VW-owned truck manufacturer cuts corners to create new category.
Volkswagen is a major player in the heavy truck market. It holds majority stakes in two of Germany’s largest truck manufacturers, Scania in Sweden and MAN in Germany. With a rebadged version of the new Volkswagen Crafter, the latter has taken advantage of this connection to enter a new segment.
Until now, MAN’s range was limited to the heavy 7.5-ton (16.500 pound) category. The new TGE is designed to serve the lighter 3.0 to 5.5-ton (6.600 to 12.100 pounds) categories.
The Crafter and TGE have very little in common except for the grille at the front and some other minor details. Although MAN has not confirmed this, it is possible that the TGE will be made in the same Polish factory as the Crafter.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine produces power with either single or dual turbochargers. Power outputs range from 102 to 177 horsepower. There are three drive options: front, rear and four-wheel. A six-speed manual gearbox comes standard. An eight-speed automatic can be added as an option.
MAN currently targets the TGE in the construction and distribution industries. You can choose from two wheelbases, three lengths of vehicle and three heights for the panel van body. The body measures 646 cubic feet at its largest. The chassis-cab can be ordered with either a single or double cabin and any body.
It will be available in Europe by the fall of 2017, with production starting in April 2017. It is unlikely that it will launch in the United States, where it would be competing with the Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit.
Interestingly, the 1980s MAN G-Series truck used a cab based on the VW LT, grandfather to the Crafter/TGE.