MAN’S four-truck field

Confirming just how seriously the company takes Truck Test, MAN has entered a record four trucks this year.

The MAN TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA, the MAN TGS 27.480 6×4 BB SA, and the MAN TGX 26.510 6×4 BL SA will all be hooked up to interlink semitrailers, while the MAN TGS 27.440 6×4 BB SA will pull a flat deck tridem.

The New MAN TG Truck range was introduced in South Africa in October 2021 and has – since market launch – performed exceptionally well in all application segments. Product upgrades have offered completely redesigned cabins with improved aerodynamics, a new driver-oriented workspace and interface, as well as a plethora of driver assistance systems.

In the high-end long-haul products, MAN’s trucks are well-appointed with ultra-modern and functional features suitable for local operating conditions. Customers will find many incredible value-adding and upgraded advanced features in the trucks, such as Emergency Brake Assist with collision avoidance, Electronic Stability Control with both dynamic stability and rollover prevention functions, Lane Guidance Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, full LED headlights and turn signals, automatic high-low beam control, and automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensors, to name but a few!

Drivers particularly enjoy the upgraded air-sprung cabins and seats with lumbar support, digital instrument cluster, large infotainment display screen combined with truck-specific navigation maps, electro-mechanical park brake actuation, and the many comfort amenities included within the sleeper bunk areas. All these features bode well for the highly-efficient New MAN TG range.

Whilst the New MAN TG is arguably one of the most advanced trucks on South African roads today, MAN’s team of engineers, product managers, and sales managers have ensured that the truck remains locally relevant. The new generation MAN TGS and TGX trucks retain the core of their proven DNA, carried forward from previous generation trucks. These are the highly-efficient MAN D26 inline six common rail engines, 12-speed TipMatic gearboxes with intarder, and high performing MAN hypoid axles.

At Truck Test 2022, MAN is presenting four premium trucks: the recently-launched MAN TGX 26.510 6×4 BL SA of Euro 6d emission norm, the flagship long-haul truck TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA, and the company’s two most common fleet trucks, the TGS 27.480 6×4 BB SA and the TGS 27.440 6×4 BB SA.

The two 26-tonne truck tractors feature electronically-controlled air suspension at the rear to ensure both load comfort and payload optimisation.

The TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA features an optimised driveline with a direct drive gearbox and a matching rear axle final drive ratio. The MAN TipMatic gearbox features intelligent control functions allowing for Smartshifting, Idle Speed Driving (EfficientRoll), MAN EasyStart on hills, and an Inclinometer for slope detection. Together with a comprehensive aerodynamic package (comprising the MAN roof spoiler, cab extenders, and doorstep coverings), lightweight aluminium rims, LED signature daytime running lights, and cab insulation at strategic points for the management of cooling/heating energy, this creates a high-efficiency package necessary for best fuel economy.

The TGX 26.510 6×4 BL SA, meanwhile, is the company’s most technologically-advanced and environmentally-benign vehicle. It offers the same efficiencies as the TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA, with the addition of dynamic steering with active lane-keep assistance and adaptive cruise control with stop-go functions.

The TGS 27-tonne truck tractor range boasts the ideal fleet trucks for long-haul traction applications, and is commonly found hauling side tipper interlinks and in performance-based standards (PBS) applications. The extra-heavy duty (XHD) family of trucks is made up of workhorses, with relatively fewer in-cab appointments, retaining the critical safety specifications found in other TGS long-haul truck tractors. The TGS 27.480 6×4 BB SA and TGS 27.440 6×4 BB SA are robust truck tractors ideal for on- and off-road applications.

Standard specifications include three-piece steel bumpers, 12-speed MAN TipMatic overdrive gearbox with intarder, heavy-duty transmission dependent power take-off suitable for continuous operation, MAN high-performance hypoid rear axles with disc brakes, and multi-leaf parabolic steel suspension.              

During Truck Test 2022, MAN is seeking to set performance benchmarks for the new MAN TG trucks in real-life everyday operation, while travelling on one of the busiest transport corridors of South Africa. It is going to be fascinating to see how they perform. After all, the range comes to South Africa with massively impressive credentials, with the new TGX range having been elected International Truck of the Year (IToY) 2021.

With a winning score of 155 votes, the German truck manufacturer’s flagship fought off the strong challenge posed by Volvo Trucks’ new FH range.

Based on IToY rules, the annual award is presented to the truck – introduced into the market in the previous 12 months – which has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency. Several important criteria are considered, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental footprint, and TCO; MAN’s new TGX range knocked it out of the park in all of these areas.

During extended test drives, the IToY jury members appreciated the improved cab aerodynamics that contribute to reduced fuel consumption. Moreover, the jury praised the human-machine interface of the new truck range, based on an easy-to-read, fully-digital colour instrument cluster and the turn-and-press control system (SmartSelect) of the secondary display, along with the multifunction steering wheel. Finally, the IToY journalists appreciated the wide array of assistance and safety systems, aimed at reducing the driver’s workload in every operating condition, as well as at improving traffic safety.

Summing up the jury vote, International Truck of the Year chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “With the introduction of the new TGX, MAN has delivered a future-oriented heavy-duty truck range, able to answer today’s and tomorrow’s transport needs.”

We have no reason to believe that these trucks won’t also answer those needs here in South Africa.