MAN to assemble electric buses in Azerbaijan from 2026

MAN Truck & Bus has signed a memorandum of understanding with Improtex Trucks & Buses (MAN’s local partner) and the Government of Azerbaijan to establish local xKD production of electric buses. The agreement marks a further step in the company’s international expansion strategy.

The MoU was signed in Baku by Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, Samad Bashirli, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Fizuli Alakbarov, President of Improtex Trucks & Buses LLC. The declaration of intent sets the framework for long-term cooperation.

MAN, electric bus production coming in Azerbaijan

Under the plan, vehicles will be exported in a partially assembled form together with components and completed in Azerbaijan, where they will also undergo final testing. The first MAN Lion’s City E buses are expected to be delivered in 2026. MAN will provide technical support and training to ensure production and quality standards are met. Over time, the objective is to expand local production capacity and increase the use of components manufactured in Azerbaijan. Improtex Trucks & Buses has been the official importer/distributor of MAN Truck & Bus SE in Azerbaijan since 2005.

Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus: “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. Together, we are making an important contribution to clean and efficient transport solutions in the region.”

Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus: “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.”