With the research project SPIRIT‑E, MAN Truck & Bus is taking the electrification of freight transport to the next level. For the first time, the commercial vehicle manufacturer publicly demonstrated bidirectional charging under real-world conditions at the premises of logistics company Spedition Schmid in Obertraubling near Regensburg. The demonstration featured a battery-electric MAN eTGX with 480 kWh of usable energy. The technology has the potential to become a key enabler for cross-sector energy solutions by turning electric trucks into flexible energy storage systems. Instead of only consuming electricity, they can store power and feed it back into other systems as needed – improving fleet economics while also supporting the stability of the energy system.

Georg Grüneißl, Head of Product Strategy at MAN Truck & Bus, said: “Bidirectional charging is transforming the role of the electric truck. Our eTrucks effectively become power banks on wheels that can help lower energy costs while strengthening the energy system as a whole. SPIRIT‑E has demonstrated the substantial potential of this technology and how electric trucks can actively contribute to the energy transition in the future.”

Three applications are at the forefront of practical use. With Vehicle‑to‑Site (V2S) and Vehicle‑to‑Vehicle (V2V), companies use the energy stored in the truck battery directly at their own facilities – for example to avoid peak loads, increase self-consumption of photovoltaic electricity or support building infrastructure. In practice, this can translate into savings of around 10 to 20 percent on electricity costs. With an annual mileage of 100,000 km, this corresponds to up to 20,000 kilometers driven effectively “free of charge.” Bidirectional charging can therefore make a significant contribution to improving the total cost of ownership of electric trucks compared to diesel vehicles.

Vehicle‑to‑Grid (V2G) further expands this potential. In this case, the eTruck feeds electricity back into the public grid – for instance during periods of high electricity prices or to support grid stability. Fleet operators could generate additional revenue streams in the future. By the end of this decade, V2G is expected to become an increasingly attractive business model as energy markets, grid services and logistics processes become more closely integrated.

MAN is the first manufacturer in the commercial vehicle sector to functionally demonstrate bidirectional vehicle technology within a research project. As part of SPIRIT‑E, real energy flows have already been implemented, including supplying a building with electricity overnight using eTrucks or charging electric cars from a truck’s battery. However, bidirectional charging is not suitable for all truck applications – for example, where operations do not allow for longer dwell times at a depot.

SPIRIT‑E is supported by a broad consortium covering the entire value chain, from vehicle technology and the energy industry to system integration. Partners include the Technical University of Munich (TUM) as consortium lead, Fraunhofer IEE, the Research Centre for Energy Economics (FfE), SBRS (Shell), TenneT, Hubject, Consolinno Energy, and MAN Truck & Bus. Together, they have developed solutions that are being tested in a real-world laboratory at a logistics site.

With SPIRIT‑E, MAN demonstrates how electric trucks can evolve beyond their transport function to become an active part of future energy infrastructure - economically viable, digitally connected, and ready for the next stage of electrification.

Through a series of monthly checks and measures, those sites that have gone above and beyond in delivering consistently high standards across all business areas, offering outstanding levels of customer service and measurable business efficiencies, are singled out.

Jan Kohlmeier, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, commented: “I would like to both thank and congratulate the shortlisted businesses and the overall winners of this year’s MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd Dealer of the Year Awards. As always, given the high levels of professionalism our dealer network delivers, it was a close call, and at times the scoring was incredibly tight.

“However, as we tracked through the later stages of 2025, it became clear that one of our franchised partners was consistently delivering excellence across all areas of their business. In doing so, their commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, outstanding work rates and standards, and true dedication to the MAN brand has been noticed.”

“In recognition of an exceptional desire and willingness to strive for better business practices, as well as a constant focus on the customer and their needs at the heart of everything they do, I’m delighted to announce that our 2025 MAN Truck & Bus UK Dealer of the Year has been awarded to Manchetts Peterborough.”

MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s 2025 Dealer of the Year

Winner – Manchetts Peterborough

Upon announcing MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s 2025 Dealer of the Year, Jan commented, “Over the past twelve months, Manchetts Peterborough has demonstrated a truly outstanding and enthusiastic approach to improving all facets of their business. Their unwavering determination to deliver unparalleled levels of customer service has simply shone through.

“The team is no stranger to success, consistently being top achievers in these awards, especially in the area of workshop customer service. Their commitment to excellence is clear, year after year, and 2025 was no exception.

“This is a huge effort on all fronts, and I’d like to congratulate the entire Manchetts Peterborough team.” Concluded Jan.

Receiving the award, Peter Bradshaw, Branch Manager at Manchetts Peterborough, commented: “It is an honour to accept this award on behalf of the entire team at Manchetts Peterborough. The team's commitment to supporting our customers, their businesses, and their vehicles, day in and day out, across the entire business, 24/7, is nothing short of exceptional. Delivering customer service is at the forefront of everything we do, and as I speak for the team, I know that we are all delighted.”

“We have a saying within the Manchetts business: When a customer asks for assistance, the answer is an instant – Yes, how can we help? This simply puts the needs of the customer at the forefront of what we do.” Concluded Peter.

Shortlisted for the Award category - MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s 2025 Dealer of the Year - were…

·         Manchetts Peterborough

·         DSV Commercials

·         Steadplan Burnley

·         MAN Truck & Bus Stoke on Trent

In addition to being named 2025 MAN Truck & Bus UK Dealer of the Year, the team at Manchetts Peterborough continued to impress and woo customers with their outstanding level of service. This unwavering commitment was underscored again when the company was named MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s 2025 Service Dealer of the Year.

MAN Truck & Bus Manchester was awarded the 2025 Parts Dealer of the Year award.

In the Ride and Drive section, MAN will present two all-electric trucks, both seen for the first time in Northern Ireland: the eTGS 4x2 rigid and an eTGX tractor-trailer combination. A TGE 3.5-tonne van will also be available for test drives.

Supported by a range of bespoke, customer-tailored, and integrated business-focused aftersales products, MAN Trucks and Vans are known for setting benchmarks in sustainability, efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Jan Kohlmeier, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “As a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, with a range of vehicles from 3.5 to 250 tonnes, the RTX Show gives us the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate our products and services and, importantly, to meet with customers and industry friends.

“This is the first time we’ve demonstrated our battery-powered eTGS rigid in Northern Ireland, so we’re looking forward to many interesting conversations surrounding sustainability and decarbonisation, both before and after test drives. With the new eTGS 4x2 rigid, depending on the battery configuration, ranges of 750 kilometres are possible, all without the need for intermediate charging.

“We’re also using the show to unveil our new Eclipse Edition flagship TGX tractor, a real connoisseur's vehicle with top-of-the-line specifications, heightened levels of driver appeal, range-topping power, and a real impact statement truck for any company.

“At the lighter end, our 3.5 tonne TGE, both on the stand and in the ride and drive section, will continue to open eyes with its outstanding build quality and class leading levels of comfort. 

“Furthermore, and for those with curious minds, our expert team, including our UK eMobility consultants, will be on hand to talk with and guide customers, helping them to prepare for this new sustainable era.” Concluded Jan.

MAN Trucks at Road Transport Expo (RTX) Northern Ireland.

MAN TGX 26.640 6x2/2 Limited “Eclipse Edition” flagship TGX tractor. A TGX special to set hearts and minds racing (on stand C25).

Known as the flagship of the MAN Tractor range for both performance and driver appeal, the TGX 26.640 6x2/2 oozes creature comforts and offers the driver all the luxuries of a true home-from-home.

This vehicle, the Limited Eclipse Edition flagship TGX tractor, will undoubtedly set hearts racing with its high-end specification and pure prowess.

Finished in factory Lion’s Black Metallic paint, this Limited TGX Eclipse Edition tractor is equipped with MAN’s top of the range 15.2-litre, Euro VI OBD-E D38 engine, delivering 640 PS (471 kW) and 3,000 Nm. This widely acclaimed six-cylinder engine is paired with a 12-speed MAN TipMatic® automated transmission.

Living up to its reputation as the King of the Pride, once inside the range-topping GX High-roof sleeper cab the driver is met with a wave of high-quality features, including: a leather multifunction steering wheel with a driver's airbag, a premium driver's seat with heating and climate control, a rotating and folding co-driver seat, a single bunk with an electrically adjustable 120 mm pocket-sprung mattress, a fully retractable under-bunk fridge, climatronic air conditioning, MAN EasyControl, a 22” flatscreen TV, and a microwave and coffee maker. 

