METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Japanese firms partner to pursue overseas rail markets

Mitsubishi Heavy and Hitachi find overseas intra-city railway systems are the area where the two companies can demonstrate their competitiveness most via work ranging from marketing to construction, installation and maintenance in the field.

June 23, 2010
2 min to read


Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) and Hitachi Ltd. entered into a basic agreement to work cooperatively in the field of intracity railway systems for overseas markets, with the goals of strengthening competitiveness in global markets and expanding business as a result.

MHI and Hitachi find overseas intracity railway systems are the area where the two companies can demonstrate their competitiveness most, thus, they decided to work together via efforts ranging from marketing to construction, installation and maintenance in the field.

Social infrastructure, such as power systems and railway systems, is expected to expand as a market, particularly in emerging countries. Even in developed nations and regions, which already have a certain level of social infrastructure, there is demand for upgrading social infrastructure supported by advanced information and telecommunications systems.

Railway systems, which are a form of green mobility, are winning increasing recognition as a means of transporting large volumes of passengers and freight with a small environmental impact. As a consequence of this, there are active moves in a host of regions around the world, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Central and South America, to build new railway systems or extend existing ones, or make systems faster with improved railcars and systems. The overseas railway systems market is thus continuing to grow.

 MHI and Hitachi will work together as appropriate in a broad range of fields in overseas intracity railway system projects, ranging from marketing to design, manufacturing, procurement, engineering, construction, installation, maintenance and development.

Ad Loading...

With their complementary product lineups, MHI and Hitachi will respond to various railway system needs in the urban transportation field. The mixed product lineups include conventional commuter trains for subways and other systems; new transportation systems such as automated people movers (APM) and light rail transit (LRT); and monorails.

Under this agreement, MHI and Hitachi aim to leverage each other's experience and expertise to actively develop the railway systems business overseas.

More Rail

Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract

The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ManagementJanuary 23, 2026

Seattle Sound Transit Sets Launch Date for Crosslake Connection

This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with a map of the proposed study area for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor and text reading "LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor."
RailJanuary 23, 2026

LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor

The agency’s selection aims to slash travel times from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside to under 20 minutes.

Read More →
TechnologyJanuary 21, 2026

Florida's Tri-Rail Taps Siemens Mobility for Modern Locomotive Procurement

Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rendering of an Austin Light Rail station.
RailJanuary 20, 2026

Austin Transit Partnership Advances Federal Funding Process for Light Rail Project

See how the agency’s transit project completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement within the federal two-year guideline.

Read More →