MAN and TopBest deliver 311 coaches to Thailand, the country's first Euro-5 coaches
MAN Truck & Bus has delivered 311 coaches on its Lion's Chassis CO to Thai state operator Transport Co., marking the first Euro-5 coaches in Thailand.
- 311
- 24 / 32 / 36
- 3
What Happened
MAN Truck & Bus, together with its long-time partner TopBest Co., Ltd., has delivered 311 coaches to Transport Co., Ltd. (BorKorSor), Thailand's state-owned transport company. Built on the two-axle MAN Lion's Chassis CO (RR3), they are the first Euro-5 coaches in Thailand. The vehicles come in configurations with 24, 32 and 36 seats and will serve long-distance routes connecting Bangkok with the country's northern, southern and northeastern regions. The fleet expansion strengthens Thailand's transport network and pushes forward the modernization of public long-distance travel.
311
to Transport Co., Ltd. in Thailand as the country's first Euro-5 coaches
Alongside the delivery, operator Transport Co. launched a new VIP bus service under the motto 'Travel with Heart', using luxurious 24-seat coaches on routes from Bangkok to Koh Samui, Nakhon Phanom, Chiangmai and Maesot.
“They mark an important milestone for clean and comfortable mobility in the country. At the same time, the project underscores our international growth strategy in the bus business.”
The order highlights MAN's chassis-body strategy for international markets. Unlike in Europe, where MAN manufactures complete buses, in global markets the company supplies bus chassis — from low-floor and low-entry to high-floor — that local MAN-certified bodybuilders convert into individual, market-specific complete vehicles. MAN says these partnerships create a robust international network and new sales channels, both in the partners' home markets and for export. This approach lets MAN respond flexibly to regional requirements while expanding its presence in emerging markets, with the goal of adding sales channels and improving quality and availability.
- TopBest — Asia
- Modasa — Central and South America
- Geyushi — North Africa and the Middle East
“Thailand is a key market for our bus business, which we want to develop consistently. Together with our local importer, we are unlocking additional potential, also beyond the country's borders.”
Previously from MAN Truck & Bus
MAN has recently pursued international growth through local partnerships. It restarted CKD assembly in Blida, Algeria, with partner Maghreb Truck Company, targeting a medium-term volume of 1,500 vehicles per year.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of MAN Truck & Bus's official releases.
Why this matters
The order gives Thailand's long-distance network a more modern, lower-emission fleet and shows how MAN expands outside Europe by pairing its chassis with local bodybuilders. It benefits Thai passengers and Transport Co., while strengthening MAN's bus business in Asia.
Terms in This Story
- Euro-5
- A European emission standard that limits pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulates from diesel vehicles.
- Chassis
- The base frame and running gear of a vehicle, onto which a bus or coach body is built.
- Bodybuilder
- A company that builds the passenger compartment or body on top of a manufacturer-supplied chassis.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.