The two companies were selected as preferred bidder for the contract in July. The contract includes an eight-year maintenance agreement.

The locomotives are for use on the standard-gauge high-speed rail network to rescue stranded trains, and haul inspection, snow clearance and maintenance trains.

The 2.8MW four-axle 600-tonne diesel-electric locomotives have a maximum speed of 160km/h. The units have an IGBT traction system, ac/ac-transmission and an innovative adhesion control system, and they are fitted with ETCS, the Spanish Asfa signalling system and GSM-R.

The locomotives are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from +45ºC to -25ºC.

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