Škoda Group targets North American rail market expansion

Škoda Group has presented its technologies to North American customers at the APTA trade fair in Chicago. The company views the United States as a major growth opportunity, focusing on supplying modern components and systems for vehicle manufacturers and participating in fleet modernizations.

To succeed in the U.S. market, the company aims to comply with the ‘Buy America’ program by building local representation, manufacturing or service capacities, and project management facilities to create local jobs rather than solely importing finished products.

Key opportunities identified include the modernization of trams, light rail vehicles, and metro systems, particularly for vehicles older than 10 years. While European operators often use life-extension programs, many North American operators tend to replace aging systems with entirely new vehicles. Škoda Group intends to leverage its experience in traction systems and electrical equipment to offer cost-effective solutions that can extend vehicle life by 15 to 20 years. Additionally, the company seeks to partner with manufacturers during the design and serial production phases of new vehicle platforms as cities expand rail infrastructure.