MAN used a five-day customer event at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire in June to debut the 5.5t GVW TGE-based minibus, converted at the Neoplan coach factory in Plauen, to give a taste of what might be possible in due course.
While the passenger-carrying TGE (and its van stablemates) is a re-badged Volkswagen Crafter, the principal benefit for operators is that the model can be maintained by MAN’s bus and truck network with its 24/7 opening hours and commercial focus, rather than the car-oriented VW network.
The factory conversion has a fold out step, 15 luxury reclining seats on tracking with lots of legroom, and air-conditioning. However, its build cost means that it is unlikely to be offered in the competitive UK market.
Instead, MAN is in discussions with five unnamed UK converters with a view to creating a network of approved partners.
Under that programme, conversions would retain MAN’s three-year unlimited mileage chassis and driveline warranty.
The TGE is available at GVWs of 3.5-5.5t, with a front-wheel drive option at lower weights. Volume supplies are to begin in Q3.
MAN plans to exhibit a UK-converted TGE minicoach on its stand at Euro Bus Expo, held at the NEC Birmingham on 30 October-1 November.
