Hitachi Rail has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the U.S.-based company Clever Devices, a provider of intelligent transportation systems for public transit agencies worldwide.
According to the company, the transaction marks a new step in its growth strategy as a global player in the field of digital mobility and will expand Hitachi Rail’s business beyond railways into the broader public transportation sector.
Headquartered in Woodbury, New York, Clever Devices is described as a company specializing in advanced technologies for public transportation, with solutions focused on fleet management, passenger experience, and operational efficiency.
The company has offices in the United States, Europe, and South America, over 600 employees, and a client portfolio that includes 8 of the top 10 public transit agencies in North America. Estimated revenue for 2026 exceeds USD 220 million.
Expansion Beyond Rail
For Hitachi Rail, the acquisition has a clear strategic objective: expanding from the rail sector into multimodal mobility and strengthening its presence in North America.
The company notes that Clever Devices’ solutions are already in use in public transit, including on buses and in rail systems, and the company has also seen growth outside North America, including in Brazil, Chile, and the European market, in countries such as Italy.
How it ties into HMAX Mobility
Hitachi Rail says that Clever Devices’ portfolio of data solutions, both onboard and centralized, will complement its HMAX Mobility suite.
This is presented as the digital asset management platform developed by Hitachi Rail to optimize the performance of rail networks by connecting data from train fleets, signaling, and infrastructure to create an “operational twin” of the railway.
According to the company, by combining Clever Devices’ technologies with Hitachi Rail’s operational control centers, real-time multimodal solutions for urban public transport systems will be offered.
Solutions for more efficient public transport
Hitachi Rail claims that the acquisition of Clever Devices will enable it to offer comprehensive solutions for the digital transformation of public transport beyond railways, for optimizing energy management, and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the area of smart mobility, the integration of fleet management technologies developed by Clever Devices with Hitachi Rail’s systems is presented as a solution for connected and more sustainable intermodal transport.
Greater focus on North America
The company links this move to its recent growth in North America, noting the opening of a USD 110 million digital factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, as well as a CAD 30 million investment in a new headquarters in Canada.
Hitachi Rail CEO Giuseppe Marino said the investment represents “an important milestone” in the company’s strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of public mobility.
Hitachi Rail noted that the transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close later this year.
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