DISCOVER THE OF TRANSPORT
With the aim of simplifying customer business through leading sustainable solutions, MAN Automotive South Africa proudly 60 years’ worth of shaping the country’s transportation industry.
Jan Aichinger, Managing Director, tells us more about the newest innovations and plans for a long-lasting future
Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Taylor Green
Jan Aichinger
THE FUTURE
leading proudly boasts industry.
the company’s
For a nation to find prosperity and growth, effective means of transporting people and goods are of critical importance.
The fruitfulness of a country’s transport infrastructure plays a significant role in its development, both socially and economically, with researchers suggesting that successful transport is second only to education as a stimulus for expansion.
In South Africa (SA), a country with a complex and varied history of economic power and global relevance, the role of adequate transport is particularly important, especially considering that the nearest port is approximately 600 kilometres (km) away from the industrial heartland.
With a wide variety of transportation methods across the nation, ranging from roads and railways to airports and waterways, the sector is overseen by the South
African Department of Transport, whose vision consists of the ideology that transport is the heartbeat of SA’s socioeconomic growth.
In an effort to further progress and achieve long-term development goals, many cities across SA have made it an ongoing priority to develop their transportation sector.
Specifically, the national road network and freeways were massively expanded during the apartheid period between the 1940s and 1990s, now consisting of over 362,000km of highways and more than 73,500km of paved roads, making cities more and more accessible for both business and pleasure.
The significance of the manufacturing and transportation sectors was especially underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many global industries came to a sputtering halt, impacting millions of homes and businesses that were
unable to access their daily needs and requirements.
Here to lead the way in the everimportant transportation industry and drive SA’s economic future into one of longevity and global dominance is MAN Automotive South Africa (MAN Automotive), a leading manufacturer of medium, heavy, and extra heavy trucks, as well as commuter buses and luxury coaches.
BECOMING ESTABLISHED IN THE INDUSTRY
Having just finished his secondary education and looking for an opportunity to jumpstart his professional career, Jan Aichinger, Managing Director of MAN Automotive, ventured into the transportation industry in 1988 with a bus manufacturing company based in Germany.
“There, I was offered the opportunity to participate in a dual
study programme, where I was able to alternate between going to university for three months and working at the company for three months,” introduces Aichinger.
“Although I didn’t have the same freedom I would at normal university and the programme was rapid and stringent, this opportunity was especially appealing to me because I was given the ability to learn through both theory and real-life experiences.”
Once immersed in the exciting and ever-adapting industry, Aichinger knew that was where he wanted to stay. Having worked for companies like Mercedes-Benz in various roles, his next dream was to work abroad, and despite the popular trend being to go to the US, he was specifically interested in Asian countries.
“American culture shares a lot of the same origins and similarities as Germany, whereas in Asia, there are completely different ways of thinking and living, which I wanted to
“SA IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE LOCATIONS IN THE MAN AUTOMOTIVE WORLD, AS NOWHERE ELSE HAVE WE EMBEDDED BOTH PRODUCTION AND WHOLESALE ASPECTS INTO
A
SINGLE COUNTRY. THIS ALLOWS US TO BE BOTH A WHOLESALER AND A RETAILER”
– JAN AICHINGER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAN AUTOMOTIVE SOUTH AFRICA
experience first-hand.”
The start of Aichinger’s international career began in Saudi Arabia, where he worked for three years as a sales manager before moving to other destinations across the globe, including SA, the UK, and Russia.
Since May 2023, he has been in SA –the second time he has worked in the country, with the first occasion being joyfully marked by the birth of his younger daughter.
“Whenever one of your kids is born in a country, you inevitably leave a piece of your heart with that place, which makes coming back to SA all the more amazing,” Aichinger enthuses.
This time around, he carries the title of Managing Director for MAN Automotive’s sales organisation and two plants, making it an even more exciting and intensive experience as a different part of the business has opened up for him.
“You can see from all the positions I’ve held and areas I’ve lived that I am not the type of person who takes a job and remains stagnant. I am always looking for the next challenge.”
THE PROMINENCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Having accomplished his dream of living in other countries and experiencing different cultures, Aichinger can attest that the global transportation and manufacturing industry is consistently stimulating, providing new challenges and technologies that keep those involved on their toes.
Currently, there are many new innovations and changes in the sector, such as the phasing out of combustion engines, rapidly advancing automation and digitalisation, and the prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs).
