MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - German state-owned railway Deutsche Bahn will have to
wait longer for further next-generation 3neo ICE high-speed trains
because of production delays at manufacturer Siemens.

Siemens said on Thursday that there were quality defects in some weld
seams in parts provided by a subcontractor which were discovered
during a routine internal inspection.

'Siemens Mobility is in close contact with Deutsche Bahn and the
subcontractor and is working hard to resolve the issue,' a spokesman
said on Thursday.

'All trains that have already been delivered are not affected and can
be used safely,' the Siemens spokesman added

A spokesman for Deutsche Bahn also emphasized that the 21 3neo
high-speed trains already in service with the railway were not
affected.

'They are operating without any problems,' he said.

'Siemens Mobility's quality assurance measures are not currently
having any impact on our timetable,' the Deutsche Bahn spokesman
added. 'We only accept trains that are in perfect condition.'

Deutsche Bahn has ordered a total of 90 3neo ICE trains from Siemens
to upgrade its fleet for long-distance passenger service. The trains
are to be delivered over several years.


Copyright dpa