MAN Truck & Bus has secured the largest-ever bus tender for German public transport operator Deutsche Bahn. The two companies agreed on a framework for delivering more than 3,000 buses from 2027 to 2032, including a significant share of electric buses.

While Belgian public transport operator De Lijn has come under fire for shunning its local bus manufacturers in favor of BYD for its latest e-bus tender, Deutsche Bahn has chosen the patriotic route. Munich-based manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus will supply over 3,000 buses to DB, while BYD also gets a smaller allocation of around 150 e-buses.

€1 billion+ investment

Deutsche Bahn is preparing for massive investments in new vehicles. The company not only serves as Germany’s national railway operator but also operates buses through its local DB Regio business. To renew its existing fleet, DB is investing over €1 billion in approximately 3,300 buses.

And it’s MAN Truck & Bus that has secured the contract for 95% of these buses, or over 3,000 units, to be delivered between 2027 and 2032. This is still a framework agreement, so the exact number may change based on conditions and the configuration of the buses to be delivered.

Variety of drive systems with flexible spread

MAN offers three models: the MAN Lion’s City, Lion’s City E, and Intercity LE. The Lion’s City is a low-floor urban bus with a wide range of configuration options, from 10.5 to 18.75 m, available in both single-decker and articulated body styles.

Both diesel and CNG drivetrains are available, with the MAN EfficientHybrid system that adds automatic start-stop and brake energy recuperation. For intercity transport, MAN offers the Lion’s Intercity LE (Low Entry). All buses feature USB ports, LED lighting, and air conditioning to enhance passenger comfort. And the diesel engines can also run on HVO100 bio-diesel to save on well-to-wheel emissions.

Finally, a “large proportion” of the 3,000+ bus order consists of electric vehicles, specifically the MAN Lion’s City E, available in 10-, 12-, or 18-meter versions, with a driving range of over 300 km throughout their entire service life. The exact number of e-buses is still to be defined in the framework agreement and will likely depend on market conditions and regulations.

Secondary framework in place with other manufacturers

Should MAN be unable to deliver the required buses, DB is also in talks with Iveco, Scania, Daimler Buses (Mercedes), and Zhongtong to ensure the supply of new buses to rejuvenate the fleet. But with a partnership in place since 2010 and almost 5,000 buses delivered, the trust between MAN and DB is high.