MAN minibus offers promise of what could be delivered

MAN used a five-day customer event at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, to provide a static demonstration of the first of its TGE minibuses, built in the Neoplan factory, to show a taste of what might be possible. alt=”” src=”https://www.route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/p10_lead_lo.jpg” style=”float:right” />

Although mainly a truck ride-and-drive event, it also demonstrated the two and three-axle Tourliner.

While the TGE minibus (and its van stablemates) is a re-badged VW Crafter, for operators it means that they can be maintained by MAN’s bus and truck network with its 24/7 opening hours and full commercial focus, rather than the car-oriented VW network.

The factory-built version has a fold-out step, 15 reclining luxury seats on full tracking with plenty of legroom and air-con. However, its build costs mean it is unlikely to be offered in the competitive UK market.

Instead, MAN is in discussions with five un-named existing UK convertors, with a view to creating a network of ‘approved convertors’. Under this programme, converted vehicles would retain MAN’s three-year unlimited mileage driveline and chassis warranty.

The TGE is available in front and rear-wheel drive, as a panel van, window van or chassis cowl from 3.5-5.5T with volume supplies available from Q3.

MAN plans to exhibit a UK-converted TGE minibus on its stand at the three-day Euro Bus Expo, opening at the NEC Birmingham on 30 October.

Find out more: www.eurobusxpo.com

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