Trucker romance is dead? We say no!
Pure tarmac romance?
Clearly. The MAN F2000 is still a crowd favourite today, and its high cab offers plenty of comfort. But change was already noticeable back then. The TG series has been state of the art at MAN since the turn of the millennium. Assistance systems in the MAN TGA such as MAN TipMatic and MAN ComfortShift make driving easier. Not to mention electronic aids such as lane recognition, adaptive cruise control, chassis control and ABS. New standards: MAN TGX and MAN TGS are launched in 2007. Both models are based on the successful TGA. A fully redesigned cab raises the driver-friendliness bar even higher.
The cab rethought
In 2005, when Trucker's World was founded, MAN is focusing on innovation in its light and medium series. The MAN TGL and MAN TGM models are launched on the market. Two years later, they are followed by new trucks for medium and heavy-duty applications: the MAN TGS and MAN TGX. The XXL version of the latter impresses with its almost luxurious amount of space and sleeping comfort.
The very first issue of our club magazine is published in 2006. It presents product innovations on the vehicles at the time, such as the multifunction steering wheel ("a real treat for the thumbs") or the manoeuvring light on the co-driver’s entry.
One year later, the wide-angle mirror on the left-hand side becomes mandatory and the issue of safety is becoming increasingly significant. Digital functions also shape everyday driving. Driver Michael from Straubing praises the introduction of the digital tachograph in the second issue of Trucker's World: "The device fits in well with the times. You can save yourself the hassle of writing."
2020 goes down in history as the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. While you keep the economy and society running with your trucks, many areas of public life are at a standstill. Large trade fairs and product launches only take place digitally due to the lockdowns. But MAN still has exciting innovations to reveal. The new generation of the TG series is ready to go. It convinces drivers with its revised design and optimised cab. The driver's workplace is at the centre of this modernisation: improved ergonomics and greater comfort. The cockpit design is more intuitive and the infotainment system can be operated using the new Smart Select dial.
You are the future of transport
State-of-the-art assistance systems – including Emergency Brake Assist, Turn Assist and Cruise Assist – enable you to drive your MAN more safely than ever before. MAN introduces the innovative OptiView mirror replacement system in 2021. This provides an advanced solution to reduce the risk of accidents caused by blind spots on the driver and co-driver side. Digital cameras replace conventional exterior and wide-angle mirrors. The technology increases your direct field of vision. The screens automatically adjust to the ambient brightness. MAN OptiView proves to be a real step forward in terms of safety.
MAN makes the leap into a whole new era of drive systems: The era of eTrucks and emission-free transport has begun. It starts with the MAN eTGM, which is initially available in small series form from 2018. The MAN eTGX and MAN eTGS follow from 2023 and the MAN eTGL from 2024. MAN is also the first European manufacturer to present a truck powered by liquid hydrogen, the MAN hTGX. It also features zero emissions.
From hybrid drives and alternative fuels to full electrification - MAN is well on the way to further reducing CO2 emissions in heavy goods transport. Vehicle efficiency, comfort and safety are also improving all the time. That makes your job easier. Because with all the consistent further developments in truck technology and truck design over the last 20 years, it's all about you: the drivers.
Ready for the future: Whether you're dreaming back to the MAN F2000 or looking forward to the high-tech of future truck generations - the world will continue to need your driving expertise.
