13.09.2011. In the context of the preparation for the Technology Seminar scheduled for 1 and 2 December 2011, Members of the CIECA Expert Advisory Group (EAG) had the opportunity to tour the MAN automotive plant in Munich, Germany where the MAN group worldwide headquarters are located.
EAG Members had the opportunity to visit the core production facility of heavy trucks, cabs and driven axles and had the opportunity to observe the entire truck assembly process, obtaining valuable insight into the manufacturing process, going through the axle assembly to the truck assembly lines. After the plant tour, EAG members had presentations given by MAN engineers. The first one focused on future technological, economical and ecological developments that will have an impact on society as a whole and how MAN hopes to respond to these challenges.
The second presentation gave insight into new technologies already present in MAN trucks. MAN trucks and buses are enhanced with Lane Guard System (LGS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) two assistance systems that contribute to minimising the risk of accidents. This equipment is available for MAN's TGX EfficientLine and TGS-TS ranges, vehicles that EAG Members were able to drive on 9th September.
The third DAS presented was Lane Control, a technology that virtually takes control of the wheel by reading data collected by camera and radar systems installed in the vehicle. This technology is only in its research stages, and EAG Members had the opportunity to sit in a truck and see how it works.
All in all, EAG Members found this an interesting visit. They thought the technological developments they were able to observe and experience will inform thinking for future CIECA activities, starting with the CIECA Technology Seminar (open to all CIECA Members) that will take place in Bratislava in December.