MAN Truck wraps nationwide test-drive tour for 540-horsepower tractor

MAN Truck Bus Korea has wrapped up a nationwide test-drive tour that gave customers the chance to get behind the wheel of its 540-horsepower heavy-duty tractor. The event, which visited major freight hubs and service centers across the country, drew more than 300 participants.

The company said Thursday that 302 customers took part in the "MAN 540 HP Tractor Test Drive Event," held at eight locations nationwide from Sept. 7 to 18.

Starting in Uiwang and Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province, the tour moved through Jecheon, Sejong, Jeonju, Changwon's Ungdong district, Ulsan New Port and Pohang — all key freight corridors. The format was designed to improve access for truck drivers, who rarely have the opportunity to test-drive a heavy commercial vehicle before purchase, unlike with passenger cars.

Participants drove the vehicle on public roads, evaluating acceleration, ride comfort, and safety and convenience features. MAN Truck staff explained the vehicle's key technologies and operating systems, and held one-on-one consultations with drivers to gather feedback on the features and improvements they need in real-world hauling operations.

The vehicle used for the tour was the new MAN TGX 540 6×2 tractor. It is powered by a 12.4-liter MAN D26 Euro 6E engine producing a peak output of 540 horsepower (397 kW) and a maximum torque of 2,650 Nm.

Compared with the previous model, output has been raised by 30 horsepower while fuel efficiency has also improved. According to MAN Truck, fuel economy is up about 7 percent versus the earlier Euro 6C engine generation.

With diesel prices remaining elevated, cutting fuel costs has become a pressing concern for long-haul truck drivers. According to the Korea National Oil Corporation, the national average retail price of diesel stood at 1,842.58 won per liter on Wednesday.

The tractor also comes equipped with a range of active safety features. A standout is MAN OptiView, a digital side-mirror system that replaces conventional mirrors with exterior cameras feeding live images to interior displays, widening the driver's field of vision and reducing blind spots.

The vehicle is also fitted with a retarder auxiliary braking system delivering up to 3,500 Nm of braking torque. Additional features include a variable axle-load distribution function, an idle-off air conditioning and heating system designed for long shifts and rest periods, and a comfort air-suspension seat with ventilation and heating.

One participant said the vehicle felt stable at both high and low speeds and that the ride quality was satisfying. "The retarder's braking performance was particularly impressive, and OptiView gave me a wide field of view that I think would be a real help in everyday driving," the customer said.

MAN Truck plans to use the driver feedback collected at the event to improve its products and services. The company said it will continue to monitor not only driving performance but also the operational convenience, vehicle maintenance and running-cost factors that customers consider most important on the job.

"For our customers, a truck is a core asset that underpins the stable operation of their business, which is why MAN Truck goes directly to where customers are so they can experience our products' performance and technology firsthand," said Peter Andersson, president of MAN Truck Bus Korea. "We will keep listening to our customers' voices and the challenges they face at real job sites, and use that to continuously improve our products and services — standing alongside them as a reliable partner in their business success."