Pure luxury meets real horsepower
Umberto Simonazzi’s show horses travel to competitions and exhibitions in a reliable and stylish fashion: In the company’s MAN TGX 26.470 6×2, exclusively and exquisitely kitted out by “Carrozzeria Rosso & Battaglino”.
Heir to a dynasty of horse traders, 27-year-old Umberto Simonazzi, a law student with a passion for horses and technology, had the opportunity to start a new business. In doing so, he has created an alternative to the major European manufacturers of horse transport vehicles. The magnificent MAN TGX 26.470 6×2 kitted out by Carrozzeria Rosso & Battaglino is the ultimate testament to this.
“My grandfather Umberto was the one who started this company after the Second World War by importing horses, mostly from Hungary and Poland. Nowadays the situation is a little different. We are still in the business of buying and selling, but we have been focusing more on horse shows both with our own horses and those of our clients. For this activity in particular, we needed a modern, reliable vehicle to transport the horses to the various competitions and exhibitions,” says Umberto. Thanks to the input of two equally enthusiastic and competent partners, the MAN service outlet in Peveragno and Carrozzeria Rosso & Battaglino in Pocapaglia, which specialises in special equipment, the luxurious horse trailer was born.
“By upgrading the MAN, we wanted to create an exclusive vehicle that echoed the top vehicles in the sector, all of which come from foreign manufacturers.”
He opted for the MAN TGX on the strength of a previous experience with a used MAN TGX. The MAN TGX 26.470 6×2 immediately proved to be the ideal vehicle for the new design. The powerful and time-tested 12.4-litre, 470 hp Euro 6 D26 engine with 2,400 Nm of torque is in a class of its own when it comes to reliability and economic efficiency. The driveline is topped off by the automated MAN TipMatic gearbox with EfficientRoll and the vehicle is equipped with all safety features, also in light of the vehicle’s impressive horsepower: the electronic braking system EBS with self-venting disc brakes on all axles with ABS/ASR function and Emergency Brake Assist EBA, as well as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Driver assistance features include lane change support LCS with Lane Change Assist LCA, MAN EfficientCruise and ACC Stop&Go. The four corner air suspension and the GX cab ensure the highest level of driving comfort.
“The design for the box is one of the decisions we made that characterises the body of our vehicle best. It has aluminium elements arranged horizontally rather than vertically, as is the case with most other vehicles,” Umberto explains. “Another decision we made was to arrange the seven interior spaces for the same number of horses in the ‘French’ style, i.e. perpendicular to the direction of travel and with a single rear ramp. Another distinctive feature is the fibreglass front spoiler, which connects the cab to the box. A great deal of consideration was also given to the living quarters, which can be extended to a usable area of 12 square metres on both sides in the stall. It provides space for six beds, which are attached directly to the driver’s cab: two single beds, a folding double bed with electromechanical system behind the front seats and another in the convertible dinette. A kitchenette and a large toilet provide the finishing touches. All the areas are monitored by cameras, both inside and around the vehicle. At the moment we are using the central monitor in the instrument panel, but we will soon be installing a separate monitor.”
We have far exceeded EU regulations and have not only made sure that there are no sharp edges or parts in the entire compartment, but also that the partitions are liberally padded and the roof hatches are controlled electrically from the cab so that they can be adjusted on the move if necessary, as everything is air-conditioned, of course, and the temperature on board is constantly monitored.”
“The funny thing is that our MAN TGX has been the focus of interest since it was first unveiled and we’ve also received purchase offers,” says Umberto in conclusion. “So I’m also getting the urge to put another one of these into production and, who knows, maybe start a new business. But right now I’d prefer to go for an MAN TGE for transporting two horses.”