MAN Automotive sees electric drive systems for commercial vehicles as the decisive factor on the road for local emission-free, climate-friendly mobility.
Despite the many economic advances and strides SA has recently made, it falls behind Europe in regards to the implementation of EVs and reliance on traditional combustion engines. This is primarily due to the ongoing period of widespread national electricity blackouts, more commonly referred to as load shedding.
These unpredictable power outages make it extremely challenging to develop reliable infrastructure for electric buses and trucks, which require much higher kilowatt (kW) levels to sustain than passenger vehicles.
However, MAN Automotive is facing these challenges head-on and actively developing ways in which to utilise SA’s strengths to situate this new technology in an unpredictable energy environment.
“Our motivation is high as solar
AFRICA OUTLOOK: ARE THERE ANY RECENT KEY INVESTMENTS THAT ARE SIGNIFICANT TO MAN AUTOMOTIVE AND ITS FUTURE ENDEAVOURS?
Jan Aichinger, Managing Director: “There are currently two investments that we are working hard on. The first one is our manufacturing plant in Pinetown, which is the first commercial vehicle plant in the continent to be carbon neutral.
“The goal is to make of our facilities carbon neutral, if not carbon negative. To get there, we are investing a lot in solar and asking ourselves how we can reuse water from the wash bay, ultimately providing a positive impact on our environment.
“Our head office is off the grid, and our plant in Pinetown, which has ample surface on the roof, is feeding back into the grid. We are proud to be producing more electricity than we consume, regardless of whether it is going to help us in times of load shedding. We feel this is something we should be a leader in.
“Additionally, our worldwide fleet of trucks has the same annual carbon footprint as the Netherlands. That is nothing to be proud of and is a problem that needs to be immediately addressed, which is why we are venturing into e-buses as we aim to be part of the solution.”
panels in SA are 30 percent more efficient than in Europe due to our close proximity to the equator and the high amount of sunny days, allowing for our payback to be much quicker,” Aichinger details.
“We’ve also already produced the first electric bus and intend to deliver the first 10 in 2025. This is especially promising as, unlike Europe, we do not have high subsidies.”
Electric buses have proven to be more feasible than trucks as they return to the same depot every evening, meaning only one charging station is required to be constructed and maintained.
Electric trucks, on the other hand, travel throughout the country and therefore necessitate multiple charging points to operate them, thus raising the question – who is going to set up and maintain this critical
infrastructure network?
“Despite all these questions and obstacles, it is a very exciting time in terms of technology and advancement, and there is nothing more thrilling than finding a way to succeed in a challenging environment,” reflects Aichinger.
MOVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD
MAN Automotive has been represented in SA since the 1960s, with the national headquarters located in the city of Modderfontein, an assembly plant in Pinetown, a bus and coach manufacturing facility in Olifantsfontein, a central parts depot in Isando, and a used commercial vehicle operation in Centurion, alongside a widespread national sales, service, and parts dealer network.
The company also has a network
of 14 full dealerships and 15 service and parts dealerships strategically situated in order to provide complete support to its widespread customer base, in addition to the MAN Training Academy, which ensures it is always at the leading edge of technical know-how.
MAN Automotive in SA is derived from MAN Truck & Bus, one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers whose product portfolio includes vans, trucks, buses, diesel, and gas engines, as well as services related to passenger and freight transport.
With the decarbonisation of freight transport, digitalisation of logistics, and the worsening shortage of truck drivers all posing fundamental challenges for transport companies, MAN Truck & Bus is dedicated to shaping the change needed in the global industry.
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The company is seeking to do so through the development of autonomous vehicles and EVs for a net zero future and intelligently connected transport, complemented by holistic advice on the switch to e-mobility and supported by a wide range of innovative digital services.
MAN Truck & Bus’ aim is that, by the end of the decade, it will have developed a fully autonomous, zeroemission truck.
LEADING SA’S TRANSPORTATION MARKET
MAN Automotive has asserted itself over the past five decades as a transportation leader in the SA market, consistently bringing new technologies and innovations to the forefront of the national economy and paving the way for a better, more efficient transport future.
“SA is one of the most unique locations in the MAN Automotive world, as nowhere else have we embedded both production and
wholesale aspects into a single country. This allows us to be both a wholesaler and a retailer,” asserts Aichinger.
The company prides itself on its strong and well-established network within the country, allowing it to tackle any issue from breakdown repairs to spare parts availability and much more.
