MAN’s Big Plans for Iran

MAN has detailed plans to become one of the top three automotive companies specialized in commercial vehicles in Iran’s market, said a member of the board of directors of the German company.

Heinz-Jurgen Low added that MAN has reentered Iran’s market with higher quality products and stronger solutions at more affordable prices, local automotive website Persian Khodro reported.

“In addition to the buses that we are currently producing in Iran, we also plan to manufacture MAN trucks here, he said.

Based in Germany, MAN is one of the leading international manufacturers of commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses. The company participated in the 14th Exhibition of Transportation and Urban Services in Tehran. The event was held on October 17-30 at Tehran’s International Fairground.   

Franz Freiherr von Redwitz, the managing director of MAN, said the company is excited to be returning to Iran.

“We intend to bring a range of strong products that are equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies. With a futuristic approach, we will be providing the best services possible in Iran,” he said.

“The engines we make are fuel-efficient and increase productivity and improve the driving experience. They are made in line with the latest environmental standards and certify safety.”

Von Redwitz said local partners will improve MAN’s understanding of the market across Iran.

“We hope to play a central role in forming the future of transportation in Iran. Iran is looking for investors to revamp trades and the auto industry, and MAN is also eager to help improve and develop the economic infrastructures in Iran to this end,” he said.

He noted that MAN is a customer-oriented company and when it gets to after-sales services, “our most important principle is to deliver high-quality solutions to customers”.

The managing director added that MAN is eager to provide the needed support to Iran’s economy, specifically the transportation industry.

“We hope to see Iran’s transportation move to a new chapter, that is sustainable urban transport. We are looking to change the landscape for transport in Iran and will help Iran in manufacturing eco-friendly and cost-efficient buses,” he said.     

Mohammad Ali Karimi, CEO of Yavaran Khodro Shargh, the Iranian company importing and assembling MAN buses, noted that his company plans to produce 100 buses annually in Iran by the yearend (March 20, 2017), alongside MAN buses powered by natural gas.

Karimi added that 50% of the parts used for manufacturing MAN buses are made in Iran.

“The buses are priced at 7.2 billion rials ($206,000), 60% of which are received as down payment and the rest is paid in installments,” he said.

Saeed Ramezan, CEO of Shiran Diesel Motor, the official representative of MAN trucks in Iran, said the return of MAN will allow for a renovation of the trade sector. He added that we will support MAN by providing the expertise and backup needed so that the company’s strategic goals can be attained in Iran.

Hadi Zamani, MAN’s regional director, noted that MAN has unveiled a city bus named Lion City in the exhibition, which was the world’s top bus in 2015.

“The model is to be tested by the municipality. The natural gas burning model will be sold in Iran, which complies with Euro 6 emission standards,” he said.

The company also showcased a range of hauler trucks, namely the TGS and TGX models. Nearly 20 of the company’s top executives attended the exhibition in Tehran.