FOR RELEASE: December 16, 2004

BHP Orders Electro-Motive SD70ACe Locomotives
High Traction Locomotives for Iron Ore Mining Operations in Australia

LaGrange, Illinois - General Motors Electro-Motive Division today announced that BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty. Ltd. will take delivery in 2005 of thirteen SD70ACe locomotives for use in mining operations in northwest Australia.

Electro-Motive's SD70ACe model, which meets the 2005 U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) emissions standards, has been developed for the North American freight locomotive market as well as other heavy haul railways around the world. This model uses the highly reliable 710 Series diesel engine and is rated at 4300 traction horsepower. The SD70ACe employs an AC (Alternating Current) traction system to develop high wheel-rail traction for heavy haul service.

According to Frank Ward, Director of International Sales for Electro-Motive, "We are very pleased that BHP has chosen the energy-efficient, low-emissions SD70ACe locomotive for their operations. We are also proud that these will be the first Electro-Motive AC traction locomotives going into the Australian Pilbara iron ore mining region."

The locomotives will be built by Electro-Motive in London, Ontario. EDI Rail, a division of Downer EDI Limited, sold the locomotives and will support them in service. EDI Rail represents Electro-Motive in Australia and also manufactures and maintains locomotives with Electro-Motive technology.

About Electro-Motive: Electro-Motive markets, designs, sells, manufactures, and services freight and passenger diesel-electric locomotives and diesel marine and power generation products for use worldwide. The company has primary operations in LaGrange, Illinois, USA and in London, Ontario, Canada, as well as relationships with assembly affiliates and sales licensees throughout the world. Electro-Motive and its associates have produced over 58,000 diesel-electric locomotives for customers in 73 countries. Electro-Motive can be found on the Web at www.EMDiesels.com.

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