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Press Release26 October 2026Siemens MobilityMunich
New Design Unveiled for Battery-Powered Trains in Westphalia-Lippe
Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe
(NWL), Rock Rail, and Siemens Mobility have unveiled the design of the 61 new
Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains for the Northern Westphalia network. The
trains, financed and provided by Rock Rail, will be manufactured by Siemens
Mobility and are scheduled to gradually replace the current diesel fleet
starting in December 2029.
With an operating
volume of around 7.1 million train kilometers per year, this order represents the
largest modernization of regional rail transport in East Westphalia-Lippe and
the Münsterland region. The fleet will
be the second-largest battery-electric train fleet in Germany.
The new visual design
is part of a long-term, unified branding strategy for regional public transport
in Westphalia-Lippe. Moving forward, this consistent look will be extended to
other passenger touchpoints, providing greater recognition and easier
orientation for passengers.
A Consistent Identity
Across Operator Changes
For the first time,
NWL is the sole commissioning authority for a vehicle fleet of this scale. This
has enabled the transport authority to develop a consistent design for the
entire new fleet.
Until now, the
appearance of regional trains has largely been shaped by the respective rail
operator, which may change over a train's service life. The new trains for the
Northern Westphalia network, however, are dedicated to long-term service in the
region, regardless of which operator runs the lines.
Christiane Auffermann, Executive Director of NWL: “As the transit authority, we want to view
public transport much more through the eyes of our passengers. For us, that
includes a reliable and familiar appearance - regardless of who operates the
service. This advanced train fleet gives us the opportunity to make this
commitment visible on such a scale for the first time.”
Long-Term Investment
in a Modern Fleet
Rock Rail is
financing the 61 battery trains and providing them to NWL on a long-term basis
for operation in the Northern Westphalia network. This ensures that the trains
remain dedicated to the network and the region for many years, regardless of
future operator changes.
Nick Watson, General Manager, Rock Rail Germany: “We are proud to finance and deliver 61 Mireo Plus B trains for
the Northern Westphalia network. Their new design gives the fleet a strong,
distinctive identity, while battery-electric technology delivers quieter,
locally emission-free mobility across the entire region. As a long-term rail
vehicle financier, we are delighted to help provide a modern fleet that will
serve passengers, neighboring towns and municipalities, and NWL for 30 years.”
Major Fleet Order for
Siemens Mobility
Siemens Mobility will
manufacture the two-car Mireo Plus B trains. This order is among the largest
contracts for battery-powered regional trains in Germany, underscoring the
growing demand for alternative drive technologies in rail transport.
Andre Rodenbeck, Executive Vice President Rolling
Stock, Siemens Mobility: “The
new battery-powered Mireo Plus B trains combine emission-free mobility with a
high level of passenger comfort and a distinctive design for regional transport
in Westphalia-Lippe. This significant order for our Mireo Plus B platform is an
important contribution to the decarbonization of regional rail and the
transition toward more sustainable mobility.”
Locally Emission-Free
with Enhanced Passenger Comfort
The new trains belong
to the BEMU (Battery Electric Multiple Unit) category. These trains charge
their batteries along sections equipped with overhead lines and stored battery
power to operate on non-electrified sections of the network. Thanks to
intelligent energy management systems, they operate locally emission-free and
significantly quieter than conventional diesel multiple units. Energy generated
during braking is also recovered and stored in the batteries, further
increasing efficiency.
The new fleet will
also offer passengers greater comfort. Features include Wi-Fi, power outlets,
and USB charging ports, spacious multipurpose areas, room for 18 bicycles and
two wheelchairs, as well as step-free boarding. Modern interior lighting and
low noise levels further contribute to a pleasant travel experience.
For this press release
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility