DEUTZ AG, a global provider of drive technology, has acquired the Dutch company Urban Mobility Systems B.V. (UMS). The acquisition fits within Deutz's strategic direction to further expand its market position in sustainable drives for off-highway applications. With this move, the group takes an important step towards scaling up and industrialising battery-electric technologies.
Strategic expansion in alternative drivelines
By acquiring 100% of the shares in UMS and its holding company, Deutz gains direct access to high-quality technology and a solid customer base in the electric drives segment. UMS, based in the Netherlands, has in recent years developed into an innovation leader in the field of electric retrofit solutions for heavy equipment such as excavators, cranes and wheel loaders.
UMS generated revenue of around €10 million in 2024, and the company expects strong growth in its order volume for 2025, partly thanks to long-term contracts with leading OEMs in Europe.
Accelerating industrialisation and expanding the customer base
According to Deutz CEO Dr. Sebastian C. Schulte, the acquisition is a logical next step within the so-called Dual+ strategy, which focuses on both the further development of combustion engines and the transition to climate-friendly alternatives. "Thanks to this acquisition, we can accelerate the electrification of larger off-highway machines. At the same time, we strengthen our role in the global consolidation of alternative drives," said Schulte.
Bert Van Hasselt, CEO of Deutz's New Technology segment, also emphasises the importance of scalability. "With our expertise in large-scale assembly and the Deutz production network in Germany, we can bring UMS's innovative solutions to market not only faster, but also more cost-efficiently."
Easy integration thanks to modular kits
One of the distinguishing features of UMS is the modular design of their electric drive sets, which can be integrated into existing machines without extensive modifications. Thanks to interchangeable battery units, excavators, for example, can be electrified in a smart way, with the battery taking the place of the counterweight. Battery swaps are possible within ten minutes, dramatically reducing downtime.
Moreover, the UMS solutions enable hybrid integrations, in which the electric drive is combined with compact Deutz combustion engines – a technology that is particularly interesting for applications in construction and agriculture.
New opportunities in the defence sector
The collaboration also opens doors in the defence sector. Feasibility studies have already begun for the electrification of military vehicles such as the Bushmaster. The low noise output of electric drives offers tactical advantages in specific operations.
UMS founder and CTO Lars Kool sees Deutz as the ideal partner to enter the next phase of growth. "Deutz brings more than 160 years of production experience and has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. That combination makes it possible to automate and scale battery assembly and e-kit production for mass production," said Kool.
About DEUTZ
Deutz AG, founded in 1864 in Cologne, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of innovative drive technologies. The company focuses on both classic combustion engines and sustainable alternatives such as battery systems and hydrogen engines. With the integration of UMS, Deutz expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the energy transition within the international manufacturing industry.