Alstom
Alstom is a French multinational company specialising in rail transport. Headquartered in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine near Paris, the company designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of rolling stock, signalling systems, and rail infrastructure solutions. Alstom is among the largest suppliers to the European and global railway markets.
History and development
Alstom was founded in 1928 through the merger of Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques and Compagnie Française Thomson-Houston, initially focusing on electrical engineering and locomotives. During the 20th century, it expanded into energy and transport sectors, before concentrating on rail transport in the early 2000s. In 2021, Alstom acquired Bombardier Transportation, significantly expanding its presence in Europe and North America.
Name and origin
The company’s name derives from its founding merger: ALSacienne de Constructions Mécaniques and TOMson-Houston. The combined name was originally spelled Alsthom. In 1998 the spelling was changed to Alstom to give the brand a more modern and international image. Despite the new spelling, the name is pronounced in French as [al-STOM], with stress on the second syllable.
Products and services
Alstom produces a broad portfolio of rail vehicles, including high-speed trains such as the French TGV, regional and commuter trains (Coradia family), urban light rail and metro systems (Citadis trams, Metropolis metro), and locomotives (Prima and Traxx families). The company also develops digital signalling technologies, including ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), and offers turnkey rail infrastructure and maintenance services.
Role in the European context
Alstom is a key supplier within the EU’s transport strategy, contributing to the development of sustainable, interoperable rail networks. Its trains operate widely across Europe on TEN-T corridors and are integral to the EU’s Green Deal objectives of modal shift and decarbonisation. The company’s signalling and electrification projects support cross-border interoperability, while its rolling stock is used in flagship projects such as cross-border high-speed links and expanding metro systems.
Global presence
Beyond Europe, Alstom is active in more than 70 countries, with production facilities and service hubs worldwide. The acquisition of Bombardier Transportation strengthened its positions in Germany, the UK, and Canada, making it a leading competitor to Siemens Mobility. Alstom continues to develop hydrogen and battery-powered trains as part of its innovation strategy for low-emission transport.