Volkswagen start in Brazil

The repositioning of Volkswagen has begun with the German carmaker selling off its truck and bus manufacturing capacity in Brazil to MAN, a company of which they still own 20%. The sale, worth US$2.4 billion, has been announced this week and will take effect in the first quarter of 2009.

New parts facility opens

Western Star and MAN have officially opened their new Aftermarket Support Centre at Wacol, QLD, adjacent to its existing head office and production facility. The centre features a 13,000 square metre Parts Distribution Centre (PDC); the National Centre for Technical Training; and office area for Western Star and MAN parts and service personnel.

No SCR for MAN in 2010

MAN have come out and confirmed they will not be using SCR on their truck engines for the Euro 5 emissions round. They will be showing the new range of engines, due in Europe next year, at the forthcoming IAA Truck Show in Hannover Germany.

Navistar to buy MAN?

The possibility of Navistar using Caterpillar’s money to buy Volkswagen’s share in MAN has been broached by industry commentator Oliver Dixon in his World Truck’s Blog.

Navistar to buy MAN?

http://cdn-2-service.phanfare.com/images/external/4957656_2188279_31986031_Full_3/0_0_05d6df088956d6ecca96d6d742752e72_1 The possibility of Navistar using Caterpillar’s money to buy Volkswagen’s share in MAN has been broached by industry commentator Oliver Dixon in his World Truck’s Blog.

The agreement by the European authorities to approve Volkswagen’s takeover of Scania has led to speculation about the future of MAN. Dixon reckons Navistar will have new confidence and funds after their recent deal with Caterpillar.

By buying the VW owned MAN shares Navistar can then become a global player marrying their strong presence in the US with MAN’s strength in Europe and combining their brands to sell throughout the rest of the world.

Idle speculation or a real possibility? Who knows. Dixon was talking about Cat pulling out of highway engines nearly two years before it happened. Watch this space!

Dixon’s Blog can be checked daily here on etruck http://truxtop.wordpress.com/ as Ollie comes out of left field with analysis and speculation about developments in the world of the global truck manufacturers examining the complex relationship between the players.