Bringing it all to JIMS

MAN Truck & Bus South Africa’s stand at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) is a hotspot for news about its models and future goals.

“Our overall exhibit is all about how MAN directly addresses the many issues that are pushing our industry forward,” says chief executive officer, Bruce Dickson. “We provide solutions to the most pressing challenges facing truck and bus operators in Africa today.”
 
Geoff du Plessis, MAN’s executive chairman, adds: “To be competitive, our customers need their vehicles to be running more than 90 percent of their service life in a manner that is cost effective.” He explains: “MAN Solutions integrates our entire spectrum of services to ultimately offer clients a tailor-made solution that truly serves their specific business requirements.”
 
MAN remains determined to lessen the total cost of ownership of its buses and trucks by making them more fuel-efficient. The company claims that its TGS EfficientLine truck tractors can save up to 7,8 percent of diesel consumption, which equates to a carbon emission reduction of 2,63 kg for every litre of diesel saved.
 
One of these fuel-saving wonders is the TGS 26.440 EfficientLine. This long-haul 6×4 truck sports a double sleeper cab and is powered by a 12,4-litre Euro-engine, which produces 324 kW (440 hp) between 1 700 to 1 900 r/min. It also has a torque output of 2 100 Nm at 1 000 to 1 900 r/min, a tare mass of 8 235 kg and a gross combination mass (GCM) of 65 000 kg.
 
MAN’s entire truck range is being showcased alongside its Volkswagen cousins, such as the 19.320 truck tractor. The vehicle is powered by a six-cylinder in-line Cummins ISCe turbo intercooled Euro-3 engine. It has air suspension and a hypoid rear axle. As for power output, it produces 235 kW (315 hp), and has a torque output of 1 288 Nm at 1 300 to 1 600 r/min.
 
The company is also displaying passenger transit solutions, specifically its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) offerings and low-entry commuter buses. One of these is the A84 18.280. This “low rider” features two passenger entry points and has a seating capacity of 45. It is powered by a MAN DO8 six-cylinder in-line common rail injection engine that is turbocharged and intercooled.
 
All of MAN’s after-sales services and additional solutions join the company’s vehicles at its stand. “In a nutshell, MAN’s overarching message to our operators at JIMS 2013 is that we have the solutions to drive sustainable fleet profitability,” Dickson concludes.