From the MAN F7 to the electric TGX

Hans looks back on 50 years as a driver at the company Hörz

Half a century with the same haulage firm, over 5.4 million accident-free kilometres on European roads, and a passion for driving that continues to this day: Hans Goller from Erkenbrechtsweiler is celebrating 50 years with Hörz Haulage – and looks back on a career as a driver during which lorry technology has completely transformed.

When Hans Goller, “alias HAGO”, began his career as a lorry driver in May 1976, the workplace behind the wheel looked very different from how it does today. One of his first truck was a MAN F7 16.320 with a V10 engine and steering wheel gearshift. “Even back then, that was an impressive lorry,” recalls Hans.

From Workhorse to Comfort Truck

Over the past decades, Hans has witnessed the evolution of trucks firsthand. For him, the biggest difference lies primarily in comfort. "The cabs have become much larger, the seats better, and the entire interior more modern," he says. The driving experience has also changed dramatically. While steering used to require strength, today it's almost effortless: "These days, you can practically steer the truck with your little finger." Over the years, his routes have taken him all across Germany and beyond. Hans particularly enjoys driving in the south – for example, in Bavaria or the Allgäu region. For him, the landscape is just as much a part of the driver's life as the road itself.

50 Years with Hörz

A special anniversary is coming up for Hans on May 21, 2026: He will have been driving for the Hörz transport company for 50 years. The family business, now run by the next generation, specializes in building material transport, tipper trucks, silo trailers, and special vehicles. Then as now, Hans is convinced that there is no better employer. Here, drivers’ needs are important, and their opinions are listened to, because only a satisfied driver is a good driver. Drivers can also have a say in how the trucks are equipped. They are consulted. Hans proudly drives the old company crest. Even after five decades as a driver, he is still fascinated by the technology of modern trucks. Hans was particularly impressed recently by a vehicle he was able to drive in November 2025: a MAN TGX 18.520 with a D30 engine.

Another highlight for him was his visit to the MAN Truck Forum for a vehicle handover last year. There, he was reminded once again how rapidly trucks have developed over the decades – from the first MAN models in his early days to today's high-tech vehicles. Back then, he couldn't have imagined that there would one day be a fully electric truck. He was able to put the MAN eTGX through its paces for a day: an impressive driving experience. The acceleration is instantaneous, and the truck is quiet. But the truck is still the same, so he hardly had to readjust. The displays are different, but otherwise, it's really good.

After 50 years behind the wheel, Hans looks back on countless kilometers, many trucks, and an industry in flux. One thing, however, has remained constant for him: the joy of driving, true to his motto: Everyone should drive a MAN. We wish Hans all the best for his company anniversary.