## Uncertainty Surrounding the Final Avril Trains for Renfe
Renfe remains in limbo as it continues to await the delivery of the final three Avril trains from its order of 30 units placed with Talgo. According to reports from El Español, the public operator has publicly admitted its lack of information regarding delivery timelines. Talgo has chosen to remain tight-lipped, stating that it does not disclose details regarding ongoing projects. This ongoing tug-of-war reflects the deterioration of a working relationship plagued by over three years of persistent delays.
### Lack of Transparency
Renfe officials acknowledge the absence of information regarding the timelines for these last three units. Talgo, on the other hand, cites its policy of withholding details on ongoing projects, forcing Renfe to take responsibility for the communication of a situation that it claims to know little about. This strained relationship first became problematic with the delays surrounding the model 106, commercially known as Avril.
## A History of Issues
The fleet of 27 Avril trains already operational within Renfe has encountered multiple setbacks since deliveries commenced in April 2024. Among the most concerning incidents was the decision to withdraw the Avlo service on the Madrid-Barcelona route due to serious issues such as cracks in the trains. The most recent three units began service in June along the Galicia-Madrid corridor, facilitating service in place of some Alvia models.
### Financial Penalties
As a result of these delays, Renfe imposed a hefty penalty of €116 million on Talgo in July 2022. Sources from CincoDías report that while Talgo has prepared for this penalty in its financial statements, it has yet to pay, citing delays that it claims were beyond its control. Meanwhile, Renfe has withheld payments to Talgo, amounting to less than 75% of the total penalty.
## New Challenges: The 107 Series
The predicament could worsen as Talgo is also expected to deliver 13 trains from the 107 series. This project is already behind schedule for its projected 2024 completion date, prompting warnings from the Ministry of Transport regarding potential new sanctions for non-compliance.
### Future Capabilities
The 107 series railway system is being developed through the conversion of existing hotel trains and relies on 26 power units acquired at a cost of €204 million. These trains will feature adaptive tread technology, capable of operating at speeds of up to 330 kilometers per hour—essential for services like Avant and the reinstatement of Avlo on the Madrid-Barcelona route.
## Plans in France Stall
Originally, Renfe intended to use some of the outstanding Avril trains for operations in France, pending the model 106’s approval in that market. However, plans have stalled due to ongoing complications and delays affecting the rollout of high-speed services.
### Corporate Restructuring
In light of these delivery issues, Talgo is scheduled for an extraordinary meeting where it will discuss its new shareholding structure and debt financing. The Basque consortium has recently acquired nearly 30% of Talgo, alongside provisions for a capital increase and the issuance of convertible bonds.
## Regaining Trust
Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that his first meeting with Talgo’s next president will focus on the status of the 107 series and resolving existing penalties. Renfe is keen to address these issues with the incoming leadership, aiming to protect its interests and restore industrial capacity to prevent further delivery delays, as Talgo’s order book expands beyond €4.8 billion.