Innovation

Trains of new generation have appeared in Germany

After years of delays, Siemens' next-generation high-speed ICE trains have finally been approved by German regulators. But another hurdle still lies ahead: getting permission to run them to London.  

Steuger -- who works for Siemens, the German train manufacturer -- currently has the most thankless job in the German railway industry. A heavyset man with unshakeable good humor, he is responsible for the development of the 407-series ICE, also known as "Velaro D," which has become a massive disgrace for Siemens.

Due to a disagreement over technical details, the approval process for the train ended up taking two years longer than planned. Siemens will now deliver 17 trains instead of the 16 originally ordered -- with one thrown in for free as an apology for the delay -- and will likely pay compensation on top of that. The company's transport division now has accrued liabilities of €360 million, largely because of the Velaro D.

Steuger, one of the few top members of the development team who still has his job, is currently sitting in the dining car of his new train as it takes a demo ride. Two press relations officers are watching over him while he explains the Velaro D's story. The first thing he says: "The Federal Railway Authority didn't throw up roadblocks." It's clear Siemens has no desire to provoke the EBA.