First GM CLASS 66 Locomotive Crosses German-Swiss Border

(Chicago, IL) For the first time ever in locomotive history, an American diesel-electric locomotive has crossed the German-Swiss border. The General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) Class 66 (JT42CWR) locomotive this month traveled from Cologne over the border through Basel on to Mutenz carrying a loaded container train. This marks another significant milestone in EMD's European expansion and commitment to cross-border operations.

This EMD locomotive is leased to Cologne-based HGK (Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG). EMD has recently announced certification for the Class 66 in both Germany and the Netherlands.

Known in the UK market as the Class 66 locomotive, the JT42CWR is used by the English, Welsh and Scottish Railway; Freightliner; GB Railfreight (in 2001); and in Sweden by TGOJ Trafik. GM has already sold 292 class 66 locomotives. This is the largest sustained production of diesel-electric locomotives for Europe in recent times. Since this locomotive was introduced in 1998, it has performed with unrivaled reliability and availability.

The Class 66 locomotive, hauling a loaded container train, arrived in Switzerland well ahead of schedule. The loaded return journey from Switzerland to Germany also exceeded expectations, reaching its Cologne destination two hours early.

Don Riach, Director of Worldwide Sales for EMD commented, "The JT42CWR – our latest locomotive targeted for this market – brings reliability, lower operating costs, and reduced emissions to the European marketplace. We are delighted that the Class 66 has achieved this Swiss-German border journey with flying colours."

Scott Garman, Director, Business Development, Europe added:
"This journey is another indication of the outstanding capability of EMD's Class 66. This product lends itself to long distance cross-border operations. Following on from recent certifications in Germany and Netherlands, we will be looking to Belgium in the near future."

GM's Electro-Motive Division recently opened a dedicated European office in Frankfurt, further underscoring its commitment to sales and services in the dynamic European market.

The cross-border JT42CWR is the first locomotive of its kind in Europe. National railways, as well as smaller operators, are seeking transport solutions that will allow them to operate across national boundaries and over an otherwise incompatible railway infrastructure. A locomotive with this much flexibility reduces transportation costs by avoiding the expense of delays at the border and changes of both crew and locomotives.

Diesel-electric locomotives like the JT42CWR offer several advantages because they are not dependent on the overhead electric wire catenary. This allows the locomotive to haul freight over different electrical systems and enables access to places where no electrification exists, such as in port and terminal areas. These locomotives also provide additional opportunities to move freight from the roadways in Europe to the rails, thus relieving traffic congestion, improving road safety, and reducing environmental emissions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Scott Garman
scott.garman@emdiesels.com
+1 (708) 387-5041