The Ministry of Railways of the People's Republic of China (MOR) ordered 500 locomotives in February 2007 for €1.1 billion (US$1.4 billion) from Dalian Locomotives and Bombardier Transportation, with Bombardier's share amounting to €370 million (US$480 million).

[5] The electronics were updated, with traction converters based on IGCT technology, and an updated version of the MITRAC control electronics developed by Bombardier's Switzerland branch.

[4] With increased power and a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), the locomotives were designed for general freight rather than specialised heavy-haul service.

[5] The electronics and traction equipment of the first 150 units were supplied by Bombardier from Europe,[4] production for the rest is shared between Bombardier's Chinese subsidiary and Dalian.

[3][5] The design of the mechanical components was subject to technology transfer from Bombardier to Dalian.