Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) and Stadler signed a contract for the delivery of three diesel-electric metre-gauge multiple units at the end of March. This new order brings the total number of multiple units ordered by FdC to 12, including the nine hydrogen-powered ordered over the last two years. Improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of the regional transport in Calabria, the new fleet of trains will serve the Cosenza – Catanzaro route. They will be manufactured at Stadler's headquarters in Bussnang and will enter commercial service at the beginning of 2027. 

A unique product portfolio
The customised metre-gauge multiple units have been especially developed for the Italian market to meet specific requirements. For example, the trains are smaller and have a low axle weight, so that they can pass through tunnels and travel on lines operated by different railway operators. The trains feature different variants and configurations, including rack and pinion drives, as well as other drive systems, including  diesel-electric, battery and hydrogen power.  This demonstrates the leading role Stadler plays not just in the field of tailormade vehicles, but also for alternative drive systems. 

Great success on the Italian market
Stadler's first breakthrough in the tailormade sector in Italy was in 2007 with the signing of the first framework agreement with FdC. This was for the supply of diesel-electric metre-gauge trains with rack and pinion drive. Based on this first project, Stadler has since developed further variants for the railway operators Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) in Apulia and Basilicata, Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST) in Sardinia and Società Subalpina di Imprese Ferroviarie (SSIF) in Piedmont. 

Maurizio Oberti, Stadler’s Marketing & Sales Director for Italy, says: "I am delighted that we have sold more than 100 tailormade trains in Italy and can further expand our presence in this important market. This is a great milestone and I would like to congratulate the entire Stadler team. These projects are particularly complex and require intensive collaboration with our customers as well as specific expertise and teamwork."