Part 3 Evolving 'A-train'

At the center of the solutions for next-generation railways.

To achieve a good balance between the further evolution of the 'A-train' and ecological considerations.... Hitachi is aiming to improve the level of all the aspects concerned, including not only comfort, but also safety, design and a barrier-free vehicle.
We will create new solutions to support a comprehensive railway system.

[Image] Hirofumi Sakamoto, Chief Engineer, Vehicle System Design Department, Kasado Transportation Systems Division

Interview

Hirofumi Sakamoto,
Chief Engineer, Vehicle System Design Department,
Kasado Transportation Systems Division

A continuously evolving rail vehicle system

You have already gone past the 1,000 vehicle orders mark!

[Image] Vehicle externals of A-train

Yes, the A-train family has successfully developed into various train types from commuter to express trains.
Recently, I was lucky enough to ride on one of the 'A-train' vehicles by chance when I went to Tokyo on business. It was a moving experience to get on a vehicle for which I was engaged in the production. But, I could not stop myself from looking for points that need further improvement including, 'Oh, these parts should be changed like this?' I would like to use these findings in future projects.

How do you feel the A-train will evolve in the future?

We would like to keep a good balance between the improvement of quality and cost reduction, while maintaining the basic concept of the 'A-train'.
To achieve this goal, I think that we need to position the 'A-train' as a rail vehicle system with comprehensive approaches, such as 'service proposals with added value' and 'improvement of maintenance and renewal performance.' The goal is to offer an 'A-train' in which several features are combined freely by advancing the standardization of vehicles and the development of a range of services with these approaches.

[Image] Mr. Sakamoto talks in A-train

The future of trains is lies with eco-ideas

What do you think of the new eco-technologies, including hybrid technology?

[Image] The vehicle interior of A-train

I believe that the development of new eco-technologies is important for not only the future of trains, but also our environment. Hitachi is putting together an organization to address hybrid technologies. This is possible, because Hitachi has a comprehensive railway system, which includes electricity and controls in addition to vehicles. I believe that we will be able to gradually incorporate the outcome of this approach into the 'A-train'.

What are challenges it will face as a next-generation rail vehicle?

One of the challenges is to pursue in-vehicle comfort and noise reduction during movement. I believe that we can achieve a thinner roof structure and wider in-vehicle space by integrating the heat insulation and the sound insulation layer of the roof and interior materials. This will lead to the reduction of parts by integrating interior components, including baggage racks and fluorescent lamps. In addition, I think that we can expect the A-train to become even more environmentally-friendly, by changing the aluminum material itself to a lead-free type.

[Image] Mr. Sakamoto talks in A-train

Timeless A-train starts running across regions.

What do you think about the deployment of A-train in overseas markets?

Three companies, the Germany company Siemens, the Canadian company Bombardier and the French company Alstom, occupy a high share of the world market. However, the technologies of the 'A-train' in realizing an aluminum vehicle have attracted worldwide attention.
As the delivery of vehicles to UK has already been reported by media, we have begun to actively receive orders from abroad.
We are committed to making a　positive approach towards overseas markets in the future.

Thank you very much for your cooperation today!