TAM Europe Launches Hydrogen Buses, Strengthening China-Slovenia Green Cooperation
As the morning sun illuminated the gates of Slovenia’s historic automotive hub, TAM Europe proudly unveiled its first fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses, signalling a major step forward in clean energy transport and international green collaboration.
In late October, the Slovenian manufacturer delivered dozens of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles to Seoul, South Korea, and Vienna, Austria — marking the first batch of its hydrogen buses produced under the revitalized TAM brand. This rollout represents a major milestone in TAM Europe’s ongoing mission to advance sustainable urban mobility in Europe and beyond.
Currently, TAM Europe has an annual production capacity of 500 electric commercial vehicles. During the Paris Olympic Games, the company supplied 24 electric buses to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Looking ahead, TAM Europe plans to produce around 100 hydrogen-powered vehicles annually over the next three years, further expanding its clean transport portfolio.
Founded in 1947, the Maribor Automobile Factory (TAM) was historically renowned for producing trucks, trailers, and military vehicles. Following bankruptcy in 2011 due to market changes and economic restructuring, TAM Europe was revitalized in 2013 with the infusion of Chinese investment and technology, preserving its iconic brand while transforming it into a modern green vehicle manufacturer.
The newly launched 70 MPa hydrogen fuel low-entry city bus integrates Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell system, advanced hydrogen storage tanks, and a state-of-the-art power control system, emitting only water vapor during operation. This represents a major advancement in carbon-free urban transport, supporting European cities’ decarbonization goals.
“Our breakthroughs in environmental protection and technology upgrading have been key to entering the high-end European market,” said TAM Europe CEO Ma Fuxiong. “This rollout demonstrates our sophisticated craftsmanship, lean management, and the power of cross-border collaboration in global green technology.”
“It fully embodies the forward-looking vision of Chinese capital connecting with European resources, delivering world-class innovation in sustainable urban transport,” he added.
Li Minghai, Vice President for Technology and Manufacturing at TAM Europe, emphasized the transformative impact of strategic Chinese investment: “Through technology alignment, supply chain integration, and production efficiency, this green manufacturing project has gained strong momentum in the heart of Europe.”
According to FuelCellsWorks, the rollout carries dual significance: it strengthens TAM’s role as a European hub for specialty vehicles and hydrogen technology while highlighting the synergy between Chinese capital and European industrial capabilities in the global green technology sector.
Some hydrogen fuel cell buses are now operating in Seoul and Vienna. Li Minghai noted, “Our brand recognition is growing steadily, with customers spanning Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.” TAM Europe currently employs nearly 200 local workers, providing ongoing training exchanges with its Chinese partner plants to foster knowledge transfer and technological excellence.
“This achievement is not only a company success but also a testament to win-win cooperation in green development,” Li said.
With this launch, TAM Europe positions itself at the forefront of hydrogen mobility, demonstrating how clean energy vehicles and international collaboration can drive the future of sustainable urban transport.