The premium infotainment system features an advanced sound system with MAN’s Professional Navigation Media System with a 12.3 inch display and subwoofer, MAN SmartSelect infotainment control with a touchpad and direct access buttons, and wireless smartphone integration.

To complement the Limited Eclipse Edition distinctive look, the exterior of the cab has been fitted with MAN’s OptiView mirror replacement system, MAN individual light bars, comfort cab mounts, door extensions, an aero package, a windshield sunshade, automatic wipers with rain sensors, LED lighting, driving light control with an automatic light sensor, and an acoustic turning warning device.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, MAN EfficientCruise with PredictiveDrive, CruiseAssist, lane change collision avoidance assistant and turn assist, MAN AttentionGuard, front detection, traffic sign recognition, reversing motion system, distance warning system, MAN SafeStop Assist, and MAN ComfortSteering.

Rated at a gross combination weight of 44 tonnes, this TGX features an 8,000 kg front axle and an 18,600 kg rear axle capacity, supported by leaf springs and air suspension, respectively.

Watts the Story – MAN Truck & Bus is delighted to present two new all-electric, battery-powered trucks at RTX Northern Ireland.

MAN eTGS 20.449 4x2 Electric 4x2 Rigid (Ride and Drive)

The new all-electric, battery-powered MAN eTGS 4x2 rigid is being presented for the first time in Northern Ireland and is available for test drives in the RTX Show ride and drive section.

The vehicle is rated at 20 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) and is powered by a Permanently Excited Synchronous motor delivering 330 kW (449 PS) and 1150 Nm of torque. It is equipped with four 80 kWh batteries, totalling 320 kWh, which optimise the balance between range and payload. A 4-speed MAN TipMatic automated transmission is mounted mid-chassis and connected to the central drive unit, transmitting power to a standard rear axle via a traditional propshaft.

The vehicle features a 375 kW DC charging capacity and Combined Charging System (CCS) connections at both the left and right front corners. Its compact footprint, efficient payload capacity, and advanced eco-friendly drivetrain contribute to business decarbonisation objectives.

Sitting on top of the 5650 mm wheelbase chassis and resting on air-suspended axles at both the front and rear is a TM medium-roof sleeper cab painted Arctic Blue Metallic. Specified with MAN’s OptiView mirror replacement system, roof spoiler, sunshade, automatic wipers with rain sensor, LED lighting, and automatic driving light control with a light sensor, this configuration provides a compact design and enhanced driver comfort for overnight stays.

Once inside the 2240 mm wide sleeper cab the driver is greeted by a spacious interior with many high-quality features, including: a leather multifunction steering wheel with driver’s airbag, a comfort driver’s seat with air suspension, lumbar support and shoulder adjustment, 12.3 inch professional instrumentation, a single bunk with a 110 mm comfort mattress, climatronic air conditioning, and a fully retractable under-bunk refrigerator.

The eTGS infotainment system includes MAN’s Professional Navigation Media System with a 12.3 inch display, MAN SmartSelect infotainment control with touchpad and direct access buttons, and wireless smartphone integration.

The vehicle is equipped with driver assistance systems, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, CruiseAssist, forward collision detection, lane change collision avoidance assistant, turn assist, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), tyre pressure monitoring system, MAN ComfortSteering, and a reversing motion sensing system.

To ensure this vehicle appeals to most road haulage operations, offering an easy-to-load/ unload proposition, a Micra curtainsider body rests on the chassis, with a 1,500 kg Dhollandia tuck away tail lift.

MAN eTGX 20.449 4x2 Electric 4x2 Tractor (Ride and Drive)

This fully electric 4x2 tractor offers customers and operators alike a 42,000 kg Gross Combination Weight (GCW) solution that promises to drive down emissions.

Driven by a permanently excited synchronous motor, which delivers power outputs of 330 kW (449 PS) and 1,150 Nm of torque, this vehicle's charging capacity is set at 375 kW DC. For ease of use, it features CCS charging connection points on both the left and right front sides. The chassis houses 6 x 80 kWh (480 kWh) batteries that power a central drive unit and a 4 speed MAN TipMatic® automated transmission, which in turn drives the rear axle via a traditional propshaft.

This vehicle’s 4x2 wheelbase measures 3,750 mm, it features a 9,000 kg front axle and an 11,500 kg rear axle. In line with UK regulations, its GCW (Gross Combination Weight) is set at 42,000 kg. Front suspension is via leaf spring, and rear suspension is on air.

Sitting on top of the chassis is MAN’s range-topping flagship GX High-roof sleeper cab, finished in Arctic Blue Metallic.

Once seated comfortably, the driver is cosseted by a myriad of creature comforts, including a multifunction leather steering wheel, a comfort driver's seat with air suspension, lumbar support, and shoulder adjustment, a driver’s airbag, 12.3” professional instrumentation, climatronic air conditioning, a fully retractable under-bunk fridge, and 2 bunks with 110 mm comfort mattresses.

To further enhance comfort, this vehicle is equipped with MAN’s Professional Navigation Media System with a 12.3” display, MAN advanced sound system with a subwoofer, MAN SmartSelect infotainment control with a touchpad and direct access buttons, and smartphone integration.

This vehicle has been specified with MAN’s OptiView mirror-replacement system, an aero package, sunshade, automatic wipers with rain sensors, LED lighting, driving light control with automatic light sensors, and door extensions.

To help ensure the driver’s comfort and safety, this eTGX is equipped with the following driver assistance systems: adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), MAN CruiseAssist, lane change collision avoidance assistant with turn assist, front detection, tyre pressure monitoring system, MAN comfort steering, and MAN’s reversing motion system.

MAN TGE VAN at Road Transport Expo (RTX) Northern Ireland.

MAN TGE 3.180 4X2F SB, LION XC, Panel Van (on stand C25)

Widely known as the "Truck among Vans," the MAN TGE range recently received a comprehensive range of functional and interior updates. These are highlighted by some industry- and class-leading active and passive safety features, including 11 new assistance systems, a total of 27 assistance systems, a state-of-the-art MAN Media Van touch display for the safe operation of infotainment and vehicle functions, MAN SmartLink, a digital instrument cluster, Keyless Go, a multifunction steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, improved cyber security, and enhanced design elements.

This Indium Grey Metallic TGE 3.180 Lion XC panel van, in Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, is powered by a 2.0 litre, bi-turbo Euro 6 diesel engine producing 177 PS (130 kW) and 410 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. The 4 cylinder engine is mated to a silky-smooth 8 Speed automatic transmission.

Suspension consists of coil springs on the front axle (1,800 kg capacity) and leaf springs on the rear (2,100 kg capacity). As a standard panel van with a high roof, a wheelbase of 3640 mm, and an overall length of 5,986 mm, this vehicle offers wide-opening doors for easy loading, a low floor height for easy entry, and 10.7 cubic metres of load space.

Once seated behind the multifunction steering wheel in the ergonomically designed seat, drivers are met by a digital instrument cluster, MAN media van navigation business with 12.9 inch touchscreen, electrically heated and adjustable mirrors, climatronic air conditioning, electronic parking brake with Auto-Hold function, column mounted gear control, keyless start, fatigue detection, traffic sign information, intelligent speed assist, cruise control, emergency brake assist, active lane guard system, tyre pressure monitoring system and MAN’s parking assist.

TGE 3.160 4X2 SB, LION XC, Panel Van (Ride & Drive)

Having the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle and see the world through the windshield is an important part of choosing the right vehicle. To enable this and offer RTX visitors a hands-on experience, MAN Truck & Bus is delighted to present a TGE 3.160 4X2 SB LION XC Panel Van in the Ride and Drive section.

Available to drive on public roads with an appropriate driver’s license, this vehicle will be accompanied by a member of our ProfiDrive® Driver Training team.

Following a comprehensive range of functional and interior updates, the MAN TGE range offers class-leading active and passive safety features. This Indium Grey Metallic TGE 3.160 Lion XC panel van, in Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration, is powered by a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder, bi-turbo diesel Euro 6 engine delivering 163 PS (120 kW) and 410 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6 speed manual transmission.

Featuring a mix of coil springs on the front axle (1,800 kg capacity) and leaf springs on the rear (2,100 kg capacity), a 3640 mm wheelbase, and an overall length of 5,986 mm, this vehicle offers a low floor height for easy entry, wide-opening doors for easy loading, and 10.7 cubic metres of load space.

