MAN Truck & Bus SE plans to invest around €300 million in the expansion and further development of its European service network by 2030. This is the largest investment of its kind in MAN's history. The company intends to use this investment to create new bases in Europe, modernize existing locations, optimize regional coverage, further improve service quality, and continue to work intensively on making the network fit for electric mobility. At the beginning of the year, the company announced its intention to reduce costs with its "MAN2030+" program in order to be able to make significant investments in growth and innovation. MAN already has an exceptionally strong network of service and sales locations.  

There are around 1,200 MAN-owned and partner companies across Europe, with a total of approximately 7,000 employees working in MAN companies. MAN customers across Europe can rely on round-the-clock support, every day of the week. More than 2,000 MAN service centers and cooperation partners provide seamless support via the MAN Mobile24 breakdown and mobility service. In Germany, for example, MAN already has the largest manufacturer-owned service network with more than 340 of its own and partner service locations. 

“A strong brand needs a strong service network. We have that – and we are now making it even stronger. Alongside our sales team, our workshops are our public face for our customers. Our strong network is a competitive advantage. We want to expand it further. That is why we are investing heavily here over the next few years, because the combination of product, service, and good quality will become even more important in the coming years, especially against the backdrop of new competitors. We want to set ourselves apart even more clearly and establish ourselves as a sustainable player," says Friedrich Baumann, Executive Board Member for Sales and Customer Solutions at MAN. "The commercial vehicle business is significantly more complex and service-intensive than the passenger car business. The daily availability of vehicles is essential for our customers' businesses. To be successful, we need to be very close to our customers and offer top-notch service," Baumann continues. 

Shorter distances  

In the future, for example, the distances customers have to travel to the workshops will be even shorter. The goal is for almost 80 percent of customers to have a travel time of less than 30 minutes to the next MAN service location. The most important markets in which this goal is to be achieved as a priority and before 2030 include Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Turkey, among others. In certain regions with particularly high logistics requirements, the goal is to be achieved by creating new bases, among other measures. "We are opening an average of seven new branches per year in these countries," said Baumann. 

MAN already has 68 service and sales locations in the UK, with around 900 employees in total and 550 in our own branches. A service investment of around 40 million euros is planned for the UK MAN Network by 2030, and several additional UK locations are to be opened by 2031.

Fit for sustainable mobility 

MAN is also working flat out at all levels to make its sales and service locations fit for sustainable mobility. By 2026, two out of three bases are to be prepared for e-mobility. Around one third of the planned investments totaling around 300 million euros will therefore be channeled into electromobility and digitalization. This comprises a bundle of measures: 

• Sales and service staff in Europe are receiving training - around 8,000 employees, from sales representatives to high-voltage mechanics, are undergoing further intensive training on the subject of e-mobility. In Germany, for example, the budget for further training in the field of e-mobility is being doubled as part of the investment program. MAN not only has a highly qualified team, but is also a very good employer. MAN has been named Top Employer 2025 in three European markets – the UK, Spain, and France.
• Several MAN-owned battery repair centers are already in operation across Europe, including in Germany, Spain, Belgium, Austria, and Italy. Austria acts as a hub for the neighboring countries of Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. Further countries will be connected within the next few months. Through partners, this also already applies to Sweden and will soon apply to the Netherlands. By 2030, the plan is to further expand the network of battery repair centers and to tap into all European markets.   
• As part of the cooperation with energy company E.ON, a large number of MAN service branches will be equipped with publicly accessible charging points for electric trucks. In total, the cooperation comprises up to 400 charging points at up to 170 locations in Europe, including up to 125 locations in Germany alone. The German locations in Berlin-Wildau, Fürstenwalde, and Karlsfeld, the Austrian location in Eugendorf, and Čestlice in Czechia are already live. Further stations will be opened in various markets later this year.
• The further expansion of photovoltaic systems at MAN branches, together with the widespread installation of LED lighting and state-of-the-art heating systems, is an important step toward sustainability.
• The digitization of workshop processes is being consistently driven forward. Service advisors and technicians have already been equipped with iPads to handle service orders, documentation, and communication digitally. In addition, app solutions and artificial intelligence are to support the end-to-end digitization of workshop visits and ensure more efficient processes, greater transparency, and improved service quality for customers. 

