TSMC-backed ESMC unveils dragon tram in Dresden
台積電主導的歐洲半導體製造公司在德勒斯登推出「巨龍」形電車
| TSMC-backed European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company on Wednesday launched a dragon-themed tram in Dresden to promote its 10 billion euro (US$10.8 billion) semiconductor plant and highlight Taiwan’s growing presence in Germany.
The tram, operated by Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe, features a gold dragon composed of integrated circuit patterns stretching across the bodywork. The design presents the image of a “chip dragon” moving through the city. The exterior also displays the ESMC logo and slogans such as “Join the Dragonride,” drawing attention from passersby and encouraging public engagement, per CNA. ESMC President Christian Koitzsch said the plant’s main structure is taking shape and is expected to be topped out by year-end. Initial staff are set to move in by mid-2027 as the company builds its local identity. Koitzsch said the dragon symbolizes strength, luck, and success in Asian culture, reflecting both the project’s Taiwanese roots and its broader significance. Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert, Taiwan’s representative to Germany, Ku Jui-sheng (谷瑞生), and DVB board member Andreas Hemmersbach attended the unveiling ceremony, marking the launch of what was described as a “Taiwanese tech dragon” in the city. Hilbert said trams can enhance a city’s visibility beyond transportation. He said he welcomed Taiwan’s increasing presence in Dresden and expected the investment to boost vitality and international exchange. ESMC is co-financed by TSMC, Bosch, Infineon, and NXP, with mass production scheduled for late 2027. As construction progresses, Dresden authorities and the transit operator plan to extend tram Line 8 from Hellerau to Airportpark to serve workers commuting to ESMC, Bosch, and GlobalFoundries facilities. Due to the sensitivity of chip manufacturing to vibrations, the route will avoid the core fab area. The project is estimated to cost 60 million to 80 million euros and could be completed by 2031 pending funding and council approval. |
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| Peter Liang Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-06-24 |
