KfW IPEX-Bank finances diesel multiple units for regional public transport in Saxony-Anhalt

Together with SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation), KfW IPEX-Bank has structured and concluded the financing of 52 new diesel multiple units (DMUs) for the regional public transport network in Saxony-Anhalt (Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt). The financing is for the benefit of an affiliate of NS Financial Services Company Limited (NSFSC). Both, NSFSC and the future operator of the network, Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland, form an integral part of the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Group, the Dutch national railway company.

As part of a club deal, the two banks are equally providing the overall loan amount of EUR 126 million. The financing has a term of approximately 17 years, which corresponds to the duration of the concession for the operation of the Dieselnetz Sachsen-Anhalt by Abellio Rail Mitteldeutschland.

The debt financing is utilised to acquire 52 "Coradia Lint 41" DMUs from the manufacturer Alstom. It is the largest order ever to have been placed from a single customer for this short-haul passenger train. The regional trains are being built at Alstom's largest production facility in Salzgitter. Starting from December 2018, the trains will run on non-electrified lines in Saxony-Anhalt. The new trains will connect the federal state capital of Magdeburg with the cities of Wolfsburg and Stendal in the north, Erfurt and Halle in the south, and Goslar in the west.

The Alstom Coradia Lint 41 is a DMU with low fuel consumption that can reach a maximum speed of 140 km/h. Up to 110 passengers can be carried by the two-carriage trains which also feature a modern lighting concept that directly illuminates the steps inside the vehicle. To improve the customer experience, the trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, an entertainment and passenger information system, and closed-circuit cameras. Ticket machines will be provided on board. The trains offer storage areas for up to nine bicycles, including a recharging point for e-bikes.