Family-owned Milton Keynes based T Christie & Son Transport Ltd are so impressed with their New Generation MAN TGX trucks and the efficiencies they deliver that they have just taken delivery of another, this time a special edition Nardo Grey Individual Lion S 26.510. Managed by the father and son partnership, Tony and Paul Christie, T Christie & Son Transport’s new 510hp Lion S joins two other New Generation TGX tractors, which, as Tony will enthusiastically tell you, “have been invaluable additions to the fleet.”
“As a family business it’s vital that we view the marketplace and ensure that we operate vehicles that guarantee efficiency and because of this we keep coming back to MAN,” said Tony. “Fuel consumption wise the MAN’s are streets ahead of other vehicles we’ve tried and operated and, with fuel being our biggest fixed cost, it’s an easy decision.”
“The high level of focussed service we receive from our local dealer Ring Road Garage of Buckingham is, in short, excellent. Nothing is too much trouble, they are just a call away and are always eager to assist.
“Also, the relationship we’ve formed over the years with our local MAN sales executive Scott Munton is built on trust, understanding and partnering. Scott calls in regularly to ensure all is ok, the door is always open and the kettle is on. As a customer, this partnering approach is really appreciated” confirmed Tony.
Specialising in the nationwide transportation of white goods, for one of the biggest brands and most recognisable names within the industry, T Christie & Son Transports new TGX Lion S will cover circa 125,000 kilometers a year. The new vehicle, like its predecessors, is on a 2-year MAN Truck & Bus Relax R&M package and will be maintained, routinely serviced, and inspected by Ring Road Garage Ltd, Buckingham.
Tony and Paul’s latest TGX is powered by MAN’s latest generation Euro6E compliant, low consumption six-cylinder D26 510 hp (375 kW) 12.4 litre engine. This latest generation D26 engine range has proven to be gentle on service costs as well as frugal on fuel, which is better for the environment. Not only are these engines proving more efficient than their predecessors in service, but they are also lighter, therefore, improving payload efficiency, which in turn positively impacts the fleet total cost of ownership (TCO) and vehicle whole life performance.
Looking at the MAN TGX’s on the fleet, Paul Christie commented, “Our first new generation TGX – named Incident on 57th Street – went on the road in November 2020 and within two weeks it was already outperforming the rest of the fleet. From conversations with Scott we weren’t surprised but we were very impressed and it instantly made us look at the total costs of ownership of the entire fleet.
“In April 2021 we took delivery of our second new generation TGX – named The Promised Land – a pristine low mileage ex-demonstrator vehicle, and likewise this soon shot to the top of the fuel charts, at this stage we had an interesting two truck challenge going on between the drivers and we had a pattern forming.”
“Without doubt the success of these vehicles has set the tone, making ordering the third vehicle an easy decision. Driver acceptance is good too and the guys look forward to driving the new MAN’s.” Concluded Paul.
Fitted with the MAN GX cab, which was introduced with the New Generation in 2020, T Christie & Son Transports new TGX has been treated to the Individual Lion S high specification. With its exclusive exterior design with elements in a sporty carbon look, the front grille features red detailing with chrome trims, chrome highlights also adorn the Individual Lion S sun visor. Black wheels with matching color-coded wheel trims complete the powerful eye-catching appearance.
Tony added, “I’m a huge Bruce Springsteen fan and all of the fleet carry the names of his songs, this new vehicle is named ‘Youngstown’ from Springsteen’s 1995 album, The Ghost of Tom Joad. Across the back of the cab are the lyrics from the last verse which I’m sure will lead to many inquisitive questions.
“We wanted the new vehicle to stand out and catch eyes, so in a change from the norm, we’ve fitted a LightFix Big Nordic front bar with built-in light bars featuring LED’s and the LightFix roof-liner and cab-liner light bars, all in powder-coated black to match the black wheels. It’s been on the road for a couple of weeks now and I don’t think a day has gone by without it being given a thorough wash – and if it does dare rain it’s so well waxed that the water runs straight off.
“We pride ourselves on the appearance and condition of our fleet, and all our drivers are meticulous in looking after their vehicles, one of our long-term drivers, Kendon McLeod, is taking extra special care of this one. All of them carry a union jack theme.” Tony concluded.
T Christie and Son Transport was established on Monday 14th of February, on valentine’s day, in 2005, when Tony’s wife talked him into buying his first truck. Under the newly formed business and driving a used £5,000 tractor, Tony’s first delivery was from Milton Keynes to Norwich. In 2006 Tony’s nephew joined and in 2007, much to Tony’s delight, son Paul joined too. Today the family business operates a fleet of 16 vehicles, this includes; two 7.5-tonne TGL’s, nine previous generation MAN TGX tractors, three New Generation models, and two DAF’s.
Scott Munton, MAN Truck & Bus Sales Executive, added, “It’s always a delight speaking with and visiting Tony and Paul and I very much value both the business and the relationship we’ve formed over the years.
“We knew from the early feedback that the initial 2020 vehicle was doing well in terms of fuel and driver acceptance and in 2021 the second vehicle quickly helped bear this out. Tony and Paul’s new Individual Lion S looks amazing and I’m sure it will serve them well. I can wait to see the telematics data and compare the three.”
