Kawasaki Takes First Order from Seibu Railway for 80 Cars of New Commuter Trains

Tokyo, August 24, 2015 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has received its first order from Seibu Railway Co., Ltd., for 80 cars of the new Seibu 40000 series of commuter trains. Kawasaki plans to manufacture the cars at its Hyogo Works in Kobe and deliver them from fiscal 2016 to 2019.

The 40000 series trains will inherit the concept from the 30000 series, also known as the Smile Train, of people-friendly trains that move forward with everyone. Representing an evolved version of the Smile Train, the 40000 series will be launched with an eye toward the next 100 years of Seibu Railway, under the mottoes of friendliness, focus on the community, future orientation, and innovation.

The new trains will incorporate the latest motor technology to achieve further energy savings and noise reduction. They will also feature a Plasmacluster^* air purification system to improve the environment inside the cars.

Furthermore, the trains will offer new accessibility features. For example, the existing wheelchair spaces will be expanded to create a "partner zone," which will ensure passengers who use wheelchairs or board with a baby carriage or large luggage can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. Some of the features provided will include fixtures for securing wheelchairs and a new type of seat which one can just lean into.

The train exteriors will feature the corporate colors of the Seibu Group, arranged in a manner that evokes the scenery and nature along the routes.

Kawasaki will continue to enhance its credibility with its technological expertise by providing environmentally friendly modes of transportation to markets around the world.

Seibu 40000 Series Specifications

Car Type	Commuter train (80 cars in eight 10-car consists)
Dimensions	20 m (L) × 2.808 m (W)
Car Body Material	Aluminum alloy

* Plasmacluster is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation. The system for rolling stock was developed by Kawasaki.