The order is seen a lifeline for Bombardier's factory in Derby - which is the only remaining train manufacturing plant in Britain - following Bombardier's failure earlier this year to win an order for 1200 emu cars for the cross-London Thameslink network which went to Siemens. Bombardier subsequently announced the loss of 1400 jobs.
"There is a strong likelihood that this will secure the company's future in Derby for the next 12 to 18 months," says Mr Chris Williamson, Derby North MP, speaking to the Derby Telegraph.