MAN Lion's City

The MAN Lion's City is a range of low-floor and low-entry public buses built by German truck and bus manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus (previously MAN Nutzfahrzeuge) since 1996 primarily for the European market, but is also available in chassis-only variants worldwide. The name Lion's City has been used since 2006, when MAN's public bus models which had been marketed separately were gathered into one range, when also most models received a facelift. The first models to be introduced were the 12-metre low-floor intercity bus NÜ xx3 (A20) in 1996, the 12-metre city bus NL xx3 (A21) in 1997 and the articulated NG xx3 (A23) in 1998. As with former MAN bus models the power-rating made up part of the model name, giving the NÜ-series buses with power-ratings of 260 and 310 hp model names NÜ 263 and NÜ 313 respectively. The main production sites are in Starachowice and Sady in Poland, but the models have also been built in Germany, Turkey and Malaysia. Initially most of the midibus variants were manufactured by Göppel Bus in Augsburg, later Nobitz.
Models are available with a 6-cylinder turbocharged straight engine which runs on diesel, compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. Versions with hydrogen fuel cell drive and with hydrogen internal combustion engines have been successfully tested, as well as diesel-electric hybrid drive. A production hybrid-electric version, the Lion's City Hybrid, which uses supercapacitors and two 67 kW electric motors is available since 2010. Hybrid electric buses offer increased efficiency in urban traffic and use 30% less fuel than combustion-only buses.
The latest generation of Neoplan Centroliner is based on the Lion's City (Neoplan was also part of the Neoman Bus group).
Codes inside parentheses are internal codes that identify some technical characteristics of the variants, like length/wheelbase, number of axles, floor height, width, engine arrangement and so on. Some codes are unique to one variant, while others are shared between variants. Some variants have changed from one code to another over time. These codes are sometimes mistakenly used as a model designation. One can find the codes in VINs (i.e. WMAA21...) and in vehicle production serial numbers (i.e. A210012).
The type designations were used to define all models prior to 2004. With the introduction of the model names in 2004, the system is still in use on all vehicles, but is more for internal use. In most cases it can be found on the plate inside the bus where one finds the VIN.
For example, an ND323F low-floor double-decker bus has a power output of 320 hp.
Low-floor chassis variants are offered for external bodywork by local bodywork manufacturers. Most are bodied in the local manufacturer's own styling, but some are licensed to replicate the Lion's City bodywork, usually in markets where MAN don't sell the integral variants. This includes the East Lancs Kinetec for the UK market, which only replicate the front part and Gemilang Coachworks's version of the Lion's City, replicating the whole LHD bodywork for their (usually RHD) buses sold in Asia Pacific market, including the Lion's City Hybrid bodywork mounted on conventional diesel chassis.
The MAN NLxx3F is a series of low-floor single-decker city bus chassis between 10 metre and 12 metre lengths, offered by MAN since 1998, with chassis code A22. They are based on the integral low-floor MAN NLxx3 Lion's City (A21). Available versions since launch include: NL223F, NL233F, NL243F, NL263F, NL273F, NL283F, NL313F, and NL323F. -Liquefied petroleum gas and Compressed natural gas versions are also available, with NL313F Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) being the most powerful.
EMT Madrid of Madrid, Spain received a total of 84 CNG-powered NL313F CNGs in 2008. They were bodied by Castrosua and Burillo.
In 2011, five 10.4m NL283Fs and one Hispano Area-bodied NL283F began operating in Santiago de Compostela and Buñol respectively.
Between 2011 and 2012, 13 man NL283F buses came into operation in Tcc Pamplona, of which four were bodied by Sunsundegui and the other 9 by Castrosua.
In 2017, fifteen NL323F buses came into operation in EMT Malaga, all of them bodied by Castrosua
Wrightbus initially developed a bodywork for the MAN NL273F, called the Wright Meridian. It was the first MAN chassis to be bodied by Wrightbus. A Meridian demonstrator was launched at the Coach & Bus Live 2007, which entered service with Whitelaws. Regal Busways, Newbury Buses and Diamond Bus North West each operate an handful of Wright Meridian-bodied NL273Fs across the United Kingdom.
