Leon, the first Romanian diesel multiple unit with state-of-the-art features built by Grampet

The Romanian industry seems to be on the right track, a positive sign in this regard being the launch, yesterday, of the Leon multiple unit, built by Grampet Group, the largest railway and logistics operator in Central and South-Eastern Europe. The event took place at the Royal Salon of the North Railway Station and was attended by representatives of the Government, parliamentarians, ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, as well as the business environment in our country.

Gruia Stoica, President of Grampet Group, stated: "We are living a historic moment, not only for Grampet Group and Electroputere VFU Paşcani, but for the entire railway industry in Romania. Leon is living proof that tradition and technology can go hand in hand, when supported by the passion and dedication of an extraordinary team. Leon represents a new beginning for the Romanian railway industry; it is the result of the work of over 180 specialists. We can now make two trains per month, which means 24 Leon multiple units per year. I am surprised that the passenger rail transport operators in our country have already expressed their option to purchase such trains from us.”

He also specified that the multiple unit in question is not electric, although the European Commission insists on having electric trains, because the reality of the Romanian railway infrastructure is one: 62% of the national railway network in our country is not electrified, Gruia Stoica stated.

Questioned by journalists about how the Leon railcar will be used, if Grampet enters the passenger transport segment in Romania, Gruia Stoica stated that for now he is not considering this, because it would contradict the partners operating in this segment, but he specified that the train will enter circulation at the latest at the beginning of July, without providing details regarding the route or the railway operator of the person who will use it.

After the launch ceremony, the Leon train made an inaugural route to the Baneasa Railway Station, confirming its performance in a first symbolic journey.

Leon is the first Diesel Multiple Unit built entirely in Romania after the Second World War and bears the signature of the Electroputere VFU Paşcani company, a company that is part of the Grampet Group and has a tradition of over 155 years in the production and repair of rolling stock. The three-car multiple unit offers 145 seats - 11 in the VIP compartment and 134 in 2nd class - and has already covered over 30,000 km in tests, obtaining the CE certification that allows it to operate throughout Europe.

Designed for comfort and efficiency, the train features reclining armchairs, ergonomic seats, panoramic windows and folding tables, and 230 V sockets and USB ports are available at each seat. Spaces dedicated to bulky luggage and bicycles, together with audio-visual information systems, complete the travel experience. Safety is ensured by soundproofing of the carriages, video surveillance, fire sensors and intercoms directly connected to the driver's cabin. The train is equipped with facilities for people with reduced mobility, including special access ramps and dedicated spaces. All these features comply with European safety and quality standards.

The Electroputere VFU Paşcani factory, founded in 1869 and today integrated into the Grampet ecosystem, continues to be a technological pillar, specializing in the manufacture, modernization and maintenance of passenger and freight railway vehicles. This solid industrial capacity is the basis for the development of innovative projects such as the Leon, demonstrating Romania's potential to compete on the European market.

At group level, Grampet coordinates an impressive fleet of 450 locomotives and 20,000 wagons (which transport over 15 million tons of freight annually), operating in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. By launching the Leon train, Grampet Group not only brings Romanian engineering craftsmanship back to the forefront, but also redefines the standards of rail mobility, demonstrating that local vision and expertise can generate competitive products on a European scale.