“Italian politics initially took a very strong, rigid and appreciated position. Now, given the latest results, it is appropriate that he take this story back into consideration, because we consider what we are suffering to be an abuse". Maurizio Manfellotto, CEO of AnsaldoBreda, does not mince words, who today took stock of the dispute between the Finmeccanica group company and the Dutch and Belgian railways. The case concerns the construction of Fyra high-speed trains for connections between the two northern European countries.
Belgium had ordered three trains for the Brussels-Amsterdam line, while the Netherlands had ordered 16. On 14 January a malfunction occurred due to snow, which AnsaldoBreda attributes to the too high speed set by the driver. After the accident, the two railway companies had decided to launch a plan agreed with the Italian company to modify the operation of the trains in case of snow. Later, however, the Belgians and Dutch decided to cancel the contract.
“We will do everything to enforce contractual interests and rights – added the manager at the press conference at the Pistoia plant -. We are continuing to work and we respect the contractual provisions. Let's move forward and hope for a change of orientation. We think our solution is the one with the greatest chance of success.”
Manfellotto said he had "great faith" in Dutch justice and underlined that the train proposed by AnsaldoBreda "corresponds to the contractual characteristics and is equipped with all the certifications". If the railways of the two countries give the go-ahead to the Italian company's plan, the first five trains could be ready as early as the autumn. “The trains are safe – guaranteed the CEO -. We don't understand why we don't want to go on."
A few minutes after the closing, Finmeccanica shares gained 0,7% in Piazza Affari.
