Success in Scandinavia: Stadler Gains Order for 20 FLIRT Electric Multiple Units Finland

The Finnish VR Group and Stadler has signed a contract for the delivery of 20 single-deck FLIRT multiple units. With their efficient electric drives, the trains enable even more sustainable rail transport in the Helsinki region. The contract includes the delivery of spare parts as well as the option for a further 50 trains and full-service expansion.

VR Group and Stadler today signed a contract for the manufacture and delivery of the FLIRT electric multiple units in the Finnish capital of Helsinki. In addition to the delivery of spare parts, the contract also includes options for 50 additional multiple units and the expansion of services to include Stadler's full-service model.

The new trains are intended for use in regional transport around the capital Helsinki and in the Tampere region. With their efficient electric drive, they enable even more sustainable rail operations and support the VR Group in its mission for environmentally friendly public transport in Finland. If required in the future, the FLIRT can also be used as intercity trains. Delivery of the first vehicle is scheduled for spring 2026.

Stadler has extensive experience in manufacturing rolling stock for challenging climatic conditions. With over 2,500 units sold, the FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) is Stadler's proven bestseller. 81 FLIRT are already on the road in Finland - and also in Sweden, Norway and Estonia. In these countries in particular, the FLIRT proves its excellent suitability for harsh winter conditions.

The new FLIRT are also specially adapted for the Nordic climate in Finland. This includes large snow ploughs, efficient air conditioning including underfloor heating in the entry areas, as well as special insulation and well-sealed machine rooms to protect the drive technology.

“We are proud to be able to deliver our bestseller FLIRT to the VR Group after the 60 locomotives. The FLIRT has proven its versatility and robustness a thousand times over - from the Arctic Circle to Africa. 

The new vehicles will provide VR passengers with an environmentally friendly, reliable and comfortable travel experience - even in harsh wintry weather conditions," says Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing and Deputy Group CEO of Stadler.

"Stadler's offer corresponds exactly to our needs. This is how we at the VR Group want the trains of the future to be: Energy-efficient, accessible to everyone, spacious and comfortable. We are happy to have Stadler at our side as a partner in our mission to create a better world together,” says Elisa Markula, CEO of VR Group.

More about the trains

The four-car trains offer space for 796 passengers, 356 of whom are seated. The maximum speed is 160 km/h. Like all FLIRT, they have stepless entrances, low noise emissions inside and outside the trains and spacious multifunctional zones for prams, wheelchairs, bicycles and luggage. 

Finland is one of the most important hotspots in Europe for outstanding design. For this reason, Stadler has worked with a local agency to ensure that the new trains reflect Finnish design. The interior is sleek and stylish, while being modular so it can be easily rearranged or replaced over the life of the trains.

Stadler have supplied Greater Anglia with new trains and are in the process of delivering units to Tyne & Wear Metro & Class 197's and Tram Trains to Transport for Wales here

The new FLIRT support VR Group's commitment to sustainable mobility. The lightweight aluminum construction typical of Stadler in combination with the latest converter technology significantly reduces the energy consumption of the trains. The use of propane as a coolant, the use of oil-free compressors and the possibility of recycling a large part of the materials at the end of their life are just a few examples.