May 23, 2019
Hitachi awarded the National Commendation for Invention "Imperial Invention Prize" for the Design of Class 800 High-speed Train for the UK
Class 800 High-speed Train
Hitachi announced today that it has received the 2019 Imperial Invention Prize, which is a part of the National Commendation for Invention, for the design of Class 800 high-speed train for the UK (Design Registration No. 1486294). The Imperial Invention Prize is Japan's most prestigious award for invention; this is the first time that it has been awarded in recognition of outstanding design.
The Class 800, which was developed for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) in the UK, is currently running on main routes out of London to western and northern UK. It overcomes differences in standards in the UK, which has a running environment unlike that of Japan, while at the same time offering a comprehensive design that includes both ease of use for the operating company and attractive, comfortable cars that blend seamlessly into local users' lifestyle and culture. In this way, Hitachi strives to design trains that will be fully embraced by the regional society, and become the face of new railway infrastructure.
