The Czech rail vehicle manufacturer CZ LOKO rates the last year of the prestigious InnoTrans trade fair, which took place in Berlin from 19 to 21 September, as exceptionally successful. At the trade fair, the company concluded new contracts for the supply of locomotives and also christened the 1000th locomotive produced in its modern history.
CZ LOKO concluded a contract with the Italian carrier Rail Traction Company (RTC), which will supplement its rolling stock with two Effishunter 1000 locomotives with an option for two more. Type-wise, these are the same locomotives as those purchased by the Italian company Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal. Its modern concept according to the latest TSI standards reduces the consumption, operating and maintenance costs, emissions and noise. The locomotive delivery will take place in the second half of 2019.
RTC, specializing in freight transport, mainly via the Brenner Pass, will deploy them for line service as well as shunting. “It will be really challenging and we are delighted the carrier chose our locomotives,” said Jaroslav Plhák, Sales Director of CZ LOKO. These are not the first CZ LOKO locomotives of this carrier. It already operates previously supplied Class D.753 locomotives.
“Successful exports are based on a competitive product, complemented by services, at an attractive price. We have both. This makes us an increasingly powerful player in the shunting locomotive market. This was also evident at InnoTrans, where Effishunter 1000 greatly interested existing as well as potential customers,“ added Jaroslav Plhák.
The “flagship”, Effishunter 1000, was the main star of the outdoor display of CZ LOKO. The particular vehicle being presented was 744.105, belonging to the Italian company MERCITALIA Shunting & Terminali. This vehicle has not been chosen by chance. It was the 1000th vehicle produced in the company’s modern history. The start of the new era dates back to 2004, when the strategic partner, Zeppelin, an importer of CAT engines, joined CZ LOKO. The ceremonial christening of this modern shunting locomotive was taken up by probably the most popular Czech woman in Italy, a top model and 1998 Czech Miss runner-up Alena Šeredová.
Another diesel-electric Effishunter 1600 was ordered from CZ LOKO at the trade fair by the Hungarian carrier Magyar Vasúti Áruszállító (MVÁ), which operates virtually all over Europe and transports goods to international seaports and major container terminals. After CER Hungary, this is another interesting Hungarian client.