Eurostar set to buy new trains

EUROSTAR is in talks with German manufacturer Siemens to renew its fleet of cross-Channel trains from 2012, according to reports.

Le Figaro says the train operator wants to replace some of its ageing trains, which were built by French firm Alstom and have been in service since the route launched 16 years ago.

The group will shortly put the project out to tender, but is understood to have shown a keen interest in Siemens.

Alstom's German rival has sold its high-speed Velaro trains to Spain, China and Russia so far.

Eurostar has 28 trains operating on the routes to Paris, Brussels, Avignon and the Alps from London. It is not yet clear how many of these are to be replaced.

A source familiar with the project told Le Figaro that the Siemens trains were "more luxurious" and would allow Eurostar to offer a better service, especially to business class passengers.

In an interview with The Connexion last November, Eurostar France head of marketing Lionel Benbassat said: "The first renovated train will come into service in 2012 and the project will be completed by 2016."

The improvement works will also prepare the rail operator for the opening up of the cross-Channel line to competition.

Deutsche Bahn is reported to be interested in running services to London from the continent in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Franch public services giant Veolia is also in the running, in a joint venture with Italian train operator Trenitalia.