Van and chassis cab versions to be available for passenger use; right-hand drive models expected to be sold via bodybuilders, but MAN will also offer ‘a nice line-up’ of factory conversions, builder promises
More details of MAN’s plans for passenger-carrying versions of the TGE have been revealed, with the German manufacturer expecting to offer accessible and minicoach models in right-hand drive and a low-floor version later.
The majority of TGEs that enter the market here will do so via third party bodybuilders and converters, who have existing relationships with operators.
MAN’s wholly-owned UK subsidiary will also be able to supply minicoaches and minibuses that are converted at its Plauen Bus Modification Centre.
Base vehicles at 3,500kg GVW are already available in right-hand drive. They are suitable for conversion, with a maximum of eight passenger seats or three wheelchair users in accessible models.
Development is currently ongoing at 5,000kg GVW. At September’s IAA show in Hanover, MAN will exhibit at least two M2 vehicles, one finished at Plauen and one by a third party. 19 seats will be the maximum at that GVW, while 16-seat accessible and coachbuilt models will be possible.
A 5,500kg GVW M3 version of the TGE will follow for PCV use. It will have upgraded brakes and suspension but otherwise it is the same as the M2 variant, with maximum front and rear axle loadings of 2,200kg and 3,500kg respectively.
“All of the passenger-carrying TGE models that we finish at Plauen will be offered in right-hand drive, but we expect most UK demand to be met by local bodybuilders and converters,” says Manager Project Minibus Alexander Stucke. “We have already spoken to a number of them, and in the UK we have also identified a market for accessible minibuses,” he adds.
As part of its commitment to supporting all TGE customers, MAN will instigate an accreditation programme for approved bodybuilder partners that will involve audit and certification of their processes and quality.
Mr Stucke has also confirmed that MAN will “definitely” offer a TGE with a low-floor central area in a similar style to those fitted to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. While there is no specific timeframe for the low-floor’s debut, 2019 is likely. It will be offered first in left-hand drive form before right-hand drive versions are added.
All versions of the TGE will be powered by a 2.0-litre engine with four rating from 102-177bhp. Gearbox options are a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
