Delivery stop at Heiterblick: What future do Görlitz trams have?

Delivery stop at Heiterblick: What future do Görlitz trams have?

The situation surrounding the insolvent Heiterblick GmbH, a tram manufacturer from Leipzig, is becoming increasingly complicated. The Alstom factory in Görlitz has currently stopped the delivery of car bodies to Heiterblick because the company has not fulfilled key contractual elements. This was done by MDR reported.

However, Heiterblick emphasizes that it adheres to all insolvency law requirements and expects Alstom to also meet this obligation. The car bodies are urgently needed for a major order from Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB), which includes the construction of 25 new XXL trains. Part of this order also includes 14 trams for the cities of Zwickau and Görlitz, which are now in question.

Political statements and recommendations

In a citizens' dialogue, Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) expressed skepticism about Heiterblick's ability to deliver and made it clear that he did not expect the trams to be delivered to Görlitz in a timely manner. He recommends that the trams be re-tendered in order not to endanger traffic safety in the region. Despite the uncertainty of the orders, Kretschmer emphasizes that the insolvency proceedings should not have a negative impact on the procurement of new trams for Görlitz and other Saxon cities.

The Left Party in the Görlitz City Council reacts to the political discussions. This calls for greater support for Heiterblick and sees an urgent need for action in the city's infrastructure measures. According to information from Sächsische.de The city of Görlitz remains in dialogue with all stakeholders involved in order to find the best possible solution for the city.

Reactions and further steps

The uncertainty at Heiterblick is also shown by the fact that managing director Samuel Kermelk did not respond to press inquiries and external spokespeople for the insolvency administrator also did not comment on the situation. The question is all the greater as to what steps will be taken to save the current orders. However, Volker Heck, an external spokesman, found a glimmer of hope: fulfillment of the order for Görlitz would be possible if all parties remained true to their previous commitments.

The current situation not only has an impact on the city in question, but also reflects major challenges in local public transport. A look into the VDV -Annual report shows how important a functioning transport infrastructure is for the urbanization and growth of cities. The developments in Görlitz and the surrounding area are therefore in the context of a broader debate about investments in local public transport and the challenges arising from insolvencies.