Hitachi Rail Completes Acquisition of Intelligent Transportation Systems Provider Clever Devices

Hitachi Rail has finalized its acquisition of Clever Devices, a leading U.S.-based provider of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for transit agencies across North America, Europe, and South America. This strategic move allows Hitachi Rail to expand its reach beyond the rail sector into multimodal public transportation, specifically targeting the bus and fleet management markets. The acquisition is intended to accelerate the digital transformation of transit networks by integrating Clever Devices' data solutions with Hitachi’s existing AI-driven mobility platforms.

Hitachi Rail's acquisition of Clever Devices marks a significant expansion of its North American footprint and its transition into a multimodal service provider. Clever Devices, which operates across three continents, is projected to generate more than $220 million in revenue in 2026. The company currently provides fleet management, passenger information, and operational technologies to eight of the ten largest transit agencies in North America, making it a critical player in the regional public transit infrastructure.

The integration of Clever Devices is designed to complement Hitachi Rail’s HMAX Mobility platform, which utilizes artificial intelligence, sensors, and digital asset management to optimize transportation performance. By combining rail and bus technologies, Hitachi aims to deliver more integrated digital solutions for transit agencies seeking to improve efficiency and sustainability. Giuseppe Marino, group CEO of Hitachi Rail, stated that the acquisition is a key step in helping cities develop more integrated and efficient transportation networks through digital transformation.

Following the acquisition, Frank Antonysamy has been named the new CEO of Clever Devices, transitioning from his role as chief growth officer at Hitachi Digital. Antonysamy plans to leverage Hitachi’s 115 years of operational technology expertise and its recent investments in the HMAX platform to accelerate innovation and expand global reach for transit agencies. This acquisition follows other major North American investments by Hitachi Rail, including the establishment of a $110 million digital factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, and a new Canadian headquarters, signaling a long-term commitment to the North American transit market.