The logistics division of MAN Truck & Bus has begun using a combined rail‑and‑electric‑truck concept, operated with partner VEGA International, to deliver new vehicles.
Under the new model, rail carries MAN vehicles from the production plant in Kraków, Poland, to a terminal in Rheine, Germany. From there, two MAN eTGX electric trucks complete the delivery over distances up to 300 km. According to the companies, this intermodal setup reduces CO₂ emissions by about 2,700 tonnes annually.
The plan foresees expanding the electric‑truck fleet: by the end of 2026, another 30 to 40 MAN eTGX units are expected to join the scheme, extending the fully electric segment of deliveries.
Since the concept’s launch in June 2023, VEGA reports that over 11,000 trucks have already been moved by rail under this model. Across all rail‑based delivery chains operated under the group’s “LionXpress” services, more than 22,000 vehicles have been transported — delivering a total CO₂ reduction of roughly 10,400 tonnes.
VEGA has also begun deploying the eTrucks for additional tasks beyond MAN’s outbound logistics, including pre‑transport of trailers from producers such as KRONE and SCHMITZ to VEGA’s Rheine terminal.
As part of its long‑term ambitions, VEGA is investing over €30 million to build its own charging and solar‑power infrastructure across its ten European branches. On top of that, a further €80–100 million is allocated for converting its existing fleet to battery‑electric and hydrogen‑powered vehicles. VEGA has also acquired a stake in a Germany‑based company focused on green hydrogen production.
This transport model combines rail freight for the long haul with zero‑emission trucks for final delivery, covering the full logistics chain from factory to customer.
