Marc Appelt, the newly appointed Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia), brings a clear message to both current and potential customers of the renowned German commercial vehicle brand: MAN is the partner of choice for those committed to long-term success.
“If you’re thinking ahead, MAN is your dependable ally. We offer the right products and infrastructure to grow alongside your business,” said Appelt, a native of Lüneburg, a historic town in northern Germany known for its salt-mining heritage.
With two decades of experience at MAN, Appelt offers a deep understanding of the brand and its global operations. A graduate in Economics, his past roles have included driving global sales and commercial strategies as part of the company’s Commercial Board.
Notably, he also served as Finance Director in Bangkok in 2012–2013, a role that gave him significant exposure to ASEAN markets—including Malaysia, where he was a frequent visitor during the company’s earlier operations in Rawang. Most recently, he headed Human Resources for Sales and Marketing at MAN’s headquarters in Munich.
Appelt succeeds Andrew O’Brooks, who now leads MAN’s operations in Greater China following a fruitful five-and-a-half-year leadership in Malaysia.
Reflecting on his predecessor’s achievements, Appelt praised the transformation of MAN Malaysia over the past four years, noting that a professional team and growing digital presence have strengthened the brand’s local reputation.
“Andrew has built a highly capable and motivated team that consistently meets the high standards of our customers, especially in aftersales and vehicle uptime. Thanks to this strong foundation and network, my task now is to scale the business further,” Appelt said.
A key priority under Appelt’s leadership is expanding MAN’s footprint across Malaysia with new dealerships. His goal is to cement MAN’s position as the preferred choice for fleet operators.
As the first brand to introduce Euro V engines as standard in Malaysia’s heavy truck segment, MAN leads in helping transporters improve fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and reduce total cost of ownership. MAN’s Euro V trucks have been operating in local conditions since 2021, and the company has seen strong demand for its Euro V coach chassis.
“Our vehicles aren’t just machines—we see ourselves as a long-term partner to those in the transport industry,” said Appelt. “With our track record, I believe MAN is well-positioned to capture significant market share in Malaysia’s growing bus and coach segment.”
While acknowledging competitive pressure from lower-cost brands and aggressive discounts in the market, Appelt remains confident in MAN’s value-driven offering.
“We simplify the ownership journey through tailored, customer-centric solutions. With our in-house financing options, owning a MAN truck is now more accessible, with minimal upfront investment,” he explained.
MAN also offers service and repair contracts that help businesses maintain predictable costs and improve cashflow. Its digital tools—such as online service booking and contactless vehicle check-in—further enhance operational efficiency. MAN service centres remain open until 2:30 AM, allowing customers to send in vehicles after business hours and have them ready the next day.
Additionally, all MAN Genuine Parts, whether new or remanufactured, are competitively priced and backed by a two-year unlimited mileage warranty. Combined with MAN’s reputation for durability, this ensures long-term profitability for vehicle owners.
In the coming months, Appelt plans to hit the road and engage directly with customers across Malaysia, strengthening relationships and reinforcing the growing MAN community.
