Prague, March 5, 2025
The Association of Czech Railway Industry Companies (ACRI) has published its summary results for 2024, confirming the continued growth of the sector. Total revenue reached EUR 5,3 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.3%. Export remains a key pillar of the industry, accounting for 50% of total revenue, the same as in the previous year.
The Czech railway industry’s growth rate of 2.3% outpaced the overall GDP growth of the Czech Republic in 2024.
At the same time, this result contrasts with the general trend in industrial production in the country, which recorded a year-on-year decline of 1.4% in 2024. Across the European Union, industrial production decreased by 2.5% year-on-year, with Germany experiencing a nearly 5% drop.
Government Investments and Market Opportunities
“We see great potential in railway transport, which is why the government invests tens of billions annually. We are preparing the construction of high-speed railways, enhancing railway safety through ETCS, and modernizing railway stations and key hubs. In our tenders for transport operators, we aim to increase passenger comfort. Moreover, we are opening opportunities for our companies abroad. All these activities create numerous opportunities for the railway industry both domestically and globally, and the industry’s results show its ability to seize them,” commented Minister of Transport Martin Kupka on the results presented by ACRI.
Innovation and Global Competition
“The Czech railway industry has long been one of the key drivers of the Czech economy. Our companies successfully secure contracts in the most demanding markets, often competing against unfair Asian competitors that rely on illicit government subsidies and unfair trade practices,” said Marie Vopálenská, CEO of ACRI. She added: “Thanks to a strong focus on investment in innovation, proprietary research, testing, and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, Czech companies are strengthening their position on the global stage. Central Europe and the Czech Republic are increasingly becoming a key center for industrial production in the transport sector.”
Summary of ACRI Members’ 2024 Results
- Total revenue: EUR 5.3 billion (+2.3% year-on-year)
- Export share: EUR 2.6 billion (50% of total revenue)
- Number of employees: 23,200 (an increase of 300 from 2023)
ACRI: A Stable Partner for 30 Years
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for ACRI, as it celebrates 30 years since its founding. Since 1995, the association has played a crucial role in developing the Czech railway industry and helping its companies succeed in global markets. Achievements in innovation, exports, and international cooperation confirm that the Czech railway sector is among the technological leaders in Europe.
Since 2009, ACRI has also operated as the Technical Standardization Center (CTN ACRI). Under a framework agreement with the Czech Office for Standards, Metrology, and Testing (ÚNMZ), CTN ACRI is responsible for the development of Czech technical standards (ČSN) for the railway sector. Additionally, CTN ACRI contributes to technical standardization projects and provides expert assessments in the field.
Czech Industry at the Forefront of European Rail Manufacturing
“Three decades of ACRI’s work clearly demonstrate the critical role of collaboration between businesses, public administration, and the professional community in building a competitive and modern railway industry. Nearly every second railway wheelset in Europe bears the label ‘Made in the Czech Republic,’ and the country is the largest supplier of 1000 mm gauge trams to Germany. Moreover, seats in many trains produced by key European manufacturers come from Czech production,” emphasized Marie Vopálenská, highlighting the success of Czech companies.
Notable Company Achievements in 2024
- Škoda Group doubled the volume of new orders across its portfolio, securing contracts worth CZK 20 billion for new trains. One major project included supplying electric train units to Bulgaria, accounting for 50% of all Czech contracts in that country in 2024.
- Třinecké železárny, the largest steel producer in the Czech Republic, manufactured 241,000 tons of rails and railway accessories in 2024, with 84% destined for export. The company launched a new heat treatment technology for rails, developed by its in-house team, significantly improving rail performance.
- AŽD continued its key role in implementing the European Train Control System (ETCS) in both the Czech Republic and abroad, contributing to European railway standardization.
- BONATRANS, Europe’s largest wheelset manufacturer, supplied 204,000 wheels and 56,000 axles to 40 countries worldwide, supporting projects such as Coradia, Velaro, ComfortJet, and Singapore’s metro.
- CZ LOKO, a leading locomotive manufacturer, has exported its products to over 60 countries, with Italy being a key market, where it has delivered over 100 modernized or newly built locomotives.
