CRRC and Rolls-Royce Power Systems already agreed a strategic partnership in November 2017. It sets out, among other things, that CRRC will continue to consider mtu engines as a drive solution for diesel railcars and locomotives in the future. The agreement references, in particular, the Belt & Road Initiative, the infrastructure plan of the People’s Republic of China to expand and enhance the connections between Asia, Europe and Africa. The aim is to improve the movement of goods. To this end, China plans to invest the equivalent of hundreds of billions of euros in the infrastructure of many countries in these regions. CRRC plays a central role in this.
Rolls-Royce has been partnering successfully with CRRC for many years: CRRC has ordered over 500 mtu Series 4000 engines for locomotives and railcars for use in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Sri Lanka and South Africa.