Success in Scandinavia: Stadler delivers FLIRT model to Finland again

The Finnish VR Group and Stadler today signed a contract for the delivery of 20 single-decker FLIRT multiple units.

With their efficient electric drive, the trains will allow even more sustainable rail transport in the Helsinki region. The contract includes the supply of spare parts as well as options for a further 50 trains and for a full-service extension.

In the Finnish capital of Helsinki, the VR Group and Stadler today signed a contract for the manufacture and delivery of 20 FLIRT electric multiple units. In addition to the supply of spare parts, the contract also includes options for 50 additional multiple units and the expansion of services to Stadler’s full-service model.

The new trains are intended for use in regional transport e.g., around the capital Helsinki and in Tampere region. With their efficient electric drive, they will allow even more sustainable rail operations and support the VR Group in its mission to implement environmentally friendly public transport in Finland. The FLIRT vehicles can also be used as intercity trains if required in the future. Delivery of the first vehicle is scheduled for spring 2026.

Stadler has extensive experience in the manufacture of rolling stock for challenging climatic conditions. With over 2,500 units sold, the FLIRT model (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) is Stadler’s proven bestseller. 81 FLIRT vehicles are already in service in Finland, for example – as well as in Sweden, Norway and Estonia. In these countries in particular, the FLIRT model is proving its excellent suitability for severe winter conditions. Just like the previous vehicles, the new FLIRT trains are being specially adapted for the Nordic climate in Finland. Equipment includes large snow ploughs, efficient air-conditioning technology featuring underfloor heating in the vestibules, as well as special heat insulation and well-sealed traction compartments to protect the drive technology.

“After supplying 60 locomotives, we are now proud to be delivering our best-selling FLIRT model to the VR Group. The FLIRT train has already proven its versatility and robustness thousands of times – from the Arctic Circle to Africa. The new vehicles will provide VR’s commuter traffic passengers with an environmentally friendly, reliable and comfortable travel experience – even in harsh winter weather conditions,” says Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler.

“Stadler’s proposal responds to our needs. This is what we at VR Group want trains in the future to be like: energy-efficient, accessible for everybody, spacious and comfortable to travel in. We are happy to have Stadler as our partner in our mission, getting there together for a better world,” says Elisa Markula, the CEO of VR Group.

More about the new trains
The four-car trains offer space for 796 passengers, with seats for 356 of them. They can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Like all FLIRT vehicles, they have step-free entrance areas, low noise emissions inside and outside the trains and spacious multifunctional zones for pushchairs, wheelchairs, bicycles and luggage. Finland is one of the most important hotspots in Europe for outstanding design. For this reason, Stadler has worked with a local agency to ensure that the new trains reflect the Finnish design. The interior is elegant and stylish, yet modular so that it can easily be reconfigured or replaced during the lifetime of the trains.

The new FLIRT trains will support VR Group’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The lightweight aluminium construction typical of Stadler, combined with the latest converter technology, will significantly reduce the energy consumption of the trains. The choice of propane as a coolant, the use of oil-free air compressors and the possibility to recycle a large part of the materials at the end of their service life are just.

www.stadlerrail.com

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