New TG range launched in Middle East, Africa and Latin America

The launch follows the global unveiling of the product in Bilbao in February last year. The trucks will be launched in South Africa during quarter four this year.

New era in trucking

Addressing a very small group of journalists from Middle East, Africa and Latin America (this writer was the only South African journalist present at the media briefing), Joerg Mommertz, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales Area Middle East, Africa and Latin America at MAN Truck & Bus SE, said that the new range represents a new era in trucking. “The new range underlines MAN’s commitment to provide robust, reliable and efficient vehicles,” he noted.

Mommertz pointed out that the trucks are already finding favour in Europe. “Now we will start promoting the range in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, which are the most diverse and demanding markets. However, we have the right product for these markets. These trucks are built to be highly reliable; they’re able to withstand rugged use over their typical operating life, while delivering best-in-class performance. As a result, customers get optimal uptime and an attractive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO),” he added.

Three-year warranty

It was announced that a three-year warranty would be offered on the complete driveline on the truck tractor models. “We also have service contracts that can help customers in terms of preventive maintenance and predictable costs. Overall, we are offering the best ownership experience to customers,” he added.

According to Mommertz, the TG range is built on four pillars: greater efficiency and economy, a strong partnership, optimised uptime and excellent driver fit.

Significant payload advantages

On the subject of efficiency and economy, Mommertz noted that MAN is the only truck maker to offer engines that conform to emission norms ranging from Euro 2 to 4, 5 and 6d depending upon the selected model. “The engine range remains robust, reliable and as efficient as before. It will continue to deliver consistent high-performance over long duty cycles. These trucks also offer significant payload advantages for weight-sensitive application sectors. In fact, the TGL and TGM are even best-in-class when it comes to payload,” he noted.

Turning to the issue of a partnership, Mommertz said that MAN’s importer partners had done a commendable job to achieve customer satisfaction. On this note, he made special mention of South Africa, pointing out that customers named MAN the best performing European OEM in the competitive customer satisfaction index in South Africa during the second half of 2020.

“Partnership has been key to MAN’s successes. The new TG range follows a product logic, which is oriented towards the application profile. This allows for a new MAN TGX, TGS, TGM or TGL to be put together that fits the exact transport task, using flexible configuration options,” he pointed out.

Superior uptime

Uptime is, of course, extremely important to any transport operator, and Mommertz said customers in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America could look forward to what he called the “utmost availability” over the entire service life of the trucks.

“The operational efficiency of a truck is largely dependent on the parameter of reliability and how easily it fulfils its task, each day. The new TG range has been tried and tested. These trucks will perform just as before as the powertrain retains its characteristics from the previous generation,” he pointed out.

Tool to attract drivers

While we don’t have a driver shortage in South Africa, this is indeed a problem elsewhere in the world. In order to attract the best possible drivers, companies need to entice staff with the best possible truck. And Mommertz said that the driver was clearly the focus of the new range. “This truck will attract better qualified drivers. The new MAN Truck Generation sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, ergonomics, and operation which is more intuitive. There is also the aspect of optimal space – the storage areas are well thought out while the truck offers perfect sleeping comfort.

“The ultimate achievement is a driver who is well rested, comfortable and alert at all times, which leads to safer and efficient operations,” he noted.

Best-in-class TCO

Ultimately, Mommertz made it known that – on a personal level – he is super impressed with the new range. “To sum up, the benefits to customers include best-in-class TCO, improved fuel efficiency, improved uptime, an opportunity for enhanced earnings as well as improved safety and efficiency. If I could order one of these flagship trucks and it would fit, I would even put it in my private garage,” he noted with a chuckle.

Having driven the trucks during the world launch in Bilbao, we cannot help but agree!