MAN Truck & Bus signed a contract with South Africa’s Paruk Group for the delivery of 100 fully electric city buses. This is MAN’s largest e-bus order outside Europe to date – and a strong signal of the growing importance of international markets. Paruk Group operates primarily in South Africa. The company’s fleet comprises around 2,000 buses, of which around 1,500 are MAN vehicles.
The Lion’s Explorer E vehicles ordered are based on the Lion’s Chassis E, which was developed specifically for international markets. Unlike in Europe, where MAN produces and sells complete buses, the focus in the global market is on chassis that are completed in the respective countries by certified body manufacturers. With the Lion’s Explorer E, MAN is producing both the chassis and the body in South Africa.
Production of the e-buses will be carried out locally
All 100 vehicles will be manufactured entirely on site: the chassis at the MAN plant in Pinetown and the bodies at the Olifantsfontein plant. With local production, MAN is strengthening industrial value creation in the region and contributing to the development of green bus production there. The Lion’s Explorer E, with a length of 12 meters, is designed as a high-floor vehicle with steps for entry. The four battery packs, each with a capacity of 80 kWh, are located between the axles under the floor. Delivery of the fleet will begin in 2026 and will be completed by the end of 2027.
MAN delivered the first fully electric bus for the African market in Cape Town in 2023. The Lion’s Explorer E was adapted to local requirements and also manufactured locally.
MAN Truck & Bus is the market leader in the bus business in South Africa. The goal is to achieve this position in the electric bus market as well.
(Photos & Info: MAN)
29.10.2025
