Launched in 2001 the project Helsinki St

After the inauguration yesterday of its line between Helsinki and St. Petersburg Pendolino, Alstom hopes to accelerate its presence on the market of high speed in Russia. "It is a showcase." We are not going to stop there! ", if enthusiasm Bernard Gonnet, Director of the Group's transportation industry, in charge of the Soviet ex-espace. "Considering the other lines", Vladimir Yakounine, President of Russian railways RJD, confirmed this inauguration in large pump with including the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. A symbolic presence of the will in Russian politics: to upgrade a network aging from the achievements of the Chinese neighbour, Moscow put on the transfer of technology.

Launched in 2001, the project Helsinki - St. Petersburg was slow to materialize. The four Pendolino trains, manufactured in Italy, now allow to link the two cities in three hours thirty instead of 5cinq hours 30 previously. With arrowheads at 220 km/h. Time obtained the tilting technology but also to the removal of the case to the border controls are now organised on board. After this investment of 120 million euros, the line could be extended to true TGV to Moscow, and compete with the already open with Siemens trains, very active in Russia. Six other lines, national (Moscow-Sochi for example) and international (Moscow Kiev among others), are under consideration. While RJD has launched a comprehensive plan of modernization of its network, the Pendelino might be a solution.

"We will adapt our offer to RJD requests", provides, prudent, Patrick Kron, Alstom's CEO. If the group does not produce platforms Pendolino in Russia even. A project among other resulting from the "strategic partnership" formed by Alstom with the Russian rail manufacturer Transmashholding. The taking of participation in the capital of this group (25 more action) yet to be finalized. "But this has not prevented our collaboration to enter into an active phase," insists Patrick Kron.

Beyond the acquisition, it's a technological cooperation to renovate the Russian factories and joint production in response to calls for tenders of RJD. First concrete result: the command of 200 electric locomotives for passenger in one of the plants of Transmashholding (first delivery in 2012). A contract of EUR 1 billion, whose share of Alstom is 450 million. The two partners have also created a company attached to the Kazakhstan.

The market for trams

"Alstom hopes its catch on Siemens, in Russia, was awarded contracts without such formal cooperation." "But working with Transmashholding is a challenge because it is a post-Soviet group with administrative burdens and surprises in the decision-making process," warned a German supplier this yesterday at the opening. "Without this partnership, we do we feel not as well for us in Russia", on the contrary provides Bernard Gonnet.

ALSTOM is is the market for trams. He launched with Transmashholding cooperation for a common offer developed in the factory of the Russian group in St. Petersburg. This city may be the first customer. The municipality provides transport to and in its airport modernization and also wants to renew its fleet of 800 trams. Last week, Patrick Kron also met the Mayor of Moscow, which launched an ambitious program of public transport. Another runway for Alstom: links between the 13 cities to host the 2018 football world.