CHINA: Guangzhou Metro Group has completed two months of test running on Line 8 with a next-generation metro trainset developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang.

CRRC unveiled a prototype Cetrovo metro vehicle at InnoTrans 2018, saying it was the first metro car with a carbon fibre bodyshell. Based on the six-car Type A trainsets, it uses permanent magnet traction motors and silicon carbide inverters.

Features to improve passenger comfort include sound-proof materials to reduce interior noise by 5 dB, and ‘smart’ air-conditioning and lighting.

The train is designed for fully automated operation at a maximum speed of 140 km/h, and can be configured in two- to 12-car sets.