Pașcani, Romania – June 21, 2025 – In a groundbreaking milestone for the Romanian and European railway sector, Grampet Group, the country’s largest private rail conglomerate, officially unveiled the Leon diesel multiple unit (DMU) on June 19. Designed and manufactured entirely by Electroputere VFU Pașcani, a subsidiary of the group, Leon is the first DMU train fully built in Romania in over eight decades.
This state-of-the-art train sets a new benchmark in regional rail transport not just for Romania, but across the EU, thanks to its CE certification, allowing operation in any European country.
Leon: A Symbol of Technological Renewal in Romanian Rail Industry
The Leon DMU consists of three interconnected carriages, offering 145 passenger seats, including a mix of reclining armchairs and ergonomic fixed seats. Its features reflect a passenger-first philosophy, with panoramic windows, folding tray tables, USB and 230V sockets, and designated spaces for bicycles and large luggage.
Beyond comfort, safety and accessibility are front and center. Each unit includes:
- Fire sensors and video surveillance systems
- Audio-visual travel information systems
- Onboard intercoms for emergency communication
- Barrier-free access for passengers with reduced mobility
In its initial test phase, the Leon DMU has already clocked over 30,000 kilometers, proving operational reliability across diverse railway conditions.
CE Certification Opens Europe-Wide Rail Network to Romanian Engineering
The Leon train is CE-certified, a rigorous standard that ensures compliance with EU safety, environmental, and operational benchmarks. This certification is significant not only for its technical validation but also because it enables Leon to be marketed and operated throughout the European Union.
This marks a historic moment for Romania’s return as a rolling stock manufacturing nation, particularly in a competitive European landscape that has long been dominated by companies in Germany, France, and Italy.
Electroputere VFU Pașcani: Reshaping the Future of Train Manufacturing
Electroputere VFU Pașcani, a facility with over 150 years of industrial legacy, is now positioned as a center of excellence for modern rail solutions under the leadership of Grampet Group. The facility can produce up to 24 DMU units per year, offering scalable solutions for both domestic and international operators.
According to Gruia Stoica, President of Grampet Group, the launch of Leon “is not just a train; it is a symbol of Romania’s capacity to innovate, design, and manufacture to the highest European standards.” Stoica emphasized that Leon supports both economic growth and sustainable mobility, key pillars of the EU’s Green Deal and digital transport future.
Grampet Group: Romania’s Private Rail Powerhouse
Founded in 1999 by Gruia Stoica and Vasile Didilă, Grampet Group is the largest private rail group in Central and Eastern Europe, providing end-to-end rail logistics and production services. With operations in Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, Austria, Serbia, and Moldova, the group has emerged as a regional leader in:
- Freight transport via Grup Feroviar Român (GFR)
- Rolling stock production and modernization
- Logistics services and leasing
- Rail infrastructure and maintenance solutions
Grampet’s model emphasizes vertical integration, allowing greater quality control, cost efficiency, and innovation agility in a sector that is rapidly embracing decarbonization and digitization.
Supporting EU Rail Modernization and Green Mobility
The introduction of the Leon DMU aligns with broader EU objectives around sustainable rail transport and domestic industrial capabilities. With many countries seeking to reduce reliance on older diesel fleets and expensive imports, locally built, CE-compliant rolling stock offers an attractive alternative.
For Romania, Leon represents an opportunity to export homegrown rail technology across the EU and the Balkans, contributing to the continent’s railway revitalization and climate goals.
With an expected lifespan exceeding 30 years, high energy efficiency, and a design adaptable to both intercity and regional services, Leon is well-suited to support the shift from road to rail.
A New Era for Romanian Rail Manufacturing
The presentation of Leon is more than a product reveal—it is a strategic declaration. Romania is reasserting itself as a serious contender in the European rail manufacturing sector.
As demand grows across the continent for high-performance, mid-range passenger trains, especially in regions upgrading legacy infrastructure, Grampet Group’s innovation and capacity will serve both public and private sector clients seeking sustainable, affordable, and scalable train solutions.
For the Romanian economy, this means new jobs in advanced manufacturing, a stronger export pipeline, and increased domestic value retention in infrastructure development.
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