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Latest Posts

  1. Isuzu and RHCV Join Forces in New Dealer Tie Up at Northampton

    Following on from the recent appointment of two new full dealers in Scotland, as well as a further two new full dealerships in the East of England, leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Truck UK has continued with its progressive UK dealer network expansion, with the latest addition of RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) as its new full dealer based in Northampton.

    “The addition of the Isuzu truck range will broaden the product offering available from our Northampton branch, and complements the existing services available. Jim McNeil, who has over 30 years’ experience with commercial vehicles, and who has been with RHCV for the past two years, will take up the new role of Isuzu truck sales executive at the dealership,” said Nigel Baxter, managing director, RH Commercial Vehicles.

    The new ITUK dealership for RHCV in the East Midlands is based in Kislingbury, near the M1 Junction 16, close to Northampton, and offers a full range of workshop and parts services, in addition to new Isuzu truck sales.

    Nigel continues, “We were looking to develop our Northampton dealership and the dialogue with ITUK was completed quickly and efficiently. They were really easy to work with and we see a great synergy between us in terms of operational methods. Shortly, we will be putting new Isuzu demonstrator trucks at different GVW’s into the Northampton franchise, which will enable us to develop further new customer opportunities. We will, of course, be adding new Isuzus to our own contract hire and rental operation in due course. We see ITUK as a perfect fit for our current business model.”

    The new ITUK dealer in Northampton is based at:

    RH Commercial Vehicles, Weedon Road, Kislingbury, Harpole Northampton
    NN7 4AW

    “The addition of RHCV to the ever growing ITUK dealer network is an exciting move for us. RHCV, as a company, has consistently set new standards in dealer performance, which has been recognised by them winning various independent dealer awards over the years. They are a very welcome recruit to our dealer expansion programme and will certainly hit the ground running, quickly expanding our market share in the Northampton area,” said Richard Waterworth, head of sales, Isuzu Truck UK.

    Further information about the full range of Isuzu Truck dealers in the UK can be viewed at www.isuzutruck.co.uk/dealers/

  2. Renault Trucks’ Entire Dealer Network Adopts Optiview A.R.

    As augmented reality becomes a transformational technology for the commercial vehicle industry, Renault Trucks is adopting Optiview Remote Expert Solution across all its 71 dealers in the UK and Ireland.  

    Marking a significant investment by the Renault Trucks dealer network, Optiview, powered by Librestream – the leader in augmented reality and remote expert collaboration – utilises Onsight remote expert software and RealWear HMT-1 head mounted tablets. The combined high tech solution enables Renault Trucks to provide a hands-free remote support service for increased workshop productivity and customer uptime.

    The innovative technology is already delivering real benefits to customers with faster complex fault resolution, improved workshop utilisation, profitability and efficiency, as Derek Leech, Service Market & Retail Development Director, explains: “Following the hugely successful deployment of Optiview at several dealer sites last year, we know that is transforming our workshops and our customer service. By investing in and adopting this technology across our entire dealer network, we can deliver first class service consistently whilst also reducing our impact on the environment.”

    Mike Murphy, VP International Operations at Librestream, says: “Renault Trucks has sent a strong message of investment and innovation to their dealerships and customers in the UK & Ireland. With Optiview, they have invested in higher levels of service that will differentiate them in the market.  Being selected as the enabling technology for this solution is an honour and we look forward to working with Renault Trucks as they expand their deployment across other geographic regions.”

    With vehicle off road standing costs at £260 per day on average, the downtime impact adds up quickly for owners. Using Optiview, Renault Trucks’ technicians can immediately collaborate with technical support via their computer or mobile devices.  Together, the teams see live video, talk, and draw onscreen to expedite asset inspections, equipment diagnostics and warranty claims.

    Andrew Walker, Technical and Warranty Manager at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says, “Prior to Optiview, approximately 10-15% of warranty-based service calls required one of our specialised field engineers to travel to the dealership. With this new service, we expect a 5-fold reduction of in-person visits, resulting in significant time savings for all parties – operators, dealers and Renault Trucks. Other benefits from this approach to customer support will be a reduction in green-house emissions as a result of fewer miles travelled, which meets the Renault Trucks vision of improvements for the global environment.”

