CRRC ZELC to build Chinese-Hungarian train factory in Hungary

Chinese company CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co (CRRC ZELC) is partnering with Hungarian group Acemil to establish a rolling stock manufacturing plant in Hungary, targeting the European market.

CRRC ZELC, one of six subsidiaries of the Chinese state-owned CRRC group with over 10,000 employees, plans to have the facility operational by next year. The partnership also aims to set up a railway education, training, and R&D centre, according to Railway Gazette.

Acemil, a Hungarian logistics, railway manufacturing, energy, and IT group founded in 2022, has been chosen as a reliable local partner. The group, entirely owned by a private equity fund, initially focused on China-Europe railway logistics.

This project follows Chinese President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic visit to Budapest in May, highlighting the Hungarian government’s efforts under PM Viktor Orbán to strengthen ties with China. Chinese companies have recently invested in several production facilities in Hungary, including battery and car factories.

CRRC has previously delivered small batches of rolling stock to EU operators, with larger-scale orders fulfilled through its subsidiary, Vossloh Rolling Stock. CRRC ZELC’s acquisition of Vossloh Locomotives GmbH in 2020 marked a significant step into the European market.

Chinese development plans in Europe

CRRC ZELC plans to manufacture mainline and shunting locomotives, electric multiple units, and double-deck trainsets at the new Hungarian facility. Acemil Board Member Dávid Kovács highlighted Hungary’s rich railway manufacturing history, noting that “Ganz and later Ganz-MÁVAG supplied railway vehicles for the international market over many decades.”