JAMES DALLAS'S BLOG: MAN up

Date: Friday, October 6, 2017 | Author: James Dallas

While new model launches from established players in the light commercial vehicle market are always exciting events, it is even more intriguing when a manufacturer enters the sector for the first time.

The last time it happened was in 2012 when Chinese brand Great Wall introduced its budget-priced Steed pick-up truck with the aim of gaining traction in the market through undercutting its rivals. The ploy didn’t work – the Steed lacked the quality and workhorse credentials of other pick-ups, meaning punters often considered second-hand examples a better bet than a new Steed, and Great Wall also struggled to keep up with emissions legislation.

Another Chinese manufacturer, DFSK, has endured similar difficulties since 2011 in trying to carve out a niche for its cut-price microvans.

But there is a brand that looks to have a decent chance of gaining a foothold in the large van sector.

MAN’s TGE is based on Volkswagen’s well-received new Crafter and together the models could make a major impression on the segment.

While VW targets customers running light, medium and large vans, MAN takes the opposite approach in terms of weight – pitching the TGE at fleets operating heavy trucks that also need an LCV.

Crucially, TGE customers will be able to take advantage of MAN’s embedded HGV network of 60-plus dealerships offering a genuine out-of-hours service.

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