New Generation MAN TGX Flagship for Hammond Transport

The new Truck, a real eye-catcher in its traditional Hammond Transport silver and blue livery, features colour-coding to its bumpers, lower grill, step panels, chassis infill and rear of chassis-mounted battery-box. Fitted with chrome roof-mounted and under bumper light bars, featuring LED bulbs, flashing beacons and air horns, Alcoa Durabrite alloy wheels and highlighted MAN and Lion motifs, the cab's interior also boasts a lengthy list of technical and comfort-related enhancements.

Hammond Transport, based in Billericay, are Dedicated Transport specialists with warehouse and storage services and have a long-established customer base. They have accreditations of FORS Gold, CLOCS and WRRR, operating a mere 10 miles from the M25 they provide specialist services to Construction, Aerospace and Defence sectors, Music & Live events on location, Film and Television industries, and specialist Air Freight, Automotive, Rail transport and Manufacturers applications. Their fully Euro 6 - ULEZ compliant fleet and 24-hour London permit ensures a timed and safe passage into and throughout the capital.

The first New Generation MAN to join the Hammond Transport fleet was supplied through MAN’s Direct Truck Sales function and was prepared and PDI’d by PCL Group, West Thurrock. The dealer also supplies service across the entire Hammond fleet of MAN vehicles, from 12 to 44 tonnes.

Established in Canning Town in 1925, by George Hammond, the company worked out of the local docks and delivered freight to London and the surrounding Home Counties. In the 1990’s Hammond Transport relocated to Basildon, Essex, and diversified into storage and distribution, specialising in timed deliveries with dedicated vehicle movements delivering throughout the UK and into Europe. At the start of the millennium Hammond Transport moved to the present 3-acre site in Billericay where the fleet grew substantially operating a diverse fleet of quality trucks and specialist trailers.

“We’ve been running MAN trucks since 1992 and have stuck with them ever since. They offer outstanding reliability, competitive running costs, good value for money and high levels of comfort,” said Terry Hammond, Managing Director, Hammond Transport. “MAN trucks are popular with our drivers, and that’s certainly true of our latest flagship new generation TGX.

“The established relationship we have with both MAN and the local dealer, PCL Group West Thurrock, is built on long-term trust and understanding. MAN’s commitment to deliver customer satisfaction is a real promise and when we need their assistance they simply listen, get the job done and deliver upon our expectations.”

Terry was among a group of UK operators who attended a New Truck Generation sneak preview event in Munich in October 2019, pre-launch of the TG Truck range in February (2020) in Bilbao, Spain. This lead to a vehicle order being placed pre-production which means the vehicle wears a unique and limited edition “UK 1st Edition” badge. This unique badging will only apply to 50 pre-production UK vehicles.

Powered by MAN’s Euro6D compliant 12.4-litre, in-line six-cylinder D26 engine, producing 375 kW (510 hp), Hammond Transports’ new flagship has been allocated to experienced and long-term driver Kevin “Kev” Baker. In the short time Kev has had the vehicle it is already returning some highly encouraging fuel figures. “Kev’s getting just over 11.2 mpg from his new truck, which puts it about a 2.2 mpg ahead of our previous-generation TGX’s,” confirmed Terry. “This bodes well for the future and we’ll all be delighted if it continues to perform this well.”

Inside the cab, driver Kev benefits from a leather comfort assisted, ergonomically designed multifunction and multi-adjustable steering wheel, a 12.3-inch colour display with HD resolution, Satellite Navigation, MAN’s revolutionary SmartSelect truck-optimised Infotainment control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a light and contemporary interior with brushed aluminum-effect trim. The luxurious Alcantara-upholstery adds to the ‘feel good’ effect, as do the dimmable LED night-time living lights, the DAB radio, and the under bunk fridge. Kev is assured a good night’s sleep thanks to a 110 mm cold foam comfort mattress.

The New Generation TGX is instantly recognisable thanks to its new redesigned cab which features a new windscreen, new grille, reshaped bumpers and lights and aero-dynamic optimised corner and side panels. With re-positioned mirrors and a sculpted dash, greater vision further ensures the safety of third-party road users and pedestrians. The redesigned cab steps are set in a stair fashion which improves foot-hold when entering and exiting the cab.

