MAN ups stake in JV with Force Motors

Munich-based MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group's MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG has increased its share in the joint venture with Force Motors from 30 to 50 percent. The MAN Group is a leading international provider of efficient commercial vehicles and innovative transport solutions.

According to Anton Weinmann, chairman of the Executive Board of the MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group, “In increasing our share we are taking on more responsibility for the further successful expansion of our activities in India. MAN will be significantly spurring on sale of our Indian-built trucks in the growth markets in Asia and Africa,” Abhay Firodia, chairman and managing director of Force Motors, added: “Force Motors welcomes the closer involvement of MAN. This increase in its holding is proof of its confidence in our successful joint venture.”

Since 2006 the joint venture has been making heavy trucks with the MAN CLA brand for India and for export to Asian and African countries. Some 90 percent of the parts used now come from local suppliers. All local suppliers meet MAN’s high quality standards for the product range that extends from chassis via construction-site tippers to semi-trailer tractors for long-haul transport.

The MAN CLA occupies a leading position as a premium truck in the Asian market thanks to its technical equipment standard, comfort, safety and high-quality production.

The joint venture is now in a position to invest in further expansion of production and the sales network. In future the joint venture will be managed from MAN Nutzfahrzeuge and Force Motors in close co-ordination.