Once seated in the ergonomically designed seat, behind the multifunction steering wheel and digital instrument cluster, drivers are greeted by a MAN media van navigation business system with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, an electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function, a column mounted gear control, keyless start, driver fatigue detection, traffic sign information, intelligent speed assist, cruise control, emergency brake assist, an active lane guard system, tyre pressure monitoring system, and MAN’s parking assist.

Ends

All MAN vehicles 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 maintenance solutions.

The entire MAN range benefits from MAN's Mobile24 24-hour assistance service, which provides customers with a professional roadside partner throughout Europe 365 days a year.

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

The Experience Centre aims to develop the next generation of skilled professionals by offering high-quality, manufacturer-specific technical training and product awareness programs. These accredited programs enhance apprentices’ and technicians’ knowledge and career prospects by equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to carry out repairs on both current and future vehicle technologies. All trainees receive industry-recognised training that integrates practical hands-on experience, classroom learning, and exclusive access to digital in-workplace courses tailored to MAN's requirements, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry innovation. 

In addition to providing an advanced, dedicated learning environment for vehicle technicians, this new facility gives service, parts, sales, and management delegates access to leading-edge classroom training, enabling them to build essential skills and boost their career growth.  

Jan Kohlmeier, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “We are delighted to open the doors to our new Experience Centre and Training Centre here in Manchester. This cutting-edge facility marks an exciting new chapter in our apprenticeship and technician training capacity and program offerings.”  

Situated on the 8.7-acre grounds of MAN Truck & Bus Manchester, which opened in 2010, this new facility ensures that MAN Truck & Bus UK is well-prepared to train and develop the next generation. 

Housed within the new facility are dedicated electric vehicle bays, offering specialised areas for training and hands-on learning of electric vehicles, and customer vehicle handovers. This allows trainees and technicians to master all aspects of electric vehicle service and repair thoroughly. Additionally, the facility features a dedicated room for high-voltage battery maintenance, equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools for working on electric vehicles.  

“As demand increases for skilled technicians in the rapidly expanding Electric Vehicle market, the facility will provide an environment where apprentices and technicians can qualify in Electric Vehicle maintenance and meet the High-Voltage Electric Vehicle (HV-EV) standard training requirements set by MAN Truck & Bus." Commented Jan.

Along with a brand-new training and learning facility, the new experience centre will also offer space to meet with customers during new vehicle handovers, therefore also serving as a professional vehicle handover and familiarisation centre. 

Jan added, “Ensuring we continue to meet and surpass our customers' wants and needs is key to the future success of our business. By offering staff better qualifications, this new facility will ensure we continue to grow and offer customers an improved level of service and experience of the MAN brand.”

“To enable our customers and operators to get the best performance out of their new vehicles and to ensure drivers fully understand the latest technologies and assistance systems, this new facility also offers a professional area to deliver in-depth vehicle handover and familiarisation courses. Vehicle handover is an important process where new vehicle features, controls, and technologies are carefully explained to the customer.” Concluded Jan. 

The new centre has already welcomed a new cohort of apprentices. Along with existing apprentice cohorts, they will benefit from the new learning environment. Apprentices will work specifically on MAN Trucks and Vans, no other brands. 

Ben Jones, Head of Learning MAN Truck & Bus UK, commented: “This outstanding new facility has six innovative learning rooms and a state-of-the-art workshop for eight vehicles. It also features a dedicated area for electric vehicles. This provides us with the ideal environment to deliver up to four courses at once.” 

"Additionally, the facility includes a modern kitchen, canteen, chillout space, showers, and changing rooms, promoting a comfortable environment for all trainees." 

Ben concluded, “I believe this considerable investment from MAN provides the best dedicated seat of learning for young people and existing technicians in the commercial vehicle industry. MAN has made a significant investment in this program. This ensures that young people can enter the commercial vehicle industry with confidence, knowing they are embarking on an exciting and rewarding opportunity. They have the potential for a progressive and fulfilling career. 

MAN Truck & Bus is gearing up its spare parts supply for future growth in zero-emission technologies, among other things. After a construction period of just one year, the global logistics center in Salzgitter has now been expanded as planned with a new construction phase. From here, MAN supplies spare parts for trucks, buses, vans and engines to customers and workshops worldwide. With the expansion, the company is also creating optimal conditions for the rapidly growing product portfolio in the field of electromobility. The opening ceremony was attended by Michael Kobriger, Executive Board Member Production & Logistics at MAN Truck & Bus SE, and the Mayor of Salzgitter, Frank Klingebiel. 

Michael Kobriger: “Our state-of-the-art logistics center supplies our customers and workshops in around 120 countries with parts for our vehicles from Salzgitter at top speed. The top priority of our spare parts logistics is to supply customers quickly and reliably. This applies to millions of existing vehicles and also to current models with alternative drive systems. To achieve this, we need more space and state-of-the-art logistics systems in addition to our highly qualified employees. This also strengthens MAN in Lower Saxony and makes the Salzgitter site fit for the future.” 

Due to the ramp-up of zero-emission technologies, up to 12,000 specific e-mobility components such as batteries and other parts will be stockpiled in Salzgitter in the coming years. This is because more and more electric vehicles from MAN are on the road worldwide. Several hundred of the company's eTrucks are already on the road in Germany and Europe - and have already covered more than two million kilometers. Locally emission-free. There are also more than 2,000 fully electric buses around the world. By 2030, around 50 percent of all newly delivered MAN vehicles are to be electrically powered. 

Additional components for hydrogen trucks and the highly efficient PowerLion diesel drivetrain for the new 2025 model year are currently being added in Salzgitter. In the future, the TRATON GROUP brands' joint modular system, the TRATON Modular System (TMS), will also make up a large proportion of the spare parts range. All spare parts for MAN vehicles of all drive types will be available from stock for up to 15 years after the end of series production. From the smallest screw to heavy engines and entire cabs. 

The new hall covers 53,000 square meters - about seven soccer pitches. This means that the logistics center with its 800 employees will grow by almost a third to a total of around 235,000 square meters. In total, more than 220,000 parts will be stored here in future, which will be delivered to workshops worldwide within a very short time after being ordered. 

Stefan Thyssen, Managing Director, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, commented: “I would like to congratulate both the shortlisted businesses and the overall winners of this year’s MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s Dealer of the Year Awards. As always, due to the high levels of excellence our dealer network delivers, it was a close-run thing and at times scoring was incredibly tight.”

“However, as we tracked through the latter stages of 2024 it was obvious that one of our franchised partners was constantly delivering excellence across all areas of their business. In doing so their commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, outstanding work rates and standards, and true dedication to the MAN brand, has been noticed.

“In showing an exceptional willingness and desire to strive for better business practice as well as constantly putting the customer and their needs, at the heart of everything they do, I’m delighted to announce that our 2024 Dealer of the Year has been awarded to ETS Trucks of Poole.

MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd.’s 2024 Dealer of the Year

Winner - ETS Trucks (Poole)

Upon announcing the category - MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd.’s 2024 Dealer of the Year, Stefan commented, “Over the last 12 months ETS Trucks (Poole) has demonstrated an outstanding and enthusiastic approach to improving all facets of their business. Their unwavering determination to deliver unparalleled levels of customer service has simply shone through.

“Showing true dedication their attention to detail in organising parts campaigns, parts stock holding and excellent customer service, has paid dividends meaning they can offer their customers first time fix solutions, on time, every time.

“This is a huge effort on all fronts, and I’d like to congratulate the entire ETS Trucks of Poole team.” Concluded Stefan.

Receiving the award Colin Gale, Managing Director ETS Trucks Ltd commented: “It is an honour to accept this award on behalf of the entire team at ETS Trucks Poole. The team's commitment, in supporting our customers and their vehicles, day in day out, across the whole business, is nothing short of amazing.

“Focussing on delivering customer service is at the forefront of everything we do and as I speak for the team, I know that we are all delighted.

“We have a motto within the business which is:  When a customer asks for help and assistance the answer is an instant – Yes, how can we Help. This simply puts the needs of the customer at the forefront of what we do.” added Darren Gale, Operations Director ETS Trucks Ltd.

