Past
1897: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG is at the forefront of innovation with the invention of the Diesel engine.
1915: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG, one of Europe's traditional truck manufacturers, begins producing commercial vehicles for civilian and military deployment. Since then, MAN military trucks have formed the backbone of the German army’s truck fleet. Other armies soon follow; today, MAN equips more than 44 countries with military trucks.
1937: The first real 8x8 truck is developed by MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG.
1950s: The 630 series is developed. These trucks combine mobility, reliability and a high payload in a unprecedented manner, making them extremely popular among NATO forces. Most of these trucks are still in service with many NATO members and other nations worldwide.
1970s: Development of the famous KAT 1 Alpha trucks. The mobility requirements for this truck generation demand “…a truck that can follow a main battle tank into any terrain at the same speed, fully loaded.”
Despite its current service age of 30 years, this truck frequently outperforms many of its competitors. Consequently, the KAT 1 Alpha will remain in service through the next decade.
1990s: The new generation of high mobility military trucks is the SX, which combines MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG’s military know-how and experience with the company’s most advanced technology.
Late 1990s: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG has one of the leading R&D centres for trucks, allowing its military division to draw upon the latest commercial innovations. A perfect example of this arrangement is the SX military truck with its hybrid propulsion system (diesel electric), developed in 1996.
As MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG continues to develop this technology for the commercial market, the results also flow into its military vehicles.