GE PowerHaul^® Locomotives Officially Launched by Freightliner in UK

LEEDS, United Kingdom & ERIE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Freightliner Group Ltd. and GE Transportation announced today that Freightliner has officially launched the first PowerHaul locomotives at a ceremony held at Freightliner’s depot near Leeds, UK – introducing state-of-the-art technology to the UK’s rail freight market.

“PowerHaul is a more business-efficient locomotive, hauling more freight and providing more power at the rail-head, it will enable a better use of the rail network whilst lowering Freightliner’s carbon footprint”

Representing GE Transportation's entry to the UK and European marketplace, the PowerHaul locomotives were manufactured in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, where comprehensive testing was completed. Providing greater hauling capacity and significant improvements in fuel economy, the PowerHaul locomotives are undergoing commissioning before entering service and complementing Freightliner’s existing fleet of more than 160 locomotives.

“PowerHaul is a more business-efficient locomotive, hauling more freight and providing more power at the rail-head, it will enable a better use of the rail network whilst lowering Freightliner’s carbon footprint,” said Peter Maybury, CEO, Freightliner Group Limited at the ceremony. “PowerHaul is yet another example of innovation and forward thinking that has been crucial in taking Freightliner to the position we are in today. PowerHaul would not have been possible without the excellent partnership Freightliner and GE have formed and the dedication of all the team over the last two years. The introduction of this new technology will further advance Freightliner’s reputation as a dynamic and modern logistics company.”

"Our partnership with Freightliner began two years ago, and I am extremely proud to see the first two PowerHaul locomotives on UK soil here today,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “The presence of the PowerHaul locomotives not only confirms the firm relationship that exists between GE and Freightliner, but also represents the entry of GE Transportation's global PowerHaul locomotive platform into the UK and European market place. This is one more important step in what I expect to be a long and fruitful relationship with our customer and partner – Freightliner."

More information about PowerHaul locomotives can be found at: www.Freightliner.co.uk/PowerHaul. In addition, Freightliner sponsors a Twitter site on which you can view the PowerHaul Series locomotive journey at: http://twitter.com/PowerHaul.

Leading Technology

The 129-ton PowerHaul locomotive is designed to generate more horsepower and tractive effort while lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than locomotives currently in use. The locomotive features several leading technologies to achieve this performance including the new V16-cylinder, twin-turbo PowerHaul engine – a product of ecomagination ^SM. Ecomagination is a GE-wide initiative to help meet customer demand for more energy-efficient products.

The PowerHaul engine meets European Union stage IIIa emissions for traction engines. However, the engine is well below the band and produces less NOx, hydrocarbons, and particulates than its competitors. Based on the current fleets and power generation, the PowerHaul locomotive emits less carbon per gross-tonne mile moved than electric locomotives – making it greener all round, and in excess of 10 times better than its road equivalent.

GE’s unique AC individual-axle traction-control technology enables the PowerHaul Series to haul heavier loads by significantly reducing slippage on start-ups, inclines and suboptimal track conditions. The PowerHaul Series also features dynamic braking, which reuses wasted energy by driving auxiliary loads.

The dual air-conditioned, low-noise operator cabs were designed with input from the operators for comfort and maximum efficiency. The cabs embody a well-organized, clean-and-neat European style featuring easy-to-read gauges and an unobstructed front-windscreen for a clear track view.

About GE Transportation

Established more than 100 years ago, GE Transportation, an operational unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, marine, drilling, mining and wind power industries. GE Transportation provides freight and passenger locomotives, signaling and communications systems, information technology solutions, marine engines, motorized drive systems for mining trucks and drills, high-quality replacement parts and value added services. GE Transportation is headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information visit www.getransportation.com.

About Freightliner Group Ltd.

Previously part of British Rail, Freightliner was privatized in 1996 and has since increased turnover by over 180 percent. Initially only providing Intermodal services, the company has since expanded to have five subsidiary companies, all operating under Freightliner Group Limited. Freightliner Limited is the UK’s largest hauler of maritime containers, accounting for 20 percent of the total market share, and 83 percent of the rail-fed market. It provides trunk rail services between key ports and inland rail freight interchanges within the UK, supplemented with local road services, to move customers’ containers on the first or last leg of a worldwide journey. In 1999, Freightliner identified a significant opportunity to expand, and established Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited (FHH) to service the bulk rail freight industry. FHH now operates nationwide in the coal, aggregates, cement, specialist minerals, waste and petroleum sectors, and has grown to a turnover of over £100m. Since then, Freightliner Group has established new subsidiaries, Freightliner Maintenance Limited, a separate entity dedicated to the repair and maintenance of traction and rolling stock, and international subsidiaries; Freightliner PL Limited – operational in Poland and Germany, and Freightliner Australia Pty Limited, which began operations this year. For more information visit: www.freightliner.co.uk.