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The Chinese Ministry of Railways recently awarded a $1.5 billion contract to joint venture Bombardier Sifang Power Transportation Ltd. to supply 40 16-car high-speed trainsets — China's largest passenger-car order placed at one time, according to a prepared statement. The joint venture comprises Bombardier Transportation, Power Corporation of Canada, and China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry Group Corp.

Under its $596 million portion of the contract, Bombardier will help manufacture the electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets, which will be capable of reaching speeds up to 155 mph. Twenty of the EMU sets will be designed for overnight service and fitted with sleeping berth interiors. The other 20 trainsets will be upgraded versions of the eight-car trains Bombardier currently is delivering to the railway under orders placed in May 2005 and October 2004.

The EMUs are scheduled to be delivered between February 2009 and August 2010.