For the 2017 range, MAN merges engines with new power levels of up to 640 HP and higher torque with finely tuned transmissions and switching functions into application-optimised drivetrains. This is accompanied by a strong brand identity. Exterior and interior design innovations in the TG range strongly place the trademark of the lion in the foreground. At the same time, the traditional Munich-based manufacturer is preparing for the logistics business of the future with new digital products and services.

MAN at the IAA 2016: more efficient, more economical, networked

MAN is taking numerous steps to optimise its engine programme for the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016. These ensure significantly improved fuel consumption with increased performance and driving dynamics as well as the expected high level of reliability. The new generation D38 engine offers up to 640 HP and reaches its greatest torque - up to 3000 Nm - even at low engine speeds. Optimised for fleet applications, the new D26 offers a power spectrum from 420 to 500 HP with a simultaneously low tare weight and low fuel consumption. In combination with the new versions of the MAN TipMatic transmission with individually co-ordinated driving programmes for every area of application, the MAN ranges provide highly efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly drivetrains.

Additionally, MAN will be bringing the latest version of the EfficientLine concept to the IAA, which combines all technical and aerodynamic fuel efficiency measures into one truck. To clearly demonstrate the fuel saving potential of the new EfficientLine 3 generation, MAN carried out a fuel consumption test journey with a MAN TGX 18.500 4x2 BLS EfficientLine 3 semitrailer tractor in July. The basis for comparison was provided by the truck's predecessor model - an MAN TGX 18.480 4x2 BLS EfficientLine 2 - which travelled with it along the same route. TÜV Süd monitored how the measured values were determined. MAN will announce the actual results of the comparison test drive at the IAA Commercial Vehicles trade fair in Hanover in September, once the journey data has been evaluated and the TÜV report has been received.

In addition to this, MAN will be unveiling numerous design innovations for its TG series at the IAA 2016. Externally, the MAN lion stands proudly in the foreground. TGX and TGS get newly designed and dynamic cooling air intakes. On the inside, warm colours with new materials and seat upholstery lend all TG models a bright and high quality feel, which is complemented by the distinctive steering wheel design. Furthermore, the driver’s workplace benefits from a new Infotainment system, automatic headlight activation and rain sensors. The new MMT MAN Media Truck Advanced Infotainment system is available with either a 5” or 7” screen and offers numerous comfort functions.

As a further focus for the IAA, MAN is putting strong emphasis on new approaches to networking the world of transportation. There will be a special area dedicated to the topic of innovation and digitalization, offering insights into upcoming new digital services and offers that will help clients to optimise their logistics processes and improve the efficiency of controlling goods flows via intelligent networking. MAN will also present new concepts for electro-mobility in Hanover.

New MAN TGX EfficientLine 3 is launched

MAN will introduce the third edition of the MAN EfficientLine at the IAA 2016 trade fair. Its commercial potential for fuel saving will be determined in a test drive.

A look back to 2011: MAN show their commitment to increasing transport efficiency with the slogan “Consistently efficient”. MAN’s launch of the EfficientLine semi-trailer tractor took the sector by surprise. A controversial debate broke out among customers regarding some of the methods used to reduce fuel consumption. Passions ran high as the speed was restricted to 85km/h instead of 89km/h and attachments such as sunblinds and truck horns, which interfered with the aerodynamics, were omitted. MAN were proved right due to their success. Over 56,000 semi-trailer tractors with EfficientLine equipment have so far rolled off MAN's assembly lines.

A series of changes all played their part in contributing to this success. These included spoilers and side panels for optimising aerodynamics, lightweight construction in the form of aluminium parts for the compressed-air tank, rims and diesel tank, retarder installed as standard, air compressor controlled to meet requirements (APM, Air Pressure Management) and optional TPM tyre pressure monitoring for maintaining optimal tyre pressure.

MAN launched packages with elements of the EfficientLine design to optimise other basic vehicles such as semi-trailer tractors in the MAN TGS series or chassis such as on the swap body truck. Other European truck manufacturers responded by launching comparable models.

IAA 2016 will see the launch of the new MAN TGX EfficientLine. To clearly demonstrate the fuel saving potential, MAN performed a consumption tour with an MAN TGX 18.500 4x2 BLS EfficientLine 3 semi-trailer tractor in July. The basis for comparison was provided by the truck's predecessor model which travelled the same route along with it - an MAN TGX 18.480 4x2 BLS EfficientLine 2. TÜV Süd monitored how the measured values were determined.

As part of the MAN IAA preliminary press conference, these two vehicles will head out on a promotion tour along the same route as the measurement tour from Munich on 20 July 2016. The tour will cover almost 4,000 km across six European countries. The convoy is scheduled to make eight stops on route in Bregenz-Hohenems (Austria), Milan (Italy), La Junquera and Irun (Spain), La Corrèze (France), Bulle and Birr (Switzerland) and finally in Munich in order to allow customers and truck drivers in these locations to see the new MAN TGX for the first time.

The efficiency of the EfficientCruise - the latest generation anticipational cruise control - will be demonstrated in particular on the topographically challenging sections of the route. The EfficientRoll freewheeling gearbox function will come into effect on gentle inclines or slightly undulating route sections. The reworking of the new D26 CommonRail engine and the driveline redesigned for this with TipMatic gearbox 12+2 27 DD Profi and axle transmission ratio of i = 2.53 will also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. On the basis of their trials over the course of the continued development of the driveline, the technicians at MAN are anticipating a fuel saving of around five percent on this route.

MAN will announce the actual result of the test drive at the IAA Commercial Vehicles trade fair in September in Hanover following the evaluation of the tour data and once the TÜV report has been received.

Those who would like to follow the MAN Efficient Line tour across six countries between 20 and 28 July 2016 can do so using MAN's social media channels. This is where daily consumption data are published, along with interesting infographics and interviews with experts: