Manitou Group: India’s Partner in Progress
Manitou Group is strengthening its presence in India by localizing production and expanding exports to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Arnaud Boyer, VP - Marketing & Product Development at Manitou Group, shares how India is shaping into a strategic base for the company, which is driving innovation with new electric and hydrogen-powered machines.
With the successful localization of telehandler production in India and strong demand from price-sensitive markets in the Global South, do you see India primarily serving these regions, or could it evolve into a broader manufacturing base for global exports in the future?
Currently, we are producing some of our telehandlers in India, with plans to sell them not only within India but also across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Previously, we supplied Latin America from France, but production has now shifted to India. We’ve adapted our telehandlers to meet customer needs in these regions, enhancing performance and improving our price positioning. Localization is key, as the telehandlers are made in India, and the components are sourced from local suppliers.In developing countries, price is a significant concern, and we believe India’s position is advantageous in terms of cost and machine specifications. The market is highly price-sensitive, and competition is fierce—not just from China but also from within India. Therefore, staying competitive on pricing is crucial.
While we are focused on the Global South for now, we are positioning India as a strong base for manufacturing, as we continue to meet local demand while offering competitive pricing and specifications tailored to these markets.
Now that India’s emission norms are comparable to international standards—essentially aligned with European standards—are you planning to manufacture in India and export to the European market?
We do not have any plans yet to export to the European market. While we have adapted BS5 engines, which are in line with international emission standards, they are currently intended for use only within India.While you are successfully exporting backhoe loaders from India to regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, what are the reasons for not targeting the European or North American markets?
We are currently exporting backhoe loaders, and the business is doing well, particularly in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, where our market share is steadily growing. It took some time to establish our brand there, but now the export volume is even higher than what we sell within India.In India, we manufacture a range of products, including backhoe loaders, and we are exporting more backhoe loaders to regions like the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
However, we are not targeting the European or North American markets yet as the customer needs and product requirements in those markets are quite different from the regions we are focusing on.
What new products and solutions has Manitou Group recently introduced to the global market?
Manitou Group has recently unveiled a host of new products and solutions that reinforce its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operator efficiency.At the forefront of these launches are two new 100% electric high-lift telehandlers (MT 1440e and MT 1840e). Powered by a lithium-ion battery with an integrated fast-charging option, these models deliver a full day’s work on a single charge while cutting energy costs by nearly 75% compared to combustion versions. With lifting heights of 14 m and 18 m, 4 t capacity, and 13 m outreach, they combine productivity with zero emissions and reduced noise, making them ideal for Low Emission Zone (LEZ) environments.
Continuing its decarbonization drive, Manitou also launched the MRT 2260 H2 hydrogen-powered prototype, featuring a fuel-cell system that extends battery range for heavy-duty applications. This innovation underlines the company’s investment in hydrogen as a future energy source.
In the rotating telehandler segment, Manitou introduced the MRT 4070, the tallest model in its VISION+ range. With a 40 m lifting height, 7 t load capacity, and 27 m outreach, it offers superior versatility for construction, industrial maintenance, and steel/wood frame installations. Enhanced maneuverability, faster setup, and operator-friendly features like Easy Step cabin access and remote control further boost efficiency.
The VJR vertical-mast access platforms (8 m and 10 m working heights) have been upgraded with redesigned controls for better ergonomics, along with smart systems such as real-time diagnostics, harness detection, and battery monitoring—improving both safety and user experience.
Supporting its electric shift, Manitou launched a new 30 kW external fast charger, compatible across its MT telehandlers and ME Lift electric forklifts. The charger enables 60% recharging in under an hour and is built for durability in offroad conditions.
Under the GEHL brand, the Group introduced new articulated loaders (AL 330 and AL 350), track loaders, and wheel loaders, designed for robustness and versatility with a wide range of attachments. A special rail-dedicated track loader—developed in partnership with Deutsche Bahn and winner of its Supplier Innovation Prize—was also showcased, providing a resource-efficient solution for underground cable construction.
Other additions include the compact ULM telehandler with trailer package for the D/A/CH region, designed for easy transport between sites, and the MHT 790 Stage V mining telehandler, which supports multiple heavy-duty attachments for mining applications.
Manitou also expanded its attachments portfolio, unveiling the SC 28 hydraulic breaker for underground environments, the PRGSA 750 pruning grapple saw with 750 mm cutting capacity and 360° rotation for forestry, and a heavy-duty tube clamp capable of handling up to 14 t loads and 1 m diameter pipes—an asset for the oil & gas industry.
Together, these innovations reflect Manitou’s strategy to deliver low-emission, high-performance, and operator-centric solutions across diverse sectors, while reinforcing its leadership in handling, access, and earthmoving equipment.
Our USP lies in offering international-quality machines at competitive prices, while ensuring peace of mind for customers through connected services, financing, and extended warranties.
How is demand for Manitou’s REMAN range of remanufactured spare parts growing?
REMAN parts are available from stock and follow the same ordering procedures as original parts. The REMAN offer currently covers over 230 part numbers and is available in 32 countries, mainly in Europe.
What is the impact of Manitou’s Easy Care 3-in-1 service package for customers?
To provide the best possible customer experience, Manitou Group offers a 3-in-1 package called Easy Care, comprising connected services, financing and extended warranty. In fact, the Group connects all its new ranges as standard, to provide remote access to machine usage information with varying levels of criticality: real-time monitoring, maintenance follow-up, use optimization. This service is particularly appreciated by fleet managers such as rental companies.This connectivity also makes it possible to anticipate maintenance work and thus avoid downtime. In order to offer products tailored to each type of customer, Easy Care also includes a financing service adapted to each customer's budget. The standard 2-year or 2,000-hour warranty is the third component of this offer. The period can be extended up to 6 years (or 6,000 hours) depending on customer requirements. The warranties apply to both combustion and electric models. The Easy Care offer is available from most Manitou dealers in Europe.
Published on:
09 October 2025
Published in: NBM&CW OCTOBER 2025
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