Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Rolls-Royce Holdings' power-systems business, supplying MTU-branded engines, propulsion equipment, generator systems, and distributed-energy solutions.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
Rolls-Royce Power Systems is a Germany-based industrial company and subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Holdings. Headquartered in Friedrichshafen, the business develops and manufactures high- and medium-speed engines, propulsion systems, generator sets, and integrated energy solutions for marine, power-generation, rail, defense, and other specialized industrial applications. Its best-known commercial identity is MTU, the historic Friedrichshafen engine business that became the core of the modern organization. The company was created in the aftermath of the 2005 separation of several DaimlerChrysler Powersystems Off-Highway activities. Private-equity fund EQT acquired the relevant divisions in late 2005, creating the corporate group that subsequently operated under the Tognum name. Tognum became a publicly traded company in 2007, listing in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Daimler retained a significant relationship with the business and acquired EQT's remaining minority interest in 2008. In 2011, Rolls-Royce Holdings and Daimler jointly pursued Tognum in a tender offer valued at approximately €3.4 billion. Following shareholder acceptance, the transaction was completed in September 2011. Tognum operated as a 50:50 joint venture between the two companies, and Rolls-Royce contributed its Bergen Marine diesel-engine business to the combined operation. In January 2014, the company adopted the Rolls-Royce Power Systems name. Rolls-Royce subsequently agreed to acquire Daimler's remaining half, completing the transition to wholly owned subsidiary status. Daimler continued to supply certain engines under long-term agreements, while Rolls-Royce later sold the smaller-engine division derived from Daimler's on-highway commercial-vehicle range to Deutz in 2024. The portfolio spans propulsion and power equipment rather than consumer products. MTU engines are used in commercial and naval vessels, yachts, locomotives, emergency and standby generator systems, and distributed-energy installations. The wider business has also included Bergen Engines, L'Orange fuel-injection technology, MTU Onsite Energy generator systems, regional MTU organizations, and other specialized operating activities. Its systems are designed for applications where reliability, power density, emissions compliance, and lifecycle service are important. Rolls-Royce Power Systems serves customers through equipment sales, engineering, project integration, maintenance, parts, and service networks. Its activities extend across marine propulsion, decentralized and backup power, rail, defense, and industrial energy infrastructure. The company’s positioning combines the engineering heritage of MTU and Bergen with Rolls-Royce’s broader aerospace and industrial brand architecture. It remains an active operating business within Rolls-Royce Holdings, with its products marketed internationally under several established technical and regional brands.
History
Rolls-Royce Power Systems developed from the off-highway engine activities historically associated with MTU Friedrichshafen and related Daimler businesses. Before the creation of the modern group, MTU Friedrichshafen formed part of DaimlerChrysler Powersystems Off-Highway. The Friedrichshafen operation carried the legacy of German engine manufacturing associated with MTU and became the central industrial asset around which the later power-systems company was built. In late 2005, private-equity fund EQT IV acquired several of DaimlerChrysler's off-highway divisions. The transaction created a new corporate group whose operating units were intended to retain considerable independence while adopting a common corporate identity. The resulting company became known as Tognum AG. Its activities covered engines and systems for marine propulsion, power generation, rail, and defense, together with related component and service operations. Tognum entered the public markets on 2 July 2007, when its shares began trading in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. EQT initially retained a minority holding of 22.3 percent. In April 2008, that interest was sold to Daimler AG, strengthening Daimler's continuing connection with the business while leaving Tognum as a separately traded company. A major change came in 2011. Rolls-Royce Holdings and Daimler jointly launched a tender offer for Tognum in March. The offer, valued at about €3.4 billion, received acceptance from approximately 94 percent of shareholders by June. The acquisition was completed in September, after which Tognum operated as a 50:50 joint venture. Rolls-Royce contributed its Bergen Marine diesel-engine unit to the venture, broadening the combined company's marine portfolio and geographic reach. The partnership