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The ADtranz low floor tram was introduced in the 1990s as the world's first tram with a completely low floor design.[citation needed] This tram was developed by MAN for the Bremen urban transport system. The prototype, tram number 3801, was first publicly introduced on 9 February 1990. From 1991 to 1993, it was being tested in many European cities. Ten German cities have purchased this type. Adtranz took over the rail division of MAN in 1990.
The naming scheme is GTxN/M/S/K from German Gelenk-Triebwagen (articulated propelled railcar) with x axles for a specific gauge (Normalspur - standard gauge, Meterspur - meter gauge, Schmalspur - narrow gauge, Kapspur - cape gauge). Delivered models include the standard-gauge version that was named GT6N or GT8N and the metre-gauge version that was called GT6M.
Adtranz low floor trams come in lengths of three or four modules, all of which are approximately the same length. Under each module lies a bogie; the low floor, however, constrains the bogie's movement. Two of the axles are mechanically linked to the bogie truck by means of a universal joint. Characteristic of this tram is its ability to follow curves, which requires a special track layout. This occurs when the first or last module drives through a curve and drags the other two modules (which are on the straight) after it.