NEWPORT, Wales, UK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Freightliner Group Ltd. and GE Transportation announced today that Freightliner have taken delivery of the first PowerHaul locomotives – introducing state-of-the-art technology to the UK’s rail freight market.

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. The locomotives were shipped from Virginia on 23 October.

Providing greater hauling capacity and significant improvements in fuel economy, the PowerHaul locomotives will now undergo commissioning before entering service and complementing Freightliner’s existing fleet of more than 160 locomotives.

During an unveiling ceremony at Newport Docks, Tim Shakerley, Engineering Director, Freightliner Group Ltd said: “I am extremely proud to see the first two PowerHaul locomotives arrive in the UK. This product is a culmination of two years of hard work and partnership with GE, in order to produce a locomotive that will increase our haulage capabilities and bring further reduction to our carbon emissions.”

Brett BeGole, General Manager of Global Locomotive Operations for GE Transportation said: “We are excited today with the arrival of the first PowerHaul locomotives as this represents GE Transportation’s entry to the UK and European market place. The PowerHaul Series is GE’s most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and low-emissions diesel-electric freight locomotive to date.”

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, signalling 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, Pa., 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.