The world's first diesel engine was invented in Augsburg, Germany in 1897 by Rudolf Diesel, the founder of MAN. The name "diesel" comes from the founder's name.
MAN is the world's most professional diesel engine manufacturer, with single units capable of up to 15,000 kW. It is a major power supplier to the ocean shipping industry. Large diesel power plants in China also rely on MAN, such as the Dongjiang Power Plant in Huizhou, Guangdong (100,000 kW). The Foshan Power Plant (80,000 kW) both use MAN units.
The world's earliest diesel engine is housed in an exhibition hall at the German National Museum.