The MAN Lion’s Coach E is the highlight of the MAN Truck & Bus booth at Busworld Europe. Europe’s first electric coach is celebrating its world premiere here and captivating visitors from around the globe. It also impressed the international jury of the Sustainable Bus Award (Sby), composed of industry journalists, who honored it with the prestigious award in the “Coach” category. “This award is a true milestone. It’s the first time an electric bus has received this prize. We’re incredibly proud,” said Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus, at the award ceremony at Busworld in Brussels.

The Sby Award has now been presented for the eighth time. As in previous years, the jury recognized only the most innovative and sustainable buses on the European market. “In the past two years, we won the award in the intercity and city bus categories with our MAN Lion’s City 12 E LE and Lion’s City 10 E. This year, our MAN Lion’s Coach E convinced the jury and prevailed over the competition,” explained Heinz Kiess, Head of Product Marketing Bus, adding: “This underscores our leading position in the eBus sector – and we’re very pleased about that.”

The Sby Award is the only European accolade that honors innovative and sustainable technologies shaping the future of mobility. It is awarded by a jury of specialist journalists from ten European countries. They presented the award to the MAN Lion’s Coach E because the eCoach sets technological standards for sustainable long-distance travel. The coach features a fully electric drivetrain with a continuous output of 330 kW and a usable battery capacity of up to 480 kWh, enabling fast charging and a range of up to 650 kilometers – ideal for tourism. The MAN Lion’s Coach E also excels in safety, equipped with an advanced driver assistance package including Emergency Brake Assist EBA Plus with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control ACC with Stop & Go function, lane-keeping assist, the OptiView mirror replacement system, and the innovative MAN Safe StopAssist. These technologies ensure compliance with the latest active and passive safety standards. In terms of comfort, the vehicle offers numerous options and solutions for a customizable and barrier-free interior. The jury particularly emphasized the sustainability aspect: the model achieves a recycling rate of over 95% of its components, is manufactured in facilities certified to international environmental standards, and features responsible battery lifecycle management.

“That our eCoach received such a prestigious bus award at its world premiere is a tremendous success. Behind it is a dedicated team passionately committed to sustainable and innovative solutions,” concluded Oktay, adding: “Our goal is for all our eBuses to impress every day – with range, reliability, comfort, and environmental friendliness that excite drivers, passengers, and operators alike.”

MAN Truck & Bus is presenting itself at this year's Busworld Europe in Brussels with a clear commitment to sustainable mobility and innovative technology. The company is using the largest international bus trade fair from 4 to 9 October 2025 to showcase the next stage of its zero-emission strategy. The focus of the trade fair presentation is the world premiere of the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E, the first fully electric coach from a European manufacturer. Visitors to the stand in Hall 4 can also expect to see four other innovative vehicles from the MAN and NEOPLAN brands, state-of-the-art technology such as the MAN BatteryPack, and a comprehensive range of services and digital offerings. "With our eCoach, we are entering a new era of emission-free travel. With the electrification of our fleet, numerous innovations in equipment and technology, and modern services, we are consistently focusing on efficient, sustainable and digitalised transport," says Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus. 

World premiere: MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E  

With the Lion's Coach 14 E, which is celebrating its world premiere in Brussels, MAN is launching the first battery-electric coach from a major European manufacturer. Following the success of the Lion's City E family, with almost 3,000 e-buses already produced for urban and interurban use, the company is now setting the next milestone in sustainable mobility. The fully electric coach uses the proven drive technology from the successfully series-produced eTruck and innovative NMC battery packs. These are manufactured in large series at the Nuremberg plant. "By drawing on proven components from the truck sector and our many years of experience with electric city buses, bus operators benefit from high reliability and synergy effects in service and spare parts supply," says Heinz Kiess, Head of Product Marketing Bus at MAN Truck & Bus. The Lion's Coach E has a usable energy capacity of 320 to 480 kWh. Under optimal conditions, it can achieve ranges of up to 650 kilometres – a distance that allows many typical travel routes to be covered without recharging. In addition to the technology, the smart design concept, which significantly reduces the drag coefficient (Cw value), is also impressive. At the same time, the eCoach offers space for up to 63 passengers without any restrictions on luggage volume compared to the diesel version.  

