South African logis- tics operator for long-haul transport Reinhard Trans- port Group (RTG) reports that it has bought 140 MAN TGS 27.440 semitrailer tractors for its Chrome Carriers fleet.

The contract was awarded in July to manufacturer of com-mercial vehicle engines and mechanical equipment MAN, after RTG extensively tested vehicles from a number of manufacturers, including four MAN TGSes. While testing, RTG analysed the best total cost of ownership (TCO) and productivity of the bidders’ trucks.

“What was crucial in placing the order with MAN was that the vehicles showed no technical defects of any kind after more than 200 000 km continuously on the road. Further decisive factors in selecting MAN vehicles were the low fuel consumption, the good price and performance, the comfort and convenience offered the driver and the service and warranty package,” says RTG CEO Derick Reinhardt.

With an average vehicle age of 14 months, RTG works one of the most technically modern vehicle fleets in South Africa. Chrome Carriers requires expanded warranties in view of its tough operations. The drivetrain of the 140 TGSes is covered for four years or 600 000 km and, overall, the vehicle comes with a three-year guarantee up to 450 000 km.

The drivetrain of the TGS 27.440 works on a MAN 440 hp D20 engine with automated MAN TipMatic gear change. This configuration, with high torque at low revs per minute, is optimal for traction in mining fields with softened ground and is equally suitable for efficient long-haul traffic.

Chrome Carriers will use the 140 MAN TGSes to transport chrome ore from inland mining areas of South Africa to the harbours in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and in Maputo, Mozambique.

MAN is present in these regions with a close-meshed service network. Chrome Carriers drivers have been instructed in safe and economical driving by trainers of MAN ProfiDrive in South Africa.

The company notes that fuel savings of as much as 10% are possible by adopting an efficient driving style that is easy on material.

Meanwhile, MAN notes that the challenges facing commercial truck fleet operators in South Africa have never been greater. The rising cost of diesel and an acute shortage of skilled drivers make it imperative for road freight transporters to seek better ways to save fuel and mitigate on-road risk, says the truck manufacturer.

“With about 80% of overland freight in sub-Equatorial Africa being transported by truck, the long-haul road freight sector is proving to be the testing ground for new trucks equipped with technologies that enhance both road safety and fuel economy,” notes MAN.

MAN Truck & Bus South Africa is a global supplier of truck tractors designed to enhance operational efficiencies in the long-haul trucking industry.

Launched in 2010, MAN’s TGS WW range of long-haul 6 × 4 truck-tractors has gained a reputation for exceptional fuel economy, driver comfort, safety and reliability, says the company.

In particular, the MAN TGS WW 26.440 BLS and the TGS WW 26.480 BLS deriv- atives have made significant inroads into leading local fleets owing to a combination of features that effectively lower the operator’s total cost of ownership, says MAN.

“The TGS 26.440 and 26.480 BLS models are purpose-built for long-haul applications in Southern Africa. The drivelines on both derivatives have been improved to safely and economically handle the region’s mountainous topography,” says MAN Truck & Bus South Africa (SA) truck division CEO Bruce Dickson.

Both models come standard with MAN’s proprietary high-tech active safety technologies, including the rollover prevention electronic stability programme and antispin regulator.

This year, MAN Truck & Bus SA will launch its new TGS Efficient Line range of 6 × 4 and 4 × 2 long-haul truck tractors, based on the proven TGS WW platform.

In August 2012, MAN Truck & Bus SA undertook the most extensive truck economy run ever executed in the country to benchmark the fuel economy and carbon monoxide-savings potential of the new MAN TGS Efficient Line range, Dickson says.

“The independently audited fuel consumption figures for all three TGS Efficient Line derivatives proved that a 7.8% fuel saving is possible when a long-haul truck is equipped with technologies that effectively reduce aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance and auxiliary power demand,” he adds.

The MAN group is one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle, engine and mechanical engineering companies, generating yearly revenue of around €15.8-billion and employing a workforce of around 54 300 worldwide.

MAN is a supplier of trucks, buses, diesel engines, turbo machinery and turnkey power plants, with all corporate divisions holding leading market positions, says the company.