According to German and Chinese media reports MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group wants to pave the way for a new kind of cooperation with Chinese partners. "Commercial vehicles from MAN have been a feature of China's roads for decades, with more than 70 percent of MAN and Steyr trucks made under license in the country," says Urs Vollrath, president of MAN Truck and Bus (China). Yet joint venture production remains elusive for the German company.

Currently, MAN considers Weichai Power based in Weifang of Shandong province, the nation's biggest engine producer, as a potential partner. MAN has until not too long ago set its main focus of business expansion primarily in Europe where it has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of premium medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Growing further means MAN must have considerably more engagement overseas. MAN has laid plans to not only adjust its sales and service strategies but says it is also creating a product portfolio to meet a wider range of regional market demands. In mapping out a new approach, MAN will change its long-standing operating procedures.The output of MAN reached 7,500 buses in 2007.The German group has set a target to manufacture 15,000 buses by 2015.