In the big top! - MAN inmotion

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Cover Story Circus Krone tour from April to November, which takes the circus all the way across Europe, this extraordinary feat of logistics happens every three to five days. Safely and reliably transporting all these people, animals and pieces of equipment from one venue to the next requires careful planning and efficient operations. The pulling power of MAN Recently, the task of mastering this logistical feat has fallen to seven MAN TGX 18.440 trucks. They are snow-white, just like the stage outfits of animal trainer Martin Lacey Jr., who is responsible for the vehicles alongside fleet manager Robert 10 inmotion 1|2012 Spectacular performances from man and beast: The elephants have been one of the highlights at Circus Krone shows for decades now, and the incredible trapeze artists keep audiences gasping in awe as they fly through the air. The stars behind the scenes: Recently seven snow-white MAN TGXs joined the circus to ensure efficient transport of animals and equipment. Fosset. With their choice of TGX trucks, equipped with spacious cabs, TipMatic automated transmission and 440 hp EEV-standard engines, the two men have taken the circus forward into a new era. They have abandoned circus trucks with solid rubber tyres and overrun brakes in favour of a much quicker and more efficient way of managing the trek from one venue to the next – a route that can often be hundreds of kilometres long. Every day that the convoy sits still and no performance takes place costs money – the artistes still want their wages, rent still has to be paid, and the circus animals still need feeding. The operating efficiency of the vehicles is therefore crucial – and much more important than it was back in the days when Circus Krone had a chartered railway train to take it from town to town. Twice to the moon and back A circus truck travels an average 60,000 km each year. That might not be much per truck, but with a convoy of 28 trucks it adds up to almost 1,700,000 km – the equivalent of travelling to the moon and back twice a year. When vast distances like these are involved, the new MAN TGX semi-trailers really show off their cost efficiency. Lion tamer Martin Lacey (45) isn’t just passionate about big cats; he’s also been a keen fan of big horsepower
Martin Lacey Jr. at the wheel of his TGX (above) and in the ring in his lion tamer’s getup (top right). since he was a small boy. We meet him behind the wheel of a TGX, wearing a baseball cap and a dark jacket with a turned-up collar – a far cry from his glitzy stage outfits. What does he like about the technology in his new TGX? “They are easy to operate and perform great on the road,” he says. The trucks had to be specially configured for the somewhat unusual task of transporting an entire circus. Almost all the traditional wooden-floored two and three-axle trailers can now reach speeds that permit them to travel on the autobahn. Whether they are pulling performers’ caravans, horseboxes with purebred Arabian steeds, or the seven-tonne bull elephant General Joe in his specially reinforced trailer, the MAN TGX trucks are powerful and versatile enough to keep the stars of the big top truckin’ along Europe’s roads. Consistently Efficient in everyday operations Fleet manager Robert Fosset (63) is also excited about the new trucks. “The new MAN TGX tractors combined with a semi-trailer are the right step forward for the circus.” Semitrailers are easier to transfer and can also be pulled Interview with Martin Lacey Jr.: “The cost-performance ratio is perfect!” Circus Krone’s Martin Lacey Jr., lion tamer and passionate trucker, speaks about his cost-effective, reliable, eco-friendly MAN TGX. Why do you use the roads rather than the railways? For a long time we chartered a special train, but that no longer works for us in terms of costs and timing. We were quick to recognise the problem and switched to the roads. What makes the trucks better than a train? Road transport is quicker, more flexible and cheaper. And our new MAN semi-trailer trucks play a big part in that! Their low fuel consumption reduces our transportation costs – something you notice quickly when you have 300 circus caravans to transport. How did you decide on MAN? First of all, the MAN TGX has a perfect cost-performance ratio. Secondly, our drivers find the automated transmission very easy to use. On top of that is the Comfort Super maintenance package, which guarantees complete reliability – because we can’t afford any breakdowns. That was a decisive factor for us as it’s important everything moves exactly according to schedule. We were also offered excellent sales advice by MAN. What role did specific features of the trucks play? Many towns no longer let all trucks into the centre. But thanks to the TGXs’ environmentally friendly engines we can drive directly to all our venues. Thanks for speaking to us! 11
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