MAN Truck & Bus has introduced two new body variants for its TGE van range, both now available ex works as part of the manufacturer’s direct ordering system. The additions include a semi-trailer combination from BE-Combi and a three-way tipper developed by Meiller. Both can be ordered directly from MAN with full warranty coverage.
The BE-Combi solution pairs a 3.5-tonne MAN TGE with a specially adapted 3.5-tonne trailer. The TGE is converted into a tractor unit with a subframe, fifth wheel coupling, air supply unit, and braking system. The trailer—produced by BE-Combi—features a lightweight box body from Junge, a tail lift, and a roof spoiler.
The gross combination weight of the setup is seven tonnes. According to MAN, the vehicle can be driven with a BE licence, removing the need for a C-class (HGV) licence in many cases. The system offers an estimated payload of 2,650 kilograms and a load volume of 28 cubic metres, sufficient for up to ten Euro pallets. The trailer is equipped with ABS and ESP, integrated from the base vehicle.
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Three-way tipper designed for high payload and durability
Meiller’s TRIGENIUS three-way tipper is also now available as a factory option on the TGE. The steel body uses laser-welded high-strength materials to reduce weight and increase payload. When mounted on a 3.5-tonne chassis, the configuration provides a payload of approximately 951 kg. On a 5.5-tonne TGE, this increases to around 2,600 kg.
Image credits @ MAN Truck and Bus
The body includes floor lashing eyelets with a holding force of two tonnes and new side wall lashing points designed for securing goods that overhang the sides. Additional updates include revised side wall closures and redesigned fenders.
Certification framework introduced for bodybuilders
Alongside the new variants, MAN has launched a Certified Van Partner Programme aimed at formalising its relationship with body and conversion manufacturers. The programme sets out quality criteria that partners must meet, including successful compliance checks, vehicle inspections, and a maintained profile on MAN’s ABBI platform.
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Partners who meet the requirements receive a three-year certification, subject to ongoing monitoring and random quality checks. Certified companies are also granted access to technical data, training opportunities, and joint promotional activities. The programme is intended to support consistent quality standards across MAN’s van range and improve coordination between MAN and its bodybuilder partners.
“With the Certified Van Partner Programme, we’re creating a reliable basis for quality, efficiency and trust—to the benefit of our van customers and partners,” said Roy Tietze, Head of Van Bodybuilder Management at MAN Truck & Bus.
Factory-available body types now total 13
The newly added tipper and trailer options bring the total number of MAN TGE body variants available ex works to 13. These include shelving systems, refrigerated panel vans, minibuses, box bodies with and without tail lifts, and other tipper configurations.
