In order to cover losses incurred during World War II, Deutsche Reichsbahn had some additional Kleinlokomotiven built in the early 1950s. However, a more powerful light shunting locomotive with an engine power of 150 ... 180 PS (110 ... 132 kW) was required to replace the aging Kleinlokomotiven and the steam locomotives used for similar duties. In 1956, LKM Babelsberg presented the new type V 10 B with mechanical gear and a engine with wheels of diameter, based upon the concept of the Kö, but with a higher and closed cab for use on industrial railways and sidings. As this class did not quite satisfy the demands of DR, class V 15 was developed from it. This new class was equipped with hydraulic gears of type GSR 12/3,7 (single torque converter) and originally with engines of type 6 KVD 18 SRW. The design model V 15 101 still resembled a Kö II and was not taken into service by DR. Instead, it was sold to Institut für Schienenfahrzeuge Berlin-Adlershof.