    Using Optiview, dealership technicians can extend collaboration to include colleagues in other dealership locations for cross-training and troubleshooting. In the future, dealerships are also considering opportunities to work directly with owners who experience break-downs on the road. The global expansion of Optiview across other Renault Trucks geographies is a natural next step and regional trials are already underway.

    In addition to accelerated service and productivity gains, this new approach provides additional benefits such as improved on-the-job training, faster warranty claims and worker safety with significantly fewer miles travelled.

  3. Flood’s First – Renault Surges Ahead

    Flood Transport that runs a fleet of Euro 6 tippers for the quarrying industry has expanded with its first Renault from East Midlands dealer RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV).

     Established in 1999 by Leicestershire based husband and wife team Mark and Clare (and Mark’s late father Peter Flood) has steadily grown from being an owner-driver to running a fleet of 11 vehicles with a team of 20.

    The new Renault bulk bodied sealed tipper joins Flood’s fleet of 32-ton Euro 6 tippers used for the delivery of dry and coated aggregates across the East Midlands. From asphalt and concrete to decorative stone, the firm supplies and delivers a wide range of materials used in the construction of road surfaces and paths.

    Mark Flood, Managing Director at Flood Transport commented “This is the first time we have purchased a Renault. We have decided to go for a long-distance sleeper cab with an Aliweld bulker body with a sealed rear tailgate as different customers workloads have dictated the need for this specification of truck.

    “We can now supply the full range of body requirements to our customer base i.e. heavy-duty steel bodied muck away and demolition trucks, insulated asphalt tipping bodies used in road laying applications and general stone deliveries. Now with the new Renault bulk bodied sealed tipper we are able to carry the wettest of materials and sludges with ease due to the specially designed rear doors incorporating rubber seals.”

    RHCV offered the firm a demonstrator vehicle last winter and were very impressed with driver feedback on the test truck. He added: “We had never considered purchasing a Renault before but the feedback from drivers was very positive and we were impressed with how good the truck performed.  From the point of ordering right through to the delivery from RHCV the process has been a breeze, with no issues along the way.”

    Flood is part of The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) – a voluntary accreditation scheme for fleet operators which aims to raise the level of quality within fleet operations, and to demonstrate which operators are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.  The company has FORS Gold accreditation as well as having recently achieved the ISO 14001 leading environmental standard.

    The new vehicle demonstrates Flood’s continued environmental commitment and FORS Gold accreditations and demonstrates its commitment to lowering its emissions by purchasing the latest Euro 6 vehicle.

    Mark added “During the past few months during the Covid 19 pandemic we have managed to keep going, I think which is due to us being centrally located in the East Midlands with large construction projects nearby such as HS2.

    “Also, the country’s main motorway network continually needs repairing and maintaining on our doorstep. We have managed to get through it without furloughing any staff at all, in fact our staff levels have increased during the past four months.

    Andy Cross, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Sales Executive at RHCV said: “We are proud that we have been able to support the team at Flood and delighted they chose a Renault truck to assist the new business.”

    RHCV has been selling, leasing servicing and repairing heavy (HGV) and light commercial (LCV) vehicles across the East Midlands for four decades.  The company employs 140 staff across its four sites in the East Midlands – in Nottingham, Cossington (Leics), Northampton and Alfreton (Derbys).

  4. Renault Trucks Celebrates 40 Years of Master with ‘Ruby Edition’

    To celebrate 40 years of the Master LCV product, Renault Trucks has launched a special edition of its latest generation Master Red EDITION range.

    Named the Renault Trucks Master Ruby EDITION, the new vehicle will debut at the Commercial Motor Show 2020, a virtual exhibition running from 29 September to 1 October, and will also be available to order from this date.

    The Renault Trucks Master Ruby EDITION is based on the already high specification Red EDITION, with additional options including MediaNav, Max Wheel trims, fog lights as well as rear parking sensors and reversing camera for the van and Crew Van variants. All vehicles feature a unique 40th Anniversary exterior graphics pack.  Inside the cab, Ruby Edition MASTER vehicles come with a luxurious two-tone leather interior featuring bespoke embroidery commemorating the landmark anniversary.

    As well as enhanced specification, the vehicles are also being offered with a special 40 month low rate finance solution* courtesy of Renault Trucks Financial Services.

