Leading commercial vehicle provider MAN Truck & Bus is proud to announce plans for a brand-new wholly owned dealership in Aberdeen, Scotland.

The multimillion-pound investment begins phased operations in December 2025, with full construction scheduled for completion by late 2026.

“This new facility will offer far more than just a new workshop,” said Jan Kohlmeier, Managing Director, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd. “It sets a new benchmark for customer care across northeast Scotland.”

“In building this dedicated facility, we’re improving our service offerings, increasing our capacity and providing focused expertise. This new facility will ensure our customers’ vehicles are maintained to the highest standards and, in doing so, strengthen our long-term commitment across the region.”

Sitting on a brownfield site, measuring in excess of 3.0 acres, the new facility houses five designated Truck service and repair lanes, three Van service ramps and, once fully operational, a specialist Pet. Reg. bay. The building's offices will offer a bright and airy service reception, customer meeting points, a separate parts area, dedicated sales offices for both new and TopUsed MAN vehicles and hot desks for field-based staff.

Jan added, “Strategically located on the busy Altens Industrial Estate and near the main A90, means we can quickly and confidently service the needs of customers in the surrounding area and at the same time be easily accessible to anyone passing by who may need assistance.”

“This new facility is one of many exciting and significant investments in the wholly owned MAN Truck & Bus dealer network, ensuring we provide customers in Aberdeen and nearby areas with our full range of vehicles, from TGE at 3.5 tonnes to TGX heavy-haulage tractors at 250 tonnes.” Concluded Jan.  

To prepare for the transition to eMobility, the new Aberdeen facility will, once fully operational, include a dedicated electric vehicle service and repair bay along with the necessary tools for Electric Vehicle Maintenance, Diagnostics, and Repair.

Operating across the UK, MAN Truck & Bus, Truck, Van, Bus, and Coach customers receive industry-leading levels of service and support thanks to a network of 68 strategically located, wholly owned and franchised partner dealers.

MAN Truck & Bus Aberdeen can be found at…

MAN Truck & Bus Aberdeen

Unit 14B

Peterseat Park

Aberdeen

AB12 3HT

Contact - 01224 010033

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." 

To further enhance the importance of the customer experience, visitors are now greeted in a completely new reception area. This space features a comfortable booking-in and waiting area and a dedicated Sales desk and Parts counter. All elements are designed to reflect the MAN premium brand.

Drivers waiting with their vehicles have a comfortable waiting area featuring vending machines that serve both hot and cold drinks and snacks, mobile phone charging points, and a digital television.

Jason Moore, Head of MAN Truck & Bus Customer Service management, said: "We are extremely excited and very proud of the improvements and updates at our Avonmouth branch. This investment demonstrates our commitment to providing our valued customers with a modern and customer-centric approach. It is supported by the highest levels of service and support."

"MAN Avonmouth is a key location in our network. It's close to the M4-M5 crossroad, two of the country's busiest motorways, and next to Bristol, the second largest city in Southern England after London," added Jason. "Whether you have one MAN vehicle or a fleet of 100, you can rely on the Avonmouth team for fast, efficient, friendly service.”

“This improvement is just the start of many exciting and significant investments in the MAN Truck & Bus dealer network.” Concluded Jason.

Flanked by the River Avon and the Severn Estuary, MAN Avonmouth is 500 metres from junction 18 of the M5, seven miles from the M4/M5 junction, one mile from the M49, and close to the Prince of Wales crossing. This prime location serves the local transport industry and motorway travellers, ensuring direct routes to the West Country, South Wales, the Midlands, and London.

MAN Truck & Bus Avonmouth employs 34 staff, including 19 fully qualified technicians with a combined 150 years of experience in commercial vehicle service. This depth of expertise forms the foundation of the dealership’s technical strength.

In preparation for the transition to eMobility, the MAN Avonmouth facility features a dedicated electric vehicle service and repair bay, along with the necessary tooling to perform Electric Vehicle Maintenance, Diagnostics, and Repair work. Furthermore, to ensure technicians are confident, knowledgeable, and safe around Electric Vehicles, they have been trained to meet the High-Voltage Electric Vehicle standards as specified by MAN Truck & Bus UK.

Covering the full MAN Truck and Bus vehicle range, MAN Avonmouth distinguishes itself through 24/7 roadside assistance, a highly skilled workforce, and status as a centre of excellence for Neoplan Coach products. Its strategic location and quick access to major routes allow it to handle more customer callouts than any other MAN dealership in the South West, demonstrating its operational strength.

The dealership excels in MOT preparation, brake testing, tachograph and speed limiter calibration, electronic diagnostics, and engine and gearbox repairs, supported by an extensive inventory of MAN genuine parts. This suite of services demonstrates the dealership’s capabilities.

MAN Avonmouth is part of a network-wide strategy to enhance service through investment and expansion. Improvements across the UK, including expansions and new developments, all reinforce MAN’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and support.

Mark Gowler, Branch Manager, commented: "At Avonmouth, we pride ourselves on delivering focused service to new and used MAN customers. The branch’s location serves local businesses and provides fast and efficient service to vehicles travelling the M5 and M4 corridors."

“This investment is a clear example of the Avonmouth site evolving to meet the needs of our expanding customer base and we all, the entire team, look forward to welcoming customers and supplying them with an enhanced and focused level of fast and efficient service."

The Avonmouth workshop is open between 06:00 AM and 10:30 PM, Monday to Friday, and from 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM on Saturday. To support this, the MAN Mobile24 hour breakdown service operates seven days a week, 365 days a year.

MAN Truck & Bus Avonmouth can be found at

MAN Truck & Bus Avonmouth

Third Way

Bristol

BS11 9YS

+44 (01179) 821241

*The Avonmouth facility originally opened its doors in 1999, as an approved ERF dealership, under the stewardship of SA Trucks. In 2005, SA Trucks joined the MAN Truck & Bus franchised dealer partnership, and in 2008, MAN Truck & Bus UK acquired the site.  

MAN Truck & Bus has announced the appointment of Jan Kohlmeier as Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, he will take up his new position on 1st August 2025. 

Jan began his career with MAN Truck & Bus in 2004 and has held various roles in Sales and Customer Service across Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific. Since 2020, Jan has been the Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

In a statement, Senior Vice President - Head of Area Europe, MAN Truck & Bus SE, Roman Sitte, said; “We are delighted to have appointed Jan to head the MAN Truck & Bus Team in the UK, a market area of utmost importance to the MAN brand.

Jan’s broad experience within MAN comprehensively demonstrates his deep understanding of the commercial vehicle market and we all wish him well in the future.” 

Jan commented: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to head up MAN Truck & Bus UK and I’m very much looking forward to meeting with customers, the team and the dealer network. I couldn’t be more excited to join the team and as we transition to eMobility, help shape the future of this iconic brand and company.”

Roman continued, “On behalf of the Board I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Stefan Thyssen for all his hard work and commitment to the UK market. His passion for the MAN brand has shone through and we all thank him for his outstanding contribution.

“Stefan will now return to Munich where he will take up a new key role. We wish him all the best for his next endeavour.” 

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.