MAN Truck & Bus CEO Andreas Tostmann welcomes the renewal initiative for trucks announced by the German government.
“The German government is achieving several positive effects at once by introducing the truck replacement program. Firstly, both climate and environment benefit: replacing old trucks with current models significantly reduces CO2 emissions, but above all particulate and NOx emissions. A current Euro VI truck, for example, emits around 80 percent less NOx than Euro V models. Secondly, all road users benefit from the higher safety level of modern trucks: In recent years, many new assistance systems have been introduced, such as emergency braking or turn-off assistants, which can save lives. Thirdly, the economy benefits: commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are struggling with a sharp drop in demand due to the Corona crisis. Any kind of market stimulation can be helpful here,” Tostmann says.
The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Safety announced that the German government will now subsidize the purchase of brand-new trucks with up to 15,000 euros if they meet the requirements of the current Euro VI emissions standard and an old truck with Euro III, IV or V emissions standards is scrapped at the same time. In addition, a subsidy of up to 5,000 euros will be granted for the purchase of intelligent trailer technology. This includes, for example, systems for tire pressure measurement or digital control for semitrailers and trailers, as well as aerodynamic add-on parts.
With the recent introduction of the New Truck Generation, MAN has a particularly modern product portfolio for almost all applications. The new TGX, for example, with its high-tech engines, is not only exceptionally clean but also extremely efficient. Compared with its already fuel-efficient predecessor, consumption – and thus CO2 emissions – have been reduced by up to 8.2 percent as confirmed by TÜV Süd. This is one of the reasons why an international jury of experts recently presented it with the prestigious International Truck of the Year 2021 (ITOY) Award.