Another three closely similar units were built by Waggonfabrik Talbot ('Talbot Talion') and given the reporting code DB class 691.

A variant for infrastructure and service trains, named the Multi Purpose Vehicle has been sold to a number of countries, mainly for use by rail infrastructure companies, including the United Kingdom (Railtrack; track maintenance and specialised overhead electrification train), Switzerland (specialised tunnel rescue and firefighting version), and the Netherlands and Taiwan (maintenance of high speed lines).

[1] The concept was for a self powered container carrying freight train, with a relatively high top speed enabling it to operate without disrupting passenger services.

[6] Ex-freight trial vehicles later found use modified for specialised roles, such as tunnel rescue,[7] and hybrid powered freight trains.

[10] In 2002 the CargoSprinter train was used as the mechanical basis of the CargoMover automated freight wagon concept developed by Siemens.

The end cars are powered, with the inner axles individually driven by Volvo engines (6 cylinder, 265 kW (355 hp) @ 2,050 rpm, emissions to Euro stage II standards).

[4][16][17] The vehicles main frames are constructed from welded steel; there are two longitudinal support beams and several transverse members (example: Windhoff intermediate cars).

[4] Unused ex-DB 690 and DB 691 units were sold to the Austrian Federal Railways in 2004, and converted to tunnel rescue trains (ÖBB X690).

[18] The Australian CargoSprinters have similar technical characteristics as the original versions built for Deutsche Bahn: Push-pull operation, with 2 Volvo EU Tier II engines with 5 speed transmissions per powered end unit; a cargo capacity of 2 TEU per vehicle; all wheels disc braked; air suspended cabin with air conditioning; and the ability to work in multiple train-units; and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

The use of CargoSprinters was cancelled due to time and cost issues relating to installing ATB safety system on the trains.

[8] A related design for transportation of construction materials (gravel) also began operation in 2009, named Marti Express Shuttle; the trains consist of a converted ex-DB (Talbot) driving vehicle, 8 intermediate four axle wagons, and an electric locomotive – the train has a carrying capacity of up to 540 tonnes (531 long tons; 595 short tons).

[28][29] In 2007/8 Windhoff manufactured and supplied six MPV derived trains for infrastructure maintenance work on the Taiwan High Speed Rail line.

An additional order for 7 more trainsets was placed in 2000 – these units had both end cars powered giving a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h).

[31] and technically successful trials with a two MPV power cars and 7 OTA two-axle timber wagons were carried out in 2005.

[32] Two factory train for renewing overhead line equipment on the West Coast Mainline was ordered in 1999, and delivered in 2000.