The Deutsche Bahn refers to the new generation of high-speed trains, Intercity-Express (ICE), for long-distance passenger transport as ICE 4 or BR 412. Siemens Mobility / Bombardier was commissioned in 2011 to develop and build an initial 170 trains. Initially, twelve-car variants are expected to be operational by December 2017, followed by seven-car trains by December 2020. A total of up to 300 new ICE trains are planned to be procured. The trains are designed as multiple units for passenger service. They are powered by several independently driven cars, known as powercars, distributed throughout the train. The new ICE trains consist of five types of cars: end cars, powered middle cars (powercar), non-powered middle cars, dining cars, and service cars. The trains can also be coupled for double traction operation. The exterior design of the trains was awarded the Red Dot Design Award in 2015. The first series of 130 multiple units includes 45 seven-car and 85 twelve-car trains. Approval for operation in Austria and Switzerland is planned, with future approval for France, Luxembourg, Italy, Poland, and the Czech Republic being considered as an option.