Italian open access operator Italo announced on 20 July 2026 a €3 billion contract with Siemens Mobility to supply 26 Velaro Multi System high-speed trainsets. The order includes an option for 14 additional trainsets and a 30-year full service maintenance agreement. Each trainset will have eight cars and seat between 440 and 450 passengers across Club Executive, Prima Business and Smart classes, including a bistro car. Manufacturing will take place at Siemens’ Krefeld facility in Germany.
Plans for German High-Speed Services Starting April 2028
Italo intends to operate hourly services between München, Köln and Dortmund and two-hourly services connecting München, Berlin and Hamburg, launching in April 2028. The
planned network will cover 1,300 kilometers serving 18 cities with 50 daily train trips. Italo aims to be the first major private operator competing on Germany’s high-speed rail network.
Technical Features and Onboard Amenities of Velaro Trains
The Velaro Multi System trainsets will be equipped to operate across multiple electrification standards: 1.5 kV and 3 kV DC, as well as 15 kV 16.7 Hz and 25 kV 50 Hz AC. Passenger experience will be enhanced by Starlink high-speed satellite internet connectivity. The seating layout offers differentiated classes along with a bistro facility.
Maintenance Strategy Using Siemens’ Railigent X Platform
Maintenance for the Velaro fleet will be carried out at Siemens Mobility’s depot in Dortmund. Siemens
will utilize its Railigent X digital platform for predictive maintenance and to optimize operational efficiency throughout the trains’ lifecycle, supporting reliability and service standards over the 30-year service contract.
Corporate Structure and Market Investment by Italo
Italo Holding fully owns Italo International, which manages its international operations including the German subsidiaries Atrium (operations) and Mainsee (train ownership). Both entities are based in Frankfurt and incorporated under German law. The total investment for market entry in Germany amounts to €3.6 billion, covering train procurement, station and IT infrastructure, and recruitment and training of approximately 2,500 employees.
Official Statements from Executives and Industry Associations
Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter described the contract as a landmark project
and a strong vote of confidence in the Velaro platform and industrial innovation made in Germany. Italo CEO Gianbattista La Rocca emphasized the plan to provide German passengers with greater choice, more frequent services, fair prices, and high-quality service. Italo President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo called the deal a step toward a unified European rail market overcoming fragmented liberalizations. The AllRail association highlighted the order as evidence of significant private investment and competition potential in European passenger rail.
Context of Italo’s Entry into German and European Rail Markets
Italo’s initiative follows its Italian liberalisation experience competing with Trenitalia and signals the first major private high-speed rail competitor in Germany’s market,
which until now has been dominated by state incumbents and conventional open access operators like FlixTrain and Leo Express. Italo’s market entry advances integration and liberalization goals within the European rail sector.
