2,200 employees there.
Source: Rail Business 31.08.2026

Skoda has acquired a 36% stake in Latvian maintenance company SIA L-Ekspresis and has also secured an option to purchase the remaining 64% by the end of 2028. With this investment, the Czech manufacturer is expanding its service and maintenance business in the Baltic states and is planning to develop a maintenance and service centre in Riga for the entire region. L-Ekspresis specialises in the maintenance, overhaul, repair and modernisation of rolling stock and has technical facilities and specialist staff in Riga.
Source: Skoda press release 03.09.2026

Volvo Buses has been awarded a contract to supply at least 38 BZR Low Entry Electric buses to the city of Cape Town. These will be the first locally assembled electric buses to be deployed in South Africa. The vehicles are being funded through the Public Transport National Grant. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. The bodywork is being built at the Gauteng Bus and Coach Centre in Johannesburg. The city of Cape Town is responsible for the charging infrastructure. The low-floor buses with a low entry height are designed for urban transport and offer disabled-accessible access with wheelchair spaces and priority seating. The number of buses may increase subject to further funding.
Source: Volvo Buses press release 27.08.2026