Has Köln (Cologne) given up on Alstom?

KVB, the transport operator in the German city of Köln (Cologne) has issued a tender seeking the purchase of up to 113 80km/h double-ended low-floor (400mm) trams classified NF6.2. A firm order for 33 is planned. The trams will have a maximum length of 30m and a width of 2.65m, with multiple-unit operation of up to four vehicles. They will need to pass a minimum curve radius of 25m and cope with 6% gradients. Three pre-production cars should be delivered in 2030 with the remainder following in 2031-32. 

 

In November 2020 KVB placed an EUR 363M order with Alstom for 62 60m low-floor trams to replace its K4000 trams, but these have never been delivered despite a contractual requirement to deliver two pre-production cars by September 2023. The operator is seeking compensation from Alstom because the delay has meant it commissioning overhauls of K4000 trams costing EUR 48M to keep them in service. Alstom has admitted design-related problem with the order, but claimed a prototype would arrive in Köln in October 2026, with series production from 2028. However it appears KVB has lost patience with the manufacturer and is now seeking an alternative supplier.