- MAN Truck & Bus presents new MAN Truck Generation
- New MAN Truck Generation sets standards in driver orientation, assistance systems and digital networking
- Fuel consumption reduced by up to eight percent and significantly lower CO2 emissions
- New assistance systems, including the newly developed turn assist, increase road safety
- MAN consistently implements Simplifying Business with new MAN Truck Generation
MAN Truck & Bus introduces a completely newly developed truck generation for the first time in 20 years, which is consistently oriented towards the changing requirements of the transportation industry and sets new standards for – among other things – assistance systems, driver orientation and digital networking. The new truck generation thus represents the development of MAN Truck & Bus from vehicle manufacturer to a provider of intelligent and sustainable transport solutions. With fuel savings of up to eight percent, the new MAN Truck Generation achieves significant reductions in CO2. The newly developed turn assist helps to prevent serious accidents in urban traffic – four years before the legally prescribed introduction. The lane change assistant also warns the driver of vehicles in the next lanes. MAN has involved customers and drivers in the development of the new MAN Truck Generation from the beginning, so that their requirements could consistently be made part of the new vehicle.
The new MAN Truck Generation follows in the footsteps of legendary series. The MAN TGA, which was presented in 2000, was formative for truck construction. Not only does the new MAN Truck Generation follow suit, it also brings a new level of comfort, safety, efficiency, reliability, service as well as connectivity and digitalisation.
“Simplifying Business” – the changing transportation industry
Today, the requirements in all areas of the transportation industry are more diverse and complex than ever – forecasts for the future indicate that fundamental transformation of the industry is in “full gear”. This brings great challenges with it – the transport volume in the EU alone is to increase by an additional 40 percent in the next 20 years. At the same time, strict legal regulations are intended to reduce CO2 emissions by 15 percent by 2025 (with an additional reduction by 30 percent by 2030). To make matters worse, there is a growing shortage of drivers. According to current estimations, in Germany there will be a shortage of around 150,000 qualified professional drivers in the next two years alone. Additionally, increasingly comprehensive digitalisation across all logistics processes sets a fast pace for transport companies.
“Our customers expect us to provide them with answers to these questions, and rightly so,” summarises Joachim Drees, the MAN Chairman of the Executive Board. “For their sake, we need to be one step ahead of these changes with all their direct and indirect effects. This is a huge, but at the same time, extremely exciting task – it means that we need to think in different, new dimensions as the manufacturer of our products. We do this with our new truck generation.”
This is why the new MAN truck generation offers everything which customers and drivers have always valued and expected from their MAN vehicles – only even better. It unites tried-and-true virtues with developments which are absolutely future-oriented, in order to take the burden off freight forwarders and drivers and make their daily work easier, despite increasingly complex framework conditions. In doing so, MAN is focussing on four core topics: the driver in their work place, the vehicle’s efficiency and its reliable usability, as well as the strong and competent partnership for customers.
“Excellent driver fit” – the driver is the focus
In order to optimise the work place in the truck and to adjust it to better meet the daily requirements of the driver, their performance and motivation need to be placed at the forefront. After all, the decisive building blocks for a transport company’s economic success are the commitment and satisfaction of drivers. This is why the new MAN truck generation sets standards in terms of user-friendliness, optimum ergonomics, operation which is more intuitive and reliable, networking with digital devices and applications and, last but not least, optimum space, a well-thought-out storage concept and perfect sleeping comfort – all this geared towards needs which were determined based on experience. This is because MAN consistently included the expertise and feedback of drivers and business people throughout the entire development process. Modern assistance systems such as the newly developed turn assist, the traffic jam assistant as well as lane change assist reduce the strain on the driver and ensure increased safety in road traffic.
The instrument panel in the new MAN TG series is oriented towards the driver. The Vario passenger seat in the new MAN TG series can be turned inwards. The driver navigates through the main menu with the large lower rotating ring on the MAN SmartSelect.
“Great efficiency & economy”
The Euro 6d engine range, which was introduced back in 2019, realises its full efficiency potential with the new MAN Truck Generation. The perfect interplay of the units with additional, newly developed consumption-reducing driveline and software components provides the future series with a trailblazing level of efficiency. In this way, the new MAN Truck Generation saves up to eight percent of fuel compared to the Euro 6c predecessor version in classic long-haul transport applications, and thus achieves a clear reduction in CO2.
The improved aerodynamics of the new vehicle design also play their part in this reduction. Furthermore, MAN offers additional targeted and practice-oriented training and instruction options with digital applications, in order to support drivers in even more efficient driving methods.