Shortlisted for the Award category of - MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd.’s 2024 Dealer of the Year - were…

·       ETS Trucks (Poole)

.       PCL North London

·       MAN Truck & Bus Gateshead 

In addition to being awarded 2024 Dealer of the Year, the team at ETS Trucks (Poole) continued to both impress and woo customers with their outstanding level of service. This unwavering commitment was brought to light again when the company was awarded MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd.’s category – 2024 Service Dealer of the Year.

Since commencing operations on April 1, 2023, TRATON Financial Services has transformed the financial landscape for the TRATON GROUP's brands, MAN, Scania, Volkswagen Truck & Bus, and International. The rollout, in collaboration with Volkswagen Financial Services and Volkswagen Bank, is part of a comprehensive plan to enhance MAN customer experiences by consolidating financial services.   

With a robust portfolio, encompassing finance and insurance products, TRATON Financial Services delivers the TRATON GROUP brands, innovative, customer-focused financial solutions.

Peter Collins, MAN FinancialServices UK Managing Director said, “This exciting and strategic move to TRATON Financial Services will enable MAN FinancialServices UK to improve and further enhance our range of customer-centric financial solutions, and in doing so ensure we support MAN Truck and Bus UK to offer a more agile service and strengthen our proposition in response to both meeting customers operational needs and market demands.

Peter continued, “Operating as MAN Financial Services UK Ltd., we are strengthening our partnership with the MAN brand, ensuring that our financial services are more closely aligned with the needs of our customers, MAN Truck & Bus UK, and the TRATON GROUP. Our core value is and always has been ‘Customer First’, and when it comes to tailoring bespoke funding solutions, it’s all about their businesses and their needs.

“In understanding the highly specialised nature of road transport, we steer away from the one dimensional commercial banking products in favour of bespoke tailored solutions which adds value and support.”

“We aim to drive growth in the UK market by offering customers more flexible and future-ready financing options. With a stronger focus on Green Financing, therefore catering for electric and low-emission trucks, Leasing Flexibility, ensuring we quickly adapt to new regulations and importantly the wants and needs of our customers, Digitalised Financing, thus speeding up the approval process and simplifying access to funds, and Flexible transport-as-a-service options for businesses of all sizes.” Added Peter.

“The integration to TRATON Financial Services for MAN FinancialServices UK on November 1, 2024,  also happened to be the day when we moved to our new offices at MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, in Swindon.” Concluded Peter. 

Stefan Thyssen, Managing Director, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, commented, “This new TRATON Financial Services framework means that moving forward, we’ll be better placed to offer our customers a highly focused and tailor-made solution, more suited to meeting the needs of tomorrows world, especially with the focus on sustainability and switching to electric vehicles.

“Over the last 25 years, the MAN Financial Services team has supported us comprehensively with an array of tailored vehicle leasing and hire options, all very much appreciated by our customers, our sales force, the MAN Truck & Bus dealer network and critical to the success of our business. Looking forward, with our financial services under the TRATON Financial Services umbrella the continuation of the great relationship and collaboration with Peter and the team can only strengthen our offering.”

There will be no immediate changes to the current services or contracts. All existing agreements will remain in place, and the day-to-day operations with MAN Financial Services UK will continue uninterrupted.

As TRATON Financial Services continues to expand its global presence, the company remains committed to advancing its strategic goals through digital transformation, sustainable finance, and innovative customer solutions.

TRATON Financial Services, under the TRATON GROUP umbrella, has already transitioned South Africa in 2023, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Germany, Austria, and South Korea throughout 2024, the United Kingdom and Ireland by November 2024, and for additional markets France, Brazil, Italy, Mexico and Portugal, throughout 2025.

A new era begins today at MAN Truck & Bus: the company is starting to deliver its fully electric heavy-duty trucks. In Leipzig, the very first 40-tonne truck was handed over by MAN Board Member for Sales, Friedrich Baumann, to automotive supplier DRÄXLMAIER Group. In future, DRÄXLMAIER will use the MAN eTGX to transport batteries for the Porsche Macan Electric to the Porsche plant in Leipzig, with zero emissions.

MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp: ‘This is a milestone in our company's history. MAN presented the first diesel truck 100 years ago. Now we are entering a new electric era. Our very first eTruck goes to DRÄXLMAIER. We are very pleased about the trust in MAN. After years of planning, development and many tens of thousands of kilometres of test drives, we are finally getting started.’

In future, the MAN eTGX will transport batteries for automotive supplier DRÄXLMAIER to the Porsche plant in Leipzig with zero emissions. The eTruck will be charged with electricity from renewable resources on the DRÄXLMAIER site. Alexander Vlaskamp: ‘It doesn't get much more sustainable than that. This is a real electric success story.’

Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Porsche Executive Board for Production and Logistics, said: ‘We are pleased that the supply of the Macan production in Leipzig is being expanded to include this innovative e-truck from MAN. The MAN eTGX proves that even large components such as battery modules can be transported electrically in large quantities’.

‘By using the MAN eTruck, we are realising complete electrification to our customer and reaffirming our commitment to making logistics processes more sustainable and future-oriented. In doing so, we are fulfilling a central aspect of our understanding of sustainability: reducing emissions in the supply chain,’ said Felix Klimas, Head of Supply Chain Management at the DRÄXLMAIER Group. Karsten Wilhelm, Site Manager at DRÄXLMAIER Leipzig, adds: ‘We are proud that we will be delivering to our customer with an eTruck in the future. The Leipzig battery plant is thus making a direct contribution to more sustainable logistics processes.’

DRÄXLMAIER will not purchase the vehicle itself, but will commission the transport. The vehicle is being purchased by Business Fleet Services (BFS), the largest MAN commercial vehicle rental company in Europe. BFS will rent the vehicle to Spedition Elflein, which will then operate the truck. Jan Plieninger, Managing Director of BFS: ‘As the largest rental company for MAN commercial vehicles in Europe, we are very pleased to be part of this historic milestone and to usher in the new electric era together with MAN and our customers. With the acquisition of the first MAN eTGX, we are once again demonstrating our pioneering role in forward-looking solutions for sustainable mobility.’

Stefanie Kotschenreuther, Managing Director of Elflein: ‘We are delighted to be the first transport and logistics service provider to use the new MAN eTruck. This step underlines our commitment to sustainable transport solutions. E-trucks will make a further important contribution to the decarbonisation of the logistics industry. What's more, the MAN eTGX is simply fun to drive, impressing with its excellent handling and controllability, outstanding power delivery and low noise levels.’

The project

The distance between the DRÄXLMAIER location and the customer's plant in Leipzig is about five kilometres. The truck transports an average of 15.5 tonnes. Two more vehicles are to follow by the end of the year, so that a total of three MAN eTGX will be in use for DRÄXLMAIER.

The vehicle

The MAN eTGX used for DRÄXLMAIER has 450 HP (330 kW), a battery capacity of 534 kWh (of which 480 kWh can be used) with six battery packs, an innovative design and a fully digital driver's workplace that has been specially designed for the eTruck. It has a charging capacity of up to 375 kW via CCS and, as a low-loader, a fifth-wheel height of 950 mm. MAN is the only manufacturer to produce an electric low-loader semitrailer tractor, also known as an ultra-tractor, as standard. Thanks to its particularly low fifth-wheel height, it can tow trailers with an interior height of three metres and thus transport significantly more volume. This is particularly interesting for the automotive industry, which often has to transport lightweight but large-volume parts. In addition, the MAN eTruck offers the shortest wheelbase in its class, making it compatible with all types of trailer.

Complete portfolio

The most powerful version of the MAN eTruck available has 544 HP (400 kW) and, depending on the application, can achieve a range of around 650 kilometres without recharging when equipped with a seventh* high-voltage battery that will be available in the future. The MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS are also available with the megawatt charging standard (MCS), which will in future allow charging capacities of one megawatt and more. This makes it possible to recharge the vehicle from 10 to 80 percent battery capacity in around half an hour. This makes the MAN eTruck suitable for long-distance transport.

A total of more than 2,500 orders and order enquiries have already been received for the eTruck. ‘Together with the eTGL, the eTruck's ‘little brother’, which will be presented at the IAA 2024, MAN now offers a complete portfolio of electric trucks from 12 to 50 tonnes. ‘We expect that by 2030, around half of all MAN trucks delivered will be battery-electric,’ says MAN Chief Sales Officer Friedrich Baumann.

