Siemens Mobility has inked a new framework agreement with European locomotive leasing company Akiem for up to 80 Vectron locomotives. This substantial order underscores the continued market demand for the Vectron platform as a core revenue driver for the mobility division.
A Strategic Shift Towards Flexible Rail Transport
At the heart of this deal is a firm order for 50 units of the Vectron Dual Mode model in an electric-battery configuration. These engines are designed for a key operational advantage: they can operate on both electrified rail lines and on sections lacking overhead wires, powered by modular batteries boasting a capacity exceeding 2 MWh. Engineered for cross-border freight with 2,400 kW of power and a top speed of 160 km/h, the first deliveries are scheduled for the period between 2029 and 2030.
This move by Akiem is part of an ongoing partnership. Since 2021, the leasing firm has ordered a total of 120 Vectron locomotives from Siemens. The choice of the dual-mode variant highlights the persistent decarbonization pressures within the European rail sector, offering a tangible reduction in CO₂ emissions on non-electrified track segments.
Industrial Resilience Meets Cost Pressures
This contract arrives in an industrial climate that appears more robust than recently expected, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. In a surprising March reading, Germany’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector climbed to 51.7 points, moving above the threshold that indicates growth. Market researchers attribute this partly to companies placing advance orders to buffer against potential supply chain disruptions.
However, rising energy prices have pushed material costs to their highest level since late 2022. The extent to which this will pressure margins within the Mobility business unit will become clearer with the next quarterly financial reports.
Share Performance Lags Operational Developments
The operational strength signaled by such deals has yet to be reflected in the company’s stock performance. Siemens shares are currently trading around €212, which places them roughly ten percent below their 200-day moving average. Since the start of the year, the equity has lost nearly twelve percent of its value. Major new orders like this one could, at a minimum, help improve the outlook for the Mobility division.
