Stadler has signed a contract with the Finnish VR Group for 20 single-decker FLIRT electric multiple-unit trains.
The first of the new trains is scheduled to be delivered in spring 2026, and it is planned that they will be used for regional transport such as around the Finnish capital of Helsinki and in the Tampere region. If necessary, they can also be used on intercity services in the future.
With an efficient electric drive, the new trains support sustainable rail operations and VR mission to implement environmentally friendly public transport in Finland. The contract includes the provision of spare parts, options to supply a further 50 trains, and expanding services to Stadler's full-service model.
The new trains will be constructed from lightweight aluminium, which combined with the latest converter technology, will significantly reduce the trains' energy consumption. These include using propane as a coolant, oil-free air compressors, and being able to recycle a large part of the materials at the end of their service life.
Each train has 356 seats and a total space for 796 passengers, and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. They have step-free entrance areas, low noise emissions inside and outside the trains, and spacious storage areas for pushchairs, wheelchairs, bicycles, and luggage.
Throughout the design stage, Stadler worked with a local agency so that the trains accord with Finnish designs. With an elegant and stylish interior that is also modular, they can easily be reconfigured or replaced during the trains' lifetime.
Stadler has extensive experience in building rolling stock for challenging climatic conditions. Over 2,500 FLIRTs (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) have been sold, with 81 already in service in Finland, as well as in Sweden, Norway, and Estonia. Their operation in these countries has proved their ideal suitability for severe winter conditions, and the new FLIRT trains are will be adapted specially for Finland's Nordic climate. FLIRTs are also being delivered to the UK for use by Transport for Wales.
Additional equipment will include large snow ploughs, efficient air-conditioning technology with underfloor heating in the vestibules, special heat insulation, and well-sealed traction compartments to protect the propulsion units.
Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler, said: “After supplying 60 locomotives, we are now proud to be delivering our best-selling FLIRT model to the VR Group. The FLIRT train has already proven its versatility and robustness thousands of times – from the Arctic Circle to Africa. The new vehicles will provide VR's commuter traffic passengers with an environmentally friendly, reliable, and comfortable travel experience – even in harsh winter weather conditions.”
Elisa Markula, the CEO of VR Group, said: “Stadler's proposal responds to our needs. This is what we at VR Group want trains in the future to be like: energy-efficient, accessible for everybody, spacious, and comfortable to travel in. We are happy to have Stadler as our partner in our mission, getting there together for a better world,”
