< PreviousWords by: Angitha Pradeep DRIVING EXCELLENCE PMV Middle East speaks to Joerg Mommertz, Senior Vice President, Head of Centre Middle East, Africa, Latin America & CIS at MAN Truck & Bus SE and Managing Director at MAN Truck & Bus Middle East, on the company’s philosophy as well as what sets them apart in the regional industry COVER STORY 10 | AUGUST 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesCOVER STORY Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comAUGUST 2023 | 11W ith a rich heritage dating back over a century, MAN Truck & Bus has become an industry leader renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Drawing on Germany’s famed engineering prowess, the company has established itself as a trusted partner in the Middle East region’s thriving industries. From demanding urban environments to unpredictable weather conditions, MAN’s vehicles stand as a testament to their meticulous engineering, delivering unrivalled performance and reliability. Whether it’s transporting heavy cargo, facilitating public transportation, or supporting vital logistics operations, MAN continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the transportation industry. Joerg Mommertz, with over 30 years of global experience, serves as the Senior Vice President, Head of Centre Middle East, Africa, Latin America & CIS at MAN Truck & Bus SE, as well as the Managing Director at MAN Truck & Bus Middle East. Throughout his career, Mommertz has signifi cantly contributed to the company’s expansion, leaving his mark on countries such as Belgium, Scandinavia, Central Eastern Europe, and India, among other regions. His journey with MAN has evolved from humble beginnings as a truck mechanic to assuming a prominent role in international business operations. Refl ecting on his tenure, Mommertz states: “Since 1996, I have been closely involved in the company’s international ventures, shaping its global presence.” In his current role, Mommertz takes charge of MAN Truck & Bus operations in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and CIS countries, regions known for their abundant growth opportunities. Among these, the Middle East stands out as a market with immense potential, characterised by a resilient economy that rebounded swiftly from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Refl ecting on the company’s performance, Mommertz highlights: “We have experienced a substantial upsurge in business activity throughout 2022 and 2023 year to date. Moreover, we have at MAN experienced a substantial upsurge in business activity throughout 2022 and 2023 year to date times encountered challenges in meeting the high demand.” Among the countries poised for growth, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Jordan, despite its smaller size, hold promise, says Mommertz. The emergence of the CIS countries as potent markets is another recent trend he says he has noticed. In the highly competitive industry, MAN distinguishes itself through its unwavering focus on the customer. Mommertz emphasises that its reliability as an organisation and the dedicated staff readily available to assist customers sets them apart from the competition. MAN’s philosophy of “simplifying business” underscores its commitment to ensuring a smooth and uncomplicated customer experience, which he believes is a crucial factor that sets them apart from others in the industry. He adds: “Our success in the Middle East is not just due to our efforts, but also the exceptional collaboration we have with our private capital importers and dealers. We have cultivated excellent relationships in the Middle East markets, characterised by long-standing loyalty and trust. In fact, our partnerships with regions such as Oman and Saudi Arabia have endured for over 30 years, which speaks volumes about the strength and mutual commitment of our alliances. These partnerships are built on trust and involve investments from both sides, creating a foundation for fruitful collaboration.” Although the Middle East and European markets share certain characteristics, Mommertz acknowledges some marked differences, which range from climatic conditions, which signifi cantly impact the durability and reliability of a truck, to driver safety. Nevertheless, he points out that in recent years, there has been a clear trend towards a greater focus on driver comfort and road safety in the Middle East, which mirrors European practices. He also reveals that certain customers in the region have invested in state-of-the-art vehicles similar to the ones in Europe, with all driver and safety- related features in the truck. While refl ecting on their research and development practices, Mommertz underscores the company’s commitment to always stay ahead of the market and place the customer at the centre of their efforts. “We even integrate customers into our development and R&D process. The recently launched New Truck Generation series saw the input of hundreds of customers,” he states, illustrating MAN’s commitment to customer- centric innovation. THE FUTURE OF TRUCKING In an era where sustainability and digitalisation are at the forefront of innovation, Mommertz shares a unique perspective on the intertwined future of these two pillars. While acknowledging the future of e-mobility and, in some niche applications, “In the trucking industry, sustainability and digitalisation are