    Commenting on the launch of the new vehicle, Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV at Renault Trucks says: “Our new Ruby EDITION is the perfect way to celebrate 40 years of the Master product.  We have found that customers take as much pride in their Master as they do with our HGV range so it is only fitting that that a special edition with an enhanced specification was created to mark such a momentous milestone.”

    The Ruby Special Edition is available in Van, Crew Van, Chassis Cab and Platform Cab and comes complete with a choice of three colour schemes: Ruby Red metallic, Gun Metal Grey metallic and White. All versions are available with the highly efficient twin turbo Euro 6 standard Step D engine in 150ps and 180ps, or the Master Z.E. 100% electric version for those operating in highly sensitive urban environments and last mile delivery applications

    Grahame concludes: “Since its inception in 1980, the Renault Trucks Master has become a firm favourite with operators. Our new 40th Anniversary specification together with our special low rate finance deal creates a compelling offer for businesses. We look forward to launching the Ruby Edition at the Commercial Motor Show Virtual Exhibition this autumn.”

    * 40 month low rate finance solution – terms and conditions apply.

  5. RHCV Drives Forward with Isuzu Trucks

    Award-winning East Midlands Renault Trucks Dealer, RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) is expanding its operation, with Isuzu.

    RHCV has four sites in total, in Nottingham, Cossington (Leicester) and Alfreton, (Derby) plus Northampton which it acquired in 2018 as part of its strategic expansion.

    RHCV has taken on a franchise agreement for Isuzu Trucks at its Northampton site. The new brand will operate alongside RHCV’s existing Renault Trucks operation at its Kislingbury (close to the Junction 16 of the M1) in Northampton.

    Founded in 1916, Isuzu’s mission is to become the global leader in commercial vehicles.  In some countries Isuzu’s products make up nearly half the sales of the entire truck market. Nigel Baxter, Managing Director at RHCV comments: “Isuzu specialise in the lighter end of the truck market, in particular at 7.5 tonne and 3.5 tonne, these products complement our Renault Trucks offer, and as such there is little conflict, we will operate sales completely separately.  Our team in the Northampton workshop already have the expertise to service all makes of vehicles.”

    Jim McNeil, who has over 30 years’ experience with commercial vehicles, and who has been with RHCV for the past two years take up the new role of Isuzu sales executive.

    RHCV has a successful track-record of selling, leasing, servicing and repairing heavy (HGV) and light commercial (LCV) vehicles across the East Midlands and employs over 100.  The business also provides a range of rental/lease options through sister company, RH Rentals.

    Nigel Baxter, added “All of our four sites have remained open and fully functioning during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Our workshop team worked particularly hard keeping commercial vehicle customers on the road.  Now that many more operations are returning to some sort of normality, we want to ensure have the right products and services to support our customers.  Isuzu and Renault Trucks together enable us to broaden our offer to the local market and offer an excellent combination.”

  6. Renault Trucks Announces Arrival of UK’s First 100% Electric Production Truck, Range D Wide Z.E

    Renault Trucks announces the arrival of the UK’s first right hand drive 100% electric serial production truck, a Range D Wide Z.E. 26 tonne 6×2 rigid. 

    “Today marks a significant milestone in our transformation of urban mobility, with the arrival in the UK of the first fully electric MHD launched earlier this year,” says Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland.

    He continues: “Major cities, starting with London are leading the way regarding air quality improvement. Clean Air Zones and Low Emissions Zones will gradually improve the air quality, but electromobility is the only viable option to achieve climate change and CO2 reduction in the urban environment.  We are delighted to introduce our Z.E. range fitting most urban and last mile delivery applications from 3.1 tonnes up to 26 tonnes. They are available for delivery here and now in the UK and Ireland.”

    Offering the widest available range from any manufacturer, the new D Wide Z.E. joins the 16 tonne D Z.E. and the Master Z.E. LCV to complete Renault Trucks’ line-up of 100% electric vehicles.

    The UK’s first D Wide Z.E. is a 6×2 Renault Trucks chassis cab model which has been specified for urban refuse collection; the range is additionally available for distribution applications. Power comes from two electric motors, delivering maximum power of 370 kW, continuous power of 260 kW and maximum torque of 850 Nm.

