GERMANY: The first two car bodies for 14 Stadler FLIRT Akku trains are complete, advancing Akiem’s first German passenger rolling stock lease toward a December 2027 launch.

Stadler FLIRT Akku train in ODEG livery for the Westmecklenburg II network
Rendering of a Stadler FLIRT Akku train in ODEG livery for the Westmecklenburg II network. Image: Stadler.

Stadler has completed the first two car bodies at its Szolnok plant in Hungary for the fleet Akiem is leasing to regional operator ODEG under the Westmecklenburg II contract, according to Latest Railway News. Akiem’s fleet business has historically centered on locomotives; this deal marks its entry into German passenger leasing specifically, though the company has leased passenger units elsewhere in Europe since acquiring Macquarie European Rail’s portfolio in 2020.

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An €18 million depot for a technology diesel trains never needed

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s economy minister confirmed on June 17 that the ODIG workshop in Parchim will be rebuilt for roughly €18 million, including a new workshop hall, a wash hall, and charging infrastructure able to serve two trains between runs plus six more in storage, according to schiene.de. The state is providing €10.6 million of that and the federal government €1.2 million — funding specifically for capabilities the depot’s existing diesel fleet never required, chiefly fast-charging equipment for the battery trains. ODEG currently runs the Westmecklenburg II network with 12 refurbished RegioShuttle diesel multiple units, in service since December 2025; the FLIRT Akku fleet will replace them gradually rather than in a single changeover.

What to watch

The next milestones are final assembly, certification and testing of the two completed car bodies before passenger operations begin in December 2027, when the phased fleet introduction starts. Also worth tracking: whether the Parchim workshop rebuild, now backed by confirmed state and federal funding, stays on the same timeline as the trains it’s built to serve.

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