Knorr-Bremse: €50M China Rail Contract Win

Knorr-Bremse Secures Significant Rail Contracts in China

Germany, June 2, 2025 – Knorr-Bremse, a leading global supplier of braking systems and related technologies for rail vehicles, has secured substantial contracts with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) to supply braking systems for multiple metro projects across several major Chinese cities. This news highlights the continued strength of Knorr-Bremse’s relationship with the Chinese rail industry and underscores the company’s strategic focus on the rapidly expanding urban rail market. The contracts, valued at approximately €50 million, encompass the provision of complete braking systems for approximately 1,000 metro railcars, serving at least five cities, including Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Ningbo. These projects emphasize Knorr-Bremse’s ability to deliver advanced, reliable braking solutions tailored to the specific requirements of modern metro systems. Furthermore, the company is expanding its global presence, with additional contracts for export opportunities from China. This article will explore the details of these contracts, the technologies involved, and the broader implications for Knorr-Bremse’s global strategy and the evolving landscape of the rail industry.

Expansion in the Chinese Metro Market

The recent contracts between Knorr-Bremse and CRRC signify a significant win for the German company within the dynamic Chinese rail market. The agreements cover the supply of complete braking systems for metro fleets, encompassing a substantial number of railcars across key urban centers such as Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Ningbo. These systems include critical components like electropneumatic brake control systems, bogie equipment, and actuators. The customization of these systems will be carried out at Knorr-Bremse’s facilities in Suzhou and through its joint venture with CRRC in Nankou, Beijing. This localization strategy demonstrates Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to the Chinese market and facilitates close collaboration with local partners to meet the specific needs of Chinese metro operators. This approach enables the company to provide tailored solutions and capitalize on the significant growth in urban rail infrastructure throughout China. The strategic location of its production facilities allows for streamlined supply chains and quicker response times, which are critical in this rapidly expanding market.

Advanced Braking Technologies

Knorr-Bremse’s success in securing these contracts underscores the company’s expertise in providing cutting-edge braking technologies. The complete braking systems being supplied are designed to meet the stringent safety and performance requirements of modern metro operations. Electropneumatic brake control systems are central to this, offering precise and responsive braking performance, essential for the high-frequency operations of metro systems. The integration of bogie equipment ensures optimal performance and safety of the trains, including braking components integrated into the wheelsets. The actuators contribute to the overall braking efficiency and reliability of the system. These technologies are critical in ensuring the safety and efficiency of metro operations and contribute to enhanced passenger comfort and operational reliability. Furthermore, Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to continuous innovation allows it to adapt its systems to meet the evolving demands of the rail industry and to incorporate advances in areas such as predictive maintenance and digital control systems.

Global Growth and Export Opportunities

Beyond its successes within the Chinese market, Knorr-Bremse is also leveraging its partnerships in China for export opportunities. The company has been awarded contracts to supply braking systems for more than 100 CRRC locomotives destined for Kazakhstan. This initiative highlights China’s growing role in the global rail market and Knorr-Bremse’s strategic ability to capitalize on these international collaborations. Moreover, Knorr-Bremse is providing braking systems for new light rail vehicles (LRVs) intended for export to Astana, Kazakhstan, and Belo Horizonte, Brazil. These developments are representative of Knorr-Bremse’s strategic expansion to serve expanding rail networks globally. These projects are supported by the company’s strategic program, BOOST, which encompasses the upgrade of its primary manufacturing plants in Suzhou and Palwal, India. This underlines the company’s effort in improving manufacturing capabilities and capacity.

Conclusion

The recent contract wins for Knorr-Bremse in China represent a significant achievement for the company, solidifying its position as a key player in the global rail industry. The approximately €50 million in contracts to supply braking systems for metro projects across various Chinese cities demonstrate the trust the company has established with CRRC and reflect the strong demand for advanced rail technologies in the rapidly growing urban rail sector. The provision of complete braking systems for a substantial number of metro railcars underlines the importance of Knorr-Bremse’s technical capabilities and its ability to deliver safe and reliable solutions tailored to the specific requirements of metro systems. Furthermore, the company is expanding its global footprint through export opportunities from China. This includes supply contracts for CRRC locomotives destined for Kazakhstan and light rail vehicles bound for other international markets. The company’s success in securing these contracts, combined with its focus on innovation and strategic investment in manufacturing capacity, position Knorr-Bremse for sustained growth. The strategic program, BOOST, which includes upgrades to its manufacturing plants, underlines the company’s commitment to optimizing its operations and expanding its global reach. Overall, these developments highlight Knorr-Bremse’s resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market and the company’s continued commitment to innovation and delivering high-quality, reliable braking systems for the global rail industry.

Summary of Companies Mentioned:

• Knorr-Bremse: A German-based global leader in braking systems and related technologies for rail and commercial vehicles. The company supplies a wide range of products, including braking systems, entrance systems, and climate control systems, and provides aftermarket services.
• China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC): The world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, based in China. CRRC produces a wide range of rail vehicles, including locomotives, high-speed trains, metro cars, and freight cars.
• Hitachi Rail: A global provider of rail solutions, including rolling stock, signaling, and maintenance services.