This month Electro-Motive Diesel will complete a new facility for the rebuilding of traction motors and other electrical equipment at San Luís Potosí in Mexico. 'EMD continues to invest extensively in providing after-sales service', according to CEO John S Hamilton. 'We have previously established turbocharger and engine remanufacturing capabilities, and this broadens our services extensively. Traction motor maintenance is one of the most significant railroad operating expenses.'

Mahle GmbH has acquired a 60% stake in BEHR Industry GmbH, which manufactures air-conditioning equipment for trains, ships, aircraft and other vehicles.

UK-based commercial vehicle washing plant supplier Smith Bros & Webb has acquired Wesurail to enhance its activities in the train and tram sector.

Russian Technologies State Corp and RZD have signed an agreement to co-operate in rolling stock, energy efficiency and safety technologies.

Finnish state-owned equity firm Suomen Teollisuussijoitus, Aura Capital and others have invested € 2·7m in contactless ticketing and RFID technology firm Confidex. An additional €2·3m loan was provided by Finnvera and Sampo Bank. 'The new funding will be put towards increasing our production capacity, enhancing our brand and developing new business areas', said CEO Timo Lindström.

Altran Praxis was launched on January 19, after Altran merged its Praxis and SC2 businesses which provide safety-critical and embedded systems.