- DT – Výhybkárna a strojírna Prostějov introduced the first Czech high-speed railway switch, allowing speeds of up to 350 km/h in straight direction and 230 km/h in diverging direction. The company significantly strengthened its export activities in Germany, the UK, and beyond.
- DAKO-CZ, a braking systems manufacturer, expanded partnerships with major companies such as Škoda Transportation, Stadler, and Siemens. The company presented 11 global innovations at InnoTrans, including a digital-ready braking concept.
- VÚKV remained a key player in research, development, and testing of rolling stock, conducting specialized tests in Taiwan, France, and the USA.
- Passengera, a leader in passenger information systems, saw a 62% revenue increase and launched the Riyadh Metro project while testing autonomous public transport connectivity solutions.
Strong Export and Investment in Innovation
In 2024, Czech companies made significant investments in innovation, focusing on safety, production automation, autonomous technology, and high-speed railway transport. These investments enhance production efficiency and long-term global competitiveness.
ACRI’s International Cooperation and Economic Diplomacy
ACRI and its members actively expanded into international markets in 2024. At InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, Czech firms secured contracts exceeding CZK 1 billion and showcased innovations enhancing their competitiveness.
Business delegations visited Israel, Qatar, India, and Italy, engaging in discussions on urban transport, electrification, and high-speed rail projects. Czech firms explored opportunities in India’s Vande Bharat Express and Italian collaborations on zero-emission regional trains worth €800 million.
Support Activities in 2025
In 2025, ACRI will continue to support both domestic and international business activities. Member companies will participate in leading international trade fairs, including TRAKO in Gdańsk and EURASIA RAIL in Istanbul, presenting the Czech railway industry on a global stage.
Over the past 30 years, the Czech railway industry has established itself as a hub of high-value manufacturing, excelling in innovative technologies, precision engineering, and comprehensive transport solutions. Thanks to ACRI’s coordination, the sector remains a relevant partner for national and European institutions, influencing policies and standards that shape the future of railway transport.
Czech Railway Industry Continues to Grow in 2024
Revenue Reaches 5,3 Billion EUR. Export Maintains a Stable 50% Share
ACRI – The Association of Czech Railway Industry Companies Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary in 2025, Marking Three Decades of Active Support for the Czech Railway Industry
Prague, March 5, 2025
The Association of Czech Railway Industry Companies (ACRI) has published its summary results for 2024, confirming the continued growth of the sector. Total revenue reached EUR 5,3 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.3%. Export remains a key pillar of the industry, accounting for 50% of total revenue, the same as in the previous year.
The Czech railway industry’s growth rate of 2.3% outpaced the overall GDP growth of the Czech Republic in 2024.
At the same time, this result contrasts with the general trend in industrial production in the country, which recorded a year-on-year decline of 1.4% in 2024. Across the European Union, industrial production decreased by 2.5% year-on-year, with Germany experiencing a nearly 5% drop.
Government Investments and Market Opportunities
“We see great potential in railway transport, which is why the government invests tens of billions annually. We are preparing the construction of high-speed railways, enhancing railway safety through ETCS, and modernizing railway stations and key hubs. In our tenders for transport operators, we aim to increase passenger comfort. Moreover, we are opening opportunities for our companies abroad. All these activities create numerous opportunities for the railway industry both domestically and globally, and the industry’s results show its ability to seize them,” commented Minister of Transport Martin Kupka on the results presented by ACRI.
Innovation and Global Competition
“The Czech railway industry has long been one of the key drivers of the Czech economy. Our companies successfully secure contracts in the most demanding markets, often competing against unfair Asian competitors that rely on illicit government subsidies and unfair trade practices,” said Marie Vopálenská, CEO of ACRI. She added: “Thanks to a strong focus on investment in innovation, proprietary research, testing, and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, Czech companies are strengthening their position on the global stage. Central Europe and the Czech Republic are increasingly becoming a key center for industrial production in the transport sector.”
