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Siemens Unveils Its First Diesel Multiple Unit for the U.S. Market; NCTD's Sprinter is Siemens' 500th Desiro DMU Built Worldwide

Posted on: Tuesday, 29 August 2006, 15:00 CDT

Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc. (STS) celebrated the unveiling of Siemens' first diesel multiple unit (DMU) to arrive in the U.S. with their North County Transit District (NCTD) customer. The "Sprinter" regional transportation project provides 22 miles of passenger rail service on an existing freight line that runs parallel with Highway 78, connecting Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido.

"Today, Californians experienced their first peek at a rising star and viewed a uniquely different and flexible solution for mass transit service providers -- Siemens' first U.S. diesel multiple unit (DMU). It's German engineered, economical, environmentally friendly, sleek and reliable," stated Lori Hess, STS vice president of business development.

The Sprinter, traveling at a top operating speed of 55 mph, will make triple the number of stops in less time than the existing express bus connection and can still save riders 16 minutes making the trip between Oceanside and Escondido in just under an hour.

Manufactured in Germany at Siemens' Krefeld-Uerdingen plant, the Desiro family of trains provides flexibility for use by transit authorities operating regional rail as well as mass transit service. "Widely used in Europe, the Desiro offers NCTD the answer for a light rail car that's easy to maintain and is cost efficient," proudly stated Karen King, NCTD executive director. With almost 500 Desiros in service across Europe, the decision to move forward with these attractive and modern new vehicles provides NCTD the benefit of proven technology.

About Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc.

Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc. (STS), headquartered in Sacramento, CA, is the number one supplier of light rail vehicles in North America with more than 800 light-rail vehicles ordered in the U.S. and Canada. The company is also known as one of the leading providers for rail equipment, services and systems integration for public transportation and Class 1 Railroads and has the only permanent U.S. light rail manufacturing facility on U.S. soil. STS' product portfolio includes traction electrification, propulsion systems, rail automation, rolling stock and integrated services for light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail and locomotives complemented by extensive experience in project management and forward looking service concepts for innovative, safe and reliable transportation solutions.

For more information on STS and its rail projects in New York City, Houston, Charlotte, Calgary, Portland and other cities throughout North America: www.usa.siemens.com/transportation

About Siemens

Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $96 billion in fiscal 2005. Founded nearly 160 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $18.8 billion and employs approximately 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Thirteen of Siemens' worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 460,000 people in 190 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.

Source: Business Wire

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