MAN TipMatic® - fuel efficiency on and off the road

To ensure a high degree of driving efficiency, the gearshift operation must ensure that the engine always operates in a speed range that produces the greatest fuel savings. The optimised shifting strategy of the MAN TipMatic® selects the most economic gear at the right time and delivers the maximum torque when required. MAN offers specially modified versions of the TipMatic® with up to 12 gears for light and heavy trucks, for onroad and offroad use and for coaches. The MAN TipMatic® gearboxes are available as direct drive and overdrive versions and are extremely cost-effective in reducing fuel consumption and preserving the powertrain. This means that a long-haul transport truck can save 2250 litres of diesel and 5.9 tons of CO2 every year on average – which makes it a worthwhile investment.

In busy urban traffic, when manoeuvring or when trying to find the right route the driver can now forget about changing gears and fully concentrate on the situation on the road. The TipMatic® shifts down to the right gear on time when driving on long uphill sections of motorway. If the optional engine brake is operated, the automatic gearbox selects the most appropriate gear automatically to provide full braking power. This is a considerable advantage in terms of traffic safety.

MAN supplies a version of TipMatic® for the heavy TGX and TGS range with 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 all-wheel drive so these vehicles can also be driven comfortably offroad in automatic mode. TipMatic® changes gears as little as possible in the Dx offroad mode to maximise the forward motion of the vehicle on sand, mud or on slopes. The gearbox selects the most practical gear for starting, one with high engine torque, and maintains this gear as long as possible. The offroad version of the MAN TipMatic® is also available for the TGM.

Thanks to countless improvements made in the bus version which has been available since 2000, this automatic 12-gear gearbox enhances the transport efficiency of the coach. It further reduces fuel consumption and wear and increases comfort during gear shifting, manoeuvring and when pulling away.