The German company said it has taken the decision due to “intense cost and price pressures” from growing Asian competition.

The German manufacturer says the order for 27 battery electric buses from Ledermair is the largest order for electric buses the company has received thus far from a private operator in Austria.

Though the powertrain comes from SuperPanther, Steyr Automotive says the eTopas truck was “co-created” by the two companies for the European market.

The order is made up of 550 Crossway (10 and 12 metre) and 350 Crossway LE buses, set to be delivered by the end of 2028. ÖBB Postbus already has 1300 Crossway buses in its fleet.

The deal is subject to approval: if permitted by the antitrust authorities, Krone will make use of Schwarzmüller’s sales and manufacturing footprint to extend its market presence in Europe and expand its distribution capacity.

Carese is to take over responsibilities for the cabin frame modules commencing April 15th, replacing Aethra Automotive Systems (which file for bankruptcy), absorbing its activities and also its employees.

He takes over from Chief Operating Officer Thomas Biringer, who led Schwarzmüller on an interim basis after the resignation of former CEO Roland Hartwig in 2023.

CaetanoBus to supply 10 H2.City Gold electric hydrogen-powered buses to Austrian public transport operator Wiener Linien.

The total number of city buses with alternative drivelines in European Union 27 countries plus the UK, Norway (NO), Iceland (ICE) and Switzerland (EU 27+4) totalled 13,466 units  comprising 6,354 electric buses (excludes trolley buses), 4,022 hybrid-electric buses, 2,883 CNG buses and 207, hydrogen (fuel cell) buses.

Krone has teamed up with Austrian logistics company LKW Walter, to introduce access to electronic consignment notes (eCMR) on its trailers. Krone has equipped LKW trailers with a QR code, which gives access to the eCMR. The QR code can be scanned on a smartphone (smart device) through the Krone Smart Assistant ap

Daniela Lorenzer was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer in October 2023 and Maik Spindler was appointed Chief Sales Officer in January 2024.

Schwarzmüller cited increasing materials and energy costs, and “an unsteady market environment”, as factors which contributed to the lower sales figures in 2023.