ÖBB’s subsidiary Rail Cargo Hungaria is going to operate two Chinese hybrid locomotives in Hungary as part of a leasing agreement with rolling stock manufacturer CRRC. The Hungarian side is also eyeing an expansion of its Chinese rolling stock: a purchase of 22 more CRRC locomotives is on the table.
For the time being, Rail Cargo Hungaria has signed a leasing agreement for four years with CRRC. The two locomotives are from CRRC’s Class 461, which generates traction from both the overhead lines as well as on-board batteries.
Rail Cargo Hungaria may purchase an additional 22 CRRC locomotives, according to Hungarian media. In line with earlier reports that CRRC is looking to build rolling stock production sites in the country, four of the 22 locomotives may be built in Hungary.
CRRC is looking to expand its activity in Europe, also beyond Hungary. For example, it acquired the Vossloh plant in Germany for 10 million euros in 2020.