Comprehensive product improvements for components and in the areas of maintenance and service reduce service life costs. Likewise, the new MAN truck generation offers significant payload advantages for weight-sensitive application sectors.
“Optimised uptime” – utmost availability over the entire service life
How “good” a truck is when it is in use largely depends on how efficiently and easily it fulfils its transport task. An important parameter here is reliability. MAN endeavours to make the tried and true even better with the new truck generation, in order to ensure the long-standing product quality (which is repeatedly confirmed in the TÜV report) for the future as well. Take for example the newly developed, simplified, powerful and future-proof electronics architecture, which will significantly improve and expand the functionalities of the trucks.
Additionally, a comprehensively further developed, digitalised maintenance management system reduces operating costs and ensures maximum availability of the new MAN TG vehicles. Fleet management and drivers are supported through numerous digital functionalities and services.
“Strong partner” – competent and personal partnership
At the same time as the new truck generation, MAN is introducing a new consultation and offer system which is entirely oriented towards the needs of the customer. It follows a product logic which is consistently oriented towards the application profile. This allows for a new MAN TGX, TGS, TGM or TGL to be put together into a truck that fits the exact transport task, using comprehensively adjustable and flexible configuration options. This includes individually coordinated services from maintenance, financing and digital services, which make the truck a holistic, integrated transport solution – all this from a single source, with competent personal contact partners. Furthermore, MAN Individual provides a comprehensive portfolio of options to enhance the vehicle and make customer-specific adaptations ex-works.
From customer to product
The claim of the new MAN truck generation of “Simply my Truck” is not just a slogan, but a significant foundation for development – to find out how the ideal work place and living space in a truck should be designed first hand, the MAN developers presented over 700 drivers (including during visits to truck stops and service stations) with different prototype solutions. The feedback from the professionals and their personal wishes went directly into the new series.
Additionally, MAN invited 300 national and international customers from a total of 16 countries to Munich, in order to define the most important requirements for a new vehicle with them in workshops. The developers compared this diverse input with the feedback from the driver interviews, and implemented the resulting core ideas into the numerous innovative features of the new MAN truck generation.
At the same time, MAN is continuously developing the performance of its Sales and After Sales areas further. Based on over 50,000 personal customer surveys a year, new services and products were created which help the customer to optimally utilise their new MAN TGX, TGS, TGM or TGL.
A large door opening angle of 89 degrees and a stair-like straight entry are characteristic features of the new MAN TG series.
The MAN EasyControl control panel is mounted on the inside of the driver's door in such a way that important vehicle functions can be operated from the open door without getting in.
Comprehensive improvements in the production and sales process
The new MAN truck generation does not only entail a new product for MAN; it also involves comprehensive improvements in Production and Sales.
In order for series production of the new MAN truck generation to be ready to go and to be able to simultaneously offer the previous models during the transition phase until the end of 2020, MAN invested around 100 million euros at the Munich site alone, for example. There, up to 500 cabs from the comprehensive range of the new MAN truck generation and the previous TG series are produced a day.
Additional investments amounting to 85 million euros went into the new cab paint shop of the main factory, which can now meet the increased output of cab construction without any problems. It is one of the most state of the art and environmentally friendly plants in Europe and another step on the way to a “green factory”, which MAN is dedicated to achieving.
At the plant in Steyr, Austria where the TGL and TGM series continue to roll off the production line, a new and cutting-edge paint shop was also put into operation. All plastic attachment parts for the entire MAN production network will be exclusively processed there in the future.
Alongside production, MAN also restructured its offer process with the launch of the new truck generation. At the centre of this is a fundamental change in method in product logic which manifests itself in new configuration processes and tools. When creating the offer, the core thought here is to place the individual transport task of the customer at the forefront. This results in a portfolio which is more closely aligned with the market and customers, with a completely integrated range of trucks, After Sales services, finance and digital services. The configuration and offer process is thereby not just much faster, but also provides a high level of flexibility when putting together the perfect tool for the customer’s transport task.
The new MAN Truck Generation – the project in numbers
The introduction of the new MAN Truck Generation is the most ambitious project from the company in 20 years:
12,000,000 working hours were spent as part of the project
4,000,000 test kilometres driven up to market launch
2,800,000 lines of software code
167,000 working hours were put into the new vehicle design
Around 22,000 new item numbers were integrated into all departments
3,000 cab colours are available as standard
2,100 MAN employees were directly involved in the project
8 cab sizes are available for the new MAN Truck Generation
Up to 8 percent less fuel consumption
4 series: MAN TGX, TGS, TGM or TGL
1 team: the 36,000 employees at MAN Truck & Bus
On the road in long-distance traffic: The new MAN TGX series with the new GM (left) and GX (right) cabs.
