Alstom and NTV, a private operator of Italy's high-speed rail network, unveiled the front car of Pendolino Italo train, a year after the contract signing and the presentation of the design. The train is manufactured at the production site of Alstom in Savigliano (Italy), a centre of excellence for high-speed trains.

With the twelve Pendolino ordered last year, plus the existing fleet of 25 AGV, the Italo fleet will total 37 Alstom Avelia trains. This will allow the private Italian operator to expand its current network and to respond to a demand for new routes and increased frequencies for travellers. The trains, manufactured at Alstom's Savigliano, Italy-based production site, are scheduled to be delivered by December 2017 and slated to enter service March 2018. Alstom's other production sites involved, include the Sesto San Giovanni,  Bologna and Nola depot, which will handle maintenance for 30 years, as it already does for AGV Italo trains.

The vehicle's ruby red exterior with the characteristic golden hare, is an evolution of the Pendolino family, according to Alstom officials. The futuristic-styled front end is designed to provide crash protection. The train is environmentally friendly, thanks to its high recyclability of its materials and reduced CO2 emissions. Moreover, its optimized distributed traction system enhances efficiency and acceleration and regenerates energy while braking.

The 613-foot-long seven-car trains can reach a maximum speed of 155 mph and can accommodate approximately 480 passengers. The train features full compatibility with the very latest 2014 TSI (1) regulations established by the European Union. This EU standard contributes to guaranteeing high levels of safety and efficiency.

Pendolino is part of Alstom’s Avelia range of high-speed trains, which is based on 4 current flagship products — Pendolino, Euroduplex, Liberty and AGV — representing the culmination of 35 years of expertise and more than 1,050 trains in service around the world.

^{(1) Technical Specifications for Interoperability}