MAN Truck & Bus Middle East closed the first quarter of 2014 with a 40% increase in sales for the truck segment.
The positive sales performance comes on the back of improved customer confidence with the transport sector becoming a key driver of growth to support ongoing economic activities and infrastructure development across the region.
Order intake for the quarter also increased by 27% giving a good outlook for the rest of the year.
Currently, the Middle East contributes 9.3% of the global sales volume of trucks (in units) compared to 6.1% in 2013. The region also contributes 7.8% of the global order intake volume of trucks (in units) compared to 6% in 2013.
David Van Graan, head of MAN Centre Middle East and vice president sales and marketing, said: “We are very pleased to report a robust performance for MAN in the Middle East for Q1 2014. In March, we recorded the highest sales since 2008, which is a clear indicator for the recovery of major economies in the Gulf such as UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
“Our team across the region has performed admirably and our customers have appreciated the innovative and diverse product range and services that MAN delivers.
“We have consistently maintained a proactive environment of close cooperation and constant communication with our customers which have enabled us to be a true transportation partner in order to ensure their success.”
Marking a strong start to 2014, MAN’s solid performance was also boosted by major orders. UAE based construction company Saif Bin Darwish took delivery of 150 heavy MAN TGS WW 40.440 6×4 tractor heads in March 2014. The order represents a volume of more than €10mn. Saif Bin Darwish is one of the major civil & infrastructure engineering companies in UAE and it has a long relationship in working with MAN.
