Hitachi Rail said Clever Devices’ portfolio would complement its HMAX Mobility digital asset management platform.
USA: Hitachi Rail is expanding its footprint into the wider public transport market with an agreement to acquire Clever Devices, which supplies fleet management, passenger experience and operational technology.
Hitachi Rail said the acquisition of a company with deep digital expertise and expected 2026 revenues of over US$220m marks a significant step in its strategy to operate as a leading global digital mobility player.
Clever Devices has more than 600 employees and over 250 rail and bus customers including eight of the 10 largest North American transit agencies, as well as clients in countries including Brazil, Chile and Italy. It supplies technology for automatic vehicle monitoring, communications, electric vehicle management, real time information systems, automated voice announcements.
Hitachi Rail said the portfolio of onboard and centralised data technology would complement its own HMAX Mobility digital asset management platform that connects data from trains and infrastructure to create an operational twin of the railway environment.
‘This investment is an important milestone in our strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of public mobility’, said Hitachi Rail Group CEO Giuseppe Marino on April 3. ‘Clever Devices’ proven expertise in intelligent transportation systems, combined with our global scale and our HMAX Mobility platform, will allow us to offer our customers a suite of data-driven mobility solutions that optimise transport infrastructure and services. Together, we will expand our capabilities beyond rail and deepen our presence in North America, supporting cities as they transition to more innovative and efficient transport networks.’
The transaction is expected to close later in the year following the receipt of regulatory approvals. Hitachi Rail is being advised by JP Morgan and Ropes & Gray.
