Award attests to the design energy, vitality and innovation of Bombardier and Siemens

Berlin, March 05, 2008 – The new Sprinter trains, designed and manufactured by the Consortium Sprinter LighTTrain formed by Bombardier and Siemens, have won a 2007 Good Design Award in the category “Transportation”.

In September 2007, Netherlands Railways (Nederlandse Spoorwegen – NS) ordered 32 fourcar and 32 six-car Sprinter LighTTrain electric multiple units (EMUs) in addition to the 2005 base order for 18 four-car and 17 six-car of these EMUs.

The Good Design Awards are organized by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, in conjunction with The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies (Dublin and Athens), and Metropolitan Arts Press. The Awards elevate the best and finest new designs and innovation in products and graphics designed and manufactured. Founded in 1950, the Awards bestow international recognition upon designers and manufacturers for advancing new and innovative product concepts and for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered standard product and consumer design.

For the 2007 Good Design Awards, The Chicago Athenaeum received hundreds of applications from 6 continents. Over 400 products and graphic designs were selected by a distinguished jury, based on aesthetic criteria which measures innovation, form, materials, construction, concept, function and utility, as well as product appearance and aesthetic appeal.

The Sprinter trains, that amongst other prestigious brands, received the Good Design Award in the transportation category, are based on a proven Bombardier-Siemens commuter traindesign, adapted in close partnership with NS to suit the specific requirements of the Netherlands. The exterior design of the trains offers a dynamic, attractive and friendly appearance. The Sprinter combines the tradition of its proven technology with a modern futuristic and timeless approach taking into account the long lifespan of these vehicles.

Important technical requirements like high efficiency and crashworthiness, according to the latest standards are incorporated without losing the aesthetic quality of the design or the straightforwardness and reliability of a regional and commuter train. Particular attention was paid to the harmonious balancing of all design relevant elements like windows, split lines, lights and contour edges on the front end while maintaining appropriate functionality, feasibility, technology and manufacturing compatibility. The livery is based on the pattern NS employs for its Sprinter brand, which combines the corporate yellow and blue color scheme with a distinctive white. The yellow doors also provide visual functionality in line with the PRM disability requirements. The blue arrow pattern towards the front enhances the image of speed.

The Sprinter’s four-car trains are being produced at Bombardier’s manufacturing facilities in Aachen and Hennigsdorf, Germany. The Sprinter’s six-car trains are being produced at Siemens’ production site in Krefeld-Uerdingen and tested in Siemens’ test centre Wildenrath, both Germany.

About Bombardier Transportation

The Siemens Mobility Division (Erlangen, Germany) is the internationally leading provider of transportation and logistics solutions. With its "Complete Mobility" approach, the Division is focused on networking the various modes of transportation in order to ensure the efficient transport of people and goods. Complete Mobility combines the company’s competence in operations control systems for railways and traffic control systems for roadways together with solutions for airport logistics, postal automation, traction power supplies and rolling stock for mass transit, regional and mainline services, as well as forward-looking service concepts.