Additionally, MAN Automotive is distinctive within the domestic market as it is the only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that possesses
its own bodybuilding plant located in the Johannesburg region.
At the facility, MAN Automotive produces its buses, a product where it has been a market leader since 2010, boasting a market share range between 40 and 50 percent.
“We are dominant in this market purely because we are the only company able to produce an entire product in one go and provide customers with a single point of contact for any further assistance, whereas others combine and sell
chassis and bodybuilders from different manufacturers,” expands Aichinger.
The company is looking to continue to set itself apart by focusing its customers on more than just the price of a vehicle but the total cost of ownership (TCO).
One of the most important elements of TCO, which is often overlooked yet possesses the highest impact, is downtime.
“A truck or bus will only earn money if it is in operation, but if it stands still
for too long, it can become very expensive and cost ample revenue. Therefore, it is a priority to keep vehicles functioning and on the road,” insights Aichinger.
With the vast importance of ensuring downtime can be minimised and handled as quickly and succinctly as possible, MAN Automotive provides immediate services to its customers and readies stock to be available at a moment’s notice in case of accidents or breakdowns.
GREAT PRODUCTS, EVEN BETTER SOLUTIONS
Today, to find long-lasting success, companies such as MAN Automotive need to sell not only a great product but an even better solution to its loyal customers.
“It’s not just a product at the end of the day; it must also be a solution. If you go back 30 years, just selling a truck was enough,” he explains.
MAN Automotive seeks to find each customer’s winning recipe through technology, data analysis,
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digitalisation, and more, allowing clients to shine with the right solution.
Through the company’s highly trained personnel, plethora of available spare parts, and ability to sort potential issues faster than others, it offers a more efficient model for its customers to rely on.
By steering the whole value chain, MAN Automotive is more flexible in terms of reacting to market trends and adapting to customer preferences.
“We know our clients very well, which allows us to speak to them directly and take their feedback onboard for future developments,” details Aichinger.
“We are constantly analysing how we can do things differently, and part of that is driven by external factors such as exchange rates.”
It is also of crucial importance to tailor MAN Automotive’s operations to the SA model as opposed to the
MAN AUTOMOTIVE’S CURRENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
European model from which the company stems.
For example, in Europe, there are legislated driving hours for those operating large vehicles, whereas in SA, those same rules don’t exist, thus changing the behaviour of the driver within the truck and the requirements.
“For me, that is one of the challenges yet one of the thrilling parts of the job – the diversity,” excites Aichinger.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPARE PARTS
As MAN Automotive has certain products shipped into the country from Europe, such as manufacturing kits with a nine-month lead time, supply chain optimisation is a main priority for the company.
“With two different plants, we are constantly working on improving our supply chain processes and how the interaction between each plant can be made more efficient,” explains Aichinger.
“You don’t want to have a plant that is producing bodies without chassis, resulting in a standstill. On the other hand, you don’t want too many chassis standing around waiting to be bodied.”
Additionally, a continuous topic for the company is spare parts – more specifically, the optimum number of spare parts available.
As highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining an appropriate level of stock and dedicating the time to understanding what a suitable amount is cannot be understated.
A lack of availability can result in severe disruption to countless industries and insurmountable costs incurred by trucks and buses that remain at a standstill.
Alongside spare parts, the company and industry at large recognise that overnight shipping – or just-in-time shipping – needs to be re-evaluated.
“We are so used to getting shipped
everything overnight, but it comes at a cost – i.e., to the environment – so the question becomes, where is the balance?” furthers Aichinger.
The importance of a balanced supply chain can be directly observed in the current SA environment, where the rail network has almost come to a complete standstill, forcing goods and commodities to be transported exclusively by road.
While this may seem a win for the likes of MAN Automotive in the short term, it has a devasting impact on the national economy and equal distribution of the supply chain in the long term.
Without the balance between rail and road, countries such as SA will experience a competitive disadvantage as the cost of transporting commodities resting solely on the latter is not cost-efficient.
“We need strong railways for certain goods, as it is more effective and reduces our collective carbon footprint. It would be short-sighted to say that this almost standstill is a good thing because even though we may have more trucks on the road at the moment, if the country suffers long term, so will we,” states Aichinger.
LOCALISATION IN SA
Supporting the local SA economy is a matter of great importance to MAN Automotive, and one of the primary ways in which it accomplishes this objective is through utilising local partnerships and suppliers.
During the life of a truck or bus, exchanging parts, such as batteries, is something that will inevitably be required.