Lion’s City E model year 2025 with new MAN BatteryPack 

A second highlight at the MAN stand is the Lion's City 12 E LE, which will be presented at the trade fair with numerous innovations for the 2025 model year. The vehicle thus represents the next major product update of the successful Lion's City E. Particular focus is on the new battery generation with the latest lithium-ion battery technology (NMC) from MAN's own production facility in Nuremberg. Production of the MAN BatteryPack is currently being ramped up there to a capacity of up to 50,000 units per year. The new packs feature even higher energy density, optimised safety systems and improved charging flexibility. For operators, drivers and passengers, this means greater efficiency and safety. In addition, the low-entry bus on display has Class II approval – another world premiere at the exhibition stand. 

NEOPLAN Skyliner and Tourliner: exclusivity meets innovation 

The premium brand NEOPLAN is also making a special impression at Busworld Europe. Two coaches are causing a stir in Brussels: the NEOPLAN Skyliner "Auwärter Edition", which is celebrating its trade fair premiere, pays tribute to the brand's heritage as a limited special edition. With its aerodynamic "Sharp Cut" design, state-of-the-art technology and nostalgic features, it combines tradition and the future. Another real eye-catcher is the NEOPLAN Tourliner C, whose D2676 LOH engine with increased power and torque, optimised drivetrain and 353 kW (480 hp) delivers fuel savings of up to 2.5 per cent. The latest member of the NEOPLAN family scores not only in terms of comfort and economy, but also in terms of functionality and safety. The Tourliner, which can be seen at the trade fair in an eye-catching "Safe and Secure" design, is equipped with numerous assistance systems, including the innovative MAN SafeStop Assist.

MAN TGE Next Level as the basis for advanced minibuses 

The completely revamped MAN TGE Coach is also celebrating its trade fair premiere at the Busworld stand. It is part of the further developed minibus portfolio based on the completely redesigned base vehicle of the 2025 model year – the MAN TGE Next Level. The minibus impresses with innovative safety systems and an ergonomic driver's workplace with a digital cockpit and multifunction steering wheel. 

MAN Lion’s Intercity EfficientHybrid – efficiency in intercity transport 

Outside the exhibition hall – in the immediate vicinity of the MAN stand in Hall 4 – visitors can also expect another world premiere: the MAN Lion’s Intercity with EfficientHybrid drive. The technology, which has already caused a stir in the current Lion’s City generation and in the Lion’s Intercity low-entry models, is now also being introduced in the high-floor segment. Energy is recovered and stored during braking. When stationary, the D15 diesel engine can be switched off thanks to start-stop technology – for silent stops and lower emissions. In addition, the stored energy supports the engine in boost mode, which saves fuel and reduces pollution. 

More than just vehicles: services and digital solutions 

MAN sees sustainable mobility as a holistic task. That is why, in addition to pioneering vehicles, the company is also presenting a "NEOPLAN eCoach 2040 Future Concept" and an "Innovation Corner" on the topic of design at Busworld – with concepts for the use of sustainable materials, for example in bus seats for the journeys of tomorrow. Extensive services will also be presented: MAN Transport Solutions offers tailor-made solutions for the transition to eMobility – from charging infrastructure and deployment planning to TCO calculations. MAN DigitalServices' digital services also support operators in the efficient control of their vehicles, for example through fleet management, predictive maintenance and consumption analyses.

"Our customers can expect not only state-of-the-art vehicles from us, but also a complete all-round offering in terms of sustainable mobility – from batteries and consulting to digital tools," says Robert Katzer, Head of Sales & Product Bus, adding: "Our goal is to play a key role in shaping the future of bus transport. With several premieres, the next generation of batteries, our expanded electric portfolio, exclusive NEOPLAN solutions, innovative hybrid technologies and comprehensive services, we as a company are sending a clear signal for sustainable and economical mobility." 