SMRT Buses trialled an MCV Evolution bodied MAN NL323F demonstrator (SMB138Y) in 2010. In 2012, SMB138Y had its electronic compartments damaged by water. It was taken out of service, returned to the dealership (ST Kinetics), de-registered and sent for Gemilang Coachworks of Malaysia re-bodied for export to Australia. Due to unconventional Australian road standards, SMB138Y had to be rebodied with a MAN Lion's City Hybrid bodywork manufactured under license by Gemilang Coachworks. After changing registration many times, the ex-SMB138Y bus was finally registered as XQ39KQ in Australia.
Following the success of the trial, SMRT Buses announced the purchase of 200 MAN NL323F Euro V with MAN Lion's City Hybrid Bodywork manufactured and assembled in Malaysia by Gemilang Coachworks. The first of these debuted in 2011. These were followed up by orders for 202 more of such buses in 2013, and then 332 more units in 2014. Therefore a total of 734 units were purchased.
Also, certain buses have been registered with APAD (Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat/Land Public Transport Agency) in Malaysia for cross-border bus 950. SMRT had registered and reserved 20 MAN NL323F A22s as a direct replacement of Mercedes-Benz O405 (Hispano Carrocera OAC) upon the expiry of registration with APAD. In early 2022, the SBS Transit have to be APAD-registered these buses to replace Scania K230UB (Euro IV) buses. In 2027, SMRT will replace the first 20 MAN NL323F A22s with electric buses upon the expiry of lifespan with APAD.
As part of the Bus Contracting Model (BCM), some of the buses were transferred to Tower Transit, Go-Ahead and SBS Transit respectively, and some buses have been repainted into the standardized Lush Green livery. Other MAN NL323F units retained either the SMRT Buses "Stripes" livery or the SMRT Buses "Pixel" livery, both of which were inherited from the operations of SMRT Buses.
In October 2016, a MAN NL323F concept bus with 3 doors was exhibited at the Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE). Marketed as the MAN Lion's City SD 3Dr, it features a modified bodywork design based on the MAN Lion's City Hybrid, built to a low-entry configuration under license by Gemilang Coachworks. The bus was later painted into the Lush Green livery, registered SG4002G, and began a 6-month trial service with SMRT Buses from 19 June 2017, starting from bus service 190. Soon after, this bus was redeployed on 901. The bus was later taken out of service in December 2017 after its trial and parked at ST Engineering Land System's compounds. The bus was then converted to the LTA Smart Bus and exhibited during Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE) 2019 where it displayed some proof-of-concept by youths. Some features include retractable handgrip, wingless mirror, driver facial security & anti-fatigue system, bus lane violation system, contactless payments systems, interactive capacity lighting systems, auto-tinting windows and interactive touch screen windows. As part of the proof-of-concept, the engine of the bus was removed with no further road trials planned. In 2021, the bus was parked at LTA's Headquarters at Hampshire Road for static display until 2023 when it was sent for scrap.
In 2017 the Land Transport Authority of Singapore procured 250 MAN Buses of which 100 units being MAN NL323F A22 (Facelift). The 100 facelifted buses are Euro 6 compliant. They are also bodied by Gemilang Coachworks with MAN Lion's City Bodywork with both ZF and Voith Gearbox. These buses also are equipped with MAN D 2066 LUH-51 engine and features a Luminator Technology Group Electronic Display Signage (EDS) and Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS), Driver Assistance Technology, and the two wheelchair bays. These buses made their debut on 28 May 2018. together with MAN ND323F A95 Euro 6 units.
