Hitachi Rail Completes Acquisition Of Clever Devices

Hitachi Rail has finalized its acquisition of Clever Devices, a U.S.-based specialist in smart transportation systems, effective July 1, 2026. The move significantly expands Hitachi’s portfolio beyond traditional rail into multimodal digital solutions, including bus fleet management and integrated urban systems. This strategic acquisition strengthens Hitachi Rail’s footprint in North America while advancing its goal of providing AI-driven, sustainable transportation networks globally.

Hitachi Rail completed the acquisition of Clever Devices on July 1, 2026, marking a major expansion into the North American multimodal transit market. Clever Devices, which reports estimated 2026 revenues of over $220 million and employs more than 600 people, provides Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to 8 of the top 10 public transit agencies in North America. Beyond its U.S. stronghold, the company maintains a global presence with offices in Europe and South America, including growth markets in Italy, Chile, and Brazil.

The integration of Clever Devices is central to Hitachi Rail’s digital strategy, specifically enhancing its HMAX Mobility suite. While Hitachi’s existing HMAX for Rail platform focuses on digital asset management for train fleets and signaling, the addition of Clever Devices allows the group to apply artificial intelligence and edge computing to broader multimodal networks. Frank Antonysamy, previously the Chief Growth Officer at Hitachi Digital, has been appointed as the new CEO of Clever Devices to lead this integration and accelerate the delivery of advanced digital mobility solutions to transit authorities.

This acquisition follows a series of significant investments by Hitachi Rail in the North American region, including the opening of a $110 million digital factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, and a 30 million CAD investment in a new Canadian headquarters. Giuseppe Marino, CEO of Hitachi Rail, noted that the deal combines Clever Devices’ ITS capabilities with Hitachi’s global reach to create more efficient and integrated transportation networks. The transaction was supported by the Hitachi Group’s strategic business unit for social innovation (SSIB) and is expected to drive further collaboration with other group entities like GlobalLogic and Hitachi Digital Services.