The Indian truck industry is in a growth phase with a steady shift in trend from the traditional two-axle trucks to multi-axle trucks & tractor trailers. With stricter implementation of the axle loading regulations, operators having long-haul routes are increasingly looking to deploy 49-ton tractors. The cost per ton-km is the lowest in the 49-ton tractor trailer application, leading to better margins for the operator. Hence this segment is showing a steady growth for the past few years. The market is also slowly shifting from heavier tractor trailers to lighter vehicles to carry more payloads.
Within the tractor trailer market, the focus is now shifting to engines with higher power/torque densities with CRDI engines and common rail fuel injection systems for better fuel efficiency. This will also help in meeting the stringent emission norms coming into force in the next few years. Further, with the Indian economy set to achieve stable growth, activity in the core infrastructure sector has picked up.
With these factors in mind, MAN Engineers set out to build the new 49.280 to meet the needs of the Indian customer.
Increasing connectivity, more world-class highways and evolving regulations have all contributed to the growing expectations of the Indian customer. The CLA 49.280 comes with a MAN D-0836 turbo-charged, inter cooled engine with common rail injection system. This engine is optimized to deliver top-notch performance of 280 hp, delivering best-in-class torque of 1100 Nm at lower engine revolutions and at the same time is environment friendly, fuel efficient and reliable.
On full load, drivers have to resort to frequent change of gears when negotiating frequent gradient changes, which decrease the overall vehicle performance. CLA 49.280 addresses this with wider torque band, higher power-to-weight ratio, better gradeability and also features like cruise control that ensure that the vehicle performance is the best. Cruise control feature also plays a significant role in reducing driver fatigue and increasing fuel efficiency.
The higher power engine runs at optimum engine rpm, resulting in efficient combustion of fuel. This ensures that 49.280 is environment friendly. Because of the optimum engine capacity of 6.9 litres , the engine is never overburdened. This reduces wear and tear of engine components and increases the life of the engine.
CLA 49.280 has one of the most silent engines with least vibration. Air suspended seats for the driver, new generation aerodynamic cabin with heat and sound dampeners, and parabolic suspension which needs no require lubrication, all ensure car-like comfort in the tiltable sleeper cabin.
MAN patented Exhaust Valve Brakes, in combination with LSV & ABS, provides extra safe braking and longer life. CLA 49.280 also comes with a maintenance free front axle which does not require greasing. This reduces the downtime and also the overall operating cost.
The 49.280 has been designed with lighter and durable material in order to offer higher payload for the same gross vehicle weights. Operators also have the option of choosing from AC / non-AC cabins, radial, non-radial or tubeless tires.
The USP of the 49.280 is productivity with best-in-class fuel efficiency, offering the highest payload in the category. Operators are able to run more trips per month leading to greater fleet utilization with significant increase in profits.
With a strong dealer network of more than 65 locations pan India, MAN Trucks provides round-the-clock aftersales support to its customers. Fleet operators who want a powerful 49 tonner that will maximize their profits, with minimum time to destination, MAN 49.280 will meet all their requirements.