BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Transportation and Brazilian rail operator MRS Logística S.A. (MRS) signed the largest locomotive purchase agreement in the history of Brazil both companies announced at InnoTrans 2010, the world’s largest rail exhibition in Berlin, Germany.

MRS ordered 115 fuel efficient and low emissions AC44i locomotives. The contract also stipulates an option for the purchase of an additional 100 locomotives. The locomotives will be manufactured at GE Transportation’s plant in Contagem, Brazil. The GE plant in Grove City, Pennsylvania, USA, will supply key components, including the 12-cylinder FDL diesel engine. The locomotives will be delivered between 2011 and 2015.

“GE’s locomotives will be utilized to meet the growing demand for locomotive power in light of dynamic infrastructure development in the years ahead,” said Henrique Ache Pillar, Development Director of MRS. “We are looking forward to increasing our transportation capacity.”

Ninety units are scheduled for delivery in 2011, including 30 units covered under a previous contract and 60 as part of the newly signed agreement. GE will provide the remaining 55 locomotives between 2012 and 2015. The new locomotives generate up to 15% fewer greenhouse gas emissions while lowering operating costs by approximately 15%. Three AC44i locomotives generate enough tractive effort to replace four older generation locomotives.

“GE is a global locomotive manufacturer who partners with railroad customers around the world,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “We are pleased to serve our customer MRS by providing advanced AC technology that requires less maintenance, reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions.”

Added Guilherme Mello, President of GE Transportation Latin America: “Brazil is one of our most vibrant growth market. The agreement reflects the strong recovery of the railroad industry in Brazil since its privatization in 1996.”

Currently, approximately 17,000 GE locomotives are in use in more than 50 countries around the globe.

About GE Transportation

Established more than 100 years ago, GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, marine, drilling, mining and wind industries. GE provides freight and passenger locomotives, railway 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 8,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.getransportation.com.

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