In the past, the company would have these batteries shipped from Europe to SA. However, it was promptly recognised that this was not the most cost-efficient way of conducting business.
Therefore, MAN Automotive decided to develop a complete
second line of spare parts. What started with batteries has now grown outwards as a result, consisting of a portfolio of numerous spares that serve to benefit both the business and its dedicated customer base.
When acquiring these parts, the company ensures that the quality and durability it has become known for remain consistent by imparting stringent regulations and expectations upon suppliers.
Another significant aspect of supply management includes MAN Automotive’s bodybuilding plant, where it constantly looks at how it can assist local suppliers to improve quality.
“Customers expect enhanced product quality, and we are here to
help them find local companies and develop them around us,” details Aichinger.
“At the same time, we must ensure that local companies diversify and develop other supplies as well. If they become too dependent upon us and we experience some fluctuations, it could severely affect the economy.”
Quality management and the ability to attract other industries where the same products are being used is something that MAN Automotive is investing a lot of time in to support the country and its people.
Aichinger attests that it is truly a unique environment in SA compared to the other countries he has worked in, with a substantial procurement team dedicated to working hard every
day to ensure quality, satisfaction, and longevity.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATION
Currently, one of MAN Automotive’s most exciting and important projects is its introduction of e-buses into SA.
“We are proud to be bringing technology into the country – not just importing it but producing it in SA. We’ve developed a completely new body and are assembling the electromobility locally,” insights Aichinger.
The implementation of e-buses will also result in additional training and jobs for local communities, as a significant amount of education is required to safely and successfully work on these high-voltage vehicles.
MAN Automotive manufactuting plant in Pinetown
MAN Automotive bus launch
MAN Automotive awards
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Since its inception, TankSafe® has sold over 2.9 million units worldwide, a clear testament to the effectiveness and reliability of their fuel security solutions. This global reach highlights the growing recognition and trust in TankSafe® products as essential tools in the fight against fuel theft across various markets.
In addition to the TankSafe® ‘Optimum,’ the company has expanded its product range to protect all secondary access points, ensuring a comprehensive full lockdown for vehicle fleets. This full-spectrum protection is aimed at giving fleet operators peace of mind by safeguarding every potential vulnerability in their fuel systems.
Ken Bailey, Managing Director of TankSafe South Africa, is acutely aware of the impact that rising diesel prices have on operators. With fuel costs climbing, every drop of diesel becomes increasingly valuable. However, many operators are losing significant amounts of money due to fuel theft, particularly through the siphoning of fuel from trucks—a crime often perpetrated by criminals and, in some cases, even by drivers themselves.
It’s a harsh reality that South African truck operators, who play a crucial role in keeping the economy moving, face a constant threat from various criminal activities. While hijackings and truck looting often make headlines, fuel theft—though less publicised—remains a significant and ongoing issue. Despite their essential role in the economy, these operators are left vulnerable to such crimes, which not only jeopardise their operations but also erode their profitability.
Drawing from TankSafe’s extensive experience in combating fuel theft, Bailey reveals a troubling reality: it’s often an operator’s own employees who serve as the crucial link between syndicates and the fuel in their trucks. “These employees accept bribes, siphon off fuel, and then sell it,” Bailey explains. “The syndicates, in turn, frequently resell the stolen fuel
to other trucking companies, sometimes even to competitors, giving them the ‘advantage’ of cheaper diesel.”
A testament to the quality and effectiveness of TankSafe® products is their adoption by several leading OEMs in South Africa, including Daimler Trucks, DAF, UD Trucks, Iveco, and TATA, which now fit TankSafe® as standard equipment. In March 2022, MAN Automotive South Africa also approved TankSafe® as an accessory for aftermarket fitment, leading to thousands of units being installed since then. Additionally, Imperial Logistics, one of the country’s largest fleet operators, has installed over 800 TankSafe® units after testing various alternatives.
“This reflects a shift in market perceptions,” says Bailey. “We believe that soon, all OEMs, fleet operators, and logistics companies will realise the opportunity they have to help their customers by reducing the total cost of ownership with a truly ‘fit for purpose’ solution.”
While the fight against fuel theft might seem daunting, Bailey believes that truck owners and fleet operators can make a significant impact by securing their fuel tanks properly.
“If we can cut off the subsidiary pipelines of the syndicates— namely, drivers who steal and resell fuel on their behalf—then we can start fighting back against the scourge of siphoning and fuel theft,” Bailey asserts. And indeed, it all makes perfect sense.
