There aren’t that many Australian transport operators who’ve had the opportunity to welcome 700 trucks into their fleet – so when the time came for Neil Mansell Group’s milestone purchase, it was always going to be something special.
Industry legend Neil Mansell founded Neil Mansell Group (NMG) over 60 years ago with just one truck. And as the saying goes, from little things, big things grow.
From those humble beginnings, NMG has grown into a vast family-owned group of businesses that provide transport and specialised services across the country.
One of the company’s longest-serving employees had met with the boys from Mack and Western Truck Group (WTG) in late 2023, when he realised Neil was about to purchase his 700th truck.
Both Mack and WTG knew this momentous occasion was one they didn’t want to miss.
“They saw there was an opportunity to do something for Dad, a surprise to mark the triumph if you like,” said Neil’s son and Assistant Managing Director Robert Mansell, adding that a highly customised Mack Titan fit the bill.
“Mack along with WTG suggested that a Mack Titan with a 76-inch bunk and as much bling as we could put on it might be a fitting present. I mean, Dad still paid for it,” laughed Robert. “But it’s the thought that counts!”
In consultation with Mack and Ben Dare of Western Truck Group, they came up with a plan and Mack brought something new to the table.
“They had this new Big Bonnet becoming available direct from the production line that was going to become an option on a Titan,” revealed Robert.
“This is the first Mack ever to have it, which makes it extra special. It’s a big square bonnet in the old style, with a massive grille and bigger lights. It looks more old school and it looks tough.”
Powered by a 685hp MP10 engine and fitted with a 76-inch sleeper, the truck also includes mDRIVE automated manual transmission and a host of customised features to reflect its significance.
A notoriously busy man, Neil can be difficult to pin down, so it took a bit of hard work and reminders to arrange for him to come to the Mack plant at Wacol for the unveiling.
“We’ve bought about 25 Mack Super-Liners in the last few years, so he knew there was something about to come off the line,” said Robert.
“I just suggested we go and see the latest truck in person, and if he twigged to what was going on, he didn’t let on. He was very surprised and pleased when they took the silks off it, it’s a great looking truck.”
Robert Mansell wanted to surprise his father Neil with something special. Image: Mack Trucks AustraliaRobert says NMG chooses Mack Trucks for a number of reasons. “We’ve got depots all over Australia, and our trucks cover huge distances. It’s pretty standard for our trucks to do a million kilometres in their first five years, after that we move to shorter distance jobs but often in harsher conditions like the desert,” he said.
With working lives like that, reliability and fuel economy are high on Robert’s list of requirements.
The new Titan will be on the Brisbane to Darwin run taking groceries and general freight in a triple road train configuration.
“We’ll keep it on the bitumen, but even so, those distances mount up pretty quickly, so fuel economy is paramount, and this is an area where the Macks excel,” Robert added.
“Reliability is fundamental, and we’ve got all our new Macks on service agreements with Mack, which really takes the pressure off our workshop. It also means the people who know the trucks best are the ones working on them. Knowing your costs upfront is a bonus, but we’re very happy with the contract maintenance Mack provide.”
The unveiling of the truck at WTG Toowoomba was a big celebration, with Neil surrounded by family, past and present staff members and more.
Two older NMG Macks were also on display – a B61 and SuperLiner.
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