structure changed again in 2014. In January, Tognum was renamed Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, aligning the corporate identity with Rolls-Royce while continuing to market important products under the MTU and Bergen names. In March, Rolls-Royce confirmed its intention to acquire Daimler's remaining half of the joint venture. The transaction was financed through a combination of cash and borrowing, with Rolls-Royce paying Daimler approximately £1.9 billion, or €2.3 billion, for its stake. Daimler continued to supply certain engines under long-term agreements, including arrangements extending to 2025, because some smaller MTU engines were based on Daimler commercial-vehicle engine designs. The business has operated through a portfolio of brands and units. MTU Friedrichshafen remains the principal engine and propulsion identity, while MTU Onsite Energy has supplied diesel- and gas-based generator systems for standby and distributed power. Bergen Engines contributes marine and power-generation engines, and L'Orange is associated with fuel-injection technology. Regional organizations such as MTU America and distributor networks support international sales and service. The company has also participated in joint ventures and local industrial arrangements, including an MTU-related venture with Transmashholding in Russia. Rolls-Royce Power Systems' markets are characterized by technically demanding applications in which equipment reliability and service availability are critical. Its engines and systems power vessels, locomotives, emergency generators, data and communications facilities, industrial sites, and defense platforms. The company therefore competes not only through engine performance but also through integration, controls, maintenance, parts, and long-term customer support. In 2024, Rolls-Royce completed the sale of the smaller-engine division to Deutz, narrowing the portfolio around larger and more specialized power-system activities. The company remains an active subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Holdings.
- 2024
Smaller-engine division sold to Deutz
[1]Rolls-Royce completed the sale of the smaller-engine division to Deutz.
- 2014
Corporate name changes to Rolls-Royce Power Systems
[1]Tognum AG adopted the Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG name.
- 2014
Rolls-Royce moves toward full ownership
[1]Rolls-Royce confirmed the purchase of Daimler's remaining 50 percent stake in the joint venture.
- 2011
Joint acquisition by Rolls-Royce and Daimler
[1]The two companies completed their acquisition of Tognum, which became a 50:50 joint venture and incorporated Rolls-Royce's Bergen Marine diesel-engine unit.
- 2008
Daimler acquires EQT's minority interest
[1]Daimler acquired EQT's remaining 22.3 percent interest in Tognum.
- 2007
Tognum becomes publicly listed
[1]Tognum began trading in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
- 2005
EQT forms the Tognum predecessor
[1]EQT IV acquired several DaimlerChrysler Powersystems Off-Highway divisions, creating the corporate predecessor of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
Products and positioning
A global supplier of high-performance engines, propulsion systems, generator sets, and integrated energy solutions for critical industrial, marine, rail, defense, and distributed-power applications.
Diesel and gas engines
MTU engine systems
MTU is the principal product identity of the business. Its engines are used in marine propulsion, locomotive power, emergency and standby generation, industrial installations, and defense equipment. The portfolio emphasizes high power density, reliability, controllability, and serviceability for applications where engine failure can disrupt transport, infrastructure, or mission-critical operations.
Marine propulsion
MTU marine propulsion systems
MTU marine offerings combine engines with propulsion, control, and integration capabilities for commercial vessels, yachts, workboats, and naval applications. The systems are intended to provide dependable propulsion across demanding duty cycles and can be supported by installation engineering, diagnostics, maintenance, and lifecycle service.
Generator systems and distributed energy
MTU Onsite Energy
MTU Onsite Energy provides diesel- and gas-based generator systems for emergency, standby, prime, and distributed-power requirements. Installations can support communications facilities, commercial buildings, industrial sites, and other locations requiring continuity of electricity. The offering includes generator equipment and associated transfer, control, and service capabilities.
Marine and power-generation engines
Bergen Engines
Bergen Engines is a marine and power-generation engine business that became part of the Rolls-Royce Power Systems structure when Rolls-Royce contributed its Bergen Marine diesel-engine unit to the Tognum joint venture in 2011. Bergen engine families have included B-, C-, and K-series products for marine and reciprocating-power applications.
