With the new addition, called the MAN TGE, the manufacturer will be able to offer a range spanning from 3 to 44 tonnes.
The TGE will be built alongside the Volkswagen Crafter in VW’s new Polish plant, in Wrzesnia.
It will be unveiled next year at IAA 2016 and will be available from 2017.
Simon Elliott, managing director of MAN Truck & Bus UK – and former MD of Volkswagen Light Commercial Vehicles – says the new addition will put “another building block in place for our future”.
He adds: “Customers have repeatedly asked me about the possibility of an MAN van, so it’s great to be able to confirm that we are in the market.
“We are keen to offer the HGV approach to repair and maintenance for our customers by reducing operator downtime.”
When he worked for VW, says Elliott, his ethos was ‘van people, talking van language to van customers’.
“That belief has not changed,” he insists. “Having the right product with the right strategy, backed by a great dealer network that understands what customers want, will be key to the success of the MAN TGE range.
“I am confident that our new product will do very well in a competitive market. The next few years are going to be very exciting.”
The TGE will be offered with several body options and power ranges with front, rear and four-wheel drive and a choice of transmissions.