MAN Truck & Bus, Ford, Siemens, Zeekr and more

It’s been exactly one month since IAA TRANSPORTATION ended, so it's a good time to remind you on the IAA TRANSPORTATION Podcast. During the past few months, we hosted 22 episodes featuring inspiring conversations with leading experts from the mobility, transportation, and logistics industries. In our most recent episode, Jörn Schneemann, Global Head of Expo & Events Logistics at Kühne + Nagel was our guest. He discussed Kühne + Nagel’s innovative approaches to low emission exhibition and event logistics, with a special focus on the usage of HVO 100 and the collaborative efforts during IAA TRANSPORTATION to implement HVO fueling infrastructure for the vehicles that were available to test drive.

MAN has delivered its first fully electric eTGX truck to the logistics company Elflein in Leipzig, Germany. This truck will be used to transport batteries between the Dräxlmaier battery plant and the local Porsche plant. The eTGX is equipped with six battery packs, offering a total capacity of 534 kWh (480 kWh usable), and an electric motor providing 330 kW. The eTGX delivered in Leipzig is a pre-production model but is almost identical to the series vehicles coming in near future. MAN plans to deliver a total of 200 eTrucks to customers by the end of this year. Until now, the company has received over 2,500 orders and inquiries, highlighting the strong demand for these new electric trucks.

Ford has secured battery modules from LG Energy Solution to support the production of electric vans in Europe and the UK. The two companies have agreed to a total volume of 109 GWh starting in 2026. These batteries will be used in Ford’s plants in Turkey and Romania to meet the growing demand for electric commercial vehicles. From 2026 to 2030, 34 GWh will be supplied, with an additional 75 GWh contracted for 2027 to 2032, resulting in the total of 109 GWh they agreed on. It is uncertain whether these modules are intended solely for Ford's BEV models or if the plug-in hybrid vans will also use LGES batteries.

Siemens is providing its Depot360 service to Unibuss in Norway to optimize efficiency of its electric bus fleet. Unibuss operates 259 electric buses, which will be monitored and optimized by Depot360 through tracking charging processes and optimizing grid capacity for efficiency. Depot360, introduced in April 2024, is described by Siemens as a comprehensive, infrastructure-independent service designed for logistics vehicles, municipal transit operators, and private bus fleets at depots, warehouses, and terminals.

Zeekr has started production of the Mix mini-van, which is built on Geely's SEA-M platform. The Mix offers a range of up to 556 kilometers and is equipped with a 77 kWh battery. With a spacious interior and innovative features like swivel front seats, the Mix is a truly versatile vehicle. It is not decided if the Mix will be exported to Europe, as Zeekr has slowed its expansion. Sales of the model begin on October 23.

The all-electric MAN Lion’s City 12 E LE has been awarded the Sustainable Bus of the Year 2025 award. The award was presented at the Gala Dinner during FIAA 2024 in Madrid, Spain. This is the seventh time the SBY award has been given, honoring innovative sustainable technologies shaping the future of mobility. It is awarded by a jury of trade press experts representing ten European countries in three categories: city bus, intercity bus, and coach. The MAN Lion’s City 12 E LE was awarded for meeting the growing demand for low-entry buses. It is powered by a central electric motor with a peak output of 240 kW, and MAN’s modular battery system allows operators to configure four to six battery packs with a capacity of up to 480 kWh, depending on their needs for charging time, passenger capacity, and range. The jury praised the model for its outstanding performance and zero-emission operation. They also highlighted MAN DigitalServices, which helps operators optimize fleet performance and maintenance. Additionally, the jury noted the model’s versatility for use in both urban and intercity transport, emphasizing MAN’s commitment to sustainability while offering a practical and adaptable solution for modern public transportation.