In the same year, 2017, a BSEP Euro V MAN NL323F (SMB3075A) was taken out of revenue service and was then shipped from Singapore to Turku in Finland as part of a proof of concept for retrofitting diesel buses to electric buses. The project was done with Finnish Electric Bus manufacturer, Linkker and assisted by ST Engineering. The bus had undergone extensive conversion and installation of traction system, battery system, power distribution system, vehicle control system, charging connectivity system and driver's workplace upgrade. It has since been retrofitted with overhead opportunity charging via pantograph with a secondary CCS2 plug-in charger and Linkker LinkDrive electric driveline. The bus was then redeployed back on revenue service after approximately 4 years in 2021, repainted with LTA Lush Green livery and a new number plate of SG3100M (former SMB3075A). The SG3100M was operated by SMRT Buses, deployed on routes 176 & 976 only. However, the bus was plagued by several issues and was taken out of revenue service and was back on ST Engineering's premises for repairs. After 8 months, SG3100M returned to revenue service once again in August 2023.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 20 units of NL323F were deregistered and retrofitted into dedicated COVID-19 patient transport vehicles known as COMET MAXI. This project is a collaboration between SMRT Corporation, HOPE Technik, Sheares Healthcare and Temasek Foundation. These buses were repainted into a Silver Livery and pasted with perforated vinyl stickers intended for privacy. These buses are retrofitted with airtight floor-to-ceiling partition separating the Bus Captain from rear passenger compartment featuring an emergency door for cross-compartment passage fitted with a rubber gasket and viewing windows on the partition. The buses are also installed with Negative Pressure System with HEPA Filters, ensuring clean air is filtered out from the passengers compartment, as which 2 seats are removed from the bus. Other modifications include the isolation of both cabin's air-conditioning system, differential pressure gauge and additional roof mounted aircon duct and an air-conditioning blower at the front of the dashboard. These buses were sold off to private operators in 2021 due to excess buses in the public service fleet, with modifications removed on some units. In November 2024, 2 units from A&S Transit were deregistered and scrapped because of mechanical issues that could not be fixed and it being costly to maintain.
The 12.0 metre MAN NL323 buses was manufactured by Gemilang Coachworks of Malaysia. These MAN NL323 buses was introduction into service in 2010; operated by Discovery Bay of Hong Kong. Reused the bus design Scania KUB Gemilang bodies of Malaysia. However, the 10.3 metre MAN 14.250 HOCL-NL (code A66) buses with MAN Lion's City Hybrid bodywork manufactured and assembly by Gemilang Coachworks in Malaysia, under license by MAN. The power that is fitted with being compliant Euro 5 emission standards MAN D0836 LOH-65 diesel engine. The MAN 14.250 HOCL-NL (A66) bus have been deployed introduction passenger service in since January 2018. other example two Discovery Bay MAN NL323F (A22) (Euro 6) Buses with MAN Lion's City Hybrid Facelifted Bodywork assembly in Malaysia later delivered to Hong Kong and deployment enter passenger service in 2018. the units of MAN single-decker bus was franchised bus companies Park Island, Discovery Bay Transit Services and Ocean Park.
In March 2017, MAN exhibited a 12.0m Castrosua City Versus bodied MAN NL313F CNG concept bus with three doors at the 11th Seoul Motor Show. It was marketed as the MAN Lion's City CNG, despite featuring Castrosua bodywork, which has a different design with the integral MAN Lion's City's body.
Gimpo Trans Co. received the first delivery of NL313F CNG and began service on Gimpo City bus route 1002 in November 2017.
At Brisbane Airport, Carbridge operates one imported and rebodied Gemilang Coachworks MAN NL323F from Singapore which was a demonstrator unit as SMB138Y for SMRT Buses with the MCV Evolution bodywork. This unit was displayed at the 2015 BusVic Maintenance Conference in Moonee Valley, Victoria.
Dan Bus Company and Egged operate a fleet of NL313Fs and NL323Fs in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The MAN ND313F and MAN ND363F, with the chassis code A34, is a tri-axle 12-metre chassis. A total number of 27 chassis were built between 2003 and 2006.
In 2003, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) of Hong Kong received one MAN ND313F with Neoplan Centroliner N4426 bodywork, it received fleet number APM1 and registration number LE4612, entering service later in the same year. The company later decided to choose other type of bus as the Centroliner bodywork cannot adapt Hong Kong climate, which lead to difficulties in repairing. This can be proven by their bus Neoplan Centroliner which they bought before. As a result, the bus remained unique in Kowloon Motor Bus fleet. It was retired in January 2019. Interestingly, this bus always need to stay in depot for repairing due to mechanical issues. Bus fans in Hong Kong therefore called her "Depot Officer" as nickname.
