Euro 5 MAN TGX – efficiency meets swag

MAN unveils its new TGX Euro-5; a truck that is said to “check all the boxes” on the long-haul operator’s wish list. THATO TINTE was there

Gathered at MAN’s Pinetown Assembly Plant on September 8, industry partners and the media waited in anticipation for the unveiling of MAN Truck & Bus SA’s One MAN Kann launch ceremony.

The mood was so electrifying that not even the damp weather could curb the excitement, as we waited for the all-new Euro-5 MAN TGX 26.540 6×4 BLS (XLX) EfficientLine truck tractor to make its groundbreaking South African debut.

The day’s proceedings included talks and presentations from the MAN team, who all gave insightful details of MAN processes, the TGX Euro-5 specifications and the blockbusting One MAN Kann adventure into Africa.

Geoff du Plessis, MD of MAN Truck & Bus SA, spoke passionately about MAN’s impressive first carbon-neutral factory in the world and described the organisation’s product offering and philosophies.

Dave van Graan, head of truck sales, gave a very engaging talk on MAN’s practices and robust efforts to reach and connect with various generational groups on social media. He also enjoyed hearing the crowd chanting “MAN Kann” in answer to his interactive questions.

The grand reveal was breathtaking as the TGX Euro 5 made its way to the marquee, with traditional Zulu dancers paving the way and leading it to the cheering crowd — the scene was spectacular.

With its striking features, it is clear why the TGX is said to take long-haul trucking to the next level and set a new benchmark for the trucking sector.

Among its many notable offerings, the long-haul truck tractor is equipped with a MAN D26 common-rail diesel engine producing 2 500 Nm of torque, a 12-speed MAN TipMatic automated manual transmission and MAN BrakeMatic technology (that produces an extra 110 kW of braking power).

Additional standard safety features include a Lane Guard system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Electronic Stability Program to prevent roll-overs and an Emergency Stopping Signal.

“The TGX is equipped with the roomiest cab ever released in southern Africa. It also comes with the latest comfort features including air-conditioning and a hi-tech media system with Bluetooth functionality,” said Van Graan with excitement.

Just as we thought things could not get any more interesting, came the announcement of the 52-day Africa adventure being undertaken by celebrity explorer, Riaan Manser, in the TGX Euro 5.

To prove its confidence in the truck and demonstrate its long-haul capabilities, MAN has entrusted the trucking novice to travel 14 500 km across nine southern African countries on what MAN says will be “one hell of a ride”.

Manser and his co-driver, Nduna Chari, a professional long-haul truck driver with 12 years’ experience, will tackle the roads of sub-Saharan Africa to transport mosquito nets and other malaria prophylactics. MAN’s partner in this initiative is Roll Back Malaria.

Chari drives for Barloworld Manline and is hailed as one of the company’s best long-haul drivers. Manser, on the other hand, has been well equipped with MAN ProfiDrive training, making the two ready to hit the road.

The journey, which began in Pinetown on September 8, will see Manser and Chari journey through countries including Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.

A television production crew is travelling with the two men to film the journey and document the team’s on-road experiences and events.

The videos will be placed on YouTube with regular episodes shown every Tuesday until November 3. Regular updates of the trip will also be posted on the One MAN Kann social media pages.