In August 2006, the contract for the M8s was awarded to Kawasaki Rail Car. The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro–North Railroad awarded the contract for the M8s to Kawasaki Rail Car in August 2006 for $706.3 million. The contract included 380 cars, of which 210 would be in the base order, and an option order of 90 cars. 65% of the cost was paid by Connecticut, while the remaining 35% was paid by Metro–North. Later on, two additional option orders were added; the first consisted of 42 cars and the second consisted of 38 cars. Full production of the M8's was scheduled to begin in early 2010 but was then delayed. Kawasaki cited problems with steel suppliers and sub-contractors (which is responsible for 60% of the cars). Once production reached full output the cars were delivered at a rate of ten per month.