How it works
A unique float-valve allows fuel to flow into the tank during the filling process and then ‘locks’ the tank once filling is complete.
In this way, no fuel can be siphoned, not even the top few centimeters. The float-valve lock process also prevents overfilling and spills, which alleviates a lot of Health & Safety as well as environmental concerns.
“WE WANT TO CONTINUE SETTING OURSELVES APART GOING FORWARD BY FOCUSING OUR CUSTOMERS ON TCO – IT’S NO LONGER JUST ABOUT THE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE”
– JAN AICHINGER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAN AUTOMOTIVE SOUTH AFRICA
Another substantial project MAN Automotive is undertaking is broadbased Black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – an SA government policy and legislative framework that aims to increase native African participation in the economy.
The objective is to promote economic transformation, improve African representation in ownership and management structures, increase the involvement of communities and employees in economic activities, and provide skills training.
“All companies are categorised into a level depending on how much they are supporting the transformation of the country, with Level 1 being the best. We started at Level 8 and have worked our way to Level 3 through
supplier development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), training, education, and diverse management,” expands Aichinger.
With CSR being an essential part of MAN Automotive’s core values, training and educating a more diverse workforce is of the utmost importance to the company.
“We don’t just do it for the sake of achieving a certificate. We do it because we sincerely believe it is helping us to ensure a more sustainable, long-lasting, and diverse future. We have seen first-hand how it is helping us with localisation, spare parts availability, shipping costs, and our carbon footprint.”
In parallel, the company is prioritising onboarding more women
into the business, as the industry has been traditionally male-dominated for most of its history.
Currently, 38 percent of MAN Automotive apprentices are women, and it is seeking to increase that number even further by developing female employees’ talents and ambitions from the ground up.
Aichinger experienced the importance of a diverse workforce from a young age when his parents insisted that both he and his sisters share the same chores and responsibilities around the house.
“I’m still immensely grateful for the lessons I learned from that time, as it helped me understand that to broaden our base of talents and make our teams more successful, we need
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“WE ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD THAT WE HAVE BUILT A VARIETY OF LONG-LASTING CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS”
– JAN AICHINGER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAN AUTOMOTIVE SOUTH AFRICA
the undeniable strengths of different points of view, experiences, talents, and backgrounds. A team dominated by one majority is never as successful at the end of the day,” he imparts.
DRIVING TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE
As a commercial vehicle manufacturer, MAN Automotive acknowledges its responsibility to do all it can to contribute to climate and environmental protection.
This, along with CSR and good corporate leadership, are increasingly crucial aspects for a viable future and an integral part of the company’s corporate strategy.
In 2022, MAN Truck & Bus anchored the topic of sustainability in its official strategy, furthering its commitment to greenhouse gas (GHG) total balance neutrality by
2050 and pledging to do so as part of the climate protection programme, Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The first step consists of reducing 70 percent of GHG emissions at global sites by 2030 and lowering its truck, bus, and van fleet emissions by 28 percent.
A significant component of this GHG reduction strategy is decarbonisation through the electrification of the company’s vehicles. The initiation of this strategy can be observed through the introduction of e-buses in various models and vans with electric drives that are available to customers today.
These EVs are at their strongest in an urban environment, where they are emission-free and actively contributing to improving air quality, alongside being quieter on the roads
than traditional diesel engines.
Additionally, the company is actively researching corresponding zero-emission technologies in the area of electromobility, including hydrogen combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells, which are in the pre-development phase.
MAN Automotive is also developing and testing automated driving applications together with science and industry partners, as autonomous commercial vehicles are leading to a radical transformation of customer business models.
MAN Truck & Bus’ aim is to meet its social responsibility and become a leading provider of intelligent and environmentally-friendly transport solutions, as the company views sustainability as a key part of remaining competitive on a global scale for years to come.
‘Driving’
localisation:
Remkor supports MAN
Automotive with extensive fabrication capabilities
Examples of Remkor’s fabrication services and products:
The South African automotive sector’s increasingly strong drive towards localisation is boosting suppliers within the steel fabrication sector, and one such supplier to MAN Automotive is leading Johannesburgbased steel fabricator Remkor Manufacturing.
