MAN Truck & Bus is to become significantly more digital, automated, and profitable in the long run, with a future focus on alternative drive systems, following extensive restructuring of the company.
MAN already offers its customers a modern product portfolio of trucks, buses, and vans. However, the commercial vehicle industry is undergoing radical change, which is why MAN is also implementing a fundamental transformation. Starting from the middle of this decade, MAN is set to become one of the leading commercial vehicle manufactures in the field of electric and hydrogen drives. In doing so, MAN is ensuring compliance with the tougher CO2 regulations introduced by the EU and upholding its commitment to remaining a sustainable and innovative company in the future.
Before it can continue investing in fields of the future like alternative drives, digitalisation, and automation, MAN has to undergo a comprehensive restructuring process. The aim of this process is to improve the company‘s results of operations in the long term. The coronavirus crisis has further exacerbated its already strained earnings position: MAN Truck & Bus reported a loss of €387 million in the first half of the year.
Current deliberations involve cutting up to 9500 jobs across all areas of the company in Germany, Austria, and worldwide. This is linked to relocating some of the development and production processes to other sites. It also means that the production site in Steyr and the modification sites in Plauen and Wittlich are up for negotiation.
“We are facing major challenges as a result of technological change – when it comes to digitalisation, automation, and alternative drives,” said MAN Truck & Bus SE CEO Andreas Tostmann. “This is why we need to restructure MAN Truck & Bus: to become a lot more innovative, digital, and profitable in the long run. In doing so, we are safeguarding our company‘s future in a rapidly changing world. The executive board will do everything in its power to make sure that MAN continues to rank among the best bus and truck manufacturers in the world. We have therefore asked the Central Works Council to accept our offer of dialogue.”
