CHANGCHUN - Hong Kong's metro system will receive its first train from a mainland manufacturer Thursday, according to a source with the manufacturer.

The 8-car train was designed and developed by Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of the China CNR Corporation Limited, said the source.

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The lightweight train is capable of speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. It is made out of stainless steel and has a service life of 40 years, 10 years longer than that of subway trains currently being used by metro systems in the mainland, according to the Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) signed a procurement agreement with the China CNR Corporation Limited in December 2008. In accordance with the agreement, Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd is tasked to develop, manufacture and provide 10 trains to the MTR Corporation of Hong Kong before 2012.

The cooperation between Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd and the HKSAR is an indication that mass transit vehicle manufacturers in the Chinese mainland are ready to penetrate the Hong Kong market, which has been dominated by suppliers from the United Kingdom, France and Spain.