How MCV takes the high road to disability and environmentally friendly manufacturing
Founded in 1995 by Egyptian entrepreneur Eng. Karim Ghabbour, Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles Ltd (MCV) is the largest bus manufacturer in the Middle East and Africa. MCV’s core mission is to supply its global customers with innovative, reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective transport solutions. With buses present on the roads of the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Gulf, MCV caters to diverse market standards and requirements. To satisfy each of these international markets, MCV manufactures various kinds of tailored products and buses, including coaches, city buses, transport buses, minibuses, and special application buses. Ashraf Fawzi, Managing Director of MCV’s UK division (MCV UK), provides an overview of the company’s history.
“Since its inception, MCV has built a reputation for superior transport system solutions, adhering to the highest global standards through cutting-edge
technologies, products, and services. Driven by a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and consistent research and development, MCV’s vision is to meet and exceed international standards. This commitment is evident through our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, where our dedicated team of engineers tirelessly explore new technologies, ensuring precision and efficiency throughout every step of the production process. Moreover, we regularly invest in cutting-edge manufacturing to deliver sustainable, high-quality products while fostering a thriving workforce and minimizing our environmental impact,” he begins.
Through increased recyclability, reduced waste, eco-friendly materials, and lower energy consumption, MCV upholds its commitment to a cleaner future. “Our manufacturing approach prioritizes processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and resources, and enhancing employee, community, and product safety. We have a series of objectives on our path towards achieving a net zero supply chain.
“In terms of environmental sustainability, we strive to improve our manufacturing processes by decreasing our energy and water consumption as well as minimizing waste generation through a lean manufacturing system. To achieve these goals, MCV has invested in four-megawatt solar panels, reducing our reliance on the grid for both our headquarters and manufacturing facility. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our use of eco-friendly components in our products. For example, MCV’s new electric range designed for the British market features an advanced HVAC system that uses non-fluorinated greenhouse gases, which are non-toxic, harmless, and help combat global warming. Additionally, we leverage our low volatile organic compounds (VOC) painting system, which remarkably reduces VOC emissions by 57 percent compared to standard paint systems. Additionally, we have reduced our transportation emissions, thanks to our bus fleet specifically designated to transport MCV employees to their different work locations. These combined efforts empower MCV to combat air pollution and reduce its environmental footprint. Lastly, to ensure traceability and transparency, we partner with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced materials.
“Beyond sustainability, MCV positively impacts its communities. Indeed, we strongly promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by offering equal opportunities for all employees. Notably, we have recently become an active member of the Women in Bus and Coach initiative, which encourages equity and diversity in our industry. Moreover, we support local communities through volunteering and partnerships with various organizations. Presently, MCV enjoys a strong, long-lasting apprenticeship program in Egypt with over 450 participants,” explains Ashraf.
By tracking and monitoring the global shift toward eco-friendly transportation solutions, MCV has adapted its products to align with the demand for electric vehicles. “In response to the growing demand for electrification, we have implemented different strategies to drive the development of electric vehicles. MCV has expanded its portfolio of electric buses by integrating new technologies, adapting to market trends, enhancing workforce training, and forming productive partnerships. The electric vehicle sector is dynamic and growing rapidly with tremendous potential to contribute to a more sustainable future,” adds Ashraf.
MCV’s strong reputation within the industry has led to many exciting projects and contracts. Ashraf discusses the company’s recent collaboration with automobile giant, Volvo. “Through a longstanding partnership spanning many years, MCV has produced various body types on different Volvo chassis. This collaboration has led to the sale of large bus fleets in numerous markets, including the UK and the Far East. Recently, MCV and Volvo Buses entered into a strategic agreement to manufacture bodies for the popular Volvo 7900 Electric and Volvo 7900 Electric Artic bus models, as well as Volvo’s 8900 electric buses. With our significant production capabilities, we are well-positioned to meet the surging demand for electric buses in European cities and support the ongoing electrification efforts across the continent. These capabilities and our experience in manufacturing high-quality bus bodies combined with Volvo’s cutting-edge electric bus technology, foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise. Therefore, our partnership with Volvo could potentially lead to further advancements in electric bus design and manufacturing,” he highlights.
On the topic of partnerships, Ashraf delves into MCV’s long collaboration with Transport for London (TfL), for which it has provided over 500 buses. “Focused on customer satisfaction, MCV follows and complies with TfL’s latest regulations, specifications, and requirements. This determination has resulted in a prosperous and enduring partnership as we continue to collaborate with TfL, striving to achieve its vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads. Nonetheless, the overarching goal of our partnership with TfL is to improve the public transportation system and comply with customer requirements by incorporating innovative features within our vehicles. Such features include a hearing impairment system allowing individuals with hearing impairments to receive announcements and information through their hearing aids, as well as a special wheelchair area equipped with easily accessible bell pushes, USB charging ports, a visible monitor position displaying announcements, and handrails to assist passengers with mobility challenges. These features – and many more – are also available more broadly throughout our vehicles, making transportation safer and more accessible to everyone,” Ashraf states.
As the interview nears its end, Ashraf details his aspirations for the future of MCV. “Looking ahead, we would like to reach new markets and make substantial contributions to the global automotive sector. By remaining on top of industry trends and technological advancements, we aim to solidify MCV’s position as a global leader and pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in the industry,” he concludes.
By leveraging its expertise and partnerships, MCV is poised to achieve its ambitions of global leadership.