linked. Without digitalisation, achieving the necessary sustainability goals would be unfeasible” COVER STORY 12 | AUGUST 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesJoerg Mommertz, Senior Vice President, Head of Centre Middle East, Africa, Latin America & CIS at MAN Truck & Bus SE and Managing Director at MAN Truck & Bus Middle East hydrogen-powered vehicles, Mommertz fi rmly believes that the transport of goods will still happen on wheels for the next 50 years, further underscoring the vital role of fuel effi ciency in traditional diesel engines within the next years. He explains: “Environmental and economic factors are increasingly taking centre stage, particularly in terms of fuel effi ciency. While we fi rmly believe that battery-driven vehicles are the future, there is no denying that in our current markets, including the Middle East, the primary power pack for trucks will continue to be the diesel engine for the years to come. This is why we have been tirelessly working on optimising effi ciency and reducing emissions of our diesel engines through incremental advancements year after year. “Take, for instance, our new TGX Lion model. It offers customers an impressive fuel economy, with potential savings of up to 8%. This represents a signifi cant leap forward in transporting goods from point A to B. To put it into perspective, when driving at an average speed of 80 to 85 kilometres per hour on a German highway, our trucks consume less than 25 litres of fuel. Comparatively, this showcases our superior effi ciency compared to passenger cars.” He says this also points towards MAN’s approach to progress, focused on smaller, incremental improvements, embodying a pragmatic view of an industry in fl ux. “It’s also a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection at MAN, where innovation is driven by the ambition to add value for our customers,” notes Mommertz. “In the trucking industry, sustainability and digitalisation are linked. Without digitalisation, achieving the necessary sustainability goals would be unfeasible,” he further points out. Mommertz also reminisces about the early days of his career, when truck mechanics was predominantly analogue. In contrast, today’s trucks utilise digitalisation tools, enabling them to incorporate features such as predictive cruise control systems, for instance, for fuel effi ciency. Such digital enhancements are bringing a wave of eco-friendly changes to the industry. According to him, however, the focus isn’t just on human interaction with technology but on an all-encompassing network that interlinks product, driver, and operator. As the advent of electric and autonomous vehicles unfolds, he asserts that the pace of adoption will largely depend on a whole network of elements. Nonetheless, Mommertz is cautiously optimistic about the shift to greener fuel sources, such as electricity and hydrogen. “Electric mobility will gradually become a reality; there’s no doubt about COVER STORY Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comAUGUST 2023 | 13He elaborates: “Planning for an extensive e-mobility-only network is a complex and comprehensive process involving lengthy discussions and consultations. Various factors, such as determining the required charging infrastructure, analysing daily operational patterns, and fi nding the optimal battery size play an integral role here. Moreover, batteries, being heavy and costly, necessitate careful consideration. Businesses also need to explore possibilities like reducing the number of battery packages and allowing for additional passenger capacity. “Additionally, we address the second lifecycle and recycling of batteries, as well as sourcing green energy. Planning ahead becomes crucial for operators seeking electric vehicles, as the lead time can take up to two years to set up charging stations. Starting operations within a two-year timeframe requires early action. Therefore, we have an in- house consulting department dedicated to assisting customers in optimising their business operations, that. We are going to start the serial production of our new all-electric trucks in Munich next year. However, the implementation of e-mobility will vary in speed and progress depending on the existing infrastructure in different regions. Dreaming about battery-driven trucks in Sudan, for example, is currently unrealistic. It depends on the infrastructure. It also depends on the political environment,” he notes. In discussing e-mobility, Mommertz highlights the varying speed of adoption across different business segments. In his perspective, local distribution, particularly within cities where emissions have a more direct impact, will see the earliest conversion. The trucking industry, he insists, will follow the path forged by public transport, where the predictability of routes allows for more effective implementation of electric vehicles. However, the journey to wider adoption of electric trucks has its challenges. Mommertz explains the importance of a dense charging network and legal framework, offering an interesting perspective on how existing rules could infl uence the shift. “In Europe, a driver has to make every four hours a minimum half an hour break. This is mandatory. If you have the right set-up and battery effi ciency, this break time could be used for recharging, making the electric vehicle viable for the next driving cycle.” providing