• IRU World Congress focuses road transport, mobility and logistics
• Keynotes by Joachim Drees (CEO) on “Challenge for our commercial vehicles industry: CO2 emissions”
• Business Leader Dialogue: Drees speaks on “People at the heart of road transport” followed by a panel discussion

Joachim Drees, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus was alongside 60 speakers including ministers, CEOs and thought leaders at the inaugural IRU World Congress held in Oman.

Over 1000 delegates from over 100 countries convened in Muscat on November 6th till 8th at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre to discuss challenges surrounding the transport, mobility and logistics industry.

Through a series of sessions, industry leaders and innovators tackled impactful themes at the forefront of the industry’s concerns, centered around themes such as automation, innovation and trade connectivity.

Mr. Drees spoke alongside leaders such as Steffen Bilger, State Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Germany and Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications for Oman.

“As a manufacturer of trucks and buses, it is our responsibility to provide the right transport solutions to our customers. And this is why we have a very clear e-mobility roadmap in place. Additionally, MAN is taking a leading role in the automatization and digitalization of commercial vehicles to make our customers’ business operations simpler, more profitable.”

“We are delighted to be a part of the inaugural edition of the IRU World Congress series. This is a unique opportunity to initiate a dialogue not only focus on CO2 emissions, a colossal challenge for our industry and countries, but also address the importance of placing a focus on the people at the heart of the road transport industry.” said Mr. Drees.

MAN Truck & Bus are committed to more sustainable practices and unveiled a fully-electric version of the instantly recognizable MAN Lion’s City bus, the low floor, low entry public transportation bus. The fully electric version can sustain a range of up to 270 kilometers and can be charged in just three hours. In addition, the electric eTGE van was introduced as the perfect vehicle for urban transportation needs, offering a load capacity of up to 1.75 tons as well as a range of up to 160 kilometers.

Referring to the innovative technology, Mr. Drees affirmed a commitment to provide complete transport solutions that simplify the life of drivers, dispatchers and carriers.

“I congratulate the organizers for orchestrating an opportunity for dialogue. More than ever, we cannot begin to lose sight of a dedication to reducing CO2 emissions. This year witnessed the introduction of CO2 standards for trucks in the EU, a region where trucks are already the most efficient in the world. It is truly a time for change.”

“I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman. At the heart of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman’s geographic location best positions it as a link to trading routes between Asia, Africa and Europe. A country experiencing first-hand the vital role road transport plays in shaping the region and the wider world, it is a natural choice of host.” added Mr. Drees

This visit to Oman marks Mr. Drees’ second visit in the Middle East this year, the first being to Kuwait where he inaugurated the new 16,000sqms facility for MAN trucks located in the heart of the commercial business district of Kuwait.

Since 2015, Joachim Drees holds the position of CEO at MAN SE and MAN Truck & Bus AG. A veteran of the transport industry, Joachim had previously held positions at Daimler Truck Group, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Gaggenau Transmissions. Presently, he is Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Board of Directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). He is also a member of the Executive Board of TRATON AG (formerly Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG).

Joachim Drees, CEO of MAN, at RU World Congress in Muscat, Oman.

From left to right: Joachim Drees during the plenary session at IRU World Congress at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat, Oman. Pierre Lahutte, IVECO Brand President Joachim Drees, CEO of MAN SE and MAN Truck & Bus AG Hon Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Shareholder of Mohesin Haider Darwish His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications, Oman John Defterios, Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor, CNN