New TGV is launched: the AGV

A new Hi-speed (conventional) train is introduced in France at 5 February 2008 at La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime): the AGV (Automotrice a Grande Vitesses - meaning a high-speed train that propels itself, so without a separate locomotive part).
It’s cruising speed will be 360 km/hour, which is 40 kilometers above the maximum speed of the current TGV. This fourth generation Hi-Speed train is aimed to replace all older TGV types, except for the Duplex version (with a second floor) which will be further developed.

The train uses 15% less energy because of a better motor and because it has a more advanced aerodynamic shape. Because no locomotive is needed, there is more space for passengers. Most of the train can be recycled.

First trains will be delivered by 2010 to the Italians. Novelty is that the development of this train, included it’s financing, is done solely by Alstom. Not upon demand of a launching customer who has participating in the development.

Comment: though there is a growing market for hi-speed trains in Europe, and Alstom has produced most of the current ones, market success is not guaranteed on beforehand. Construction and bringing into operation of High Speed lines takes considerable time. Because the opponents: airplane and maglevtrain, are already developed beyond the capabilities of the AGV in many aspects - for instance higher cruising speeds, and in the case of Maglev lower energy consumption - this wonderful new machine might probably render obsolete very quickly.  (WvdP)

Hear you can read a news report about AGV in French.

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