Hitachi Rail has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Clever Devices, a US-based provider of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), in a move that will expand its digital mobility capabilities and strengthen its presence in North America.
Clever Devices, headquartered in Woodbury, New York, specialises in advanced technology solutions that support fleet management, passenger information and operational efficiency for transit agencies. The company employs more than 600 people and serves a global customer base, including eight of the ten largest transit agencies in North America.
The business is expected to generate revenues of more than $220 million in 2026. Its technology is already deployed across multiple modes of public transport, including bus and rail systems, with operations spanning North and South America and parts of Europe.
The acquisition will see Clever Devices’ portfolio integrated with Hitachi Rail’s HMAX Mobility platform, a digital asset management system designed to optimise performance across rail networks through data analytics, AI and sensor technology.
Together, the combined offering is expected to enhance capabilities in areas such as real-time fleet monitoring, operational control and passenger information, while supporting wider digital transformation across multimodal transport systems.
Giuseppe Marino, Group CEO of Hitachi Rail, said: “This investment is an important milestone in our strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of public mobility. Clever Devices’ proven expertise in intelligent transportation systems, combined with our global scale and our HMAX Mobility platform, will allow us to offer our customers a suite of data-driven mobility solutions that optimise transport infrastructure and services.
“Together, we will expand our capabilities beyond rail and deepen our presence in North America, supporting cities as they transition to more innovative and efficient transport networks.”
The deal forms part of Hitachi Rail’s broader strategy to position itself as a global digital mobility provider, extending its capabilities beyond traditional rail into integrated, multimodal transport systems.
Recent investments in North America include the opening of a $110 million digital manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, and a CA$30 million investment in a new Canadian headquarters.
The transaction has been developed in collaboration with Hitachi’s Strategic Social Innovation Business Unit and aligns with the wider “One Hitachi” approach, drawing on digital expertise from across the group.
Completion of the acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, with the deal expected to close later in 2026.