25 ND363F received Ayats coach bodywork, and were delivered to Ulsterbus of Northern Ireland in 2006.
In 2006, a 10.85 metre two-axle version was launched as the MAN ND243F and MAN ND283F, with chassis code A48.
One ND283F received an East Lancs Kinetec+ bodywork, which had a front similar to that of MAN Lion's City.
Two more ND283F test chassis were built, but no ND243F.
In 2013, a new double deck chassis based on the NLxx3F A22 series low floor single-deck chassis was launched as the MAN ND323F and MAN ND363F, with a new chassis code A95. Currently, the bodywork of all A95 buses are built by Gemilang Coachworks and are based on the licensed MAN Lion's City DD design, and is also marketed in various markets as the MAN Lion's City DD for the 12.0 m long variant and the MAN Lion's City DD L for the 12.8 m long variant. A concept bodywork design was unveiled in 2015, in the form of a 3-door bus built for Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA). Currently, a refreshed design based on the concept is being adopted on the newer buses. In addition, the Australian market buses feature a different rear end design as compared to those sold in other markets.
In November 2014, SMRT Buses was given a single MAN ND323F demonstrator (SMB5888H) for trial purposes at the manufacturer's request. Due to the Bus Contracting Model, SMB5888H was transferred to Tower Transit in 2021 after it won the contract for the Sembawang-Yishun Bus Package from SMRT Buses. Following a successful trial run, SMRT Buses ordered 16 production batch MAN ND323F A95s which were delivered between August and November 2015 with tree guards pre-installed.
In late 2015, the Land Transport Authority ordered 60 units as part of the Bus Contracting Model (BCM) order. Largely similar to the previous batch procured by SMRT Buses, these buses had some minor differences in appearance such as the tree guards. Finally, the 10 units of this batch were equipped with USB charging ports inside the interior. The first 15 buses were painted in SMRT's corporate pixel livery, while the rest featured LTA's lush green livery. All of these buses were registered between April and August 2016 and are currently assigned to SMRT Buses, Tower Transit and SBS Transit.
Also in late 2015, a 12.8 metre long custom built MAN ND323F A95 with 3 door and 2 staircases was built for the Land Transport Authority, featuring an updated concept bodywork design. Originally deployed by Tower Transit on route 143/143M in 2017, it was transferred to SBS Transit in early 2018, operating on route 7.
In September 2016, LTA ordered another 122 MAN ND323Fs which were put into service in since 2017. These buses contain similar specifications with the previous batches but with an updated bodywork design, with the first 30 units being based on the concept and the rest with an updated design. These buses were assigned to SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit and Go-Ahead, with most of the SMRT Buses-operated units replacing retiring Mercedes-Benz O405G articulated buses.
In November 2017, under a negotiated tender, the Land Transport Authority ordered 250 Euro VI MAN buses, comprising 150 MAN NL323Fs and 100 MAN ND323Fs, equipped with MAN D 2066 LUH-51 engines and minor differences to the bodywork in the previous batch. These buses were equipped with two wheelchair bays as compared to one in previous batches. An option was exercised in 2018 to procure an additional 150 MAN ND323Fs in this batch. These buses entered revenue service in May 2018 and are currently assigned to SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit and Go-Ahead for fleet additions and replacement of retiring buses.
In July 2018, a tender was awarded by LTA to ST Kinetics for the procurement of 111 MAN ND323Fs, which were delivered with subtle differences as compared to the earlier batches. These buses entered service in March 2020, with the final bus delivered in October 2021. Similarities to the previous batches, these buses are currently assigned to SBS Transit and SMRT Buses for fleet additions and replacement of retiring buses.
Following the successful trial of the three door MAN ND323F, the Land Transport Authority procured 50 production batch 3-door ND323Fs along with 50 production batch 3-door Alexander Dennis Enviro500 MMC units. These buses entered service in January 2021 with Tower Transit Singapore, SBS Transit, SMRT Buses and Go Ahead Singapore.
