Senior representatives from the Basque firm CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A) on Friday formally submitted to the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) their expression of interest to supply the new MR-08 subway cars, in accordance with the terms and conditions described in the International Public Notice of January 22nd, 2010 for the replacement of the Montreal subway cars.

This expression of interest is supported by a large package of information which clearly establishes that CAF has the required expertise of rubber-tired subway technology, as well as the technical, organizational and financial capacity to successfully complete the STM''s subway cars project according to the established technical specifications and requirements.

CAF brings several significant advantages, including complete competence in rubber-tired subway technology, based on recent and relevant experience acquired in the delivery of Mexico''s subway cars and, even more recently, in Santiago, Chile.

On the question of the Canadian content requirement, CAF insists that this will not cause any difficulties. The information submitted to the STM contains letters of support from experienced suppliers that are either already established in Quebec or that have committed to make technology transfers to Quebec.

"The International Notice from the STM requires that final assembly of the vehicles be made in Canada. Not only do we intend to respect this requirement but, we intend to establish CAF in Quebec to manufacture the cars and perform exterior completion", declared Jesus Esnaola, general manager of international business at CAF. "We have already identified several possible sites where we could locate our factory."

CAF''s establishment in Quebec would be a long-term commitment. Several other projects are being planned in Canada, including projects in Ottawa and in Toronto. "A presence in Quebec will allow us to adopt a more aggressive commercial approach, with the support of our local suppliers", concluded Mr Esnaola.

Established in the Basque region of Spain, CAF is well aware of the challenges of regions and is always respectful of local realities. CAF''s stock is traded publicly and is quoted on the Madrid Stock Exchange. CAF has eight production centres around the world, including one in the State of New York. Its order book as of December 31st stood at 6.58 billions CAN$.