“Remkor has a deep understanding of the local market, as well as a world-class fabrication service offering, underpinned by decades of experience. These combined factors position the company perfectly to support the automotive industry, which is one of the country’s largest manufacturing sectors and export success stories,” says Remkor Co-Director Gwen Mahuma-Madiba. First-rate fabrication services and facilities
As a proudly South African company with 51 percent Black women ownership, Remkor specialises in the fabrication of customised sheet metal products for the rail, energy, telecommunications, petroleum and transport sectors. Services include laser cutting, machining, sheet metal and pipe bending, chemical pre-treatment, powder coating, liquid painting, screen printing, form-in-placegaskets, complex mechanical assemblies and electrical reticulation and testing.
From a small entity with 25 employees located in a 400 m² building, Remkor has grown exponentially, now occupying a 6,500 m2 facility and employing over 110 staff.
A second, much larger property was recently acquired to house Remkor’s liquid painting operation and upcoming investments in additional plant and equipment.
Growing relationship with MAN
Although the company started out primarily supplying the telecommunications industry, it quickly became a major supplier to many other sectors, including automotive. Remkor initially approached MAN in 2018 to manufacture components and assemblies for their product line. This process did take some time, and was further delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which essentially brought bus production to a halt.
According to Chief Operations Officer Raffaele La Monica, MAN and Remkor renewed their relationship in 2021: “They visited our factory and quickly realised that we were the right fabrication partner for them. We had the range of skills, capabilities and expertise they required, and could provide a turnkey solution to their fabrication requirements.”
Having met the requisite Supplier Assurance criteria, Remkor began supplying steel fabricated products such as handrails, parcel racks and other cosmetic components to MAN. As the relationship grew, Remkor added items such as structural assemblies–and is currently working closely with MAN to develop other components and assemblies
Products & Services:
• Laser Cutting
• Machining
• Sheet Metal and pipe bending
• Chemical pre-treatment
• Powder coating or Liquid Painting
• Screen Printing
• Form-in-place-gasket
• Complex mechanical assemblies
which it hopes to supply in the future.
“We highly value the relationship we have with MAN, and the opportunity which the diversification of its local supply chain represented for Remkor,” La Monica adds. Export replacement is very dear to MahumaMadiba’s heart: “Anything that can be imported in steel can be made locally. We have done it before. We just need to be given an opportunity!” she enthuses.
Proudly South African fabricator
“We are a proudly South African fabricator and know that our success enables us to develop skills and create jobs. We are also willing to invest, in order to accommodate our clients’ needs,” La Monica points out.
Remkor has already secured further funding from Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) – and using this, as well as some of its own funding, is working to acquire new equipment and expand its services and facilities.
“We are a serious contributor to South African localisation and industrialisation. This is about a wider ecosystem where jobs are created, and local skills are expanded and remain relevant. It is about pushing back against the tide of imports and protecting our local industry and manufacturing capabilities,” Mahuma-Madida concludes.
Outdoor telecoms enclosure
Public benches
Electrical enclosures
“I’VE ALWAYS SAID THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY POSSESSES SOMETHING EXCITING AND RARELY EXPERIENCES A REAL STANDSTILL. HOWEVER, THE TIMES WE ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW ARE PROBABLY THE MOST CHALLENGING AND EXCITING WE HAVE SEEN SO FAR”
– JAN AICHINGER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MAN AUTOMOTIVE SOUTH AFRICA
SUCCESS IS A TEAM EFFORT
Having played hockey throughout the course of his life, Aichinger is adamant that teamwork and collaboration to achieve a common goal is the framework for success in any capacity.
“Hockey is a team sport and describes how I run the company. I don’t believe that I am the best in every position, which is why I rely on my specialists and their assessments, ensuring that I can be their sounding board for any issues,” he states.
Additionally, Aichinger prioritises having an open-door policy, where people are always allowed to come in and have a conversation with him about their worries, ideas, and accomplishments.
He maintains the expectation that individuals enter not just with a problem or query, but with a proposed solution as well.
By providing space to think and ask questions without prejudice, he often finds that the best solutions
are already within people, who just need an appropriate and supportive environment to discover them.
“Like an orchestra, we all need to work hand-in-hand. The horn shouldn’t be louder than the viola, and as the conductor, I need to make sure that all the instruments play in harmony,” Aichinger alludes.
Of equal importance to Aichinger is the ability to persist throughout all obstacles and remain tenacious. This stems from his experience playing
Building Business Partnerships for over 60 Years!
