CRRC Ziyang
A CRRC subsidiary that manufactures and modernizes locomotives, engines, specialized rail vehicles and related industrial equipment.
Last updated August 24, 2026
Overview
CRRC Ziyang is a Chinese rail-transit equipment manufacturer based in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, and a subsidiary of CRRC Corporation Limited. The enterprise was established in 1966 and developed from a locomotive production plant into a diversified engineering business serving national railways, industrial railways and overseas railway operators. Its historical manufacturing base has centered on diesel and electric locomotives, while its later portfolio has expanded to hybrid and battery-powered locomotives, specialized rail vehicles, engines, generator sets, forged and cast components, locomotive modernization and maintenance, and power-station engineering. The company's early development focused on diesel traction. It produced its first shunting diesel locomotive in 1973 and its first mainline diesel locomotive in 1983. During the 1990s and 2000s, CRRC Ziyang increasingly pursued exports, beginning with the overseas commercialization of the CK5 diesel locomotive in 1992 and the delivery of mainline locomotives to Vietnam in 2001. The company subsequently supplied diesel locomotives to customers in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australia. Its exported products have included locomotives for national railways, mining, metallurgy, petrochemical operations and other heavy industries. The company has stated that it has produced more than 7,000 locomotives and exported more than 1,000 diesel locomotives to over 30 countries, although the applicable reporting periods for those cumulative figures are not specified in the available material. Following the 2015 merger of China CNR and CSR into CRRC, the enterprise adopted the name CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. Within the CRRC group, it has been positioned as a specialist and advanced rail-transit equipment enterprise rather than solely as a conventional locomotive factory. Its locomotive activities cover new manufacture, overhaul and modernization, electric and diesel traction, hybrid propulsion and other energy-saving technologies. Its new-mode rail-transit work includes suspended monorail trains, rack-and-pinion locomotives and other specialized vehicles. It also maintains an industrial-engine business involving locomotive, marine, gas and diesel engines, generator sets and power-station engineering, together with large crankshafts, castings, forgings and other engine components. Technology development has been an important part of the company's identity. CRRC Ziyang operates a national-level technology center and has held accreditation associated with national laboratory and measurement capabilities. The reference material also identifies certification to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 management systems. Product-development milestones include high-power AC electric locomotives, AC-transmission diesel locomotives, hybrid locomotives, battery locomotives and China's first proprietary rack-and-pinion train. In 2020, its self-developed high-power hybrid locomotive became the first hybrid locomotive in China to receive a type certificate and manufacturing license from the State Railway Administration, according to the cited reference material. In the 2020s, CRRC Ziyang has continued combining domestic green-traction development with international locomotive exports. It completed a hybrid modernization project for older diesel locomotives in 2021, delivered commercial HXN6 hybrid locomotives in 2022, supplied 30 high-power mainline freight locomotives to Turkmenistan in 2023, and exported high-power narrow-gauge AC locomotives to Sierra Leone in 2024. The available sources do not establish a separate consumer-facing brand strategy or a current executive roster; the company's public identity is principally that of an industrial subsidiary within the CRRC rail-equipment group.
