MAN named main supplier in Deutsche Bahn framework contract for over 3,000 buses
MAN Truck & Bus announces it has been selected as the main supplier in Deutsche Bahn’s largest bus contract to date, a framework agreement covering more than 3,000 vehicles between 2027 and 2032, with electric buses forming a significant share of deliveries. The new framework agreement marks a substantial expansion of the long-standing cooperation between […]
MAN Truck & Bus announces it has been selected as the main supplier in Deutsche Bahn’s largest bus contract to date, a framework agreement covering more than 3,000 vehicles between 2027 and 2032, with electric buses forming a significant share of deliveries.
The new framework agreement marks a substantial expansion of the long-standing cooperation between MAN Truck & Bus and Deutsche Bahn (DB). The contract spans city and intercity operations.
The new framework builds on a partnership that has been in place since 2010. Over the past 15 years, almost 5,000 MAN buses have been delivered to Deutsche Bahn.
The samte tenders was at the centers of some anticipations by Der Spiegel, that mentioned BYD being awarded 700 units. This reportedly led to trade unions criticism amid calls for ‘economic patriotism’.
MAN selected in Deutsche Bahn contract
The contract covers city and intercity buses across three core product lines: MAN Lion’s City, MAN Lion’s City E and MAN Lion’s Intercity LE. Vehicles will be deployed by DB Regio AG, Deutsche Bahn’s regional transport subsidiary, across networks throughout Germany.
Although Deutsche Bahn and MAN have not disclosed a precise split by propulsion technology, both partners underline that fully electric buses will represent a “significant proportion” of the total volume.
Within the agreement, particular emphasis is placed on the MAN Lion’s City E family. The electric range will be available in 10-, 12- and 18-metre versions.
MAN highlights in-house production of electric motors and battery systems as a key element of its e-bus offering.
Alongside battery-electric models, the framework agreement maintains technological breadth. MAN Lion’s Intercity LE vehicles in three lengths are planned for interurban services, targeting routes where low-entry layouts, passenger comfort and fuel efficiency remain decisive.
For city operations where electrification may not yet be feasible, Deutsche Bahn retains the option to procure diesel, CNG and hybrid variants within the MAN Lion’s City range. Hybrid configurations equipped with MAN’s EfficientHybrid system are positioned as a transitional solution, supporting lower fuel consumption and reduced lifecycle costs in mixed fleets.
Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, says: “The new framework agreement with Deutsche Bahn is a historic contract for buses and an outstanding vote of confidence in our products and our team. The fact that a significant proportion of the vehicles will be fully electric impressively underscores the contribution that Deutsche Bahn and MAN are making to the sustainable transformation of public transport.”
Harmen van Zijderveld, Member of the DB Management Board for Regional Transport, states: “With the new buses, our passengers will continue to reach their destinations reliably, comfortably, and in an environmentally friendly manner. The long-term contracts guarantee that we will always have modern vehicles and can continue to develop them in close cooperation with the manufacturers. The fact that the vast majority of the buses come from a Munich-based manufacturer is good news for Germany as an industrial location.”
Dennis Affeld, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus Germany, adds: “With this framework agreement, Deutsche Bahn is receiving an extremely flexible overall package of efficient diesel vehicles, hybrid models, and fully electric buses. We offer the right technology for every route requirement and at the same time contribute to making the climate targets for the coming years achievable.”
