MAN Automotive stays on top in the bus market

The MAN Automotive market leadership has prevailed year on year, with 500 buses and coaches sold into the southern African region, of which 419 units were sold into the South African Common Customs Union.

Philip Kalil-Zackey, head of bus sales at MAN, says: “MAN has remained market leader with a share of 27,4 percent, which is a market share growth of 0,4 percent in a market that declined by 11,4 percent.

“The Volkswagen (VW) Volksbus continued to gain favour in many operations, and this brand has also grown in volumes across the sub-continent. Furthermore, when we add the VW and MAN volumes together, we achieved a total market share of 37,4 percent; on par with 2016 levels.”

The MAN team is very enthusiastic about the product range that was introduced to the market in 2017; such as the RR4 chassis with model type 26.480 top-end specifications, coupled to the full luxury Neobus and Irizar imported coach bodies.

The new locally built Lion’s Explorer bus body has been added to the commuter bus offerings.

“My team and I are ready to meet the challenges that present themselves in 2018, and will continue to work to maintain the trust of our customers. Our new products will also no doubt bring additional customers into the MAN family,” Kalil-Zackey concludes.