In 2003, the Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) of Taipei ordered 321 subway cars from Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Among these vehicles, 144 of them was to be used on the then-upcoming Luzhou and Xinzhuang Sections of the Zhonghe–Xinlu line whereas the remaining 177 cars were to increase the capacity of the existing network.

Unlike its earlier counterparts however, the C371 had several differences as it follows:[3][5][2] In 2009, Kawasaki also supplied a 3-car set numbered by DORTS as 399 for the Xinbeitou branch line.

Set 399 notably stands out among the other C371 trainsets as it is designed as a concept advertisement train to promote the hot springs in Xinbeitou.

While sharing the same technical specifications with the other C371 trainsets, set 399 has a multi-colour livery and features a unique interior design with the theme of onsen in mind.