MAN Truck & Bus Korea has positively forecasted the second half of the market in Korea and presented the "MAN CORE 360" strategy in preparation. MAN Truck & Bus Korea cited reasons for its optimistic outlook for the Korean market: "expected industrial activation due to economic stimulus policies, a recovery forecast for the commercial vehicle industry in the second half of the year, a 3% increase in new dump truck permits, and the potential reintroduction of the safe freight rate system."

Based on this outlook, MAN Truck & Bus Korea has outlined its strategy for the second half of the Korean market as "MAN CORE 360."

MAN Truck & Bus Korea (hereinafter referred to as 'MAN Truck'), the Korean subsidiary of the German premium commercial vehicle brand MAN Truck & Bus SE, held a press conference on the morning of the 26th at the Grand Hyatt Seoul located in Yongsan District, where it introduced the "MAN CORE 360" strategy aimed at maximizing customer value through advanced service and presented its future vision.

The press conference was attended by Thomas Hemmerich, Senior Vice President of Sales International at MAN Truck & Bus Group, Jesper Nystrom, General Director of Traton & MAN Financial Services, and Peter Andersson, President of MAN Truck & Bus Korea, who each presented visions and strategies to lead MAN Truck & Bus Group in the future commercial vehicle market, the status and strategy of MAN Financial Services, marking its first anniversary in Korea, and the execution strategy for domestic service innovation, the "MAN CORE 360" strategy.

Peter Andersson stated, "The MAN CORE 360 strategy is a comprehensive service enhancement strategy that encompasses the entire lifecycle of the customer's vehicle and is composed of four core pillars," adding, "Through innovations that improve quality and efficiency across the customer experience based on service network expansion, the launch of a new app, various programs to enhance customer value, and systematic personnel training, we will continuously increase customer satisfaction."

As part of the first pillar of the MAN CORE 360 strategy, the expansion of the service network, MAN Truck held the grand opening ceremony of its third directly operated service center in Korea, the Busan Service Center, on June 25, and has begun full-scale operations. Following the service centers in Yongin and Sejong, the Busan center will provide specialized services focusing on tractors that handle import and export cargo, while also serving as a strategic hub to complete the nationwide maintenance system.

Investments in service centers will continue in the second half of the year. MAN Truck plans to open a new service center in the Icheon area in the fourth quarter, expanding its national service network to 23 centers.

The second pillar of MAN CORE 360 is the launch of the My MAN app. My MAN is designed with customer convenience as the top priority and features a vehicle maintenance reservation function, which is a first for imported commercial vehicle brands, as well as quotes for accident repairs and vehicle function manuals in a single integrated application. Starting with its official release in July, it plans to enhance customer access and convenience for service through a digital-based, personalized service.

The third pillar is a differentiated program operating strategy centered on enhancing customer value. Firstly, in the second half of this year, a customer loyalty program will be launched. Owners of MAN trucks will be classified into three tiers: "Elite," "Prestige," and "Classic," based on the years of ownership, receiving various benefits and rewards. In particular, points that can be used like cash will be accrued when visiting the service center, and the range and types of benefits will be gradually expanded based on future customer feedback.

Additionally, from July 8, a "MAN Service Day" will be held for two weeks, rotating through nine regions nationwide. This will provide free maintenance services on-site for customers who find it difficult to visit the service center, along with gifts in appreciation for customers.

Moreover, MAN Truck is effectively reducing vehicle operating expenses through its integrated warranty and maintenance program called "Carefree."

As the final pillar of MAN CORE 360, MAN Truck will also expand human investment to enhance service quality. MAN Truck has introduced 'MAN Technical Training,' which reconstructs global technology to fit domestic needs, and has been operating systematic training programs that classify its technicians into "Novice," "Advanced," and "Master" levels, matching roles with skill levels. Furthermore, the 'Customer Service Training' aimed at improving communication skills with customers will also be introduced in 2023 to elevate the overall service quality at customer touchpoints.

Thomas Hemmerich, the Senior Vice President from the German headquarters, noted, "Despite the difficult environment with a contraction in the European truck market in the first quarter, MAN has achieved significant results, proving its brand competitiveness once again," and added, "As the lead country in the Australasia cluster, the Korean market holds a very important position in MAN's global strategy, and we plan to continue our ongoing investments."

Jesper Nystrom, General Director of Traton & MAN Financial Services, introduced the achievements of MAN Financial Services, which was launched last year, quickly establishing itself in the domestic commercial vehicle finance market and doubling its acquisition rate within a year.

Director Nystrom stated, "We quickly gained trust based on innovative financial products that reduce customers' purchasing burdens," and added, "In the second half of this year, we will introduce new customer-oriented financial solutions, such as a downtime compensation program that provides cash during downtime when a vehicle is in service at the center, further enhancing our competitiveness."

In the second half of this year, MAN Truck will enhance its product lineup in line with Euro 6E compliance and will introduce new models with increased competitiveness in sales, including a 540-horsepower new dump truck.

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