In August 2014, Kwoon Chung Motors Company (KCM) ordered 9 ND323Fs replacing 8 Dennis Tridents and 1 MAN 24.310. Also, KCM's subsidiary company New Lantau Bus (NLB) purchased 10 ND323Fs. They were delivered to Hong Kong in June and August 2015 respectively. Moreover, in 2017, NLB purchased 16 ND363Fs with Gemilang Lion's city DD facelift body, they were delivered to Hong Kong since November 2017 and registered since February 2018. The order has been increased to add another 13 vehicles and registered since June 2018. In 2018, NLB purchased 5 ND363Fs with Gemilang's Lion's city DD facelift body which is equivalent to the previous order and equipped with MAN D 2066 LUH-51 engine. They are being delivered to Hong Kong since February 2019.
In May 2015, an ND363F was delivered to Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) of Hong Kong and was first used during August 2015. In October 2015, KMB placed an order for 20 ND323Fs with Gemilang Lion's City DD body. In 2017, KMB ordered one ND323F with Gemilang self-build body and equipped with Navaho LCD display.
New World First Bus also ordered a 12.8m long ND323F A95.
New China Lane Travel, To Yo Travel and Goldspark Hong Kong Tours have also ordered ND323F A95s in open top form.
Discovery Bay Transit Services (DBTSL) from Discovery Bay placed an order of four ND323F A95s in 2016 and delivered in June 2017. They were registered in late June and mid-July 2017. In 2019, DBTSL ordered two ND323F A95s equipped with MAN D 2066 LUH-51 engine and delivered in January and February 2020. Two new buses were registered and operated in July 2020.
HZMB bus operator has ordered 20 ND363Fs with 4.2m height variant and delivered in 2018. In 2019, HZMB bus operator has ordered 40 ND323Fs with 4.2m height variant and MAN D 2066 LUH-51 engine. These buses are delivered since April 2019.
In 2017, State Transit purchased 41 Gemilang Coachworks bodied MAN A95s for its Sydney B-Line service. In 2019,Forest Coach Lines purchased 6 Gemilang Coachworks bodied MAN A95s.
In 2019, RTA (Dubai) ordered 70 Gemilang bodied MAN A95s. This is the first order of the A95 in left-hand drive configuration.
The MAN NG363F, with the chassis code A24, is a tri-axle 17.98 metre chassis. Which is a low-floor articulated city bus with similar diesel powertrain to MAN NL323F (A22) and MAN ND323F / ND363F (A95). Where the engine and transmission units are mounted longitudinally on the rear left of the vehicle.
In 2013, SMRT Buses received a MAN NG363F A24 prototype unit, SMB388S, for testing and evaluation from the local MAN's dealer, ST Kinetics. The chassis was built in Germany and later assembly in Gemilang Coachworks of Malaysia. On 18 April 2013, the bus was deployed on Service 190 making its debut as the first new articulated bus brought in by SMRT Buses after the re-branding, and the first low floor layout and wheelchair accessible bendy bus (WAB) in Singapore. This bus is currently operated by SMRT Buses, being the only bendy bus in Singapore to be registered with the SMRT Buses stripe livery.
Following the successful evaluation of SMB388S, SMRT Buses announced in April 2014 they would be acquiring an additional 39 units to replace the retiring Mercedes-Benz O405G articulated buses. The production batch of NG363F A24 was delivered in 2015, built and bodied in Malaysia by Gemilang Coachworks, and debuted in May that year.
As part of the Bus Contracting Model (BCM), some of the buses were transferred to SBS Transit and Tower Transit Singapore under the Seletar and Sembawang-Yishun Bus Packages respectively. SBS Transit MAN A24 units were restricted to deployment on certain Yishun feeder routes (800, 804, 806, 807, 811).
As of SMRT's last purchase of the MAN NG363F A24, the Land Transport Authority of Singapore has no new or upcoming plans to acquire any articulated buses because articulated buses occupy more space, as compared to Double Decker buses which are able to carry more passengers with less space occupied.