MAN’s Drees: People must be at the heart of road transport
Visit to Oman marks Drees’ second visit in the Middle East this year
MAN Truck & Bus is taking a leading role in creating a greener transport industry while ensuring that people remain at its centre despite advances in autonomous technology, says Joachim Drees, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus.
Drees featured alongside 60 speakers including ministers, CEOs and thought leaders at the event in Oman’s capital city Muscat during November. With over 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries attending the Congress, discussions centred around themes such as automation, innovation and trade connectivity.
Appearing alongside Steffen Bilger, State Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Germany and Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications for Oman, Drees said that as a manufacturer of trucks and buses, it is MAN’s responsibility to provide the right transport solutions to its customers.
“And this is why we have a very clear e-mobility roadmap in place. Additionally, MAN is taking a leading role in the automatisation and digitalisation of commercial vehicles to make our customers’ business operations simpler, more profitable,” he added.
“We are delighted to be a part of the inaugural edition of the IRU World Congress series. This is a unique opportunity to initiate a dialogue not only focus on CO2 emissions, a colossal challenge for our industry and countries, but also address the importance of placing a focus on the people at the heart of the road transport industry.”
MAN Truck & Bus has committed to more sustainable practices and recently unveiled a fully-electric version of the instantly recognisable MAN Lion’s City bus, the low floor, low entry public transportation bus. The fully electric version can sustain a range of up to 270km and can be charged in just three hours. In addition, it introduced electric eTGE van at the recent IAA show in Germany which offers a load capacity of up to 1.75t as well as a range of up to 160km.
Referring to the MAN’s technology development, Drees affirmed a commitment to provide complete transport solutions that simplify the life of drivers, dispatchers and carriers.
“I congratulate the organisers for orchestrating an opportunity for dialogue. More than ever, we cannot begin to lose sight of a dedication to reducing CO2 emissions. This year witnessed the introduction of CO2 standards for trucks in the EU, a region where trucks are already the most efficient in the world. It is truly a time for change.”
He added: “I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman. At the heart of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman’s geographic location best positions it as a link to trading routes between Asia, Africa and Europe. A country experiencing first-hand the vital role road transport plays in shaping the region and the wider world, it is a natural choice of host.” added Mr. Drees
This visit to Oman marks Drees’ second visit in the Middle East this year, the first being to Kuwait where he inaugurated the new 16,000sqms facility for MAN trucks located in the heart of the commercial business district of Kuwait.
