EUROPE: CRRC ZELC’s Vossloh Rolling Stock business has announced orders to supply leasing company Nexrail with 50 DE18 Stage V locomotives.
This includes 40 locomotives approved for use in Germany which are to be delivered in Q4 2023. ‘This puts us in an excellent position of being able to serve the demand of our clients in Germany, particularly at short notice’, said Nexrail CEO Luuk von Meijenfeldt on January 31. ‘These locomotives combine a proven, reliable design with flexible, fuel-efficient and low-emission operation.’
There is also a firm order for 10 DE18 SmartHybrid diesel-battery locomotives, which has been placed under a framework agreement for up to 50 signed in 2021; orders for 20 have already been confirmed. All 30 locos are to be delivered by March 2024 with approval for France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
‘The proven technology of the DE18 Stage V SmartHybrid is a logical solution for most clients with traction needs on non-electrified lines’, said Nexrail CCO Mark Remie. ‘Following our joint traction tests in the Ardennes last year, most customers are now convinced that the DE18 can replace established market practices, such as the use of double-traction HLD77 and Class 66. Needless to say, the potential for fuel and emissions savings is very high.’
