TAM's production line of electric buses for the needs of the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is pictured in Maribor, Slovenia, on June 14, 2024. TAM, a leading bus and commercial vehicle producer in Slovenia, is experiencing a significant revival after its acquisition by China. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

TAM Europe currently has an annual production capacity of 500 electric commercial vehicles. Over the next three years, it plans to produce around 100 hydrogen-powered vehicles annually.

As the morning light gilded the gates of Slovenia's pillar automaker on the outskirts of Maribor, the country's second-largest city, brand-new hydrogen fuel cell buses slowly rolled out of TAM Europe, marking the official rollout of the company's latest clean-energy vehicles.

In late October, dozens of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles were delivered from TAM Europe to Seoul, South Korea, and Vienna, Austria, the first batch of hydrogen-powered buses produced by the Slovenian manufacturer.

The company currently has an annual production capacity of 500 electric commercial vehicles. During the Paris Olympic Games, TAM Europe supplied 24 electric buses to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Over the next three years, it plans to produce around 100 hydrogen-powered vehicles annually

This photo taken on June 14, 2024 shows an external view of TAM in Maribor, Slovenia. TAM, a leading bus and commercial vehicle producer in Slovenia, is experiencing a significant revival after its acquisition by China. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

Founded in 1947, the Maribor Automobile Factory (TAM) was once renowned for producing trucks, trailers, and military vehicles. However, severe challenges amid market changes and economic restructuring eventually forced the company into bankruptcy in 2011.

After the infusion of Chinese investment and technology, production resumed in 2013, and the company retained its original brand. Year by year, TAM Europe has regained its vitality and reemerged as an active player on the European manufacturing stage. It has become a driving force in advancing green and sustainable urban transport through its hydrogen and electric buses.

The newly launched 70 MPa hydrogen fuel low-entry city bus marks another milestone in TAM's new energy production line. The model integrates Hyundai's hydrogen fuel cell system, hydrogen storage tanks, and power control system. Emitting only water vapor during operation, it marked a major step forward in the decarbonization of urban mobility.

"Our breakthroughs in environmental protection and technology upgrading have been key to our entry into the high-end European market," said TAM Europe CEO Ma Fuxiong, adding that the rollout demonstrates the factory's sophisticated craftsmanship and lean management in complex new energy assembly.

A TAM worker works on the production line of electric buses for the needs of the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in Maribor, Slovenia, on June 14, 2024. TAM, a leading bus and commercial vehicle producer in Slovenia, is experiencing a significant revival after its acquisition by China. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

"It fully embodies the forward-looking layout and strong cross-border collaboration driven by Chinese capital in global green technology and high-end manufacturing - a vivid example of how 'Chinese wisdom' connects with global resources," Ma added.

Li Minghai, vice president for technology and manufacturing at TAM, highlighted the transformation brought by Chinese investment. He said that through strategic investment and resource integration, this green manufacturing project has gained strong momentum in the heart of Europe.

"It ensures efficiency at every stage - from technology alignment and supply chain management to production implementation," Li said.

FuelCellsWorks, a professional platform for the hydrogen and fuel cell sector, analyzed in an article that the successful rollout carries dual significance: it consolidates TAM's position as a European hub for specialty vehicles and new energy manufacturing, while also exemplifying the deep integration and synergy between Chinese capital and European industrial capabilities in green technology.

TAM workers work on the production line of electric buses for the needs of the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in Maribor, Slovenia, on June 14, 2024. TAM, a leading bus and commercial vehicle producer in Slovenia, is experiencing a significant revival after its acquisition by China. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua)

Some hydrogen fuel cell buses have entered operation in Seoul and Vienna. Li said, "Our brand recognition is growing steadily, with customers now across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East."

At present, the company employs nearly 200 local workers. It regularly sends local employees to its plant in China to learn new technologies, while Chinese technicians also visit the Slovenian plant to provide on-site guidance.

"This is not only the success of a company but also a testament to win-win cooperation in green development," Li added.