Vossloh has already delivered an initial tranche of 15 of the 2.8MW locomotives to DRS, five of which are used by Chiltern Railways on passenger services London Marylebone to Birmingham and Kidderminster.

DRS placed a follow on-order for 10 additional class 68s in September 2014 and Vossloh says delivery of this second batch will begin in the coming months. The delivery of the third order will take the fleet to 32 units.

In addition to the class 68s, DRS has ordered 10 class 88 UKdual bi-mode locomotives, which will be equipped for operation on the standard British 25kV ac electrification system.

The class 68s and class 88s are being assembled by Vossloh at its Albuixech plant near Valencia in Spain.

Vossloh has also confirmed that it has received an order for one EuroLight locomotive from Dinazzano Po, Italy. This is the first locomotive to be ordered from Vossloh Spain by an Italian operator.