Following its participation in the APTA trade fair in Chicago, Škoda Group is targeting growth in North America through rolling stock modernisation, component supplies and partnerships with local manufacturers.

The Czech rail technology company sees the US as a potential growth market, with opportunities to supply traction systems and electrical equipment, support fleet life-extension programmes and contribute to the development of new rolling stock platforms.

Škoda Group at APTA EXPO

© Škoda

Establishing a local presence will be important to these plans. As in India, where Škoda Group has recently established operations, the company will need to address US government requirements under the Buy America programme. This could involve developing manufacturing and servicing capabilities, project management infrastructure and creating jobs in the US.

Josef Talhofer, Business Development Director at Škoda Electric a.s. said:

Škoda Group’s ambition is to become a long-term technology partner to North American manufacturers, operators and fleet owners, rather than merely a supplier of components. The combination of modernisation projects, supplies to rolling stock manufacturers, the development of battery technologies, localised production and a strong service base creates a unique opportunity for Škoda Group to grow in North America and to develop our technologies, capabilities and partnerships over the long term.

Škoda Group has identified opportunities to modernise trams, light rail vehicles and metro trains, particularly those that have been in service for more than 10 years.

The company notes that North American operators often replace vehicles when key systems become obsolete, whereas European operators more commonly use modernisation programmes to extend the service life of existing fleets.

Škoda Group offers upgrades to traction systems, electrical equipment and vehicle integration. These interventions can extend a vehicle’s service life by a further 15 to 20 years, at a lower investment cost than purchasing new rolling stock.

Alongside fleet upgrades, investment in new rail infrastructure and rolling stock across US cities could create opportunities for Škoda Group to supply components and work with manufacturers on new vehicle platforms. The company’s experience in European rail projects and in-house development of traction systems could enable it to contribute from the design stage through to series production.

Škoda Group also identifies battery technologies, localised production and the development of a service network as areas for future growth in North America.

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