Turkish-US partnership in locomotives production

ESKISEHIR

Lorenzo Simonelli, the President and CEO of General Electric (GE) Transportation said annually there are 3500 to 4000 locomotive sales in the world.

Simonelli replied the questions of reporters in Eskisehir where he came for the publicity and customer-supplier meeting of "PowerHaul locomotive" which was produced by the strategic cooperation agreement between General Electric and Turkey Locomotive and Motor Industry A.S. (TULOMSAS).

Upon a question about what was the position of General Electric in the locomotive market, Simonelli said, "First of all, we are a producer of diesel-electric engines and we are the market leader in the world. GE has more than 17 thousand working engines all around the world at the moment. When we look forward, we see a positive growth in the locomotive market. Railways are the best way to carry cargo. The system is the most effective as they are affordable as well as being environment friendly. That is why we are happy to have partnership with the TULOMSAS. This partnership will strengthen our existence in the Europe, North Africa, Middle East and Turkey."

Simonelli made clear what their cooperation with TULOMSAS cover and said, "We have an agreement on the technology transfer and the placement of this locomotive in Turkey. We expect that annually 50 to 100 locomotives would be produced and sold. We have a long term partnership. Annually, there are 3500 to 4000 locomotives being sold in the world. The most modern locomotive model being produced in the world is the PowerHaul locomotive."

Furthermore, Director General of TULOMSAS, Hayri Avci added that the PowerHaul locomotive has 9 percent less fuel consumption compared to its kinds.

Avci added that they aim to produce 100 locomotives a year.