The 14 vehicles, all in FlixBus livery, are Neoplan Tourliner P20 6x2 three-axle models that are both highly specified and feature the latest elements in exterior design, interior comfort and advanced engine and drive-train technology.

Whippet’s 13.4-metre Tourliners come with all the qualities, practicalities and efficiencies you would expect from the luxury MAN Neoplan brand.

“Our Neoplan P20 Tourliners are the result of the partnership between ourselves, MAN Truck & Bus UK and FlixBus,” said Ascendal Group Managing Director UK Jonathan Ziebart. “The new vehicles, all tailored to meet the FlixBus specification, promise high levels of passenger comfort and safety, and advanced features to help and support our team of experienced drivers.

“We’ve now had the vehicles for one year, and in their first 12 months of service they’ve covered a combined four million kilometres, representing an average of around 286,000 kilometres per coach. We’re proud of our engineering team, who have kept these vehicles on the road under intense operating conditions and made it possible for us to reach this milestone.”

With their three-axle chassis, featuring electrohydraulic trailing steering axles, all 14 vehicles are powered by the latest MAN D26 12.4 litre Euro 6e engines, which develop 470 bhp and 2,400 Nm. Their silky smooth and seamless gear changes are handled by 12-speed MAN automated ZF TraXon gearboxes.

Once aboard customers are met by 55 PremiumLine EcoPlus seats featuring seat back adjustment, three-point seat belts, individual folding tables, newspaper nets and adjustable footrests. Finished in Pandora grey fabric, each seat is trimmed with matching FlixBus green piping and leather perforated headrest. To ensure customer connectivity, all seats have USB charging sockets and to enhance comfort further the large double-glazed side windows are tinted to help reduce glare.

Driver comfort is addressed in the form of a heated and cooled luxury Isri ProActive-2 driver's seat, leather multi-function steering wheel, heated windscreen and mirrors, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, satellite navigation, reversing camera and a centre door camera.

To ensure the provision of wheelchair accessibility, under the Department for Transports Wheels within Wheels guide, all 14 coaches have been fitted with the MAN Factory PSVAR (Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations) system. Mounted above the drive axle, on the kerbside, is an additional door and PSVAR-approved electro-hydraulic wheelchair lift. A quick-release seat slider system ensures that up to eight seats can be re-positioned and up to three wheelchairs can be safely lifted, accommodated and catered for.

Other creature comforts include live data destination equipment, DAB+ infotainment system, air-conditioning and a centre-mounted washroom convenience, complete with a disinfectant dispenser, electric hand dryer and smoke alarm. When not in use the washroom can be locked from the driver's dash. A MultiPlus kitchenette unit with a 40-cup coffee machine is mounted above the washroom.

Jonathan continued, “To guarantee a service that is both efficient and affordable for our customers, we worked with MAN to ensure our new fleet benefited from the latest technologies in terms of fuel efficiency. This allows us to both manage and maximise our fuel usage and supply an environmentally sustainable travel solution.”

“The new vehicles will operate both across the UK with direct services between Yorkshire, Manchester, Birmingham, Cambridge and London, and, further afield into Europe, including trips to Paris and Amsterdam.”

“Our team of professional drivers and the FlixBus passengers appreciate the high levels of comfort that the vehicles provide.” Concluded Jonathan. 

To help ensure business value, each of the 14 vehicles is equipped with MAN’s GPS-assisted EfficientCruise and Efficient Roll, both innovations that help reduce the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). MAN ACC Stop & Go is also fitted, which automatically manages the vehicle’s speed in slow-moving traffic conditions in conjunction with adaptive cruise control.

Established in 1919 Whippet has been providing services on behalf of FlixBus since 2021 and with over a hundred years of experience, Whippet’s innovative ideas and dynamic approach continue to stand out and transform the public transport industry. In 2018 Whippet was acquired by the Ascendal Group. The group, across its bus operations in Hong Kong, Chile, the USA and the UK, transports more than one million passengers daily.