* Available only as a chassis version; the seventh battery can be installed by MAN Individual.

In 2024 and 2025, MAN Truck & Bus will establish battery repair centres in Italy, Denmark/Norway, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Poland and UK, with further countries in Europe being planned. Millions will be invested in these centres over the next two years. Two battery repair centres are already in operation in Germany (Hanover-Laatzen site) and Spain (Barcelona). The roll-out of the battery repair hubs in Europe is necessary because the first units of the new MAN eTruck generation will be delivered to customers in 2024. Over 1,000 battery-electric MAN city buses and more than 2,400 all-electric MAN vans are already on Europe's roads. With the ramp-up of MAN eTruck production, the electric vehicle population will continue to increase significantly in the coming years. The Munich-based commercial vehicle manufacturer is preparing intensively for this within its service organisation.

"Battery repair is a necessity for MAN in order to ensure the economic efficiency and operational readiness of our customers' electric vehicles at a high level. We also make a major contribution to the closed-loop approach of traction batteries, as this extends the battery life in the vehicle, which conserves important resources," says Christopher Kunstmann, Senior Vice President Customer Service Management at MAN Truck & Bus.

The first battery repair centre and the associated build-up of expertise in the repair of batteries dates back to 2020. The first pilot repairs and process documentation were carried out for the battery of the MAN eTGE electric van, which was launched on the market in 2018. This was followed by the battery packs of the MAN eTGM distribution truck, which was launched in a small series in 2020, and the start of series production of the MAN Lion's City E electric city bus - also in 2020. Repair steps were trialled for all of these different batteries, employees were trained, repair instructions were created and workplace requirements were defined.

This knowledge, which was built up in the first MAN battery repair centre in Hanover-Laatzen, is now being successively transferred to the other markets. The aim is to operate a battery repair hub in every market in which MAN is represented with battery-electric commercial vehicles. Short transport routes and highly trained technicians on site will ensure that the battery can be repaired quickly. This minimises vehicle downtime.

At MAN, a battery repair centre has to meet certain criteria based on practical experience and legal standards in the respective countries. On the one hand, the appropriate high-voltage and special tools are required for handling the respective battery types of the vehicles. In addition, special protective equipment must be available for the electricians working there. The premises also fulfil certain requirements, e.g. access control, double doors, air conditioning, ventilation concept, 400 V socket and load crane.

MAN Truck & Bus's primary objective is to utilise the battery in the vehicle for as long as possible. That is why repair and remanufacturing are at the centre of current measures. Since 2023, MAN has been leading the REVAMP project, a consortium of nine partners from industry and science. This three-year project aims to automate the process of assessing the condition of used vehicle batteries. This knowledge will be used to remanufacture batteries economically so that they can then be used in vehicles (2nd use) or for other purposes (2nd life). The REVAMP project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK).

Repairing and reconditioning the battery are key elements of the Battery Closed Loop strategy and MAN's sustainability strategy. The diagonal capability of the battery and its economical dismantling are essential for this. The overarching goal is to establish a closed loop for the batteries. Important milestones in this battery cycle are, after the first use in the vehicle, a further use in the vehicle (2nd use) or in another application (2nd life).

In order to close the closed loop of valuable battery materials, MAN is already focussing on recycling and the return of recycled raw materials (recyclate) into new battery cells. The growing demand for battery cells for the electrification of the MAN portfolio will increase greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain unless dedicated measures are taken to counteract this. The use of secondary materials is one of the possible levers that need to be addressed in order to decarbonise the battery cell hotspot. In this way, we are also making a contribution towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, which MAN has committed to in 2021 as part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The prerequisite for the battery closed loop is that sufficient recycled material is available. To ensure that this is the case in the future, MAN is currently working with its parent company TRATON SE and the COE (Centre of Excellence) at Volkswagen AG on concepts that will enable closed cycles. The aim here is to ensure that sufficient recyclate is available for new batteries in the future in order to meet the target values of the European Union's new Battery Ordinance (BattVO).

In 2023, MAN Truck & Bus also became a partner of the Munich start-up network Circular Republic in order to move closer to the goal of the Battery Closed Loop. Circular Republic is part of UnternehmerTUM GmbH and has set itself the task of bringing established companies and start-ups together to implement and further develop innovations in the circular economy. In a first project under the leadership of Circular Republic, MAN is working together with other cooperation partners on the semi-automated dismantling of traction batteries and the recycling of cell modules.

• First eTrucks will be rolling out to customers as early as 2024
• 700 orders and order requests have already been received for the MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS
• MAN eTrucks impress with their modular battery concept for optimum body compatibility and deployment planning with a daily range of up to 800 kilometers
• Accelerated expansion of the public charging infrastructure remains an essential prerequisite for the comprehensive decarbonization of road freight transport

The first limited edition models of the new MAN eTruck for 2024 are already sold out, apart from a very small number of vehicles. A total of 700 orders and order requests have been received, the majority of which are for large-scale production, which will start at the MAN plant in Munich in 2025. Trucks with diesel and battery-electric drives will then be manufactured on the same assembly line, which will allow the greatest possible flexibility depending on the demand situation. The plan is for half of all new MAN trucks delivered in Europe to be electrically powered by 2030.

"We are delighted that the new MAN electric truck has been so well received by our customers right from the start. The unique, modular battery concept, which offers the right compromise between range and payload for every application and enables all common types of superstructures, certainly contributes to this. The right vehicles for the drive turnaround in road freight transport are therefore here and will be rolling out to the first customers this year! Both the commercial vehicle industry and large parts of the logistics sector are ready to make a decisive contribution to the fight against climate change. However, we urgently need the right public charging infrastructure so that CO2-neutral freight transport on the road can pick up speed and customers are not disillusioned by the initial euphoria”, demands Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus.

"As part of the TRATON GROUP, MAN, together with the Volvo Group and Daimler Truck, is already involved in the Milence joint venture, which aims to set up at least 1700 high-performance and megawatt charging points for commercial vehicles across Europe. However, we need at least 50,000 charging points in Europe by 2030 in order to make a consistent transition. All players from politics and the energy sector are therefore now called upon to work together to achieve this important contribution to the climate targets", Vlaskamp continued.

Maximum flexibility: the new MAN eTruck

The new MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS are characterized by a high degree of variability in battery configuration with a choice of three to six battery packs. This means that the optimum vehicle configuration in terms of range, payload and charging time can be selected for every application characteristic - from supermarket deliveries in the city center, to regional building materials supply, to long-distance transport in production logistics. With six battery packs, two of which are installed under the cab and up to four more on the side of the vehicle frame, the eTGX and eTGS offer up to 480 kWh of usable battery capacity for daily ranges of up to 800 kilometers. In addition to the CCS standard with up to 375 kW, MAN has been offering the even more powerful megawatt charging standard (MCS) for fast intermediate charging during breaks from driving, which will initially enable 750 kW and, in a later expansion stage, even more than one megawatt of charging power.

Optimal adaptability for custom builds

Together with payload and body-friendly positioning of the drive unit, the modular battery concept of the MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS also offers a high degree of variability for a wide range of bodies, as well as very short wheelbases from 3.75 meters, which allows the tractor unit to be combined with all common semi-trailer variants within the permissible overall length specifications. This also makes volume variants for three-meter internal loading heights possible, which are often in demand in production logistics.

360-degree eMobility Consulting

Even before purchasing a new eTruck, MAN supports customers with its 360-degree eMobility Consulting. In addition to advice on the most suitable vehicle, this also includes consideration of customer-specific operating conditions, including cost optimization, route analysis, fleet optimization and, building on this, the necessary advice on charging infrastructure. Additional support is provided by digital tools such as the new MAN eReadyCheck, which customers can use to check how their delivery routes can be driven purely electrically, or the MAN eManager, which fleet managers can use to keep an eye on the important information on the charging status of all trucks in the fleet at all times. MAN also has its own charging infrastructure offering for customers in its portfolio through partnerships with charging infrastructure manufacturers such as ABB, Heliox and SBRS. The service page offers service contracts and financing solutions for the new MAN eTrucks that are specially tailored to electromobility.

