So often over so many years, MAN has been a case of desire outstripping deed. Simply, more hopes than highlights. Still, there’s no question that throughout the brand’s long association with the Australian market, there have been tasks and times when the German stalwart has notched notable success in a wide range of roles. In specialised vocational and off-road roles, for instance, MAN’s achievements are considerable while most recently, its high-profile presence in Australian military applications was achieved after a highly competitive and tediously thorough selection process. It was, in short, chosen as the best man for the job.
That’s not to imply, of course, that MAN hasn’t also won good business in large commercial fleet operations, small fleets and single truck companies, not least a large Australia Post order for medium-duty models some years back. Whatever, the big German is certainly no stranger to Australian roads, anywhere.
Even so, big orders have generally been few and far between and the reasons for that are no doubt, many and varied. Consistency, however, must surely rate as one of the biggest bugbears and over many decades, the brand has shifted from factory-owned operations to being part of entrepreneurial distributorships, including its current standing within Penske Australia.
Nonetheless, operational consistency of the MAN brand in Australia appears to have stabilised somewhat since US automotive mogul Roger Penske spent
