On the afternoon of November 3 local time in Austria, the TSI-standard double-decker EMU developed by CRRC ZELC (CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd.) made its official debut to the media. The train operator Westbahn held a press conference inside the train carriage, inviting mainstream media outlets such as Kurier, Die Presse, Heute, Xinhua News Agency Austria Bureau, CGTN, and European Times, as well as influential video bloggers in the field of rail transportation.
The train series has been named "Panda" and is scheduled to enter service after receiving approval in November of this year, with full deployment following the introduction of the new timetable on December 14.
This marks the first time Chinese train has officially obtained Austrian Operating License and TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) Certificate, stated a Westbahn representative.
During the meeting, Westbahn executives and shareholders briefed the media on the journey of mutual trust and collaborative efforts with CRRC ZELC. They also elaborated on the challenges overcome in securing both European and national certifications for the EMUs, as well as the relentless dedication of the project team.
According to related news, the train features HigherQuality, HigherCapacity, and Greater Intelligence. Since arriving in Europe in mid-2022, the train has undergone a two-year testing and certification process, "accumulating 300,000 kilometers of trial operation - far exceeding conventional standards".
