The new train was unveiled at the plant in Newton Aycliffe on Friday at a ceremony attended by British government officials and media.

The train is designed to travel at around 200 kilometers per hour. It can carry diesel engines, which will enable it to run on non-electric tracks.

Hitachi built the factory last year after the firm won a contract worth about 7.1 billion dollars to manufacture 866 carriages. It will build most of the new carriages there.

British Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the strength of the relationship with countries like Japan is vital for Britain after its exit from the European Union.

Hitachi executive Kentaro Masai said the success of the train will create new opportunities for the firm elsewhere in the country.

Hitachi is aiming to win other contracts for major rail projects in Britain, including one to build a large-scale high-speed rail network.