    The D Wide Z.E. is equipped with a 22kW on board AC charger and is compatible with DC fast charging up to 150kW, 200 KWh batteries (four packs of high energy density Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Lithium-ion cells that provide the optimum balance between operating range and payload) and offers up to 150km range according to application and body specification.

    As with trucks fitted with a combustion engine, a number of factors have an impact on an electric truck’s energy consumption, as Carlos Rodrigues notes: “Speed, topography and distribution cycle all play a role. With electromobility it is all about power availability and we are in a position to offer customers a peace of mind transition into electromobility. We offer turnkey solutions including charging infrastructure with partnerships we have already established so that our customers don’t have to worry about power supply into the truck.”

    He continues: “Once we understand all your operational requirements we will also guarantee the power available to operate your vehicle for up to ten years with our Start&Drive Excellence contracts. This is our battery performance promise for Range D Z.E.: it underwrites our expertise and confidence in our products and capabilities, and gives operators seeking to future-proof their fleets total peace of mind.”

    The D Wide Z.E. uses regenerative braking, as with all Z.E. models, utilising the motor to convert the kinetic energy during deceleration into electrical energy, conserving energy and extending driving range.

    Inside the day cab, the roomy interior is equipped with air-suspended COMFORT driver’s seat including driver’s armrest.  All Z.E. vehicles are designed to look and feel familiar to drivers, featuring the same interface in the cab as Renault Trucks’ diesel range with a few new commands.  A new electronic PTO engages with body equipment in a similar way to the mechanical version to ensure bodybuilders can work with an interface they already know.

    Carlos Rodrigues concludes: “Our ambition is to provide the right transport solution, in the right place, with the right energy, right now. For urban operators wanting to make a difference today, Renault Trucks’ 100% electric Z.E. range and our team of experts and partners is the answer.”

  7. Northampton Based HGV Technicians – We Need You

    Here at RH Commercial Vehicles, we are a large team of proud professionals who are dedicated to delivering a fast service that customers can rely on. Our workshop teams are an integral part of our business at each of our sites across the Midlands and we are currently looking to expand our Northampton team with an experienced HGV Technician.

    As an HGV Technician, you will be responsible for effectively maintaining commercial vehicles and trailers to DVSA standards. The perfect candidate will be able to effectively process information, diagnose issues, and work in a physically and mentally demanding environment.

    Based at our Kislingbury site, you will need a technical qualification related to commercial vehicles (City & Guilds level 3, NVQ level 3 or equivalent), a valid full driving license and your own tools. We are looking for someone with a good knowledge of all vehicles makes and an understanding of electronics and diagnostics. To succeed in the business, you’ll need to be flexible, a team player, motivated, responsive and willing to learn.

    Although not essential, experience in using R2C and an HGV or forklift truck license would be beneficial. This is a full-time, permanent role working on a regular shift rota between 6am-10pm. The salary is competitive and full ongoing training will be available on the job.

    If you fit the bill and want to join an award-winning family run business, then please get in touch TODAY.

    For an informal chat with our Northampton Dealer Point Manager, please call Thomas Judd on 01604 833770. Alternatively, please send in your application form or CV and covering letter to Samantha.pearson@rhcv.co.uk.

    For the full job description, please click here.

  8. RHCV Supports St John Ambulance Emergency COVID-19 Response

    St Johns AmbulanceLeading Renault Trucks Dealer, RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) is helping to keep emergency vehicles on the road during this critical time.

    East Midlands based RHCV has been appointed by St John Ambulance as a vehicle maintenance provider for the region. RHCV, which has sites in Nottingham, Cossington (LEICS), Alfreton (DERBYS) and Northampton is on hand to ensure the charity’s vehicles are in safe working condition and can continue to work on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.

    The nation’s leading health and first aid charity relies on its volunteers and donations to operate. In response to the pandemic, thousands of volunteers are currently working with the NHS to help alleviate some of the pressure on resources, both in hospitals and on the roads. Around 100 front-line ambulances have been allocated each day to work alongside NHS Ambulance Services across the country, supporting 999 calls and transporting patients to and from the hospitals.

    Having previously worked with St John Ambulance, RHCV has provided maintenance support for the charity for a number of years. Offering roadside assistance and workshop repairs, the Renault Trucks dealership are helping to ensure St John Ambulance can continue to offer its support to the NHS.

