The German railways (DB) are renewing their fleet for long distance traveling. We are just months away from the start of serie-delivery of the new ICE4 trains, that should enter revenue earning service next December. Some sets are already in 'test service' now between Hamburg and Munich.

Originally, in 2011, DB wanted to order both multi-system and AC voltage ICE4 trains, so they could be deployed in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and in DC voltage countries such as the Netherlands. But these plans have changed over time. The multi-system version was taken out of the program. Now, the ICE4 will be operated in Germany (homologation done) and Switzerland (in process). DB has stated that homologation for Austria is also still desired, but will be realized on a later moment.

Now DB has released a new tender for a framework agreement for newly built "Zugverbänden (Lokomotiven und Wagenzüge)": train compositions (locomotives and loco-hauled rakes for passenger services). They need to be single-deck and operable in Germany, Austria and "other European countries". Manufacturers can apply independently or as consortium.

Also, the manufacturer(s) must have produced a mainline train type that has been fully approved for Austria and the Netherlands Germany, Austria or the Netherlands during the past five years. It/They should have production capacity for at least twenty trains per year, starting in 2021. One composition should have at least 485 seats.