Andrew O'Brooks has been appointed as the new MAN Truck & Bus South Africa (SA) MD.

O’Brooks brings to South Africa more than four decades of international experience in the commercial vehicle industry.

Most recently, he served as MD of MAN Truck & Bus Trading China, as well as the head of Cluster Greater China within the MAN group.

“My vision is to lead MAN Truck & Bus SA into its next chapter by building on our employee confidence, redefining our market promise and fostering a culture where every challenge strengthens our competitive edge, while never losing sight of customer success,” says O’Brooks.

“MAN Truck & Bus SA is a business with immense potential, resilient people and an accelerating industrial transformation.

“I believe we have more than an equal opportunity not just to participate, but to lead in shaping the future of mobility across Southern Africa.”

O'Brooks believes MAN's future success will depend on understanding the evolving needs of customers across South Africa and neighbouring markets while maintaining the highest standards of product quality, service excellence and customer support.

He believes sustainable growth will be driven by empowered employees, strong leadership and a relentless focus on customer success.

“Customers pay our salaries. They choose MAN because of our people, our attitude and the service we deliver every day. That is what will define our success.”

The German truck and bus maker says South Africa remains one of Africa's most strategically important commercial vehicle markets, serving as a gateway for regional trade and logistics across the continent.

“The heavy commercial vehicle sector continues to experience intense competition among established global manufacturers, while the emergence of new international brands is reshaping the competitive landscape and providing customers with greater choice than ever before.

“In this environment, success is determined by far more than the quality of a product.

“Strong customer partnerships, responsive after-sales support, operational excellence, resilient supply chains and trusted leadership have become key differentiators.

“Rather than responding to these market dynamics by reducing its ambitions, MAN Truck & Bus SA is investing in experienced leadership to position the business for long-term, sustainable growth,” notes the company.

Former MAN Truck & Bus SA MD Jan Aichinger has assumed the role of MAN Hungary MD.