MAN will allow for potential uses of alternative energy sources in its new single-deck coach platform. It is due for release in the medium term and will supersede the current Neoplan Tourliner among other models.
Head of Product and Sales Rudi Kuchta says that MAN is yet to decide when the new coach platform will come to market.
It is not seeing demand from buyers for alternatives to diesel in coaches yet. But Mr Kuchta adds that the work is being undertaken to ensure that the new platform is ready for likely zero emission zones and bans on the purchase of diesel vehicles.
“Diesel will be at the heart of the new product. But we have an eye on other energy sources, including batteries and hydrogen fuel cells,” he says.
MAN sees a potential long-term opportunity for its Lions City E electric bus in the UK. Any battery-electric coach will not utilise the same driveline. Instead, a more powerful one would be developed.
While MAN is owned by Traton, there are still no plans to share hardware with passenger-carrying vehicles produced by fellow subsidiary Scania, adds Mr Kuchta.