Engine components
L'Orange fuel-injection systems
L'Orange contributes specialized fuel-injection technology and engine components to the wider power-systems portfolio. Such systems support combustion control, emissions performance, and the efficient operation of large diesel engines used in marine, power-generation, and industrial applications.
Brand decisions
2024
Sale of the smaller-engine division to DeutzM&ABackground
The smaller-engine division included products derived from Daimler's on-highway commercial-vehicle diesel-engine range.
Action taken
Rolls-Royce completed the sale of the division to Deutz.
Aftermath
The transaction narrowed the portfolio around the larger and more specialized power-systems activities.
2014
Rebrand from Tognum to Rolls-Royce Power SystemsStrategyBackground
The joint venture was being integrated more closely with Rolls-Royce while continuing to operate established product brands such as MTU and Bergen.
Action taken
The corporate entity changed its name from Tognum AG to Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.
Aftermath
The company retained its specialist operating brands while gaining a direct corporate association with Rolls-Royce Holdings.
2014
Acquisition of Daimler's remaining stakeM&ABackground
After operating the business as a 50:50 joint venture, Rolls-Royce decided to consolidate full ownership of the power-systems company.
Action taken
Rolls-Royce agreed to buy Daimler's 50 percent interest for approximately £1.9 billion, or €2.3 billion, using cash and borrowing.
Aftermath
Rolls-Royce became the sole owner, while Daimler continued supplying certain engines under long-term agreements.
Purchase price for Daimler's 50% stake. Approximately £1.9 billion (approximately €2.3 billion) (2014 transaction)
2011
Joint tender offer for TognumM&ABackground
Rolls-Royce and Daimler sought to combine their interests in a major supplier of off-highway engines and power systems.
Action taken
They launched a joint tender offer valued at approximately €3.4 billion. About 94 percent of Tognum shareholders accepted the offer, and the acquisition was completed in September 2011.
Aftermath
Tognum became a 50:50 joint venture, and Rolls-Royce added its Bergen Marine diesel-engine business to the operation.
Recent events
- 2024
Rolls-Royce sells smaller-engine division to Deutz[1]
M&A
Rolls-Royce completed the sale of its smaller engine division, whose products were derived from Daimler commercial-vehicle diesel engines, to Deutz.
- 2014
Tognum adopts the Rolls-Royce Power Systems name[1]
Leadership change
The company changed its corporate name from Tognum AG to Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.
- 2014
Rolls-Royce agrees to acquire Daimler's remaining stake[1]
M&A
Rolls-Royce confirmed plans to purchase Daimler's 50% interest, making Power Systems a wholly owned Rolls-Royce business after completion.
- 2011
Tognum becomes a 50:50 Rolls-Royce–Daimler joint venture[1]
M&A
The acquisition was completed and Tognum became jointly operated by Rolls-Royce and Daimler, with Rolls-Royce adding its Bergen Marine diesel-engine business.
- 2007
Tognum lists on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange[1]
Other
Tognum became publicly traded in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
- 2005
EQT creates Tognum from DaimlerChrysler off-highway activities[1]
M&A · Other
Private-equity fund EQT acquired several DaimlerChrysler Powersystems Off-Highway divisions, establishing the corporate predecessor of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
Sources5 sources
- 1Rolls-Royce Power Systemsen.wikipedia.org
- 2罗尔斯-罗伊斯与伟能集团扩大发电领域合作，为其提供MTU燃气发电机组finance.sina.com.cn
- 3Gienanth receives the Rolls-Royce Power Systems alias MTU Supplier Award for the fourth time in a rowfoundry-planet.com
- 4Rolls-Royce Introduces Pioneering Emissions-Free MTU Fuel Cell Systemautoevolution.com
- 5Rolls-Royce Power Systems acquires Belgian UPS company Kinoltdatacenterdynamics.com
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