ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

The next generation of Tube train could be made in Britain, its German makers suggested today.

Siemens unveiled the Inspiro train - costing £1m per carriage - with a hint to the mayor that if he placed an order for one of the new trains for the Piccadilly, Bakerloo and Central lines it would be fulfilled in the UK.

It comes after Transport for London secured its Government funding for the Tube based on the claim that it could give new orders to British based firms.

Siemens controversially manufactured the £1bn-plus Thameslink train order from the Government in its native Germany.

The Inspiro will feature in a new exhibition making the 150th anniversary of the Tube and giving Londoners a glimpse of the future of London Underground travel.

The Inspiro may appeal to the mayor as it is equipped to be driverless - a facility that would weaken union strike powers.

Compared to much existing rolling stock, it weighs a third less is brighter and more spacious.

It will also be fully air conditioned and create more room for passengers by dispensing doors linking carriages with gangways.

The new exhibition marking the Tube’s 150th anniversary opens next week at the Crystal exhibition centre in the Royal Victoria Docks.

It also features innovations in electronic ticketing and passengers information boards.