Latest Posts

1. Renault Trucks Announces 2020 Record Year for LCV Sales in UK & Ireland

   January 27, 2021 12:58 pm

   

   Renault Trucks UK & Ireland has announced a record year for sales of its LCV range in 2020, with orders 86% ahead of 2019. This result positions the UK & Ireland as the second best performing market in Europe for Renault Trucks Master behind France.  

   Commenting on Renault Trucks’ performance, Grahame Neagus, Head of LCV UK & Ireland, says: “We are proud to say that, in what has been a challenging and unpredictable year, we have seen an unprecedented growth in our LCV performance, a tribute both to our strategy of targeted growth and to the hard work and professionalism of the Renault Trucks dealer network. Our performance has been strong across van, chassis cab and platform cab variants, and across all areas including our flourishing municipal business in both diesel and fully electric Z.E. powertrains.”

   Tailored solutions is key to Renault Trucks’ LCV success, with 92% of all Renault Trucks Masters in the UK and Ireland now supplied with some form of conversion. Grahame Neagus explains: “This year has cemented our tailored value proposition, working in partnership to create a bespoke solution tailored to the customer’s application. Our heavy truck experience and technical expertise adds value that is seeing sales gather momentum.” 

   The versatile Master Red EDITION range offers a wide range of body variants, wheelbases, heights and drivelines, always delivering excellent payload and productivity.  Sales of the fully electric Master Z.E. range more than doubled year on year, highlighting the growing importance of cleaner, quieter vehicles in highly sensitive urban environments and last mile delivery applications.  The addition of the 3.5 tonne Master Z.E. in platform and chassis cab base models will open up electric vehicles to more utility applications, further strengthening Renault Trucks’ appeal to a wider customer base.

2. Renault Trucks UK & Ireland Commits to Net-Zero Status by 2030

   January 12, 2021 2:47 pm

   

   Renault Trucks UK & Ireland has announced plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) status by 2030, unveiling details of its Sustainability Initiative today. The commitment is driven by a nationwide transformation programme across the market company’s operations and dealer network in the UK and Ireland.  

   Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “We recognise the global challenges of climate change and as a business we have a responsibility to act. The commitment of our Warwick headquarters and our dealer network to achieve net-zero by 2030 underlines the importance we place on playing our part in creating a more sustainable future.

   “I am very grateful and honoured that all our private distributors agreed to start this journey with the manufacturer. Together, the extended Renault Trucks family will significantly reduce our carbon footprint in many areas of our direct control and value chain across the UK and Ireland.”

   Carlos Rodrigues continues: “As a manufacturer, our fully electric Z.E. range provides zero tail-pipe emission solutions to customers now, but we are also conscious that we have our own challenges at home and we take this seriously, for our own credibility and integrity. In line with our parent company Volvo Group’s sustainability framework, we include sustainability in every decision we make here in the UK & Ireland.

   “Our sustainability initiative in the UK and Ireland is forward-thinking; delivering this change will take bold thinking, innovation and collaboration with our private dealer network. While some of these changes are happening already, with the COVID-19 pandemic hastening the shift to home working and reduced travel, some changes will require longer term transition and investment. We are determined to decarbonise our operations and make a difference. We will be sharing the steps we are taking along this journey to reduce our carbon footprint gradually, starting in 2021.”

   Working with sustainability and environmental consultancy, Avieco, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland set out to understand, manage and improve its environmental and social impacts to create a strategy with ambitious, credible and achievable targets.  The Sustainability Initiative mainly focuses on the GHG Protocol’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 categories, which include all direct and owned indirect emissions from the activities of the organisation.

   A breakdown of 2019 emissions data shows that across all Renault Trucks UK & Ireland operations, 44% emissions were from travel, 52% energy and 4% other (waste, paper and water).  As well as encouraging energy saving behaviours, implementing a zero waste strategy and other environmental innovations, over the coming decade the Renault Trucks network has also outlined its ambition to switch to 100% fossil free energy.

   The GHG Protocol’s Scope 3 category covers indirect emissions that are linked to, but not owned by, the company. Renault Trucks UK & Ireland has identified those areas which are directly under its control and will act upon those where it can, whilst other will be managed as part of the wider Volvo Group’s approach.  For example, in France, home to Renault Trucks’ vehicle manufacturing operations, all sites have been supplied with 100% renewable electricity since January 2019, reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, all Renault Trucks vehicles are assembled in factories that have been ISO 14001 certified since 2001. Renault Trucks also asks its suppliers and partners to be ISO 14001 certified or to engage in a continuous improvement process.

   Renault Trucks UK & Ireland’s announcement follows the UK Government’s ‘Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’ which accelerates the ban on new petrol and diesel passenger car and van sales after 2030 and take forward the nation’s legal requirement to deliver net-zero by 2050, 20 years after Renault Trucks UK’s target.

3. Electric Mobility: a Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. is Fitted with Solar Panels

   January 7, 2021 3:57 pm

   Strongly committed to sustainable transport, Rhyner Logistik has just acquired a fully electric Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. to supply Denner supermarkets. As part of this approach, the Swiss haulier has also fitted solar panels onto the body of the truck to provide power to the refrigeration unit.

