The diesel locomotives of the series V 180 were the last important development in this field made by the communist GDR. Since the four-axle locomotives were too heavy for many parts of the DR rail system, a six-axle version with less wheel pressure was produced. Between 1966 and 1970, the Deutsche Reichsbahn bought a total of 206 locomotives of this type, which were suitable for service in all parts of the country.
