Complete with roomy XLX cabs, the 540hp trucks feature innovative efficiency and safety features including electronic stability program (ESP), MAN’s electronic BrakeMatic system with anti-lock braking (ABS) and anti-slip regulator (ASR), emergency brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more.
A fully integrated service provider, Hall’s Transport hauls refrigerated and frozen goods, in addition to providing cold storage, cross-docking, warehousing, and distribution. With a nationwide presence from Auckland to Invercargill, these five MANs are a key component of Hall’s fleet renewal program.
“Penske has worked with Hall’s over many years building a trusted relationship with its management and fleet teams and we’re excited to expand our partnership with this delivery of five more MANs,” says Dean Hoverd, national truck sales manager, Penske New Zealand.
“MAN’s 13 litre 540hp offering is renowned for superior versatility and remarkable reliability. These five trucks are the perfect team members for long haul work and will assist Hall’s in reaching its delivery targets.”
Russell Hickin, Hall’s Group chief operating officer, says it was a big moment after the behind-the-scenes work to lock in the new fleet units.
“It’s fabulous to see the first five of our new MANs come through. They’re truly state-of-the-art,” he says.
“They’ll be welcomed by our customers and will help with the demand we’re facing particularly on inter-island deliveries.”
Hall’s Group fleet manager Fran de Sanary says it was an easy choice for his team.
“The German-engineered MANs are fuel efficient, very reliable, and they have all the safety features under the sun.”
Keen to hit the road for his first run south delivering inter-island freight in one of the new MANs, veteran Hall’s driver Mike Blanch was excited to experience his new work environment.
“You can actually stand up in the MANs! You can walk around. When you go to bed it’s nice to be able to walk there, rather than crawl over the engine,” he says.
“This is the first European truck I have driven and it’s probably the comfort I’m looking forward to the most and there’s a lot more technology.
“Everything is computerised – you don’t check your oil and water because it’s done automatically for you.”
Penske New Zealand will continue to work with Hall’s Transport in the delivery of the remaining units towards the end of the year.