History
CRRC Ziyang was established in 1966 in Ziyang, Sichuan, as a locomotive manufacturing enterprise. Its first major product-development milestone came in 1973, when it successfully trial-produced a shunting diesel locomotive. A decade later, it trial-produced its first mainline diesel locomotive, establishing capabilities beyond industrial shunting applications. The company began international commercialization in 1992 with exports of the CK5 diesel locomotive. In 2001, it supplied its first batch of ten mainline locomotives to Vietnam, marking its entry into the overseas mainline diesel-locomotive market. The company describes the 2006 export of Chinese locomotive-manufacturing technology as another important international step. Its export footprint later extended across Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australia, with applications in national railway, mining, metallurgy, petrochemical and other industrial systems. Product development broadened during the 2000s and 2010s. The first HXD high-power AC electric locomotive left the assembly line in 2009, and an AC-transmission diesel locomotive was exported to a developed-country market in 2011. In 2012, the company's first power-station EPC project was completed. The 700th exported diesel locomotive was produced in 2014. In 2015, CRRC Ziyang completed a high-power hybrid locomotive described in the reference material as the world's most powerful at that time. The 2015 merger of China CNR and CSR created CRRC, and the company changed its name to CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. The post-merger business has covered locomotive production and modernization, maintenance, hybrid traction, new-mode rail transit, engines, generator sets, power-station engineering and large forged or cast components. In 2016, it produced a commercialized suspended monorail, promoted as Panda Air Rail. In 2017, the CDD6A1 meter-gauge diesel locomotive was exported to South America. In 2018, an overseas substation project in Bangladesh was handed over and entered commercial operation. The company continued investing in lower-emission propulsion. A 28-ton battery locomotive was completed in 2019. In August 2020, its self-developed high-power hybrid locomotive became the first hybrid locomotive in China to receive both a type certificate and manufacturing license from the State Railway Administration, according to the cited source. In 2021, the company completed a hybrid modernization program for older diesel locomotives, combining existing rolling-stock assets with newer propulsion technology. In 2022, CRRC Ziyang rolled out China's first proprietary rack-and-pinion train and delivered its first commercialized HXN6 hybrid locomotives. International activity remained significant: in 2023, it completed a 30-locomotive high-power freight order for Turkmenistan, described as its largest export order there in a decade. In 2024, it exported high-power narrow-gauge AC locomotives to Sierra Leone, with the reference describing their middle-corridor configuration as a global first. The company maintains a national-level technology center and has held national laboratory and measurement-related capabilities. Its cited management certifications include ISO 9001:2015 for quality, ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management and ISO 45001:2018 for occupational health and safety. Available reference material does not identify current or former senior executives, financial results or a standalone listed status for CRRC Ziyang.
- 2024Narrow-gauge AC locomotive export to Sierra Leone
The company exported high-power narrow-gauge AC locomotives to Sierra Leone.
- 2023Turkmenistan freight-locomotive order
Thirty high-power mainline freight locomotives were delivered to Turkmenistan.
- 2022Rack-and-pinion train and HXN6 deliveries
The company rolled out a proprietary rack-and-pinion train and delivered commercialized HXN6 hybrid locomotives.
- 2020Hybrid locomotive receives Chinese certification
A self-developed high-power hybrid locomotive received a type certificate and manufacturing license from the State Railway Administration.
- 201928-ton battery locomotive
A 28-ton battery-powered locomotive was completed as part of the company's new-energy locomotive program.
- 2016Commercial suspended monorail
The company produced a commercialized new-energy suspended monorail vehicle known as Panda Air Rail.
- 2015Name change following CRRC formation
Following the merger of China CNR and CSR into CRRC, the company adopted the CRRC Ziyang name.
- 2009First HXD high-power AC electric locomotive
The first HXD high-power AC electric locomotive left the assembly line.
- 2001Mainline locomotive exports to Vietnam
The company exported ten mainline locomotives to Vietnam, entering the overseas mainline diesel-locomotive market.
- 1992First commercialized diesel-locomotive export
The CK5 became the company's first diesel locomotive to be commercialized for overseas export.
- 1983First mainline diesel locomotive
The first mainline diesel locomotive was successfully trial-produced.
- 1973First shunting diesel locomotive
The company successfully trial-produced its first shunting diesel locomotive.
- 1966Locomotive plant established in Ziyang
The enterprise was established in Ziyang, Sichuan, beginning its long-term development as a locomotive manufacturer.
Products and positioning
Specialized and advanced rail-transit equipment manufacturing, with emphasis on locomotives, green propulsion, heavy-industrial applications, modernization services and international project delivery.
CK5 and CK5C diesel locomotivesDiesel-hydraulic locomotive1992
The CK5 family represents CRRC Ziyang's diesel-hydraulic locomotive range. These locomotives are associated with shunting and industrial railway duties, where compact traction, switching capability and suitability for non-mainline operations are important. The CK5 also has historical significance as the company's first commercialized diesel-locomotive export platform.
GK1C diesel locomotiveDiesel-hydraulic locomotive
The GK1C is part of the company's diesel-hydraulic locomotive portfolio. It is intended for industrial and shunting applications rather than high-speed passenger service, supporting railway users that require dependable switching and yard traction.
SDD and CKD diesel locomotive platformsAC-DC diesel locomotive
This group includes models such as SDD10, SDD1, SDD2, SDD3, SDD22, SDD23, CKD6E, CKD7F, CKD9A, CKD9C and DF8B. The platform covers diesel-electric locomotives for mainline freight, industrial railway and specialized operating conditions, with model variants adapted to different gauges, power requirements and customer specifications.
