Uzbekistan: This was revealed by Petr Novotný, CEO of the Czech manufacturer, in an interview with Hospodářské noviny.
According to him, the company poorly prepared the process for export financing of the deal. As a result, the contract signed in 2023 with national operator Uzbekistan Temir Yollari for 30 EMUs worth €320 mln was not implemented. At the time of signing, it was stated that production of the trains was due to begin in 2024.
Mr Novotný states that Škoda Group recently submitted a new proposal to supply Uzbekistan with 30 trains plus an option on a further 70 sets. Financing will be provided by the Czech state export insurance company EGAP and EU funds. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed that the procurement of 28 EMUs be implemented within the next five years.
In Mr Novotný’s view, the company’s proposal is able to compete with Chinese manufacturers. It is worth noting that there have been no public announcements of interest from Chinese national manufacturer CRRC in supplying Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, at the end of 2024 a six-car EP3D EMU built by Russia’s TMH entered service in the country. The Russian holding’s top management is also currently involved in the management of the Tashkent Passenger Car Construction and Repair Plant – Uzbekistan’s only manufacturer of passenger rolling stock.
Škoda Group’s CEO adds that the manufacturer currently has the largest order book in its history. Last year alone, it signed contracts worth a total of CZK 38 bln (€156.2 mln). According to him, with €105 mln of investment in expanding production capacity the company can increase annual output by a further 100 train cars without significant difficulties. This is particularly relevant given Škoda Group’s plans to increase exports to various markets in Europe and Asia.