MAN Truck & Bus has received the "Truck Innovation Award 2024" from the International Truck of the Year jury. The commercial vehicle manufacturer was honoured for its research and development projects in the field of autonomous driving - ANITA and ATLAS-L4. In his laudatory speech, jury chairman Gianenrico Griffini, representing 25 international truck trade journalists, emphasised "the advanced characteristics of both projects, the contribution to hub-to-hub and intermodal transport automation, and the fruitful project cooperation between MAN Truck & Bus, logistics providers, component suppliers, research institutions, and public infrastructure operators" as essential for the Truck Innovation Award 2024 to be presented to the MAN projects ANITA and ATLAS-L4 for autonomous driving.

„The award is not only a great honour for ANITA and ATLAS-L4 and the partners involved. It is also an acknowledgement of the achievements of all our colleagues at MAN, who have been driving automated driving forward with great expertise and passion for many years. Alongside digitalisation and CO2-free drives, this is the third key pillar in the transformation to the climate-friendly, safe, efficient and intelligently networked transport of the future. From 2030, we want to offer autonomous trucks in series production for transport on defined routes between logistics hubs," says Dr Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research and Development at MAN Truck & Bus.

Autonomous trucks are particularly useful for transport on motorways between logistics centres (hub-to-hub): they increase safety by helping to avoid rear-end collisions caused by fatigue, are always particularly energy-efficient and stabilise the logistics flow thanks to their independence from individual driving time breaks. They can also help to alleviate the driver shortage by freeing up drivers for more varied and attractive transport tasks in regional and distribution transport.

ATLAS-L4: autonomous driving on the motorway

"In the ATLAS-L4 project, we are developing autonomous driving on the motorway specifically for the hub-to-hub use case. We are using the framework of the law on autonomous driving passed in Germany in 2021, which already allows the use of driverless lorries on defined routes with technical supervision. We want to test a corresponding prototype vehicle on the road by the end of 2024," says Sebastian Völl, Project Manager Autonomous Driving at MAN Truck & Bus. Since January 2022, MAN Truck & Bus, Knorr-Bremse, Leoni, Bosch, Fernride, BTC Embedded Systems, Fraunhofer AISEC, Technische Universität München, Technische Universität Braunschweig, TÜV SÜD, Autobahn GmbH and the Würzburg Institute of Transport Sciences (WIVW GmbH) have been working together on the research and development project "Autonomous Transport on Motorways and Expressways at Level 4" (ATLAS-L4), which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

ANITA: autonomous driving in a container hub

Together with Deutsche Bahn, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and Götting KG, MAN investigated the integration of autonomous trucks within logistics hubs as part of the "Autonomous Innovation in Terminal Operations" (ANITA) research and development project, which is also funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. To this end, MAN developed a self-driving lorry that autonomously handles container loading from road to rail with the help of digital mission planning. After six months of practical tests conducted jointly with the partners at the DB Intermodal Services container depot and the DUSS container terminal in Ulm, it was clear at the end of the project in September 2023 that the autonomous truck was up to 40 per cent more productive than conventional vehicles and thus showed great potential to make environmentally friendly combined road and rail freight transport more efficient, predictable and flexible. "The special thing about ANITA was the complete digital integration of the autonomous lorry into the terminal process. This is a general prerequisite for the use of autonomous trucks in logistics," says Amelie Jacquemart-Purson, ANITA project manager at MAN Truck & Bus.

Second Truck Innovation Award for MAN Truck & Bus

This is the second time that the prestigious Truck Innovation Award 2024 has gone to an MAN automation project. In 2019, the automated construction site safety vehicle AFAS won the coveted industry prize at its very first edition.

About the international Truck of the Year

The International Truck of the Year (IToY) award was initially launched in 1977 by the British journalist and legendary editor of TRUCK magazine Pat Kennett. Today, the 24 jury members represent leading commercial vehicle magazines throughout Europe. Moreover, in the last few years, the IToY Group has extended its influence by appointing 'associate members in the growing truck markets of China, India, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, Israel, and Malaysia. The combined truck operator readership of the 24 IToY full-jury members' magazines and those of its ten associate members exceeds 1,100,00

Established in 2007 Setanta Group pride themselves in delivering a range of tailored transport solutions that offer customers value for money and high levels of valued service.

Harry Nash, Setanta Group Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to announce our purchase of the long established and well run Northern Ireland based Man parts and service Dealership which has sites based at  sites at Carryduff and Dungannon.

“The MAN brand of vehicles, Vans, Trucks and Coaches, are well received in Ireland and we very much look forward to working with the teams at RK Trucks, meeting with customers and investing in and growing the business. To further enhance our presence and offering across Northern Ireland we plan to invest in an additional new facility to the North of Belfast.”

RK Trucks Centre originally became part of the MAN Truck & Bus franchised dealer network in 1994 under the management and leadership of the late Donal Rice, who sadly passed away late last year. Over the last 29 years RK Trucks have built an enviable reputation in providing quality customer service to truck, van and coach operators throughout Northern Ireland.    

Stefan Thyssen, Managing Director MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, commented: We are thrilled that Harry Nash has chosen to invest in the MAN brand and is planning to further invest in the RK Trucks Centre sites. We wish him and the team every success for the future in what will be a beneficial relationship for both RK Trucks and MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd.

“We would like to sincerely thank Iris, Nicola, Claire and the teams at both Dungannon and Carryduff for the exceptional representation of the MAN brand which they have provided over the years” continued Stefan, “Moving forward under the leadership of John Donnelly, the team will continue trade under the RK Trucks Ltd name and we are looking forward to continue to trade, closely with them in the future.

When the MAN eMobility Center opened in mid-June 2021, it was already clear that the future was being created here: it was a clear starting signal for the modernization of the site as part of the transformation and also for the coming series production of electric trucks at the main plant in Munich. "MAN is preparing for the future of electromobility and driving forward its transformation into a provider of sustainable transport solutions for climate-friendly road freight. Our heavy-duty eTruck is scheduled to roll off the production line in Munich in early 2024. To this end, we are now training employees in high-voltage technology and making our production at our main plant in Munich more flexible," says Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, on the one-year anniversary of the eMobility Center in Munich.

E-trucks bring new demands on processes and know-how

The production of electric trucks in large industrial quantities requires new production processes. Compared to the conventionally powered truck, the electric truck differs in terms of new components such as the electric battery and motor as well as high-voltage components and cables. In addition, conventional and battery-electric trucks will be produced on the same production line in the future to ensure the best possible utilization of the production facilities in Munich. This is a major challenge for machines and technology, but also for employees, as Thorsten Campehl, plant manager in Munich, knows: "We have to win people over to the change and support them in the process of these fundamental changes. A clear vision for the plant and the training and development of people are the key to achieving this.” More than 1,700 employees have already completed the high-voltage awareness training, and by the end of the year this figure will have risen to 2,000. By the end of 2023, all relevant professionals in truck production in Munich are to be qualified for series production of electric trucks. "It is the intensive combination of theory and practice that makes the concept of the eMobility Center truly unique," Campehl continued.

Testing and development for mixed production

For the complex mixed production, the aim from the outset is to develop modular components, particularly for the chassis and wiring, that can be used by both drive concepts to enable either the conventional combustion engine and transmission to be installed or the battery modules and electric motor to be assembled on one assembly line. The innovative concept of the MAN eMobilty Center aims to develop the necessary processes for future series production directly during the manufacture of the first prototype vehicles and, at the same time, to train and qualify employees in the use of the new technologies. At the same time, requirements for subsequent series production can also be incorporated into vehicle development from the outset. Specialists from the eMobility Center, series assembly, and the MAN Academy, as well as start-up experts, designers, and process planners, work together cross-functionally to bring the new trucks to series maturity as quickly as possible with proven expertise and innovative concepts, and to put them on the road with the highest quality and added value for the user. To this end, the individual workflows and process steps are mapped with pinpoint accuracy and any necessary adjustments are taken up and implemented directly by the vehicle developers. The results are clear to see: pre-series planning and testing have already become much more efficient. The first small series of the electric truck is to be produced on the normal production line as early as the end of 2023, with the aim of entering practical use with selected pilot customers from 2024.

High-volume electric trucks for long-distance transport

MAN gave a preview of the new series-produced e-truck, which will make its official market debut in 2024, back in May in Berlin. On the site of the former Berlin Tempelhof Airport, MAN took one of the first near-production prototypes already built at the eMobility Center out for a public drive for the first time in the presence of German Federal Minister for Digital and Transport Dr. Volker Wissing. A special technical feature of the pioneering electric lion is its preparation for future megawatt charging: high charging capacities with short charging times make the electric truck suitable for heavy-duty long-distance transport with daily ranges of between 600 and 800 kilometers. Together with low operating costs and the best energy balance, battery electric vehicles thus offer the most suitable technology for future CO2-free commercial vehicle fleets.