The new MAN Truck Generation: the right truck for any application
In developing its new generation of trucks, MAN consistently focused on the drivers and their transport task. The result is a product portfolio that optimally fulfils every transport task.
Eight different new cabs
The right chassis for each sector
Every transport task has its specific challenges. A truck in international long-haul transport must offer not only high fuel efficiency and ergonomic operating logic for relaxed and fatigue-free driving, but also provide a suitable concept for resting and the sleep area. This enables drivers to regenerate optimally during breaks, because only when they are fully rested can they retain concentration to steer their truck through traffic in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Assistance systems, such as semi-automated driving in traffic jams or the turn assist feature, provide additional support. Safety is key for operators not only in long-haul operations, on construction sites and in distribution networks. Good visibility and optimum display of important driving information are essential in urban driving situations and on tight construction sites or when manoeuvring around tricky delivery locations. The ergonomics of frequently entering and exiting the cab, as is part of the daily work routine in urban distribution transport or when operating municipal services, is another key aspect. It is also important to choose the right body for the transport task at hand, for which the vehicle chassis must offer the optimum technical and electronic interfaces – whether it be a three-way tipper, a roll-off skip loader, a refrigerated body, a refuse collector vehicle or a timber transporter. Not least, appropriate driveline design is key in ensuring that the driver and vehicle can handle the transport task efficiently and in accordance with the assignment. So as to offer the optimum solution every time, MAN has designed its new product range in modular form to meet the diverse requirements of the different transport sectors and tasks faced.
In the new generation of vehicles, MAN has arranged the mirrors so that the driver has an optimal field of vision to the side.
Varied product portfolio: The right truck for any task
Retaining what is tried and tested, and making it even better where appropriate, is the core thinking behind MAN's new generation of trucks based on the familiar model series line-up: Long-haul and heavy-duty transport jobs are still covered by the new MAN TGX models, recognisable by their wide, long and high cabs. As before, the new MAN TGX features a choice of three engine series offering a range of power outputs: the top-of-the-range MAN D38 developing up to 640 hp; the mid-range MAN D26 from 430 hp to 510 hp; or for light long-haul transport the MAN D15 from 330 to 400 hp. Alongside classic 4x2 and 6x2 semi-trailer tractors and chassis units, the 6x4 and 8x4 variants are also still available for the TGX, as they are a popular choice for heavy-duty transport operations for example. The 4x2 semi-trailer tractor can optionally be ordered with MAN HydroDrive, the hydrostatic front-axle drive providing additional traction on unpaved surfaces. With this diversity of options, the MAN TGX covers a range from 18 to 41 tonnes gross vehicle weight. For heavy-duty applications, a 250 tonne gross train weight is possible.
The new MAN TGS is targeted as before on the heavy-duty construction vehicle, distribution and municipal services sectors. This model series is characterised by narrow cabs, because in typical applications both low unladen weight and good visibility are key. In terms of power units, MAN offers the TGS with the D26 or D15 engine, covering a broad power range from 330 to 510 hp. The wide range of variants also makes the MAN TGS the king among the lions when it comes to drive configurations. Whether the 4x2 and 6x2 as semitrailer tractors or chassis units, the classic 6x4, 8x2 and 8x4 for a wide variety of sectors, or the specialist all-wheel drive rigs for rough terrain configured as 4x4, 6x6, 8x6 or 8x8. If the vehicle is mainly driven on paved roads, and additional traction is only occasionally required, MAN HydroDrive can be combined with a 2, 3- or 4-axle MAN TGS. Featuring such a variety of set-ups, the gross vehicle weight of the new MAN TGS ranges from 18 to 41 tonnes.
