News and Insights
ARS Altmann AG opts for ELP’s Euro9000
New partnership for efficient and seamless freight transport across the Brenner Pass
Wolnzach / Frauenfeld, October 2026
European Loc Pool (ELP) and ARS Altmann AG are entering into a new partnership. With the signing of a contract for two Euro9000 locomotives, ARS Altmann AG is adding this powerful six-axle hybrid locomotive type to its fleet, thereby increasing flexibility and efficiency in cross-border rail freight transport.
A key factor in choosing the Euro9000 is the ability to operate long-distance services with just one locomotive. Thanks to its combination of electric operation and diesel modules, the Euro9000 can be used on both electrified and non-electrified sections. At the same time, it provides the power required for demanding freight operations across the Brenner Pass.
“Three factors were decisive for us. The Euro9000 operates both electrically and on diesel, so we are not dependent on the overhead line. It is approved in all the countries in which we operate our trains. And it has enough power to haul our trains over the Brenner Pass on its own. Particularly important is the 3 kV Diesel Boost Mode, in which the diesel engines increase the traction power to almost 8 MW while running under the overhead line. This improves our efficiency and punctuality,” says Matthias Prochazka, Managing Director of Altmann Rail Traction.
The Euro9000 offers up to 9 MW of electric power and a starting tractive effort of up to 500 kN. Two diesel engines with a combined output of around 1.9 MW provide additional flexibility on non-electrified sections as well as for shunting and last-mile operations.
For ARS Altmann AG, one of the key advantages is the ability to reduce or even eliminate locomotive changes along the route. This removes time-consuming operational interfaces and allows services to be planned and operated more seamlessly. At the same time, this places greater demands on the technical availability of the locomotive in service.
Accordingly, alongside the performance of the Euro9000, ELP’s full-service leasing concept also plays a central role in the new partnership. Comprehensive service and maintenance solutions, together with a workshop network along relevant transport corridors, are designed to ensure high locomotive availability throughout operations.
“ELP is there when we need them, and the team is hands-on. In addition, there is a workshop network that covers our routes. That is crucial for us: a locomotive is only as good as the service behind it,” adds Matthias Prochazka.
“We are very pleased to welcome ARS Altmann AG as a new partner at ELP. The requirements of cross-border operations on demanding corridors such as the Brenner Pass show exactly what the Euro9000 was developed for: high performance, flexibility and the ability to operate services as seamlessly as possible with a single locomotive. Together with our full-service concept, we aim to support ARS Altmann AG in making optimal use of these advantages in day-to-day operations,” says Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool.
About ARS Altmann AG
ARS Altmann AG is a Europe-wide service provider in automotive logistics. Founded in 1975, the forwarding and logistics company is headquartered in Wolnzach, Bavaria, and operates 25 locations in Germany, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania, covering a total area of more than 5 million m². ARS Altmann AG employs around 1,000 people and transports vehicles for commercial customers, including manufacturers, dealers, fleet operators and mobility service providers, using, among other assets, 850 specialised trucks and a rail fleet of more than 4,000 railway wagons specifically designed for vehicle transport. The company’s sites also offer a range of vehicle-related services, including PDI and Smart Repair.
About hybrid locomotives
European Loc Pool AG focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives from Stadler, setting new standards in European rail freight transport. The EuroDual and Euro9000 locomotives combine electric operation with powerful diesel modules, enabling flexible use on electrified and non-electrified sections as well as seamless last-mile and shunting operations.
The Euro9000 is a modern hybrid multisystem locomotive for operation across Europe. It offers tractive effort of up to 500 kN, power of up to 9 MW in electric operation and 1.9 MW of diesel power. The Euro9000 platform is a further development of Stadler’s successful EuroDual and Euro4000 locomotive families.
About European Loc Pool AG
European Loc Pool AG is a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing and maintenance services, headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Its full-service leasing packages include modern six-axle hybrid locomotives that can be tailored to customers’ specific requirements.
ELP is committed to sustainability and uses advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance.
ELP’s experienced team places a strong focus on safety, reliability and cost efficiency in order to exceed customer expectations.
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Press contact ELP:
Morena Di Nardo
Marketing & Communications
E-mail: morena.dinardo@europeanlocpool.com
Press contact ARS Altmann:
Korbinian Kalleder
Content & Communication Manager
E-mail: korbinian.kalleder@ars-altmann.de