24 hour Warehousing and Distribution specialists Miniclipper Logistics have just celebrated their 50^th anniversary and as part of marking the momentous occasion have opened a new 4.5-acre distribution and logistics centre in Dunstable and at the same time have re-branded their entire fleet of 40 MAN vehicles.

The new 4.5-acre site, which is double the size of its previous site in Leighton Buzzard, now acts as the main base for the company’s transport operation, which includes a fleet of MAN 7.5, 18 and 44-tonne trucks and 30 trailers.

Strategically located close to junction 11 of the M1, Miniclipper Logistics sits in a prime location sandwiched between London and Birmingham, just south of the renowned Logistics Golden Triangle, meaning that their fleet of MAN trucks have quick and easy access to the UK’s major motorways and can reach over 90 percent of the UK population in four hours.

Peter Masters, Managing Director Miniclipper Logistics, said: “As a family business marking our 50^th anniversary year is of major importance. Our new site in Dunstable means that we can now offer our established customer base 450,000 square feet of storage and over 38,000 pallet spaces across our five sites.

“Equally as important is the rebranding of our entire fleet which needs to portray our modern, fresh and eye-catching business ethos.

“We have a longstanding and trusting relationship with MAN Truck & Bus, our local dealership John Arnold Commercials in Bedford and we’re delighted with the outcome of the rebrand and how good the vehicles look in their new livery.”

Miniclipper Logistics fleet includes MAN TGL, TGM and TGX models which allows the company to provide a varied fleet of 7.5, 12, 18 and 44 tonne trucks for their own direct deliveries and for the Palletline and Hazchem networks. Each of the vehicles is tracked and monitored by advanced telematics and route optimisation software systems, which provides data to ensure both the safety of customers’ goods and at the same time fleet productivity.

“Over the years our MAN Trucks have proven both reliable and robust.” added Peter. “As a business we invest heavily in equipment and systems that measurably improve the working environments of our employees. MAN Trucks are firm favourites with our drivers who enjoy their high levels of comfort and safety.”

To maximise safety for vulnerable road users, cyclists and pedestrians, the entire Miniclipper Logistics operation carries FORS Bronze Accreditation. In holding this accreditation as a business Miniclipper Logistics complies with an auditable high standard of vehicle safety, environmental impact awareness, allowing them to demonstrate a clear dedication to road user protection, driver and vehicle safety.

“As roads, towns and cities become busier and more populated, it’s vital that as a business we do all we can to protect other road users and at the same time look after our drivers,” added Peter. “With our state of the art fleet and focused safety commitment across the business, we offer our customers an innovative and robust road transport solution.”

Peter concluded, “MAN Truck & Bus, their local Sales Executive and our local dealer collectively deliver a high level of focused service, which over many years has a morphed into a partnering relationship and we very much value and enjoy this approach. John Arnold and the guys at John Arnold Commercials are great to deal with and when needed they can’t do enough to help.”

John Arnold, Managing Director John Arnold Commercials, added, “Peter has been a much valued customer for 15 years now, having a close relationship means we understand his operation and how our focused level of service adds value to his business. We very much look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come.”

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

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

The Awards held annually recognise and celebrate the achievements of the MAN Dealer Network; both the private capital franchised partners and the MAN Truck & Bus wholly owned sites. Through a series of regular checks and measures those sites that have simply gone above and beyond, constantly delivering high standards across all business areas and outstanding levels of customer service and business efficiency, are singled out.

Matt Squires, Director of New Truck Sales, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, commented: “On behalf of the board, I’d like to congratulate the all the winners in this year’s MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s Annual Dealer of the Year Awards. Each have shown a great willingness and eager ability to strive for better business practices and constantly focus on putting the customer and their needs at the heart of everything they do.

“These awards which have been running for over 20 years help us recognise the tremendous work the individual sites are delivering and at the same time celebrate and reward the teams for their commitment to outstanding customer service and dedication to the MAN brand.”

MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s 2020 Service Dealer of the Year

Winner - Manchetts Peterborough.

Manchetts of Peterborough were singled out for their exemplary CXI score, their outstanding MOT performance and their incredible journey with their customer first service commitment and the MAN brand.

In October 2020 Manchetts PB Ltd (trading as Manchetts Peterborough), as part of their development and investment strategy, successfully took over the running of the existing franchised site in in the Fengate area of Peterborough. This newly appointed Manchetts facility provides a one-stop-shop servicing the needs of MAN customers operating Truck, Van, Bus and Coach products throughout Cambridgeshire and Eastern England

Runner up in this category was awarded to DSV Commercials, Immingham. In third place the HRVS Group, Stoke.

MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s 2020 Parts Dealer of the Year

Winner – Norscot of Aberdeen.

Throughout 2020 Norscott Aberdeen have exceeded their targets, the entire team have excelled and whole heartedly engaged with campaigns and managed a stock inventory to ensure their customers maximised vehicle uptime.

The team have remained highly focussed throughout 2020, delivering excellence through lockdown and have remained committed to an exceptionally high level of customer service satisfaction.

Runner up in this category was awarded to HRVS Stoke. In third place MAN Truck & Bus Bristol.

MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s 2020 Above and Beyond Champion  

Winner - R&A Scott Auto Services, Gainsborough.

R&A Scott Auto Services have simply “Raised the Bar” in going above and beyond. The commitment they constantly show to Customer Service has been recognised as exemplary, even through the tough and uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Putting the customer at the centre of everything they do, the R&A Scott Auto Services team live the Customer First promise.

During the Award ceremony individuals from all areas of the MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd business were singled out and praised for their commitment and dedication, categories included: Branch Manager of the Year, TopUsed Sales Executive of the Year, Truck, Van, Bus and Coach Sales Manager of the Year, Most Improved Sales Executive of the Year, International Key Account Manager of the Year, Friend of Sales of the Year and a VWFS Finance award.

Matt added; “The winners are the shining lights within both our Dealer Network and head office function and should be held high and emulated by all. We know from the many positive customer comments that the winners are all deserving and they can stand proud in recognition of their many achievements.”

“These awards not only help us recognise the best within our industry, they also allow us to benchmark standards and ensure that as a brand we are all moving forward delivering customers an unparalleled level of service.” Matt concluded.

MAN Truck & Bus UK has announced the appointment of Stefan Thyssen as Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd.

Stefan Thyssen succeeds Thomas Hemmerich who has been appointed the role of Managing Director for the National Sales Company, Korea, which also includes responsibility for the Austral/Asia region.

Currently Head of MAN Truck & Bus Scandinavia, Stefan Thyssen will take up his new position on 1^st July 2021.

Stefan began his career with MAN Truck & Bus in 2007. He has worked in a variety of roles including Business Development, Corporate Planning, Program Management and Group Controlling, all based out of MAN Truck & Bus, Munich, Germany. In 2017 Stefan moved to MAN Truck & Bus UK, into the role of Finance Director, based at UK headquarters in Swindon. In 2020, Stefan became Managing Director of MAN Scandinavia, covering the markets of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, based in Copenhagen.

In a statement, Executive Board Member for Sales & Marketing MAN Truck & Bus SE, Goran Nyberg, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Stefan to lead the team in the UK, a market area which is already, due to his previous role as UK Financial Director, familiar to him.

“Stefan’s broad experience within MAN comprehensively demonstrates a deep understanding of the strategically important UK market. Because of Stefan’s past the relationships with UK customers, the dealer network and the MAN Truck & Bus team is already established and we all wish him well for the future.”

Stefan commented: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to head up MAN Truck & Bus UK and I’m very much looking forward to once again meeting with customers, the dealer network and the team.

“Given the importance of the UK market, I want to continue the focus of strengthening our established footprint and ensure that our customers receive an industry leading level of support through our mature, highly focussed and strategically located dealer network."

Menzies Distribution (Menzies) has taken delivery of its first New Generation MAN TGX trucks. The new vehicles, 115 in total, will be operational in Menzies’ nationwide fleet by August 2021.

Instantly recognisable in the new Menzies branding, striking Midnight Blue with Process Yellow livery, the company’s network and fleet will total around 4,000 assets and 100 nationwide depot locations.