The light and medium tonnage ranges in the new truck generation are again covered by the MAN TGL and MAN TGM. There is a choice of four new narrow cabs: short, long, high with a bed, and the crew cab. The crew cab is used in the construction industry, by municipal service providers, as well as by emergency services. With its 4-cylinder version of the D08 engine, the new TGL covers a range from 7.5 to 12 tonnes. If that unit's 160 to 220 hp power range is not sufficient, the TGL can also be equipped with the 6-cylinder 250 hp D08 engine. That is also the basic power unit for the MAN TGM range, which extends up to a 320 hp 6-cylinder D08. The tonnage range of the new MAN TGM takes up where the new MAN TGL stops, extending from 12, 15 and 18 tonnes to 26 tonnes gross vehicle weight. While the MAN TGL is available exclusively in 4x2 versions, the MAN TGM also offers 6x2, 6x4 and 4x4 wheel configurations, which makes it attractive not only for medium-heavy overland distribution transport and urban logistics but also for many applications in construction, municipal services and fire-fighting.
The headlights with integrated daytime running lights and indicators on the new MAN emphasize the striking design of the front.
The indicator in LED technology on the new MAN TG series is not only functional but also striking in its design..
New cabs: diversity is key
MAN offers no fewer than eight different cabs with its new truck generation. The most space is provided by the three large-capacity cabs, designated GX, GM and GN.
With their 2.44 metre outer width, the GX and GM are the perfect choice for long-haul international transports. Plenty of space for luggage is provided by the storage compartment in the middle under the bed, the two external storage boxes, which are also accessible from the inside, and the storage compartments and roof stowage units above the windscreen. The GX cab with the highest roof variant provides up to 355 litres of storage space. Thanks to the low-lying transmission tunnel, the GM cab has an above-average headroom of 1.87 metres, while that in the GX is even 2.07 metres. Drivers really enjoy being on the road with the two largest cab variants, which feature outstanding freedom of movement, an airy interior ambience and supreme levels of comfort. Comfortable beds with high-quality slatted frames and effective cab sound insulation ensure optimal relaxation and restful sleep.
The third of the large-capacity cab variants, the GN, offers the same high levels of comfort as in the GM and GX cabs. It merely dispenses with a high roof, which entails clear benefits for specific applications in a variety of different sectors. Examples include the transportation of sensitive loads with silos or oil tanker bodies and semi-trailers. Some body units, such as car transporters, extend over the low cab. Thanks to the low-lying transmission tunnel, the GN cab likewise still offers outstanding freedom of movement with its 1.57 metre headroom. Like the GX and GM versions, the comfortable bed has a high-quality slatted frame to ensure optimal relaxation and restful sleep.
In the construction industry, urban distribution logistics and tanker and silo transportation, optimum visibility and light weight are crucial. Convenient, ergonomic entry and exit when making frequent delivery stops is also very important. MAN developed the new, 2.24 metre narrow cabs for the TGL, TGM and TGS series of the new MAN Truck generation specifically to meet such requirements.
With its 2.24 metre width, the new FM cab meets the requirement for light weight and compact design, but with the identical length and the same high roof as the GM cab it also meets the high demands of living and sleeping comfort. The FM cab is ideal in payload-intensive national long-haul transport operations for example. Like the GM and GX cabs, the FM features exterior storage boxes accessible from the inside as well as numerous storage compartments and roof stowage units above the windscreen.
The new low FN cab is available for applications in which drivers and operators value high standards of comfort, plenty of storage space and a comfortable bed with a high-quality slatted frame for occasional overnight stays, but do not require a high roof.
As before, the new NN cab will be the most frequently chosen variant for the new MAN TGS. Typical applications in the construction industry are for tippers and transport mixers. Despite its compact 1.88 metre length, it still offers sufficient space behind the seats for work clothing and tools. The optional access ladder, featuring a standing platform above the left wheel arch and a grab handle on the roof, allows for safe and convenient monitoring of the cargo space behind the cab. Also typical of the design and very robust, the new medium-height or high chassis cabs feature a three-part steel bumper. The parts can be replaced in sections in the event of major collision damage. The flexibly mounted bottom rungs of the step units, protected by reinforced facings to withstand heavy impact without damage, are a further practical boon.
The new TGL and TGM series include the CC cab with an outer width of 2.24 metres and outer length of 1.62 metres. Despite its compact design, it offer the same high level of ergonomics and user-friendliness as the other cabs available for the new MAN. Drivers in a variety of sectors, including distribution, construction or municipal services, will relish the very low entry height and wide-opening doors.
The crew cab – the longest cab in the new truck generation – primarily offers plenty of space for additional passengers. The new four-door crew cab designated DN provides plenty of space for up to seven people and their equipment on its comfortable four-seater bench and its two or three seats in the front. They can also utilise generous storage facilities, including under the rear seat bench. This makes the crew cab ideally suited for trades, for municipal service providers and for emergency services.