Hitachi A-train
The stock is designed to facilitate a number of product life-cycle improvements including ease of manufacture, increased energy efficiency, and recyclability.
Other features include hollow, extruded mounting rails on the vehicle body to which modular components are attached.
[2] Initially the A-train family consisted of multiple units designed and built by Hitachi, for use on the railway system in Japan.
[2] Due to the low heat input of friction stir welding, high strength, excellent crashworthiness and minimal distortion can be achieved.
In 2005 Hitachi received an order from Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) for six 8-car trains, based on the Japanese 885 series, designated as TEMU1000, for operation on the main line between Taipei and Hualien.
[9] In 2007, Korail ordered eight 4-car express trains branded as the Trunk-Line Electric Car (TEC) to Hitachi.
The car bodies, bogies and power systems were made in Japan, but were assembled at SLS Heavy Industry in Changwon, Korea.
[15] After winning the franchise, Abellio ScotRail announced they would purchase Hitachi AT200 trains (designated as Class 385) for their commuter services.
[23][24][25] In December 2024, Hitachi Rail stated in a press release that it had entered into a contract with FirstGroup and Angel Trains to lease 14 new five-car electric, battery-electric or bi-mode trains for First Rail's open-access operations, which will be manufactured at Newton Aycliffe, with their delivery expected to commence in late 2027.
The agreement includes an option to add 13 more trains to the order if more of First Rail's recently submitted open-access applications are successful.
