Great 2021
Oliver Klein, managing director of MAN Automotive SA, says 2021 was a very good year for the company. “2021 was a big year for us in South Africa. We launched our new truck to the market in October and I am very happy with how we performed overall in the truck, bus and TopUsed divisions,” he comments.
Philip Kalil-Zackey, head of truck sales and product, concurs. “The new model was long overdue, and the launch was an absolute success! The feedback from customers and drivers has been very positive,” he reveals.
Prospects for 2022
Naturally, they’re hoping for an equally (if not more) successful 2022. Klein says it is hard to predict what will happen in the market in general. “It is very difficult to say at this stage. The feedback from customers is very positive but a lot depends on vehicle availability on all fronts, the awarding of contracts in the bus and coach segment and the overall growth in all segments of the commercial vehicle market. Having said this, we’re expecting growth in the bus and coach segment and the 6x4 long haul segment,” he says.
MAN Automotive SA intends capitalising on this growth. “We’re expecting to perform even better than we did in 2021 in all areas. This includes sales, customer service and MAN Financial Services. One of the reasons for our success will be customer proximity; we listen to our customers, and we believe that this is a big key to our overall success in the market,” reveals Kalil-Zackey.
Strong dealer network
Another factor that should contribute to the success of MAN Automotive SA this year (and indeed all future years too) is its strong dealer network. “In addition to our top-quality products, best suited to our customers’ needs, excellent TCO and in-house bus and coach facility in South Africa (meaning we offer a one-stop shop), we have a vast dealer network. We have very strong network representation not only in South Africa but across the neighbouring countries as well. We are well represented in all major routes, towns and cities. At the same time, we are finalizing a project to strengthen our network coverage by closing two identified white spots mainly in the coastal region as part of our network strategy.
“Our network is fully equipped to support our full range of products including the new TG3. We offer customised service plans designed to give our customers peace of mind, making it seamless and convenient to maintain their vehicles in our extensive dealer network, with high-quality workmanship delivered through our well-qualified technicians using original MAN parts protected under our two-year warranty. Our network plays a critical role in facilitating our uptime commitment to customers, supported by a highly professional Mobile 24 Emergency Response customer assistance service with guaranteed cross-border support,” says Klein.
Limited edition products coming
Vans are a very important part of MAN’s global business. Last year, global van volumes rose by 26% to over 22,000 units, continuing its van success story that began in 2016. This is a 50% increase over 2019! Alas, there are still no current plans to bring the TGE to South Africa. “This could change in the coming years once supply numbers stabilise in this segment,” comments Kalil-Zackey.
Thus, MAN Automotive SA will focus on selling its trucks, buses and coaches this year. However, there will be some significant additions to the local range. “Our 60th anniversary in South Africa is a major milestone for us and we will be introducing some limited edition products to celebrate our diamond anniversary. More details will become apparent closer to launch,” says Klein. A new bus range will also be introduced later in 2022 (probably around the third quarter).
While the product range will change, one thing will remain constant: customer focus. “We need to ensure that we work on our weaknesses and build on our strengths. Most importantly we need to listen to what our customers want. If we can do this, there is no stopping us!” concludes Klein. We have no doubt that the MAN Automotive SA team will do exactly that.
