GE / EMD Market Share

[egmurphy]

Based on what I found in back posts it is my understanding that up to 1985, EMD outsold GE in locomotive sales, and that since 1985 GE has been the leader.

Is that right?

Anyone have a rough idea of the division of market share between the two manufacturers?

And, is market share determined by sales volume in terms of cost or in terms of units sold? Or is the cost of comparable units close enough that either of those stats would yield about the same % split?

Thanks

Ed

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by egmurphy

Based on what I found in back posts it is my understanding that up to 1985, EMD outsold GE in locomotive sales, and that since 1985 GE has been the leader.

Is that right?

Anyone have a rough idea of the division of market share between the two manufacturers?

And, is market share determined by sales volume in terms of cost or in terms of units sold? Or is the cost of comparable units close enough that either of those stats would yield about the same % split?

Thanks

Ed

This is my thoughts on your question, but I have no facts on the exact numbers. I have read them in Trains a few years ago, but I can't quote the percentages.
World wide market share has always been good to GM, but GE has outsold GM every year since the 1985 time era in the USA market.

GM also had lower sales after the SD50 was introduced because that model experienced many early problems and the SD60 was rushed into production to earn back customers. The SD60 turned out to be a good engine, but a lot of damage to Marketing had been done with the SD50 series. I believe the GP50 had the same problems.

I do not remember the exact year GM announced the Division was for sale, but ever since that time, GE certainly has done a greater amount of sales compared to GM. This attitude must have some effect on buyers of new diesels, and if I was a buyer for the railroad, I would be concerned about the new owner having the capitol to complete the warranty.

It would seem that GM wants to sell it off and any new buyer could be left with a business that is going to fail.

I purchased a new Frigidare two years ago and found out it is not a GM company any longer. They are selling off the place one division at a time and I would guess the locomotive group will be gone ASAP..