by Nasadowsk
Even though BBD owns a lot of the Budd and Pullman IP, they may not own the rights to the names. IIRC, Budd is still around, but owned by a German firm (Thyssen? Which got merged with Krupp a while back. Krupp's three ring logo represents train wheel tires, one of their first products)
I'm not sure what brand value Pullman has outside the US. Budd wasn't too international, but their stuff was typical highly regarded (I think some Budd built or licensed stuff is still running in South America, and France, and maybe Japan).
As far as a builder for the US market only - it's too small and cyclical to work.
Of course, if the FRA rationalizes their regulations and a US based builder can compete in Europe (work with me on this one..), then that's an interesting angle. But, a lot of capital, a lot of R&D to catch up, and then building a reputation, which means undercutting on cost and getting it perfect for a few years. Bombardier couldn't do that, even with the backing of the Canadian government...
I'm not sure what brand value Pullman has outside the US. Budd wasn't too international, but their stuff was typical highly regarded (I think some Budd built or licensed stuff is still running in South America, and France, and maybe Japan).
As far as a builder for the US market only - it's too small and cyclical to work.
Of course, if the FRA rationalizes their regulations and a US based builder can compete in Europe (work with me on this one..), then that's an interesting angle. But, a lot of capital, a lot of R&D to catch up, and then building a reputation, which means undercutting on cost and getting it perfect for a few years. Bombardier couldn't do that, even with the backing of the Canadian government...