Impulse for more accessibility
After KVG awarded the major contract in July 2023, it is now clear that the HÜBNER Group will supply a total of 44 gangway systems to the Škoda Group for this purpose, consisting of outer corrugated bellows, inner bellows and turntable. In addition, there are 44 upper and 44 lower articulation systems.
An important aspect of the project is the promotion of accessibility, because not all KVG trams are currently equipped with same-level entrance. In order to ensure that barrier-free access is also provided for people with limited mobility, HÜBNER is manufacturing 88 folding ramps for the new Kassel trams.
Škoda Group and HÜBNER expand cooperation
With the current order, the Škoda Group and HÜBNER are further expanding their cooperation. Jan Christoph Harder,President Region West of Škoda Group, explains: “The extensive cooperation on the Kassel tram project illustrates our common vision. As the Škoda Group, our goal is to improve the efficiency and quality of public transport together with global partners and with HÜBNER there is big advantage that the partner is also local.”
Better mobility from Kassel, for Kassel
KVG’s investment in the new and high-performance trams will noticeably upgrade Kassel’s public transport system and thus contribute to the mobility turnaround in the region. At the same time, it is an economic impulse for the region of Northern Hesse.
“As a group of companies, we have a global presence, but our headquarters with the important areas of development, design and production are located in Kassel,” says Managing Director Kai Mentel, who is responsible for the Mobility Rail business division of the HÜBNER Group. “We identify with the region to a great extent. That’s why it’s a matter close to our hearts that our components and systems also benefit local public transport.”
Added value for the region
The components and systems from HÜBNER in the new trams continue the long-standing partnership with KVG. “We are very pleased that the largest investment order in the history of KVG is contributing to local value creation,” explains Carsten Harkner, Chairman of the Board of Kasseler Verkehrs-Gesellschaft AG (KVG).“With the new tram fleet, we are offering our passengers efficient and attractive local light rail transport that will secure and increase the quality of life in Kassel in the long term.”
Tram articulation FX1000pro – developed in Kassel
A core component in the gangway systems for the new Kassel trams is the FX1000pro lower articulation, which HÜBNER has further developed and manufactures in a recently rebuilt production section at the Kassel-Waldau plant. It is now characterized by low lifecycle costs with a service life twice as long as before.
“For us as employees at the Kassel site, it is a special pleasure to be involved in the modernization of KVG’s tram with our work and our products,” says Daniel Stück, responsible account manager in sales at HÜBNER. “It is precisely through our many years of experience, especially in the field of gangway systems, that we are able to deliver innovative solutions that meet the requirements of efficient and comfortable mobility,” added Heiko Fuhrmann, Project Manager Gangway Systems at HÜBNER.
Škoda to bring trams on the rails in 2026
The upper articulation systems also come from the HÜBNER Group. The innovative articulations will be supplied directly to the Škoda Group by the affiliated company HEMSCHEIDT Engineering. They have an integrated spring element that helps to reduce weight as well as optimize the spring characteristics.
The HÜBNER Group will start delivering the components and systems to the Škoda Group in mid-2025. The first new trams are then to be transported from the Škoda plant in Pilsen, Czech Republic, to Kassel in mid-2026. After approval and approval, the first trams are expected to be able to be used in KVG’s regular services in Kassel as well as on the routes to Baunatal, Vellmar and through the Losse Valley from 2027.
