Italy – The 2024 Transpotec Logitec Exhibition took place in the Fiera Milano, Italy, from 8 – 11 May. The majority of the European OEMs were present, along with many component manufacturers from around the world. Although few major product developments were announced, T&BB was of course in attendance to compile a show report from the event.

MAN

Probably the most prominent announcement was the launch by Germany’s MAN Truck & Bus SE of its model year 2025 van range (TGE), based on the Volkswagen ‘Crafter’. Now in series production, this vehicle features a revamped interior and eleven new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Inside the van, a redesigned dashboard boasts a new freestanding 10.4/12.9-inch touchscreen in the centre for vehicle controls and infotainment. The instrument cluster is also fully digitised and is customisable. The handbrake lever is gone, replaced with an electronic parking brake activated by a button press. Moreover, in models specified with an automatic transmission, the gear stick is replaced with a lever on the steering wheel. Finally, a new ‘Keyless Go’ function allows the driver to start the vehicle with remote activation in the place of a key.

MAN TGE van at Transpotec 2024

In the 3.5-tonne+ GVW model, the TGE comes with blind spot and drive-off warnings as standard, alerting the driver to other road users directly in front of and around the vehicle. MAN has also added assistance systems for monitoring vehicle speed and parking the vehicle. A fatigue detection system can reportedly tell if the driver is drowsy or distracted and will provide visual and haptic feedback (by tightening the seatbelt) to reduce the risk of an accident. The van also comes with a tyre pressure monitoring system, which works even on the spare wheel. Additional optional ADAS features include a rearview camera, turning assist, stop & go, cruise assist and lane change assist. MAN says that its vehicle software is updated remotely and fulfils EU cybersecurity requirements.

Renault

On the Renault SA stand, the fourth generation of the Renault ‘Master’ van featured an improved range, more cargo space and a facelift. Available in diesel or battery-electric, representatives told us that a fuel-cell electric version is currently in development. The company highlighted the capabilities of the electric version of the Master, available in two energy capacity options: 40 kWh or 87 kWh. The latter provides the vehicle with a range of over 410 kilometres. The cargo space of the default panel van configuration is larger by 100 mm, and the opening width of the side door is increased by 40 mm. The fourth generation Master features advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, speed limiter, parking sensors, lane assist, blind spot warning, and traffic sign recognition as standard. 

Renault electric Master

The front of the new Master features the new brand logo and altered grille and headlight designs. According to Renault, the new van features a “sharper” design with exterior changes that make the vehicle more aerodynamic, cutting fuel consumption by as much as 21% compared to the previous generation. Changes have been made to the inside, too: the driver-facing dashboard was redesigned to resemble a truck cab, with the aim of making it more ergonomic. 

Daimler Truck and Enel X

Apart from debuting the Mercedes Benz eActros 600 long-haul battery-electric tractor unit in the Italian market, Daimler Truck Italia Srl announced Italian e-Charging company, Enel X, based in Rome, as its preferred charging partner for e-truck vehicle solutions. As part of the agreement, the two firms will continue to assess the interoperability of Enel X’s charging infrastructure with Daimler’s electric HGV range and evaluate the best ways that Enel-X can support the OEM’s transition to a zero-emission vehicle fleet in Italy.

eActros 600 on the Daimler stand at Transpotec 2024

Volvo Trucks

With a focus on sustainability, Volvo Trucks Corporation debuted (in Italy) its new aerodynamic cab design on its FH truck range, aptly named “Volvo FH Aero tractor”. Powered by diesel/biofuels (including HVO), the 500 HP engine has been designed to reduce fuel consumption in long-haul operations. According to Volvo, coupled with the new aerodynamic cab design, the new variation of the FH truck achieves an improvement of 5% in fuel efficiency compared to the previous model. This is thanks to a 24cm extension of the cab at the front. Volvo claims that the new design not only reduces fuel consumption but also provides greater stability under strong winds. The vehicle is set to go into series production sometime this year. Finally, the FH Aero comes with all the latest Volvo componentry, including drag-free disk brakes with improved braking capacity, a new infotainment and navigation system, tyre pressuring monitoring and a new camera-mirror system.

Volvo stand at Transpotec 2024