Adam Purshall, Fleet & Procurement Director, Menzies Distribution Group, said: “As a business it’s essential that we continually look forward and ensure we offer our customers, many of which are blue-chip organisations, an industry leading level of service. These new vehicles will enable us to focus on the future and further enhance the sustainability and flexibility of our supply chain offering.

“It’s vitally important that we invest in the latest technologies available in terms of trucks and the advanced safety and assistance systems they offer. Through both our robust business growth strategy and our fleet replacement programme, we strive to operate an environmentally clean, safe and driver friendly fleet.”

Menzies’ New Generation TGX trucks are all powered by MAN’s latest’s Euro6D D26, 470hp six-cylinder, 12.4 litre engines, which have not only proved to be more fuel efficient than their predecessors, but are also lighter, both areas that proactively impact upon fleet total cost of ownership (TCO) and vehicle whole life performance.

“To ensure all our drivers are comfortable and fully in-tune with the new vehicles and the new levels of technology found onboard, in terms of driver assistance systems and the advanced drivetrains, we ensured all our in-house driver trainers were fully briefed and trained by MAN’s ProfiDriver operation before the first vehicle arrived,” commented Adam. “This thorough product training is invaluable and will form the backbone of further training for our wider driver community as more of the new vehicles join the fleet.”

Building on safety, the new Menzies MAN TGXs feature a host of advanced safety systems: Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Lane Guard System (LGS). Included in the standard specification is the Electronic Parking Brake, which applies automatically when the vehicle is parked. All 115 vehicles have been specified with MAN’s new driver attention guard, red seat belts and to ensure third party safety, acoustic reverse alarms.

Adam added: “To ensure we maximize the fleet’s productivity and at the same time provide a safe working environment, we’ve fitted the latest technology in terms of camera systems and telematics solutions, across the entire fleet, both into the new additions and retrofitting on to all existing vehicles, in partnership MAN Telematics and Microlise Fleet Management.

“Our drivers now benefit from the latest driver aid technologies on the market, such as nearside enhanced-vision cameras, nearside sensor systems, forward facing camera and the Microlise DriveTab system – which links all the cameras onto a single easy view screen.”

All of the new vehicles have been specified with MAN’s latest comprehensive Efficiency Package (EL3) which includes MAN Efficient Cruise 3, MAN Efficient Roll, MAN Idle speed driving and Engine idle shutdown.

Adam added: “During our comprehensive driver training sessions we coach all our drivers, across the entire workforce, to drive efficiently and take advantage of the cutting-edge technology found on-board the vehicles. Designed to help maximise vehicle productivity and improve overall TCO, MAN’s efficiency package also helps us reduce our carbon footprint.”

These latest vehicles offer Menzies drivers a calm and relaxing workplace, and a true home-from-home level of comfort when spending nights away. Enhancing the vehicle specification, Menzies has equipped the GM cabbed vehicles with under bunk fridges, satellite navigation and MAN’s revolutionary SmartSelect, which provides the driver with a touch-free infotainment system. Further features include automatic windscreen wiper activation with built-in rain sensors, and, automatic high-beam low-beam driving-light control.

“We have a longstanding relationship with MAN Truck & Bus UK, the National Key Account Sales and Aftersales teams and the nationwide dealer network.” added Adam. “The partnership stretches back some 20 years and is solidly built on trust and understanding. With that comes flexibility and ultimately customer care and we believe that MAN cares about our business. This is also reflected in the class-leading fleet KPIs that both businesses achieve together.”

Adam concluded: “MAN TGX tractors have played a major part in our vehicle fleet, they have proven robust, reliable, and extremely efficient and we’re looking forward to more of the new vehicles arriving.” 

All of the 115 new vehicles have been prepared and pre-delivery inspected through MAN Truck & Bus Felixstowe.

In addition to the new MAN TGX tractors, Menzies has also purchased 65 new Don Bur and SDC trailers. Both tractors and trailers will work nationally throughout Menzies’ depot locations.

The Menzies fleet of MAN trucks, like all MAN products, is supported by MAN’s Mobile24 24-hour service, which guarantees 24/7 professional roadside assistance partner 365 days of the year.

MAN Truck & Bus UK is best in the World!

The MAN lion is roaring like never before in the UK! That’s because MAN Truck & Bus UK has been awarded the coveted Market of the Year 2020 accolade. This extremely sought-after award, bestowed by the global MAN Truck & Bus organisation on a single market, recognises the immense efforts of the MAN team in the UK.

The award, announced at the MAN Truck & Bus 2021 International Sales Conference in Munich, celebrates the best of the best within the global sales organisation of MAN and recognises outstanding achievement, commitment to the brand and delivered results.

Sharing insights into the remarkable year and presenting the award, Göran Nyberg, Executive Board Member for Sales & Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus, noted that – despite a declining market – MAN Truck & Bus UK had taken a big step forward in overall truck and van market share. “Over the last two years, the UK team has realised significant improvements and big deals have been won in both the truck and van market segments.

“MAN Truck & Bus UK has also over-achieved when it comes to after-sales targets and the company has delivered an outstanding service product penetration of 94%.

“Finally, the UK has done some great pioneering work in the field of e-mobility, converting the eTGE to right-hand drive.” concluded Göran.

According to Thomas Hemmerich, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK, the award demonstrates MAN Truck & Bus UK’s outstanding commitment to both the brand and the drive to deliver remarkable customer service.

“I know I speak on behalf of the entire team at MAN Truck & Bus UK when I say that we are super proud of this award. It is an award that was earned by each and every member of our truly superb team of people. I would like to thank those people from the bottom of my heart.

“The pandemic has translated into remarkably difficult trading conditions for many companies – MAN Truck & Bus UK included. This award demonstrates our ability to adapt in order to meet market needs.

“I am exceptionally proud to reveal that we over performed in all areas of the business – from sales to after-sales. While the overall market declined as a result of the pandemic, we grew our market share in both the truck and van business.

“Our team has done an exceptional job of exceeding expectations in what has been a challenging time for our industry and indeed our planet,” he notes.”

However, Thomas says that this achievement is not only about winning awards. “Our customers are at the epicentre of our business. All our actions are aimed at exceeding their expectations. Hopefully, this award signals that we are achieving this,” he points out.

That exceptional level of customer satisfaction is not new to MAN Truck & Bus UK. The company was also named the Market of the Year in 2019. MAN Truck & Bus UK has made history within the MAN world by winning the award two years in a row; this has never happened before.

While the MAN lion is roaring like never before at this achievement, the UK team won’t be resting on its laurels. “Now we want to win this award for the third time!” concludes Thomas.

MAN Truck & Bus Ltd.’s unique customer-tailored Modification Centre based in Manchester has successfully completed a substantial vehicle modification programme for the British Military’s Logistic Corps. 

The contract required MAN to install and integrate a new pallet and container loading system (Enhanced Palletised Load System, or EPLS) onto the tried-and-tested HX trucks of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, vehicles that MAN delivered to the MoD under a separate contract signed in 2005. 

The EPLS Conversion Contract was a major engineering process, essentially a 382 vehicle retrofitting programme.

To ensure both quality control and timescale were met, MAN Truck & Bus UK recruited an entirely new team of over 40 skilled and qualified technicians for the contract period of 32 months. Full product training across the team had to be completed within 8 weeks for production to begin. This project was and remains, the first of its kind to be commissioned by the UK MoD.

Once stripped down each of the 382 vehicles was re-engineered and fitted with a 2,500 component ‘retrofit’ kit, including the top hamper ILHS System. The vehicles now meet the UK MoD’s requirement to efficiently load both standardised 20-foot containers and their pallet loading system.

The conversion programme also included MAN Truck & Bus UK sub-contracting the waxing and painting of all vehicles to a third-party specialist Paintshop. This process also had to meet timescale and go through MoD security protocols.

Thomas Hemmerich, CEO MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said; “The EPLS re-engineering project has been a huge success for MAN Truck & Bus UK. Throughout the process and the constantly changing uncertainties of Covid-19 pandemic, the entire team has remained professional and focussed and their commitment is a testament to the capabilities we have and can offer our customers.

“The final vehicle, EPLS 382, was delivered back to the MoD on the 18th March 2021 meeting the contract completion date, which in the current climate is a huge achievement for all parties involved and something we should all be proud of.”

The project has been praised by senior officers at Army HQ.