• I.D. Systems Inc. recently acquired Asset Intelligence L.L.C., a business unit of General Electric Co., for $15 million in cash, with an additional cash consideration of up to $2 million payable upon the achievement of certain performance milestones. I.D. Systems provides wireless asset management solutions; Asset Intelligence offers trailer and container tracking solutions for manufacturers, retailers, shippers and freight transportation providers, and has more than 120,000 units under contract. “The focus of Asset Intelligence on trucking, rail, marine and intermodal applications significantly expands the scope of assets addressed by I.D. Systems’ solutions,” said I.D. Systems Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Jagid in a prepared statement.

• Thales recently was awarded the Alicante Tramway Line 2 Signaling and Communication project in a consortium with Spain-based Etra and Electrans. The work includes supplying fixed communications (SDH network and GB Ethernet) and train telephony. Thales also was awarded an ETCS Level 2 (European Train Control System) contract by the Austrian rail operator to implement the system on two lines. Thales will supply, integrate and deploy its ETCS solution, and the routes are expected to be operational by December 2012.

• Electro-Motive Diesel Inc. has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification for emissions kits according to EPA Rule 40 CFR Part 1033, which requires reductions in nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. The new kits will enable locomotive operators of EMD Model 645 and 710 engines, both “roots-blown and turbocharged,” to comply with mandated EPA emissions requirements when the engines are overhauled, according to a prepared statement.

• RailComm was selected to provide a “major expansion” of its Yard Automation System at Transnet’s Ermelo Yard in South Africa, according to a prepared statement. The automation system will comprise the existing DOC® (Domain Operations Controller) server-based central control system and 10 new associated outdoor-rated control panels. The system also will feature RailComm RADiANT™ data radios to communicate between the office system, control panels and a network of power switches.

• Rich Rapposelli recently joined ARINC Inc.’s  Surface Transportation and Security Systems organization and will lead the company’s transportation security and positive train control-related efforts in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Rapposelli’s resumé includes nine years at Jacobs Engineering, where he managed various communications and physical security programs. Prior to that, he served Amtrak for 21 years, including stints as manager of the communications control center and technical director of communications. He also was responsible for program management on the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission Electronic Security and Surveillance security projects.