GanTrans is one of the longest running independent logistics companies in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa. The company was founded in 1963 by Mr. Ganes Pillay who grew the company from a single unit into the nationally recognised brand.
The company is a familyowned and managed business, with its head office based in Jacobs, Durban with branches in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.
We provide the following services:
1. Storage, Handling and Transportation of ISO Tanks and Containers including warehousing
2. Transportation Liquid Bulk, Break Bulk including non-hazardous and hazardous
3. Providing a logistics turnkey solution
Since its inception in 1962 Lubrication Equipment (Pty) Ltd., has built up an enviable reputation for being a quality supplier of equipment associated with the application of lubrication to mines, petroleum companies, the automotive, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Its vast and ever-expanding product range includes everything from grease nipples to sophisticated computerised fluid dispensing systems. Technical innovation, design and commitment to service and quality have always been two major areas of focus at Lubrication Equipment.
With over 62 years of service, we are well positioned to supply, install, and maintain the equipment we supply on a national basis. Industry Leaders in Workshop Lubrication Installations, Special Projects and Lubrication Product Supplies.
Proudly working alongside MAN Automotive
sports and the understanding that the desire and drive to achieve success are some of the most inspiring motivators.
“In a hockey match, you can still win in the last 30 seconds, the last five seconds, or even the very last second. You just have to believe it’s possible and refuse to give up; those who don’t believe it is possible will never achieve it,” he insights.
Aichinger ensures this enduring mindset is encouraged throughout MAN Automotive by engaging directly with employees in their own offices and workspaces as opposed to being holed away in his own.
Not only does this allow him to learn and understand their everyday challenges, but it also motivates others to utilise Aichinger’s expertise and view management as approachable individuals.
“The team here knows the SA market better than I do, and they
always will because they have lived here and have ridden the market for decades,” he details.
“Although I may not be able to get on the same level as them, I am here to provide my past expertise and knowledge to assist them even further and provide insights and different perspectives from a new angle that others may not have considered.”
PROCURING A LONG FUTURE IN SA
Looking towards the future of MAN Automotive in the SA market, the company is highlighting a variety of key endeavours and priorities to ensure continued prosperity in the country, such as strengthening its market position.
Aichinger also possesses a secondary role within the nation as the Vice President of Medium and Heavy Commercial OEMs within the
National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa) – a non-profit organisation established in 1935 to represent manufacturing OEMs, retailing OEMs, and heavy commercial OEMS.
“In this role, and also as part of my role at MAN Automotive, I advocate for how we can make the transport business safer and protect those on the roads,” he voices.
“There’s still a lot we can do in terms of training drivers, educating people, and ensuring that vehicles are well-maintained and road-worthy.”
He acknowledges that it will take a combined effort to implement these safety solutions from both the industry as a whole and the SA government through new laws and regulations.
Internally, at MAN Automotive, the company is emphasising talent management and development.
SPECIALISING IN:
• Hydraulic pumps
• Truck mounted hydraulics
• Water, diesel, vacuum and tipping applications
• PTO’s
• Control valves
Specifically, Aichinger has recently implemented ‘Coffee with the MD’, a programme in which younger employees are invited to have a one-on-one coffee with Aichinger and spend a few hours speaking about whatever they please, as well as seeking his views on different matters.
“I’ll sit and speak with them and challenge their perspectives of the future and the country. I want to make sure they learn that they can ask any questions, as the most important thing to me is that they understand no matter who is in front of them, they are allowed to ask questions,” he emphasises.
m a n a g e m e
This more casual setting encourages the young staff members at MAN Automotive to raise queries and discuss topics that they otherwise may have felt hesitant to bring up, whilst it also allows Aichinger to help develop the
next generation of transportation leadership.
In parallel, the company also partakes in the SA programme, Yes for Youth – the country’s highest impact private sector youth employment programme.
The initiative aims to address SA’s youth unemployment crisis by empowering businesses to create jobs for young people by working with companies to provide 12-month quality work experiences for unemployed individuals to become the managers, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs of the future who will drive the economy forward.
To date, the programme has created over 157,000 work opportunities for young people, further fostering socioeconomic stability and prosperity, increasing B-BBEE benefits, and building a talent pipeline for the future of SA.
“As a country, we need to be able to attract investment through highly qualified, developed, and educated people, and I think it is our responsibility as a corporation to be a part of this change for the better,” concludes Aichinger.
Tel: +27 928 6800
marketing_za@man.eu
www.mantruckandbus.co.za
