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Traditional mirrors are replaced by modern cameras

The new MAN TGX can rightfully be called the benchmark for modern trucks. Its modern, not quite typical look immediately attracts attention. Approaching this truck, even non-professionals will immediately notice that the vehicle looks different. What has changed quickly becomes obvious; it doesn’t have huge mirrors. They have been replaced with small cameras mounted on adjustable arms. It’s not just about practicality, but also for safety.

Turns and lane-changes are some of the most dangerous situations, increasing the likelihood of the driver not seeing other road users in a blind spot. So, to improve road safety, MAN has introduced one of the most important innovations: the MAN OptiView digital camera system installed in its trucks for the first time to replace standard mirrors. In addition to reducing aerodynamic drag, fuel consumption and noise in the cabin, this technology is highly advanced and user-friendly, and has been awarded the 2022 European Transport Award.

The look of the truck is surprising, but even more interesting is what is inside. After entering the cabin, the driver is greeted with the steering wheel facing vertically upwards; this solution greatly facilitates entrance to and exit from the truck cabin. When the driver sits at the steering wheel, the unusual look of the truck’s interior attracts the driver’s attention; there are a lot more smart screens than usual. The driver’s side is equipped with a compact 12-inch screen, and with a 15-inch screen on the opposite side. These screens show traffic around the truck. The first thing that pleasantly surprises is extremely high resolution, so the image presented through the cameras is not distorted. The second thing that surprises is that the MAN OptiView system’s cameras truly replace the usual mirrors, although at first this innovation may seem quite unconventional.

The cameras can be adjusted: it is possible to zoom in or to get a wide-angle view, so the driver can choose the best option for a particular situation. When the wide-angle view is selected, blind spots on both sides of the vehicle are clearly visible, thus significantly reducing the likelihood of overlooking other road users. The system also helps when performing more complex manoeuvres. Although backing up or parking a bulky truck requires considerable skill, we are convinced that the electronic mirror system greatly eases the challenges faced by drivers.

In addition to the very important issues of safety, we also have questions of practicality. After all, everyone knows that unpleasant feeling when nothing can be seen using the mirrors because they are covered with frost, fogged up, or just dirty. The MAN OptiView system’s cameras are heated and installed in such a way to make it difficult for them to become dirty. The arms holding them can be adjusted in two directions, so the cameras are not only much smaller than traditional mirrors, but they are also much more difficult to damage.

Night-driving has also been thought about. The mirror screens dim or brighten, depending on the ambient light, so they do not glare or distract, especially when driving in the dark. In addition, the MAN OptiView camera system allows the driver to monitor the surroundings without leaving the truck’s cabin during the night or when stopped for rest, as the cameras use infrared technology during the dark hours.

Smart technologies for safety and economy

The newest model has a variety of advantages to ensure safety and comfort on the road – not only standard cruise control and automatic braking systems that save fuel, but also a lot of additional safety-enhancing equipment.

The next generation of MAN trucks can be equipped with three additional smart technologies. The first is the automatic cruise control associated with the navigation system, which receives data about an approaching change in the speed limit or a populated area, and turns the accelerator off 600-700 metres before the point where the change occurs, thus saving fuel.

The second is really valuable technology, a smart system that informs the driver about the terrain and potential slopes (uphill or downhill). If the driver has not activated the cruise control system, the message is automatically displayed on the dashboard.

The third innovation is the dynamic rolling function, where the vehicle exceeds the set speed by 3 km/h, puts the transmission into neutral and saves fuel by simply rolling. Moreover, it is also worth mentioning here that the MAN TGX introduced last year was characterised by a more efficient engine, up to 8.2 % more efficient. This year, MAN has raised the bar even higher and has reduced fuel consumption by an additional 3.7 % in the latest model.

Smart maintenance of the truck, saving time

The official representatives for MAN trucks, Adampolis, offer not only trucks equipped with the latest systems, but also remote vehicle maintenance that saves time.

The new MAN NOW makes it easy and convenient to update truck software anywhere and at any time without stopping at a MAN Service Centre. Just like smartphones, in which apps can be installed at any time convenient to the user. The MAN NOW platform allows customers to remotely activate already-installed features, expand them or add new ones as needed.

One of the most important tasks, ensuring regular maintenance and monitoring the condition of the vehicle, is supported by the smart MAN ServiceCare system. By linking the truck through the RIO platform, it is possible to effectively manage all the most important data related to the truck. The user can perform the monitoring, or the task can be entrusted to professionals in their field, the specialists at Adampolis, who will monitor the status of the truck, perform regular maintenance, see not only existing but also identify possible faults, and will be able to anticipate future repairs, order the necessary parts or reserve a time for service. Forward-looking truck maintenance management helps to maximise vehicle life, avoids unforeseen downtime and reduces maintenance costs.

From now on, it will be even simpler, easier and faster to perform truck maintenance for Adampolis customers. If the MAN ServiceCare system identifies faults or it is necessary to perform maintenance work on the tractor unit when in Germany, Adampolis specialists will register the truck at an authorised MAN service facility. Service employees will take care of the necessary parts and will reserve a time in advance, ensuring the best possible time management, and customers receive an invoice for all the work done directly from UAB Adampolis. All this can not only save time, but also reduce costs associated with the truck of as much as 15 % – 20 %.

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