Zhuzhou (CNS) -- A Chinese self-developed high-end light rail train will be exported to Izmir, the 3rd largest city in Turkey, after its completion in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, Wednesday. It marks the first time Chinese urban light trains have tapped into the European market.
Stretching over the Eurasian continent, Turkey used to be the western end of the ancient Silk Road. The China CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company defeated European, American, and Japanese companies in the bid for the 350 million yuan (about $23.5 million) order at the end of 2009.
Patterned with a red Islamic script belt, the black and white train has a foreign appearance. Inside the trains, the suspended curve seats, the three-hand handles, and the rearview mirrors at both sides in the front of every carriage were designed as a European body type.
In order to accommodate the Izmir railway standards of small turn radiuses and complex geographical conditions, the company designed a special system for the project: independent drives were equipped in all carriages, with convenient and flexible usage; hinge bogies were developed to increase the stability of the train; and magnet devices were installed on the wheels to efficiently decelerate, said Xu Zongxiang, the company's general manager.
Even assessed by European standards, the train is no doubt a first class product. The over 10,000 train parts are up to European standards, and even the strictest environmental standard BS6853. An endurance test of over 5,000 km, 1,000 door experiments, and a careful examination of over 12,400 cables were carried out before formal functioning will take place.
"The European market is strict with product quality. The Chinese train has presented very satisfying results," said the Izmir Mayor Aziz Kocaoglu. It is also to his belief that Izmir and its people will benefit from the transportation facility.
"The success of this light-rail train has added to the confidence of the Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Company in making more attempts to explore other markets around the world," said Manager Xu.