a new range of business opportunities. On hydrogen as a fuel source, Mommertz envisions it making sense for specifi c applications, dependent on the availability of green hydrogen and the corresponding infrastructure. Compared to the European market, Mommertz acknowledges the strong ambitions of Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia to transition towards cleaner fuel. He credits this ambition to the resources and political will in the region, predicting a rapid pace of development. While there are still several challenges to be overcome, Mommertz is optimistic about the role of digitalisation in driving sustainability. The integration of digital technology, the shifting landscape of the automotive industry, and the steadfast resolve of governments worldwide all contribute to a future where cleaner, smarter, and more effi cient transport solutions are more than a possibility. They are, in fact, a certainty. “We strive to be recognised as a strong partner, actively contributing to the development of cutting-edge, sustainable business and transportation solutions for both our customers and society as a whole” MAN’s commitment to the future includes championing autonomous vehicles and fostering industry-academia cooperation COVER STORY 14 | AUGUST 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesA TWO-WAY COOPERATION Mommertz says MAN is also championing autonomous vehicles and industry-academia cooperation. He spoke candidly about the fi rm’s initiatives, offering an intriguing insight into what the future might hold for MAN and the wider industry. According to Mommertz, cooperation and partnership are critical in shaping the transport industry’s future. He also emphasises on MAN’s strong ties with various sectors, including the government, OEMs, and universities. “We are cooperating in some special R&D projects,” Mommertz explains. “These work in two directions as partnering with universities has proven highly benefi cial for us in nurturing young talents, who play a crucial role in our company’s growth and future. We actively engage with students by offering them interesting projects, which contribute to their learning and development and make MAN an appealing prospect for potential future employees.” Taking a deep dive into the realm of autonomous driving, Mommertz highlights how MAN is leading the pack. They already have permission to do autonomous driving on level four on German highways. Additionally, a real- world test of this technology is being implemented at the Hamburg Port, the second-largest container port in Europe. The test involves fully automated trucks transporting containers from point A to B in a highly predictable operational area. Mommertz shares that the project has been working smoothly and very well since its inception in 2018. He also reveals plans to begin autonomous vehicle testing in the Middle East region. While Mommertz did not disclose details, he mentions that MAN is in contact with regional testing facilities. One of the key takeaways from the interview was MAN’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Mommertz acknowledges the changes in public perception of the truck industry and reiterates the company’s dedication to producing emission-free products and operating environment-friendly production facilities. “It’s not only the carbon dioxide emission, but also the noise emission, the road safety, and the entire ecosystem of transport and logistics that has to get converted into a sustainable, eco-friendly transport system,” he asserts. He also highlights the changing nature of transport, not just of goods but also people: “We view it as an integrated and interconnected complex business environment. For instance, the goal of public transport is to transition towards an emission-free or low-emission transportation system. Public transportation plays a crucial role in reducing individual traffi c, making urban areas more conducive to human beings. Whether the car next to me is battery-driven or not is irrelevant. The focus should be on minimising congestion and long queues, which are detrimental to the environment. Therefore, it is essential to promote alternatives that discourage excessive individual transportation.” Mommertz’s vision for the next decade is clear: “We strive to be recognised as a strong partner, actively contributing to the development of cutting- edge, sustainable business and transportation solutions for both our customers and society as a whole. Our goal is to create a future that embraces state-of-the-art practices, ensuring a harmonious balance between our customers’ needs and the well-being of the environment.” MAN’s vision for sustainable mobility solutions are also driven by emission-free public transportation in urban areas MAN is optimistic about the role of digitalisation in driving sustainability COVER STORY Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comAUGUST 2023 | 15commercial vehicles, some of the very fi rst on the market in the region, Peugeot is aiming to be the leader in the sales of electric vehicles as well as LCVs in the Middle East. These objectives are directly linked to Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategy, a bold strategic plan for the coming decade that will drive Stellantis to become the industry champion in the fi ght against climate change, reaching carbon net zero emissions by 2038. Stellantis – the third largest automotive company – is a constellation of 14 automotive brands and two mobility arms formed in 2021 E lectric vehicles have been taking centre stage in the automotive world over the past decade, driven by a combination of technological advancements, environmental concerns, policy support, and shifting consumer preferences. Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are naturally following suit and strategically driving the green mobility revolution, propelled by surging demand from private and large commercial customers keen on decarbonising their vehicle fl eets and aligning with sustainable business strategies. The Peugeot brand, which began its electrifi cation strategy in 2021 in the GCC with the launch of the 3008 PHEV, is now offering a range of 100% electric passenger and commercial vehicles in the Middle East. Peugeot’s electric vehicles retain 100% of the functionality of conventional petrol and diesel versions but generate zero noise, zero vibration, zero emissions and zero odour. With this range of 100% electric passenger and PEUGEOT MIDDLE EAST: LEADING THE CHARGE IN THE REGION’S ELECTRIC LCV MARKET The Peugeot brand, which began its electrifi cation strategy in 2021 in the GCC, is now offering a range of 100% electric passenger and commercial vehicles in the Middle East The e-Partner comes with a maximum power of 100 kW (136 bhp) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm from the start ELECTRIC VEHICLES 16 | AUGUST 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / Vehicles Peugeot embraces the Middle East region’s shift to sustainable transportation with the introduction of e-Partner and e-Expert from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA. The e-Partner van and the e-Expert van, the two fully electric commercial vehicles from Peugeot Professional, complement the brand’s passenger EVs and make no compromise in terms of useful volume or practicality compared with petrol or diesel versions while offering all the advantages of the electric motor: lower running costs, ease of driving, immediate throttle response, high torque, total absence of noise, vibrations, odours and emissions. THE PEUGEOT E-PARTNER The Peugeot Partner has been on the market in more than 100 countries since its launch in 1996, holding its position as a segment leader with 2,000,000 units already produced, underscoring its commercial success over the years and the numerous awards it has won. Building on this remarkable success and legacy, Peugeot is now introducing the e-Partner with a 100% electric engine. The new Peugeot e-Partner features: • Range of up to 285 km according to the WLTP cycle • Long version available with up to 3 seat cab • Battery capacity of 50 kWh • Towing capacity up to 750 kg • Payload of up to 800 kg • Load volume of up to 4.4 cubic metres, the same as the ICE version Based on the EMP2 (effi cient modular platform) multi-energy platform, the Peugeot e-Partner comes with a 100% electric engine with a maximum power of 100 kW (136 bhp) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm available from start-up for immediate responsiveness, with no vibration, noise, gear shifting or odour and, of course, absolutely no CO2 emissions. THE PEUGEOT E-EXPERT The compact van segment accounts for more than 750,000 vehicles per year in Europe, and the Peugeot Expert has been increasing its presence in this segment every year since its launch in 2016. Over 195,000 units of this latest generation have already been sold. The new Peugeot e-Expert comes with: • 75 kWH battery offering up to 285 km in the WLTP homologation cycle • Long version available based on regional demands • Loading volume identical to that of the combustion version (6.6m³). • Payload of 927 kg Like its cousin, the Peugeot e-Partner, the Peugeot e-Expert is based on the EMP2 multi- energy platform and offers a 100% electric engine with a maximum power of 100 KW (136 hp) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm available from the start. The future of electric-LCVs in the Middle East looks promising as the region embraces the shift towards sustainable transportation. Governments, businesses, and individuals are recognising the importance of reducing carbon footprints and embracing renewable energy sources. The change towards e-LCVs aligns with this commitment and positions the region as a leader in sustainable transportation. Peugeot’s electric vehicles generate zero noise, zero vibration, zero emissions and zero odour The Peugeot e-Expert offers a 100% electric engine with a maximum power of 100 KW (136 hp) and a maximum torque of 260 Nm available from the start ELECTRIC VEHICLES Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comAUGUST 2023 | 17ON THE ROAD TO ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION As Saudi Arabia plans to invest more than $1 trillion over the next few years in some of the most ambitious projects in human history, the demand for heavy equipment and commercial vehicles is anticipated to increase dramatically SAUDI FOCUS 18 | AUGUST 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / Vehicles SAUDI FOCUS 18 | AUGUST 2023plantmachineryvehicles.comPlant / Machinery / VehiclesSAUDI FOCUS Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comAUGUST 2023 | 19 SAUDI FOCUS Plant / Machinery / Vehiclesplantmachineryvehicles.comAUGUST 2023 | 19Next >