In October 2021, New Zealand's KiwiRail and Stadler signed a framework agreement for DM Class diesel locomotives under which 57 locomotives were fixed. In 2024, a follow-up order was placed for an additional 9 locos with ETCS. Additionally, 10 locos of the first order would get ETCS installed creating a batch of 19 locomotives to be used on the North Island. 47 of the type are now destined for use on the South Island. The locos are a very customer-specific design based on the SALi platform but also incorporate proven subsystems from, for example, the EURO 4000.
Since October 2024, 7 locomotives have arrived in New Zealand for use on the South Island. All first going through a period of extensive testing before final commissioning. It concerns:
June 2026
DM8058
DM8070
DM8087
