Texas: GE Reveals First Evolution Series Locomotive for Canadian National
The first of 200 new locomotives for Canadian National (CN) by GE Transportation was revealed at the manufacturer’s plant in Fort Worth, Texas, on 5 June 2018. The production of GE’s Evolution Series locomotives for CN was agreed in a multi-year contract signed by the companies at the end of 2017. The purchase by CN is the largest order for locomotives by a Class I railroad since 2014.
JJ Ruest, Interim President and CEO of CN, said:
“The delivery of this first locomotive is a testament to our commitment to investing for the long haul. More locomotives, combined with more conductors, help us serve our clients better, faster, and with fewer emissions than other modes of long haul transportation.”
CN is the only trans-continental railroad in North America and annually transports $250 billion of goods between Canada, the United States and Mexico across its 19,600-mile network.
Jim Hilderhoff, Chief Commercial Officer of GE Transportation, said:
“These new locomotives are evidence of CN’s commitment and investment to expand capacity for all of its customers. The Evolution Series locomotives will provide the digital capabilities, efficiency, reliability and tractive effort CN requires to successfully meet the growing market demands and support future growth.”
The contract includes a training package to ensure that the locomotives are maintained via safe and proper practices. It also specifies guarantees by GE on reliability, fuel consumption and out-of-service intervals related to field modifications prescribed by the manufacturer. The agreement also allows CN to control the delivery timing, pricing and EPA emission certification of the locomotives and the flexibility to purchase additional units.
