MAN Truck & Bus
Clear lines
Inspiration The MAN designers like to manually capture their initial ideas on a tablet. This generates very dynamic designs.
Golden topaz, phantom blue and anthracite grey: these three colours were used for the new series for its market launch. The MAN designers are sending out clear messages with the choice of colours: "The gold paintwork stands for value and tradition. It signals that the truck can withstand the highest demands regarding reliability and value retention," explains Holger Koos, head of vehicle design at MAN. The blue paintwork also evokes positive associations, symbolising sustainability and future viability. The designer is thinking in particular about the future range of alternative drives for MAN trucks. The message of anthracite grey, in turn, is obvious: grey like a rock, durable and indestructible. This colour signature is especially intended for the new TGS as a construction site vehicle in heavy terrain.
Value retention is not only reflected in the colour selection for product launch – it is a guiding principle that shapes the entire design of this new vehicle generation. "Our customers want the new truck to be immediately recognisable as a MAN," says Rudolf Kupitza, head of truck design.
The design team has therefore taken a cautious approach to the truck’s exterior design. The predecessor generation should not appear outdated compared to the successor. So the new TG is externally geared toward family similarity with the existing vehicle portfolio. The new truck’s designers are nevertheless clearly showing indications of progress and the future. "We have further developed the strengths of the MAN truck through its design. The new vehicle arouses more emotions, yet at the same time it has improved functionality," says Kupitza.
The design of the new MAN truck generation
in detail
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Headlights
Radiantly beautiful: The new LED headlights look like a lion’s eyes. They are also a functional plus because they are economical in terms of energy consumption and long service life.
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Entry
Improved ergonomics: the entry was moved back a little, the step surfaces are wider. The driver can conveniently climb straight and without having to bend. Descent is also facilitated by the step arrangement.
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Door handle
Distinctive shape:the shape of the door handle supports the dynamic impression made by the side of the cab.
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Indicators
Attention to detail:the indicator lights are decorated with MAN logo and chrome. MAN design is characterised by high quality even in the smaller model.
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Exterior mirrors
Greater field of view: the exterior mirrors were moved slightly backwards and shaped to be more aerodynamic. The rear view mirror does not obstruct the view to the side and the driver has a good view of the next lane.
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Aerodomes
Trademarks:the side aerodomes are a typical feature of the MAN truck family. Reduced to three sharply contoured curves, they are even more effective.
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Wind deflectors
Aerodynamics is the key: the wind deflectors don’t just look sleek. They help reduce the truck’s drag. This pays off due to less consumption and fewer emissions.
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The redesigned front end of the new truck generation creates an intense emotional expression. "We have elaborated even more of the lion’s face on the MAN truck," states Kupitza. Beneath the striking chrome moulding with the lion logo, the black radiator grille forms the lion’s mouth. This creates an even more powerful appearance, since the black trim continues to the bumper area. "The dynamically shaped structure of the bumper simultaneously reminds us of a feline predator that is ready to pounce," says chief designer Holger Koos, describing the vehicle’s appearance. "Viewers may not be aware of these features, but they feel the impression of animalistic force and dynamism in the new TG." The new LED headlights help make the new truck the lion king. Their curved shape suggests the fierce eyes of the predator. "Although we have taken care not to make the truck too aggressive," says designer Rudolf Kupitza. "A MAN truck is a sympathetic road user."
Clear design vocabulary Holger Koos (left), Head of Vehicle Design at MAN, and Rudolf Kupitza (right), Head of Truck Design, jointly developed the design of the MAN truck.
THE CONTOUR HAS BECOME SHARPER. SHARP LIKE THE CLAWS OF A LION.
The increased design dynamics continue on the side of the cab. The projections behind the side window, internally referred to as "aerodomes" , have now been more obviously presented as a visual brand element for the MAN truck family. Their number has been reduced from five to three to make the lines more prominent. The contour has become sharper. Sharp like the claws of a lion.
The side windows, wind deflectors, door handles and door handle beading were also given dynamism in their design. The expression of muscular agility in design is not merely an optical plaything. The vehicle has in fact gained in terms of aerodynamics. This has a positive effect on fuel consumption.
Form should always support functionality. Design offers added value for the user. These are the thoughts that guide MAN designers. This applies to the whole vehicle as well as to details on the new TG. The door mirrors, for example. The shape and position of the mirrors has been slightly changed, with the positive effect that the driver now has a wider field of view. The door entry has been moved to the rear and thus improved in terms of ergonomics.
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Living comfort This sketch shows a basic layout of the rest area in the new vehicle with a bed and storage compartments.
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Developing ideas A designer drafted details for the cockpit.
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Proportions and details This portrayal of the rest area is somewhat more elaborate.
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Radiator grille and moulding This provides an outline of the striking front view of the new truck with its logo and lion.
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The new MAN TGS as a construction site vehicle This view is already quite realistic.
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Design of the cockpit The basic layout of the driver's workplace was manually drawn by a designer.
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Discarded draft This version of the new cab was not implemented.
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Studies of the cab Many designs result in crystallisation of the shape.
The designers have also expended a lot of loving work on the lateral indicator units: these are chrome-plated and have the MAN logo on them. "Such subtleties emphasise the high quality of the vehicle and generate emotions," says Rudolf Kupitza. The MAN designers’ conclusion: the new TG looks modern, but not over-styled. It embodies precision, quality, value retention and reliability. These are strengths that are significant in the transport business.
