The Automotrice à grande vitesse (AGV) has successfully completed the first round of dynamic testing in Italy.

The AGV soon to be operated by the Italian company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV), the first private high speed rail operator, reached the 300km/h mark during the first test programme on the high speed rail line connecting Rome with Naples.

In 2011 NTV will be the first rail operator to use these fourth-generation very high speed trains.

The second series of trials, aimed at achieving a standardised signalling system, is due to begin shortly. The AGV is expected to reach the 330km/h mark by June this year.