German bus and truck maker MAN has signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan’s Improtex Trucks & Buses to jointly assemble its Lion’s City E electric buses in the country, with the first locally assembled units expected in 2026.
The agreement follows MAN’s xKD model, under which buses will be delivered partially assembled along with additional components, while final assembly takes place in Azerbaijan. MAN’s parent company Traton will provide on-site support, including employee training and quality management. Over time, the partnership aims to increase “local value creation” by producing certain components within the country.
“With this agreement, we are opening a new chapter in our international cooperation. Azerbaijan is investing in sustainable urban mobility – and we are contributing our expertise in the field of electromobility,” said MAN Chief Executive Alexander Vlaskamp, who attended the signing ceremony in Baku. “Together, we are making an important contribution to clean and efficient transport solutions in the region.”
Barbados Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus, said: “International business is of great importance to us. We see enormous growth potential in markets outside Europe and are consistently driving forward our internationalisation. The partnership with Azerbaijan shows how we want to leverage this potential together with strong local partners.”