In the car market the arrival of a special or
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limited-edition model usually translates as a b.d to boost sales of an outgoing model. In the truck industry this ploy is used slightly differently: notable examples of successful limited editions include Scania's Centurion.
The jury's still out on MAN's 5 Star, but we can't help noting that those manufacturers with the best reputation for top-of-the-range tractorsincluding Volvo and Oaf haven't had to resort to such measures. It's a matter of taste, but this tester has always reckoned a clean fleet of trucks and trailers with a smart livened paint job will do more for the image of a company than one flagship machine.
However, in an age of driver shortage we recognise that special-edition trucks may have a place to play in rewarding and attracting the best divers.
For the record, the TGA is an excellent truck. With many of its early reliability problems sorted it represents a very attractive proposition. The XXL cab offers unrivalled living space and with a new engine about to join the line-up at the high-horsepower end of the range, the package is getting better and better. Supplying attractive, reliable products with a strong service back-up, we suggest, will attract more new customers than the addition of a chrome inset in the grille and a fancy paint job.