In 1970 Luhansk locomotive works introduced a newly developed locomotive type, most commonly known as Ludmilla, to the GDR. These machines needed a lot of changes to suit the needs of the GDR Reichsbahn.

Several versions were introduced (Class 130 / 131), before finally giving the GDR the machine that they really needed. The class 132 with a max speed 120 km/h and an electric train supply to heat the passenger coaches in winter time. This class became the backbone of GDR diesel traction.

After reunion of both German countries in 1989 the Deutsche Bahn renumbered all Class 132 to DB BR232 and used them for non-electrical routes to drive freight and passenger trains.

Today only a few machines remain in service in with the national companies. A lot of them were sold to private railroad companies.