The commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus has introduced new versions of its transporter TGE in the contract business as part of the presentation of the renewed generation Next Level. The three-side tipper TRIGENIUS from Meiller and the truck combination with box body from BE-Combi are the new additions to the transporter division. This brings the number of available factory configuration options to 13. The configured vehicles are covered by warranties and can be ordered directly and from a single source by the customer.
BE-Combi: Up to seven tons with a car driving license
The BE-Combi represents an innovative concept for logisticians. The transporter with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes is combined with a 3.5-tonne trailer. The body manufacturer BE Combi converts the TGE into a tractor unit with an auxiliary frame, a fifth wheel coupling, an air supply unit, and an intelligent braking system. Additionally, there is the 3500PLUS single-axle trailer from BE-Combi featuring a lightweight box body from the manufacturer Junge, a tail lift, and a roof spoiler. The tractor-trailer combination has a total weight of seven tonnes. The highlight of this combination: drivers only need a BE driving license, not
a class C license. The system offers a payload of about 2,650 kilograms and a loading volume of up to 28 cubic meters, allowing the transport of ten Euro pallets. The manufacturer advertises it as an alternative to a 7.5-tonner. Safety functions such as ABS and ESP are transferred to the trailer.
Meiller Trigenius: Weight-optimized tipper
The Trigenius from Meiller also possesses innovative features. It is a robust, weight-optimized three-side tipper made of Hardox steel with high payload capacity. The latter is achieved through laser welding technology that connects thin high-strength steels. Combined with a TGE with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes, the customer can load up to 951 kg. With a 5.5-tonne TGE, it is up to 2,600 kg. New to the model are the one-tonne lashing rings on the sidewalls for securing items protruding over the sidewall and the floor lashing rings with a two-tonne holding force, which are positioned far outside and accessible from both outside and inside. The Munich-based tipper specialist has also revised the sidewall locks, steps, and mudguards.
Certified bodybuilders
With the new Certified Van Partner program, MAN Truck & Bus, like many current van manufacturers, is establishing
a binding quality framework for collaboration with body and equipment manufacturers. The aim is to ensure the diversity of individual vehicle solutions based on the TGE with clear standards and to strengthen collaboration with qualified partners. Certification is carried out by the Body Manufacturer Management Van and is based on a multi-stage testing process. Among other things, the quality of the finished vehicle, the successful completion of a compliance check according to factory specifications, as well as the completeness and maintenance of the company profile on the MAN body manufacturer platform ABBI, are evaluated, according to the Munich-based company. Only those who meet all criteria receive the certificate – valid for three years. Continuous monitoring and random quality checks ensure the sustainability of the program.
Certified partners are expected to benefit from closer ties to MAN: This includes joint sales and marketing activities, invitations to technical and product meetings, and access to technical information and training offers. Being included in the list of recommended body manufacturers also increases visibility within the network and with end customers. For the manufacturer itself, the program aims at more transparency in the body and equipment process, a reduction in service
cases, and strengthening of the brand through reliable partner standards. At the same time, customer satisfaction is increased through verified quality and coordinated processes, they believe.
"As a truck manufacturer, we have maintained a close connection with bodybuilders for decades. With the Certified Van Partner program, we are now creating a reliable foundation for quality, efficiency, and trust – to the advantage of our van customers and partners," advertises Roy Tietze, Head of Bodybuilder Management Van at MAN Truck & Bus.
The innovations in special bodies are taking place in the context of the new introduction of the revised transporter generation called "Next Level," which comes with significantly expanded standard equipment, improved driver assistance, safety, infotainment, and telematics connectivity. These had already been introduced last year. However, there is no longer an electric version until the successor. This was also discontinued at MAN due to the cancellation of the technical twin e-Crafter at VW Commercial Vehicles.
MAN TGE's contract business:
- Rack system supplier: Bott/Sortimo
- Fresh produce van conversion: Kerstner
- Combi (Basic/Shuttle/Mobility) 8+1 seats: MAN Individual
- Minibus Intercity: 19+1 seats Altas
- Minibus Coach: 16+1 seats Altas
- Box body (with/without tail lift): BE-Combi/Junge/Spier
- Tail lift van: Bär Cargolift
