December 19 was marked with the first success for Siemens and thus also the first success for the Siemens & Cummins partnership, that was announced earlier this month. The Illinois Department of Transportation has selected Siemens as preferred supplier for 35 passenger diesel locomotives.

The locomotives are designed to have a top speed of 200 km/h and Cummins "Tier 4" compliant QSK95 engines. A letter of intent has been signed, but the actual purchase still requires an actual contract. More details on Railwayage.com.