LFX-300, the Latest Streetcar Innovation from KINKISHARYO International, Arriving in U.S.

WESTWOOD, Mass., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- KINKISHARYO International, L.L.C. announced today that the prototype of its LFX-300, a 100 percent low-floor, dual-powered 'hybrid' streetcar specifically designed for North America, will arrive in the U.S. in mid-December.  Following a series of tests, the LFX-300 will be unveiled to the public and industry in Charlotte, North Carolina in January, 2011.

"We are thrilled to be on schedule with the introduction of our LFX-300 to the U.S. market.  We are confident that our completely low floor, dual-powered hybrid streetcar will be well received by transportation officials, city planners and riders alike," said Rainer Hombach, vice president and general manager of KINKISHARYO International.  "We appreciate the cooperation from the City of Charlotte and members of the Charlotte Area Transit System as we continue our work leading up to our official unveiling in January," Hombach added.

The LFX-300 is a hybrid vehicle propelled by either overhead electric catenary or on-board battery power.  In battery powered mode, it uses electricity stored from regenerative braking and by charging the batteries while running on catenary, minimizing total power consumption.  As an electric hybrid vehicle, it does not emit fumes that contribute to smog and greenhouse gasses.  The LFX-300 has been specifically designed for North America and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Buy America and NFPA-130.

The LFX-300 will also debut in other U.S. cities in the coming months.  Following Charlotte, for example, the LFX-300 will be displayed in Dallas, and KINKISHARYO is presently in discussion with officials from other cities also interested in hosting the LFX for display or demonstration.  KINKISHARYO welcomes inquiries from transit authorities across the country also interested in displaying the LFX-300 in their local markets.

"The LFX-300 is the ideal streetcar for downtown and historic areas, particularly those with preservation or aesthetic requirements where overhead catenary power is not feasible. The LFX-300 defines the new standards for light rail vehicles because it reduces operational costs, improves public access and safety, is environmentally responsible and delivers overall greater value," Hombach added.

KINKISHARYO has been delivering urban transit solutions in the United States for nearly three decades.  Its custom-engineered, light-rail vehicles can be seen in many metropolitan centers, including Seattle, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; Jersey City, New Jersey; San Jose, California; Dallas, Texas; and Boston, Massachusetts.  KINKISHARYO's parent company, The Kinki Sharyo Co. Ltd., and its affiliates, have been delivering rail solutions around the globe since 1920, including recently announced rail projects in Cairo, Egypt and in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

About KINKISHARYO International, L.L.C.

KINKISHARYO International, L.L.C. is the North American subsidiary of The Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd., based in Osaka, Japan, one of the most sophisticated rolling stock manufacturers customizing solutions for urban transit agencies worldwide since 1920.  Kinki Sharyo has supplied over 15,000 electric railcars—from light rail vehicles to high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains—that have moved hundreds of millions of passengers safely and efficiently.  Built on this heritage of technological innovation, tailored solutions and customer service, KINKISHARYO International, L.L.C. is the number one supplier of low-floor, light-rail vehicles in North America.  Headquartered in Westwood, MA, KINKISHARYO (www.kinkisharyo.com) has been redefining urban light rail transit systems throughout the U.S. for nearly three decades.  

SOURCE KINKISHARYO International, L.L.C.