What is Siemens thinking?
The construction of the first HSR line in Vietnam from Hanoi - Halong is set to break ground soon. A major partner is Siemens Mobility who will supply and transfer key technologies ranging from signaling, rolling stock, maintenace and electricity grid know-how.
What is the reasoning for Siemens behind transferring state of the art tech, that no other country yet has like, but not limited to, the flagship Velaro Novo, for such small projects?
This line will be about 120 km long and the second line in the south about 50 km I think. How many trains will they sell? Maybe 15. Or 20?
Of course the contract in total is bigger with all the infrastructure around the HSR line but why TRANSFER the flagship technology for a new product and produce more competition in the near future for themselves?
It would have been somewhat understandable if they agreed to transfer the technology of the previous or current Velaro D or the ICE 3 neo, which are pretty capable trains by themselves.
It would have even made sense if they were to supply trains for the whole of Vietnams new HSR network for the Hanio-Ho Chi Minh City line but that is likely going to Hyundai Rotem isnt it?
So yeah why did they agree to the tech transfer?