CDD6A1 diesel locomotiveMeter-gauge diesel locomotive2017
The CDD6A1 is a meter-gauge diesel locomotive developed for railway systems that do not use China's standard-gauge network. Its export to South America in 2017 illustrates CRRC Ziyang's adaptation of locomotive products to overseas infrastructure and operating requirements.
SDA1 and SDA4 diesel locomotivesAC diesel locomotive
The SDA1 and SDA4 platforms are AC diesel locomotives within the company's export-oriented product range. They are associated with heavy-duty traction and customer-specific railway applications, including international markets requiring AC transmission.
HD100A and HD100BDiesel multiple unit
HD100A and HD100B are diesel multiple-unit products listed in CRRC Ziyang's portfolio. They extend the company's capabilities from locomotive-hauled traction into self-propelled passenger or mixed railway formations, although detailed technical specifications and operating customers are not identified in the available reference.
HXN6 hybrid locomotiveHybrid locomotive2022
The HXN6 is a commercial hybrid locomotive developed for lower-emission rail operations. It forms part of CRRC Ziyang's new-energy strategy and was delivered commercially in 2022. The company's hybrid work also includes modernization of existing diesel locomotives, allowing operators to improve propulsion efficiency without replacing entire fleets.
Battery locomotiveBattery-electric locomotive2019
CRRC Ziyang completed a 28-ton battery locomotive in 2019. The product reflects the company's effort to apply non-diesel propulsion to suitable shunting, industrial and short-distance railway duties, where charging arrangements and duty cycles can support battery operation.
Engines, generator sets and forged componentsRailway and industrial power equipment
Beyond complete rail vehicles, CRRC Ziyang produces locomotive and marine engines, diesel and gas engines, diesel and gas generator sets, large forged and cast parts, and medium-speed engine all-fiber-forged-steel crankshafts. It also undertakes power-station EPC work and supplies maintenance and modernization services.
Flagship businesses
- HXN6 hybrid locomotive
- High-power AC and AC-transmission locomotives
- CK5, CK6 and GK1C diesel locomotives
- CDD6A1 narrow-gauge diesel locomotive
- Suspended monorail and specialized rack-rail vehicles
Brand decisions
- 2022Expands into rack-and-pinion and commercial hybrid railProduct launch
The company sought to diversify beyond conventional locomotives into specialized rail transit and new-energy traction.
What changed. It rolled out a proprietary rack-and-pinion train and delivered commercialized HXN6 hybrid locomotives.
Aftermath. These products broadened CRRC Ziyang's offering for steep-gradient, specialized and lower-emission railway applications.
- 2020Pursues certified high-power hybrid propulsionProduct launch
Railway operators have sought lower-emission alternatives to conventional diesel traction while retaining the range and flexibility required for heavy-duty service.
What changed. CRRC Ziyang developed a high-power hybrid locomotive and obtained a type certificate and manufacturing license from the State Railway Administration.
Aftermath. The certification supported the company's commercial position in China's hybrid-locomotive market and preceded later HXN6 deliveries and diesel-locomotive modernization work.
- 2015Adopts CRRC identity after parent-group mergerStrategy
China CNR and CSR merged in 2015 to form CRRC Corporation Limited, changing the corporate structure under which the Ziyang locomotive enterprise operated.
What changed. The company changed its name to CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd. and continued as a specialist subsidiary within the CRRC group.
Aftermath. The change aligned the enterprise's corporate identity with CRRC's national rail-equipment platform and international brand.
Recent events
- 2024CRRC Ziyang exports high-power narrow-gauge locomotives to Sierra Leone
The company exported high-power narrow-gauge AC locomotives to Sierra Leone. The reference describes their middle-corridor layout as a global first.
Product launchOther - 2023CRRC Ziyang completes major Turkmenistan locomotive export
The company completed what the reference describes as its largest export order in a decade for Turkmenistan, delivering 30 high-power mainline freight locomotives.
Product launchOther - 2022CRRC Ziyang delivers its first commercialized HXN6 hybrid locomotives
The company rolled out commercial HXN6 hybrid locomotives while also presenting a proprietary rack-and-pinion train as part of its expansion into specialized and lower-emission rail transit.
Product launchProduct generation - 2020CRRC Ziyang develops China's first certified high-power hybrid locomotive
The company's self-developed hybrid locomotive received a type certificate and manufacturing license from China's State Railway Administration, according to the reference material.
Product launchRegulation
Sources
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