MAN Truck & Bus Iberia kicked off the year with a major win at the National Transport Awards in Madrid, where the 2024 MAN Lion’s Coach was named ‘Coach of the Year in Spain.’
MAN Lion’s Coach Continues Award-Winning Streak
“This award reflects how well MAN Lion’s Coach is received in the market and the continuous improvements MAN brings to it,” said Manuel Fraile, Commercial Director for buses at MAN Truck & Bus Iberia.
Founded more than 35 years ago by Transporte 3 and Viajeros, the National Transport Awards recognises the best vehicles in 12 categories. A jury of above 800 transport entrepreneurs and industry experts selects the winners by highlighting excellence in Spain’s automotive sector. The decisions are based on a comprehensive analysis of the safety, reliability, profitability and efficiency of the vehicles.
“The latest Lion’s Coach impressed with its reliability, comfort, safety and economy,” summarised Fraile.
The 2024 model year brings significant enhancement to MAN Lion’s Coach, including a new electronics platform that was used in all MAN and Neoplan buses since last year. A completely new cockpit with MAN SmartSelect also found its way to the Lion’s Coach to ensure intuitive operation. “With a driver-focused design and extended assistance systems, the coach offers greater comfort and safety,” said Heinz Kiess, Head of Product Marketing Bus at MAN Truck & Bus.
A key upgrade is the radar-assisted turning aid, which detects static objects up to 4.5 metres away, anticipates movement paths and provides three-stage visual and acoustic warnings. An optional lane change aid further enhances safety.
Another new feature is the MAN D26 Euro 6e engine that enhances the Lion’s Coach with 10hp more power, 50Nm extra torque and 2.5-per cent improved fuel efficiency to make it even more economical. “Even before the new features were introduced, the Lion’s coach was already one of the most innovative, safe and comfortable coaches in the market,” said Kiess.
The Lion’s Coach has earned multiple accolades, including the Sustainable Bus Award 2022, Coach of the Year 2020 and the iF Design Award 2018. Now, it continues its success with the Coach of the Year in Spain title.
Since its 2017 debut, nearly 4,500 units were delivered across Europe, with Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Poland as key markets. “Beyond awards, customer demand proves the Lion’s Coach remains a top choice globally,” added Kiess.
The MAN Lion’s Coach adds to MAN’s long history of success at the Spanish National Transport Awards. In 2022, the Neoplan Cityliner Platinum and MAN Lion’s Intercity LE won Coach of the Year and Bus of the Year in Spain, respectively. The following year, the MAN Lion’s City 10 E received the prestigious honour.
