The French Railway Industries
Ubifrance : who are we?
UBIFRANCE is the French Agency for International Business Development ; it supports French firms in their development on foreign markets, in connection with the trade departments of the French Embassies abroad.
The French railway industries
With a turnover of € 3.3 billion in 2006 courtesy of a buoyant domestic market generating a record € 2.2 billion and exports contributing the remaining € 1.1 billion, French railway industries could not be in finer shape.
Tramways are back in fashion, high levels of investments are being poured into regional train-fleet renewal and the high-speed rail network is expanding. The dynamic development experienced by the railways in France over the past period has benefited virtually all the sector stakeholders. More importantly the reform process set in motion in the rail sector has made it easier for new players to enter the market. French know-how and expertise are in high demand the world over, whether in terms of rolling stock, train operations or architecture.
Rail-sector expansion opens-up exciting new opportunities in France and abroad.
High speeds, the perfect showcase for railway industries
France has played a trail-blazing role in the development of high-speed rail and its TGV network today radiates into Northern Europe. On the regional transport scene too, the revolution is well and truly under way as borne out by the launch of new-generation trains and the novel approaches adopted by transport modes. The rail sector is clearly well-placed to meet the challenge of sustainable development.
From infrastructure to rolling stock: a formidable competency chain
With a strong demand-led market, French-based manufacturers and equipment suppliers are busy developing high-performance transport systems that include high-speed trains, high-capacity multiple units, automated metros, lightweight automated vehicles and hybrid vehicles…, all made possible by a know-how base developed over the years and drawing on the competencies and skills of a diverse cast of players.
On the trail of international business contracts
The leading French railway industrial companies are very active players in most major international sector-related projects, providing expertise in the field of engineering, operations, rolling stock and architecture.
Europe as a whole with 64.9% of turnover (including 53.8% for European Union countries) remains more than ever the largest market. Asia, America, North Africa and the Middle-East represent a wonderful showcase for French know-how and expertise.
Railway trades: three world-class manufacturers and a host of players
French railway industries rank among the world leaders in their field, with an aggregate turnover representing 5% of the sector’s worldwide total (invoiced ex-France). These positive results are underpinned by the excellence of three major manufacturers and of hundreds of other contractors with their diverse skills.