Summary of ACRI Members’ 2024 Results
- Total revenue: EUR 5.3 billion (+2.3% year-on-year)
- Export share: EUR 2.6 billion (50% of total revenue)
- Number of employees: 23,200 (an increase of 300 from 2023)
ACRI: A Stable Partner for 30 Years
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for ACRI, as it celebrates 30 years since its founding. Since 1995, the association has played a crucial role in developing the Czech railway industry and helping its companies succeed in global markets. Achievements in innovation, exports, and international cooperation confirm that the Czech railway sector is among the technological leaders in Europe.
Since 2009, ACRI has also operated as the Technical Standardization Center (CTN ACRI). Under a framework agreement with the Czech Office for Standards, Metrology, and Testing (ÚNMZ), CTN ACRI is responsible for the development of Czech technical standards (ČSN) for the railway sector. Additionally, CTN ACRI contributes to technical standardization projects and provides expert assessments in the field.
Czech Industry at the Forefront of European Rail Manufacturing
“Three decades of ACRI’s work clearly demonstrate the critical role of collaboration between businesses, public administration, and the professional community in building a competitive and modern railway industry. Nearly every second railway wheelset in Europe bears the label ‘Made in the Czech Republic,’ and the country is the largest supplier of 1000 mm gauge trams to Germany. Moreover, seats in many trains produced by key European manufacturers come from Czech production,” emphasized Marie Vopálenská, highlighting the success of Czech companies.
Notable Company Achievements in 2024
- Škoda Group doubled the volume of new orders across its portfolio, securing contracts worth CZK 20 billion for new trains. One major project included supplying electric train units to Bulgaria, accounting for 50% of all Czech contracts in that country in 2024.
- Třinecké železárny, the largest steel producer in the Czech Republic, manufactured 241,000 tons of rails and railway accessories in 2024, with 84% destined for export. The company launched a new heat treatment technology for rails, developed by its in-house team, significantly improving rail performance.
- AŽD continued its key role in implementing the European Train Control System (ETCS) in both the Czech Republic and abroad, contributing to European railway standardization.
- BONATRANS, Europe’s largest wheelset manufacturer, supplied 204,000 wheels and 56,000 axles to 40 countries worldwide, supporting projects such as Coradia, Velaro, ComfortJet, and Singapore’s metro.
- CZ LOKO, a leading locomotive manufacturer, has exported its products to over 60 countries, with Italy being a key market, where it has delivered over 100 modernized or newly built locomotives.
- DT – Výhybkárna a strojírna Prostějov introduced the first Czech high-speed railway switch, allowing speeds of up to 350 km/h in straight direction and 230 km/h in diverging direction. The company significantly strengthened its export activities in Germany, the UK, and beyond.
- DAKO-CZ, a braking systems manufacturer, expanded partnerships with major companies such as Škoda Transportation, Stadler, and Siemens. The company presented 11 global innovations at InnoTrans, including a digital-ready braking concept.
- VÚKV remained a key player in research, development, and testing of rolling stock, conducting specialized tests in Taiwan, France, and the USA.
- Passengera, a leader in passenger information systems, saw a 62% revenue increase and launched the Riyadh Metro project while testing autonomous public transport connectivity solutions.
Strong Export and Investment in Innovation
In 2024, Czech companies made significant investments in innovation, focusing on safety, production automation, autonomous technology, and high-speed railway transport. These investments enhance production efficiency and long-term global competitiveness.
ACRI’s International Cooperation and Economic Diplomacy
ACRI and its members actively expanded into international markets in 2024. At InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, Czech firms secured contracts exceeding CZK 1 billion and showcased innovations enhancing their competitiveness.
Business delegations visited Israel, Qatar, India, and Italy, engaging in discussions on urban transport, electrification, and high-speed rail projects. Czech firms explored opportunities in India’s Vande Bharat Express and Italian collaborations on zero-emission regional trains worth €800 million.
Support Activities in 2025
In 2025, ACRI will continue to support both domestic and international business activities. Member companies will participate in leading international trade fairs, including TRAKO in Gdańsk and EURASIA RAIL in Istanbul, presenting the Czech railway industry on a global stage.
Over the past 30 years, the Czech railway industry has established itself as a hub of high-value manufacturing, excelling in innovative technologies, precision engineering, and comprehensive transport solutions. Thanks to ACRI’s coordination, the sector remains a relevant partner for national and European institutions, influencing policies and standards that shape the future of railway transport.
