MAN’s trucks are most fuel-efficient

July 5, 2022

It’s official: MAN Truck & Bus produces and sells the most fuel-efficient trucks on the roads of South Africa. This has been revealed after models within MAN’s New Truck Generation Range emerged as the most fuel-efficient vehicles at Truck Test 2022.

All of the extra-heavy truck manufacturers in South Africa were invited to this prestigious test organised by FOCUS on Transport & Logistics magazine. MAN took the opportunity to showcase four of its premium new trucks. The test took place from 31 May to 2 June, where the country’s top trucks went head to head over a 1 142-km route starting at the Engen Blockhouse in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg and heading down the N3 to Engen Trafford in Pinetown, before returning to Engen Blockhouse.

The trucks were hooked to identical tautliner interlinks and tridem flatdecks supplied by Afrit.

The MAN TGX 26.510 achieved the best fuel consumption: a remarkable 48.63 litres per 100 km. The second-most economical truck in the test was the MAN TGS 26.480, with an equally impressive 48.69 litres per 100 km.

Not to be outdone, the MAN TGS 27.440 was the most fuel-efficient truck hooked to a tridem flatdeck, achieving an impressive fuel consumption of 48.91 litres per 100 km.

Because the MAN TGX 26.510 is a Euro 6 truck, it required AdBlue (3,86 litres/100 km) and this – along with average speed – was taken into account when calculating the Payload Productivity Factor.

While MAN always stands by its products, Livingstone Mulaudzi, head of product management at MAN Automotive (South Africa), says that the results of Truck Test even astounded the MAN team.

“In this test, we used a combination of proven MAN ProfiDrive techniques and driver assistance technologies endowed in our new MAN TG range of trucks. We are ecstatic about the results. Once again, we proved that MAN offers the most fuel-efficient trucks in the market. When we set our internal target of beating fuel consumption of 50 litres/100 km on the extremely challenging N3 route (Johannesburg to Durban and back again), we thought it was impossible – but we made it!” he reveals.

Mulaudzi explains that the new MAN TG products have optimised powertrain management systems that allow the best performance, even over some of the toughest routes in the country. “Furthermore, the MAN comprehensive aerodynamic package includes specific channels on the doors for a controlled air flow around the cab to reduce aerodynamic drag. In addition, air-sprung cabs in the MAN TG truck tractors – together with an ergonomically-designed interior – provide unparalleled driver comfort to minimise fatigue in long-haul transport,” he notes.

Mulaudzi points out that the results of Truck Test could not have come at a more appropriate time. “Given the ever-escalating fuel price, never before has there been such emphasis on fuel efficiency. Our customers will appreciate a direct saving in operating costs offered by the new MAN TG range of trucks whilst making a positive contribution to sustainable road freight by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. We are extremely proud of what our drivers and the trucks have achieved. It is no small accomplishment to receive confirmation that our trucks are the most fuel-efficient in South Africa,” he concludes.