We are a passenger, logistics and maintenance service company owned by the Finnish state, and we increase the popularity of carbon-neutral rail and city traffic.
VR-Group Plc is acquiring the long-distance traffic business of MTR Nordic AB's Swedish subsidiary MTR Express (Sweden) AB (MTRX). VR has been operating in Sweden since 2022. With this acquisition, the company's operations will expand in the Swedish passenger transport market from regional contracted services to long-distance traffic. The transaction requires approval from the Swedish competition authority.
The steel company SSAB Europe and VR's logistics unit VR Transpoint have launched a joint project to electrify heavy industry transport. VR is investing in low-emission road transport by acquiring all-electric trucks that will be used in the transports of SSAB Europe. In terms of total mass, the trucks to be procured will be some of the largest to operate electronically in regular customer deliveries in Finland. SSAB Europe, in turn, is investing in charging stations for heavy vehicles.
In 2023, VR’s long-distance traffic included over 15 million journeys, which is an all-time record. The 14 per cent increase from the previous year was due to the increased popularity of business and work travel mainly on weekdays, as well as free-time travel.
Estonian railway company Elron has renewed maintenance contract of its Flirt train bogies with VR FleetCare aftear an international tender. The three-year agreement covers the periodic maintenance of bogies and traction wheelsets for 38 Flirt trains.
VR’s profitability improved significantly in 2023 as the number of domestic long-distance journeys rose to a record-high level. Measures to adjust costs in freight traffic have mitigated the impact of decreased transport volumes. The weak profitability of long-term contracts in contract traffic weakened profit development. Strategy implementation and acceleration of our profit improvement will continue with steadfast commitment. By the end of 2027, the company is aiming for EUR 250 million in turnaround improvement measures to secure its competitiveness and ability to finance rolling-stock investments of almost EUR 1 billion.
Read moreWe are a passenger, logistics and maintenance service company owned by the Finnish state, and we increase the popularity of carbon-neutral rail and city traffic.
Regular train traffic started between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna on 17 March 1862. Railways have played a key role in the development of Finnish society – and continue to do so.
21. February 2024 Press releases
16. February 2024 Stock releases
16. February 2024 Stock releases