China's Largest Diesel Locomotive Producer Turns to Electric LocomotivesDalian Rolling Stock Plant produced its first electric locomotive Tuesday, December 12, a major step by the nation's largest diesel locomotive producer in exploring new business fields.The SS4 electric locomotive, which is used to pull heavy cargo trains, consists of two engines with operational power of 6,400 kw.Its designed speed is 100 km per hour. The plant will continue to supply 20 such locomotives to railway and transportation departments next year, according to Tan Chengxu, head of the Dalian plant. Construction of electrified railways will be given more support from the government in the nation's 10th Five-Year plan period (2001-2005). The Ministry of Railways is estimated to need more than 4,500 new locomotives, 75 percent of which comprise of the electric ones. Dalian Rolling Stock Plant, China's leading designer, manufacturer and exporter of diesel locomotives, has produced more than 5,200 such vehicles so far. To meet market demand, the plant has adjusted its old production system and has begun to compete with other two electric locomotive producers. |
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