When compared to the previous Euro6C models the New Generation MAN TGX Euro6D trucks offer operators a fuel saving of up to 8% and an 80 kg weight saving. Equipped with MAN’s new friction-optimised hypoid drive axle (HY-1344) featuring an efficiency-optimised final drive ratio of i = 2.31 and MAN’s EfficientCruise, which enables the vehicle to self-calculate the surrounding topography and the optimum speed and gear switching strategy, the New Generation TGX’s are remarkably efficient.

New TGX is also equipped as standard with a host of new and advanced safety assistance features, all designed to aide and help the driver, including Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) which intervenes when there is a risk of a rear-end collision, Turn Assist, which uses advanced radar sensors to monitor the hard-to-see side area next to the vehicle on the co-driver’s side warning the driver of any danger, Lane Change Support (LCS) which uses radar sensors to monitor the side areas to the left and right of the lane of the truck, Lane Return Assist (LRA) which reliably keeps the vehicle in its lane at all times, ACC Stop&Go, which automatically controls the distance from the vehicle in front, even at low speeds from 0 to 15 km/h, MAN AttentionGuard, an optical warning system in the display that helps the driver direct their concentration onto what is happening on the road, High Beam Assist, which automatically controls the use of the high-beam headlights preventing the drivers of oncoming vehicles being dazzled, and, Airbag and seat belt and belt tensioner system, which helps protect the driver in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Terry continues, “Safety is an important aspect across the Hammond Transport business and we prioritise the safety of our staff at all times. MAN has clearly taken a market-leading stance with safety, both in terms of standard and optional equipment, as our new flagship is laden with advanced features. As an operator knowing that both our drivers and third-party road users are safe is a huge comfort.

“Having accreditation of FORS Gold, CLOCS and WRRR means that we strongly value the safety of third-party road users, cyclists and pedestrians, all our vehicles have extra windows in the nearside doors and blind spot camera monitoring and warning systems.”

“We’re delighted with our new flagship TGX, it looks fantastic and Kev has really embraced all of the new technology and, if the fuel returns are anything to go by, he’s clearly using it to good effect.” concluded Terry.

Hammond Transports New Generation TGX is subject to an optional and all-encompassing MAN 5 year Gold Comfort Super Service plan. Man Financial Services have financed the new vehicle on a Hire Purchase agreement.

Mark Richmond, Sales Executive MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said, “Terry has been a much valued customer for MAN for over two decades, his approach to vehicle detail has always been incredible throughout and I very much enjoy the relationship we have formed over the years.

“I sold my first new vehicle to Terry in 2003, a L2000 and in 2016 a standout Limited Edition Sir Geoff Hurst signed 50th Anniversary England football World Cup Winning TGX, a vehicle that is still in service and working today. The new flagship looks amazing and I’m sure it will delight Terry and Kev for many years to come. I very much look forward to our continued relationship.”

The Hammond fleet of MAN trucks, like all MAN products, is supported by MAN’s Mobile24 24-hour service, which guarantees 24/7 professional road-side assistance partner 365 days of the year.

A journey through time with Hammond Transport

1925 to 1950's - Canning Town, London E16

Hammond Transport was established in East London in 1925 by George Hammond, the company undertook work out of the local docks and delivered freight to London and the Home Counties.

1950's to 1970's - Plaistow, London E13

George Hammond was joined by sons George and Fred working for local East London industries, manufacturers and work in and out of the docks, delivering throughout the UK.

1970's to 1980's - Stratford, London E15

Due to the decline of the docks and the emergence of containerisation Hammond Transport moved into container transport, operating from a purpose-built base in Stratford E15.

1990's to 2000 - Basildon, Essex

Hammond Transport relocated to Basildon, Essex and diversified to storage and distribution. Specialising in timed deliveries and dedicated vehicle movements, delivering throughout the UK and Europe.

2000's to Present - Billericay, Essex

Hammond Transport moved to the present 3-acre site in Billericay, Essex at the start of the Millennium offering storage, distribution and loading services. The Hammond fleet grew substantially to meet all requirements, certification and accreditations of the industry. Operating a diverse fleet of quality trucks and trailers.