    Richard Clarke, Regional Fleet Coordinator for the East Region at St John Ambulance said: “This is a crucial time for us, being able to assist the NHS when they need it most. Our ambulance services are a vital part of our role in the fight against COVID-19. It is essential that our vehicles are in working order and able to operate.

    “Because of the nature of what we do, we need to rely on a workshop that can deliver a quick and efficient service, minimising our vehicle down time. Our ambulances are never too far away from one of RHCV’s sites, making them perfect for us.”

    Paul Pearson, Commercial Director at RHCV added: “All of the voluntary services, such as St John Ambulance, are the unsung heroes at this time. The charity’s team of volunteers and staff do an incredible job, working every day to support the NHS when its services are stretched. We are honoured to do our bit and help the people fighting on the frontline. We want to continue to support St John Ambulance as much as possible by ensuring its vehicles can continue to operate when they are needed most.”

    Similarly, to most charities, St John Ambulance relies on fundraising events for its income. As a result of the pandemic, these events have been cancelled or postponed. In response, the charity has recently launched an emergency fundraising appeal #SaveLivesTogether. With a goal of £6m, the money raised will support St John Ambulance’s work through the pandemic and secure its future.

    RHCV is very much open for business, despite the pandemic. As well as St John Ambulance, the truck dealer is still providing maintenance and repairs for other ambulance services and essential vehicles delivering goods such as food.

    RHCV is an authorised distributor for Renault Trucks and provides new and used sales, service and parts for the full Renault Trucks range as well as all-makes parts and servicing for commercial vehicles. The business also provides a range of rental/lease options through sister company RH Rentals.

  9. Trio of Dealer Point Managers Put RHCV in the Fast Lane

    Untitled designRenault Trucks Dealer, RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) has appointed three new Dealer Point Managers, as part of strategic plans to successfully grow and enhance its services.

    The internal promotions follow a dynamic 12 months for the truck dealer. RHCV recently strengthened its senior leadership team to support ambitious growth plans and last summer, invested £3.5m in a new brand new Nottingham site.

    The three Dealer Point Managers are tasked with overseeing their respective sites, ensuring their smooth operation, whilst managing quality of work and driving improvements and efficiencies and enabling RHCV to provide the highest level of service to its customers.

    After heading up RHCV’s Alfreton site, David Templeman has become Dealer Point Manager at the Nottingham facility.  David has been with RHCV for over six years and is excited about taking the helm in Nottingham, which is twice the size of the Alfreton site, as well as having additional facilities such as a Paintshop.

    Richard Bradbury has replaced David as Dealer Point Manager in Alfreton (Derbys). He has worked his way up to a management role after starting with RHCV as a Workshop Technician seven years ago.

    Thomas Judd becomes Dealer Point Manager in Northampton. Having worked his way up, Thomas joined RHCV at 16 where he started as a Parts Apprentice at the Leicester site. Thomas has enjoyed a number of different roles at RHCV over the past seven years and has always wanted one day to become a Dealer Point Manager.

    Nigel Baxter, Managing Director at RHCV said: “David, Richard and Thomas have the experience and dedication to drive forward the successful growth of our Nottingham, Northampton and Alfreton sites to meet our ambitious growth plans.  This will allow us to continue delivering an unrivalled customer experience while ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.”

    RHCV is a distributor for Renault Trucks and provides new and used sales, service and parts for the full Renault Trucks range as well as all-makes parts and servicing for commercial vehicles. The business also provides a range of rental/lease options through sister company, RH Rentals.

  10. RHCV Support #ClapForNHS

    Here at RHCV at all of our four sites, we are working hard to keep our customers on the road and moving during these unprecedented times.  From roadside assistance to workshop repairs, the team has adapted to new ways of working to ensure we can continue to provide the best service and stay safe.

    We are grateful to all of the key workers in the transport industry, that are working tirelessly to keep supermarket shelves stocked and deliver essential items. The work you are doing, does not go unnoticed.

    We are of course, also grateful and in awe of our NHS and other care workers, and the brave people risking their lives each day, to save the lives of others. Our Northampton site recently showed its appreciation by getting involved in the weekly #ClapForNHS.

    From all at RHCV, we hope you are staying safe and well.