A group of express bus operators from Malaysia and Singapore recently visited MAN’s facilities in Germany and Türkiye, gaining a closer look at the commercial vehicle manufacturer’s engineering capabilities, production processes and latest mobility technologies. The seven-day programme included visits to MAN’s headquarters in Munich, its manufacturing facility in Nuremberg and its bus and coach production plant in Ankara, Türkiye. The initiative was designed to give existing customers a better understanding of the technologies, manufacturing standards and support systems behind MAN’s buses and coaches.
Throughout the visit, the delegation attended technical presentations, toured production facilities and engaged directly with MAN’s senior management and technical specialists. Topics covered included safety systems for drivers, passengers and pedestrians, digital connectivity, fleet management solutions, battery-electric bus technology and emerging mobility concepts. For operators who have already invested in MAN coaches, the programme also provided an opportunity to understand the engineering and manufacturing processes behind their vehicles, as well as the aftersales support available to help maintain their fleets.
Anvar Kasimov, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia), said the visit served as a platform for both customer engagement and the exchange of feedback between operators and the company’s sales and engineering teams. He added that the discussions would provide useful input for MAN’s continued development in the Asian market, allowing the company to better understand the operational requirements and expectations of regional customers.
Meanwhile, MAN Malaysia Managing Director Marc Appelt said the initiative reflected the company’s approach to building long-term customer relationships through direct engagement, transparency and dependable support. He highlighted MAN’s focus on combining performance, passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, reliability and sustainability with aftersales services and predictable operating costs.
Appelt also noted that more Malaysian bus operators were recognising the value of MAN’s products and services. By allowing customers to see its facilities and technologies first-hand, the company aims to strengthen their confidence in its vehicles and demonstrate how its solutions can support their businesses over the long term.
For Pancaran Matahari Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman Mohd Kaharuddin bin Salleh, the visit reinforced his confidence in the brand, particularly through the opportunity to witness its manufacturing capabilities in person. He identified the Ankara facility as a highlight of the programme, where he was able to observe the production processes and test-drive several of the buses manufactured there.
The experience gave him a better appreciation of the engineering and technology involved in building MAN vehicles, beyond what customers typically see when purchasing or operating a coach. As competition and operational demands continue to shape the express bus industry, factors such as vehicle reliability, operating costs, passenger safety and aftersales support remain important considerations for fleet operators. Direct engagement with manufacturers can also help operators better assess the technologies and support available to meet their business needs.
For MAN, the visit provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with customers in Malaysia and Singapore while gathering feedback that could help inform its future product and service development in the region. More information about MAN’s bus and coach chassis for the Malaysian market is available at www.man.com.my.
