Bauma 2019: Travel more efficiently with MAN: support for the driver, more safety in transport

• ACC Stop&Go in even more model variants
• MAN ComfortSteering simplifies steering work
• MAN Lane Return Assist stops the vehicle accidentally leaving the lane

Be it the transport of building materials in urban and non-urban areas, distribution transport or international long-haul transport – entrepreneurs, drivers and customers depend on transport tasks being completed reliably, quickly and free of accidents. MAN has been able to further develop the Lane Guard System (LGS), which has already been in use for years, and expand its range of functions to include the Lane Return Assist (LRA), based on the new MAN ComfortSteering system, which supports the driver during steering manoeuvres.

Furthermore, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with the Stop&Go function is now also available for vehicles with the TipMatic12 gearbox. This applies to most model variants from the MAN TGS and TGX series which are used in main and ancillary construction work; however, all-wheel-drive vehicles and versions with the steel bumper are not included.

MAN ACC Stop&Go and EBA2 driving assistance systems

It's all about safety when it comes to the equipment features that MAN is showcasing at bauma 2019. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a significant asset in terms of safety and – above all – comfort. It has also been available with a Stop&Go function since 2018. This feature first appeared on the market for semitrailer tractors with the MAN TipMatic14 gearbox, and in the future will also be offered to a wide range of vehicles with the TipMatic12 gearbox.

ACC Stop&Go automatically regulates the distance from the vehicle in front at speeds of 0 to 25 km/h (including at low speeds), slows the vehicle to a stop if necessary, and automatically moves off again after short stops. This allows the driver to cruise along even in heavy traffic, traffic jams, or in urban areas, in a relaxed and stress-free manner. Additionally, the new generation of MAN ACC makes things more convenient when approaching vehicles in front, as the truck will slow down to a stop behind the preceding vehicle all by itself. If the stop lasts less than two seconds, the truck will move off again by itself. If the stop lasts longer than two seconds, the driver moves off again by pressing the accelerator or a button on the multi-function steering wheel.

The system eases the strain on the driver in heavy traffic, meaning they can navigate traffic jams with less effort. Additionally, it prevents unnecessary braking and accelerating, thereby reducing wear on the brakes and fuel consumption whilst driving.

EBA2 clearly exceeds the applicable, stricter legal requirements for emergency brake systems, which have been in place since November 2018. The sophisticated combination of data from radar and camera sensors allows EBA2 to interpret even challenging traffic scenarios more reliably, identify preceding vehicles and stationary obstacles with more certainty, and thus only activate emergency braking if required. Based on the positive experiences with this design philosophy, MAN has been installing the EBA2, as standard, without a disable button on the instrument panel since the spring of 2017 to further increase the safety offered by the system. In this situation, the driver still has total control over the system at all times.

MAN offers the EBA2 for the entire tonnage range from 7.5 tonnes and up, and, since the beginning of 2018, also for vehicles with approval in the emissions standard Euro 3, 4 and 5.

MAN ComfortSteering eases strain on drivers

During the course of 2019, MAN will be introducing MAN ComfortSteering, an active steering support system, to the TGM, TGS and TGX series with the new Euro 6 engines. An electric motor boosts the steering torque generated by the driver with a light additional torque depending on the situation at hand, thereby reducing the steering forces and making steering more precise and comfortable as a whole. Adjusted to the driving speed, the driver will experience smoother steering when performing manoeuvres, and there is also high tracking stability when driving at higher speeds.

Extra safety with MAN Lane Return Assist

If there is a risk of the vehicle leaving its lane without the driver activating the turn indicators, Lane Return Assist (LRA) will actively guide the vehicle back to its lane. In many versions of the MAN TGM, TGS and TGX series with the new Euro 6 engines, this function enhances the reliable Lane Guard System (LGS), which has been in use for years. While LGS emits an acoustic warning if the vehicle leaves its lane, LRA – available through the course of 2019 – actively intervenes, and guides the vehicle back to the area within the lane markings. The driver is still able to override the system at any time. A requirement for the system to work is that the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel, as they are responsible for guiding the vehicle.

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MAN VAS: Video turning assistant system for best view to the right

In MAN trucks, the video turning assistant system’s camera is expanding the driver’s field of view into the blind spot. The monitor is located in the field of vision when the driver looks to the right into the mirror.

• Camera on right-hand side of cab
• Monitor on right-hand A-pillar
• Possible to combine with ultrasonic sensors
• Can be installed or retrofitted by MAN Truck Modification for TGL, TGM, TGS and TGX series

Despite having numerous proactive safety systems supporting them, the driver always has responsibility for the job of driving. Above all, good visibility for the driver and unrestricted ability to observe other road users are essential for this. It is difficult to see what is going on to the right-hand side of a vehicle, so if something critical is about to happen when turning, changing lanes or manoeuvring, the driver needs to alerted to this as early as possible. A camera monitor system helps the driver to see what is happening alongside the vehicle, supporting the view afforded by the rear-view and kerb mirrors. The driver is thus able to see objects such as cyclists or a smaller vehicle right next to the cab. Bollards, walls or parked vehicles become more obvious when manoeuvring. The system is activated automatically whenever the right-hand indicator is switched on. If required, the driver can also switch on the system via a switch.

On request, MAN Individual can install a camera with a 150° wide angle lens on the right-hand side of the cab near to the edge of the roof. The monitor, which measures 7 inches, is usually installed inside the cab on the passenger side A-pillar. When the driver looks to the right into the mirror, the monitor is visible in the field of vision. Alternatively, the camera signal can be played back on the 7-inch display for the Infotainment system on the instrument panel.

The camera monitor system can be equipped with ultrasonic sensors on the front and right side of the vehicle for even greater safety. These sensors register objects and other road users up to two metres away from the cab. When other road users approach, the driver receives a visual warning via LED warning lamps and an acoustic warning via a signal tone. This enables the driver to identify the potential hazardous situation in good time and respond accordingly.

This equipment can be ordered as a factory-fitted feature, though it is also possible to retrofit.