Matt Jacob, Senior Bus & Coach Sales Executive - MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, commented, “Working with Jonathan and the wider Whippet team has been a delight and with all 14 vehicles in service, the fleet looks amazing. It’s great to hear positive feedback from both Jonathan, the team and Whippet’s customers too. We are sure that these vehicles will serve Whippet and FlixBus well into the future.”

All 14 vehicles were acquired with MAN’s 4 years MAN Warranty Plus. This industry-leading warranty comprises of 3 years comprehensive cover with 4th year driveline, including all engine oil changes, oil filters, fuel filters and valve clearance checks. All of these vehicles were PDI’d and prepared by MAN Truck & Bus Trafford Park, Manchester.

All MAN vehicles, Truck, Vans and Coaches, are supported by MAN Truck & Bus UK's Nationwide Commercial Vehicle Dealer network, with many operating extended hours, including round-the-clock servicing and customer-tailored solution maintenance.

The entire MAN range, Truck, Vans and Coaches, benefit from MAN's Mobile24 24-hour assistance service, which guarantees customers a professional roadside partner throughout Europe 365 days of the year.

Time and again, serious accidents occur because drivers are no longer able to control their vehicle for medical or other reasons. The smart MAN SafeStop Assist in intercity buses and coaches will help to prevent such accidents in the future. In an emergency, the active intervention system brings the vehicle to a safe stop automatically. The basis for this is the sophisticated interaction of several highly developed assistance systems.

It's a frightening scenario: the driver of a bus suddenly passes out and loses control of the vehicle. "It happens again and again that the driver is suddenly unable to act due to unforeseen events, such as medical emergencies. The consequences can be devastating," says Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus. "Experience shows that it is not uncommon for buses and coaches to leave the road or collide with other road users in such cases."

For this reason, the experts at MAN Truck & Bus have been working intensively on a new assistance system: the smart MAN SafeStop Assist, which is now available as an option for the MAN Lion's Intercity, the MAN Lion's Coach, the NEOPLAN Tourliner and the NEOPLAN Skyliner. "No other manufacturer offers such a system for all current coach models. However, this is not the reason why it is one of the most important innovations of the 2024 model year, but rather because it can prevent serious accidents," says Heinz Kiess, Head of Product Marketing Bus at MAN Truck & Bus.

The basis for this is that the active intervention system recognizes when the driver is no longer able to act. For this purpose, the assistance system uses the driving activity recognition of an active lane guard system as well as the functionality of the adaptive cruise control (ACC Stop & Go). With the help of a sensor integrated in the front of the vehicle and a camera positioned behind the windscreen, the system also continuously monitors lane keeping as well as the distance, position and relative speed of objects ahead. "All the data collected is bundled and evaluated. In this way, SafeStop Assist can deduce the status of driver activity - and thus also possible inactivity," explains Kiess, adding: "Thanks to the intelligent interaction of various highly developed systems such as the attention guard, lane guard and emergency brake assistants, we have been able to increase safety for drivers, passengers and other road users enormously."

If the system detects that the driver is no longer active, it intervenes in the driving process in a three-stage warning and braking cascade. In the first stage, the driver is prompted to take over the steering by means of a warning symbol and text messages on the display as well as a slight vibration of the steering wheel. If the driver fails to do so, an acoustic warning is added to the visual and haptic warning messages. The assistance system also carries out increasingly heavy partial braking. If the driver does not react either, MAN SafeStop Assist initiates an emergency stop and brakes the bus to a standstill within the system limits in its own lane - even if it is winding. "Of course, the driver can take back control at any time if possible. An emergency stop initiated by the system can be aborted immediately with a kick-down," says Kiess.

However, if the emergency stop is not canceled, the system automatically activates the hazard warning lights to warn following road users. Immediately after the vehicle has come to a standstill, MAN SafeStop Assist also ensures that the bus cannot roll away. To do this, it switches to neutral transmission mode and automatically engages the electronic parking brake. It also unlocks the doors and switches on the interior lighting so that assistance can be provided without complications in an emergency. "MAN SafeStop Assist increases safety when driving a bus and helps to prevent serious accidents. At the same time, it also enables faster first aid treatment for the driver in the event of a medical emergency - and can therefore be a lifesaver," summarizes Kiess.