Netphen, Germany – June 14–15, 2025
Over a sun-soaked weekend in mid-June, the small German town of Netphen became the bustling centre of the global historic utilitarian community, celebrating a milestone that marked the dawn of modern public transport. The event, commemorating 130 years since the world’s first motorised omnibus line, drew thousands of enthusiasts, families, and international guests — and FIVA was proudly among them, having selected the event as the FIVA World Event for Utilitarian Vehicles in 2025.
The historic route, which first connected Deuz, Netphen, and Siegen in 1895, was revived for two unforgettable days with more than 100 vintage and historic buses on display. Chief among them was a faithful replica of the Benz Patent Motor Omnibus, the three-horsepower pioneer that first traversed along these very roads at the end of the 19th century.
From early 20th-century workhorses to iconic post-war models, the festival was a rolling museum of bus design and engineering evolution. Vehicles came from across Germany and neighbouring countries, lovingly maintained and displayed by collectors, associations, and museums. Parade routes stretched nearly 40 kilometres, allowing attendees to see, hear, and even ride in these treasures of transportation history.
FIVA President Tiddo Bresters noted:
"Events like these not only celebrate engineering heritage, but also the communities and traditions that these machines helped create. The motorbus connected people and places in ways that shaped our societies — and preserving that story is core to FIVA’s mission."
The weekend was not just a nostalgic journey through time. In keeping with the dual theme of “Yesterday meets Tomorrow,” the event also showcased the future of public mobility. Along Netphen’s “Zukunftsmeile” (“Future Mile”), visitors explored exhibits on electric buses, sustainable transport solutions, and cutting-edge public transit design. It bears particular mention that many of the buses partaking in the celebration were using environmentally friendly HVO100 diesel once again proving the fact that historical vehicles can be compatible with the protection of the environment.
Stalls, local food markets, open shops, and village festivals along the original 1895 route added to the lively, inclusive atmosphere. Families, local residents, and visitors from numerous countries mingled in celebration — an embodiment of how heritage can still energise the present.
FIVA supported this Utilitarian World Event as part of its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the intangible culture of historic vehicles — not only cars and motorcycles, but also buses, trucks, and public service vehicles that shaped 20th-century life. Part of this commitment was exemplified by the issuance of two FIVA ID Cards during the event. The FIVA ID Card is an internationally recognized document affording, inter alia, verification of authenticity and traceability, the two main factors constituting the DNA of a vehicle. The first bus to be issued this document was a 1988 Neoplan N 4021, and the second was a 1967 FBW Alpenwagen “Europabus” whose certificate was presented by Jochen Thoma of the FIVA National Member the ADAC in the presence of FIVA President Tiddo Bresters. It bears mention that Johann Koenig of the ADAC provided a broad ranging presentation on the merits of the FIVA ID Card as well as how the scrutineering process takes place. Concomitantly the German Post issued commemorative stamps to recognize this truly special event.
Special stamp for the day: "FIVA ID Card for bus nr 2" on a stamp!!
As FIVA continues to champion the rights of historic vehicle users worldwide, the Netphen celebration serves as a model of what meaningful heritage engagement looks like: authentic, participatory, and forward-looking. The ability to champion this cause however, could only be made possible by the people who make it all possible. Accordngly, while it would not be possible to thank all the people who assisted and partook in this event, it would be remiss to at least not name a few, namely Konrad Auwärter, who was instrumental in bringing this event to fruition; Johannes Huebner, renown historical vehicle expert, who stood out not only for the wonderful presentations he made to the public creating awareness as to why events such as these are critical to preserving the past, but also for his role in scrutineering for the FIVA ID Card; Johann Koening of the German ANF of FIVA the ADAC whose very presence ensured a quality event; Mario De Rosa member of the FIVA Youth and Culture Commission whose breathtaking pictures preserved this event for generations to come; the FIVA Utilitarian Commission, headed by Timo Vuortio, and the commission’s tireless dedication to the protection and preservation of utilitarian vehicles (with a special thanks to Hubert Flaig for his assistance in this event) and lastly to FIVA President Tiddo Bresters whose active presence at this event symbolized the importance, dedication and commitment that FIVA affords to the global utilitarian vehicle community.
Pictures by Mario De Rosa