The combined strength of lions

Paraplegia changed Guillaume Levaillant’s life dramatically. However, he stuck to his goals of working as a professional driver and setting up his own company, and he achieved them with the support of MAN.

Guillaume Levaillant’s driving ability is comparable to that of any of his colleagues. Climbing into the truck is the only stage that the 44-year-old managing director of Paratrans needs assistance with. To this end, his MAN TGX 18.580 LL is equipped with a lifting platform, affording him access to the cab.

“I started out as an agricultural machinery mechanic and got my driving licence for the beet harvesting season in the hope of eventually becoming self-employed,” Guillaume explains. Unfortunately, a tumour in his spine forced him to suspend those activities in 1998. Three operations later, at the age of 22, he was paraplegic and in a wheelchair. He still drives trucks and harvesters to this day, and Guillaume has also put his plan to start his own business into action. “Thanks to MAN,” he says, “who assisted me in setting up my company.” From the moment he is sitting at the wheel of his MAN TGX with the aid of the lifting platform, everything falls into place.

“I can control all of the functions using the steering wheel, meaning I can drive as normal.”

The XLX cab offers ample space and is kitted out with a refrigerator, sound system, MAN Media Navigation System and many other useful extras. Four of Paratrans’ five trucks are from MAN and are mainly used to transport beets and goods. Three of the lions feature the special equipment that allows Guillaume to change vehicles once in a while, if necessary. Guillaume Levaillant has every right to be proud of himself and his company Paratrans, which is based in Houdain in Pas-de-Calais. As a managing director and driver, he has never lost sight of his goals and does exactly what he wants.