20
August
2019
|
11:24
Europe/Amsterdam

Trade fair début for MAN at Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf

Summary

This year, MAN Truck & Bus will be exhibiting from its own stand for the first time at the world’s largest caravanning show, the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf (31 August to 8 September 2019). The outstanding qualities of the MAN TGE as a base vehicle for motorhomes will take pride of place in the commercial vehicle manufacturer’s trade fair appearance.

  • MAN stand: Hall 16, D06
  • On display: MAN TGE cowl chassis
  • Available for test drives: 2 MAN TGEs with camper van bodies and upgrades

At its trade fair stand (Hall 16, D06), MAN will be showcasing a cowl chassis-based MAN TGE as a base vehicle for semi-integrated motorhomes. The TGEs on display will offer a maximum authorised mass of 3.5 to 5.5 metric tonnes. In addition to the cowl chassis option, the TGE is also naturally available as a cargo van with extra windows. Another product on show at the stand will be the electro-mechanical power steering. As well as delivering better fuel consumption values than hydraulic steering, this also supports new driver assistance systems such as Park Steering Assist and the active Lane Guard System.

In the drive department, the MAN TGE offers a high degree of flexibility. For instance, the smart and cost-effective all-wheel drive is an appealing solution for campers. Compared with front-wheel drive, the 4x4 version only adds a small amount to the kerb weight, which even manages to stay around the same as a rear-wheel drive equivalent. And in its four-wheel drive version, the vehicle’s cab height is either exactly the same or only changes slightly.

In this design, the smart all-wheel drive system offers maximum safety and ensures sufficient traction – even on rain-drenched fields, snow-covered mountain roads or sandy surfaces. And all without needing the additional fuel consumption for which all-wheel drive is well known. Most strikingly of all, MAN’s all-wheel drive engages within 84 milliseconds as soon as the sensors detect front-wheel slippage. The driving power can then be variably distributed between the front and rear axles – from 0 to 100% on both axles. However, since the four-wheel drive is not kept constantly running in parallel, the MAN TGE 4x4 operates like a front-wheel drive vehicle in normal traffic situations and at the pumps.

The TGE comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. In addition, campers have the option to select an eight-speed torque converter gearbox with all drive types, which helps to make manoeuvring wear-free while providing a much more comfortable experience when driving off and changing gears.

Safety and comfort are also ensured by the best-in-class range of assistance and safety systems – most notably, the Emergency Brake Assist, which MAN is the only company in this market segment to offer as a standard feature. Another unique selling point is the active Lane Guard System, which is the only assistant in its class to return the vehicle to its lane actively and directly using the electronic steering system. Optional features include multi-collision brakes, hill ascent assist, drowsiness detection, high beam assist, road sign detection and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

For the avoidance of any doubt, MAN does not sell motorhomes and has no plans to do so. There is a different reason behind MAN Truck & Bus’ appearance at the most important caravanning trade show in the world. The tradition-steeped commercial vehicle manufacturer from Munich is aiming to show RV travellers the MAN TGE van’s impressive attributes as a base vehicle for motorhomes – specifically, its reliability, longevity, safety, service quality and comfort.

The Dutch Motorhome Club (NKC) is already convinced by the MAN TGE’s qualities as a base vehicle for camper vans. In 2019, the MAN TGE-based Knaus Van TI PLUS 650 MEG was named motorhome of the year in the semi-integrated category by the NKC on account of the base vehicle’s technical and driving characteristics. Visitors can also take in the outstanding workmanship at the Caravan Salon – the MAN TGE is manufactured in one of the most state-of-the-art car plants in the world in Września, Poland – as well as experiencing the TGE’s impressive driving characteristics in live operation. Two vehicles (one semi-integrated model and one modified cargo van) will be available for test drives in Düsseldorf. Prospective test drivers can register at the MAN trade fair stand.