Zhongyi An of CRRC Changchun speaks at unveiling of Orange Line prototype.

THE CHINESE OFFICIALS building new subway cars for the MBTA took a bow on Monday at the public unveiling of a prototype of the new Orange Line car at City Hall plaza in Boston.

Zhongyi An, president of CRRC Changchun, said through an interpreter that the MBTA was the company’s first customer in North America. The firm has since landed contracts with Chicago, Los Angeles, and most recently Philadelphia. The original $566 million MBTA contract was also expanded by $249 million to include replacement vehicles for all Red Line cars.

“CRRC, having a strong and successful international history building rail cars, is proud to share its engineering and manufacturing expertise with the MBTA and we thank you for believing in our ability to lead this project,” he said.

Vivian Luo, who performs inside T stations and also at the opening of Government Center station, played at the unveiling of the Orange Line prototype.
Vivian Luo, who performs inside T stations and also at the opening of Government Center station, played at the unveiling of the Orange Line prototype.

Chuanhe Zhou, president of CRRC’s Massachusetts subsidiary, which is building a manufacturing plant in Springfield, said the company remains on track to deliver its cars on time. He said the plant will employ 115 workers, many of whom are already receiving training in China.

“We are proud to have this opportunity to work with America’s No. 1 transit authority, sharing ideas and talents,” Zhou said through the interpreter.

The mockup Orange Line car, two-thirds the size of a real vehicle, was unveiled May 21 at an MBTA garage in Medford for Gov. Charlie Baker and other state officials. It was brought to City Hall plaza by truck and plunked down via a crane. Officials said the public will be able to look inside through Wednesday evening and offer any suggestions as the car enters the final design phase.

Bruce Mohl oversees the production of content and edits reports, along with carrying out his own reporting with a particular focus on transportation, energy, and climate issues. He previously worked...