MAN Truck & Bus revives Polish Star brand for military use

MAN Truck & Bus has announced the revival of the historic Polish truck brand, Star, to supply the Polish military, fire services, and rescue organizations. The announcement was made during the International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce.

The new Star vehicles will be based on modern MAN technology, specifically utilizing modified versions of the MAN TGS 6x6 all-wheel-drive chassis. These vehicles are intended for non-combat military logistics, such as transporting equipment and supplies in difficult terrain, as well as for humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross.

The project is being developed in collaboration with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a joint venture between MAN and the German defense giant Rheinmetall. MAN intends to leverage its Niepołomice factory and work with Polish suppliers for specialized bodies and equipment to meet local content requirements.

This move positions MAN as a significant competitor to Jelcz, a company owned by the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), which is currently the primary domestic supplier for the military but faces production capacity limitations.