   A fully-electric Renault Trucks 26 tonne D Wide Z.E. has joined the one hundred-strong fleet belonging to Swiss haulier Rhyner Logistik. It now supplies the Denner supermarkets in Zurich and its suburbs, while respecting the environment and quality of life of local residents.

   Complementing the zero tailpipe emissions of the Range D Wide Z.E. chassis, Rhyner Logistik has also fitted solar panels onto the vehicle body to provide additional green energy for the refrigeration unit. This system is particularly suited to temperature-controlled transport, because it is when outside temperatures are high – and the sun is therefore strong – that the cooling is most needed.

   As it is convinced that electric mobility is the most effective way to achieve carbon neutrality, Rhyner Logistik has also acquired a rapid charging station. To optimise autonomy, the truck is charged at the depot during loading operations.

   Because the truck is driven in an urban environment that requires frequent braking, energy recovery also leads to savings of 20 to 30%, which translate into additional kilometres. It is a global approach that achieves an optimal result.

4. Renault Trucks Celebrates 30 Years of the Iconic Magnum

   December 17, 2020 12:52 pm

   

   Renault Trucks is celebrating 30 years of the iconic Magnum, the truck which revolutionised driver comfort with its integral cab and fully flat floor. To mark this milestone, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland has meticulously refurbished a vintage Magnum that echoes the spirit of its forebear, the AE 500 which launched in 1990 with Mack V8 engine.

   Following restoration work at Renault Trucks authorised dealer RH Commercials and interiors by Doncaster Trimmers, the covers have come off the fully renovated 1997 plate Renault AE 380.19 TD Magnum 4×2, which will appear at shows across the UK and Ireland in 2021.

   Alex Williams, Head of Brand & Communications, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “The Renault Trucks Magnum transformed the truck market when it arrived on the scene 30 years ago, and restoring this Magnum back to its original glory is the perfect tribute to a legendary vehicle. It has been a labour of love for all involved, and the painstaking transformation into the show-stopping vehicle it is today is an incredible achievement by Neulla Hughes at Renault Trucks UK and the team at RH Commercials and Doncaster Trimmers. Although we are forward-looking organisation, we do take great pride in our past and we are very pleased to mark Magnum’s 30th anniversary in classic style.”

   After stripping down the Magnum to its bare components, the highly skilled team at RH Commercials meticulously cleaned and replaced parts, and undertook a full chassis refurbishment ready for a respray in Renault Red paint on the shell and glossy black on the chassis. Paying close attention to period detail, new alloy wheels, tyres and air horns finish off the classic look. In an almost identical livery to the vehicle that made its debut at the 1990 Motor Show held at the NEC, the finished truck is a homage to the iconic launch AE 500s fitted with a Mack V8 Turbo Intercooler 503 hp engine, the first truck in Europe to be offered with such a high level of power.

   Inside the cab, the Magnum’s original ErgoVision instrument panel and dashboard have been painstakingly cleaned and restored.  Continuing the striking black and red colour theme, the custom interior refit by Doncaster Trimmers includes new black carpet, the CommandAIR driver and Passenger seats reupholstered in black leather with red stitching, and refurbished beds.

   The 3900 wheelbase tractor is powered by Renault’s 6 cylinder Turbo Intercooler engine which produces 374 hp and 1650 Nm of torque. Behind this is Renault’s B 18 gearbox, offering 18 speeds, including 16 synchronised gears and 2 crawler gears, and two reverse speeds.  Equipped to top the original ‘Magnum’ package specification, the vehicle also features 12 volt power outlet in cab, independent night heater, electrically operated cab tilt, second bunk and fridge.

   This show-stopping truck is expected to make its show debut at Truckfest 2021. 

5. Festive Opening Times

   December 11, 2020 2:52 pm

   Our opening hours will be changing slightly over Christmas to give our hard-working team a well-deserved break after a busy year. Although sites may be closed or operating on reduced opening hours, you will still be able to reach our emergency breakdown line, should you need to.

   Alfreton opening hours

   24^th December: 06:00 – 14:00

   25^th – 28^th December: CLOSED

   29^th & 30^th December: 06:00 – 00:00

   31^st December: 06:00 – 14:00

   1^st January: CLOSED

   2^nd January: 08:00 – 12:30

   3^rd January: CLOSED

   4^th January: 06:00 – 00:00

   Nottingham opening hours

   24^th December: 06:00 – 14:00

   25^th – 28^th December: CLOSED

   29^th & 30^th December: 06:00 – 00:00

   31^st December: 06:00 – 14:00

   1^st January: CLOSED

   2^nd January: 06:00 – 15:00

   3^rd January: CLOSED

   4^th January: 06:00 – 00:00

   Leicester opening hours

   24^th December: 06:00 – 14:00

   25^th – 28^th December: CLOSED

   29^th & 30^th December: 06:00 – 22:00

   31^st December: 06:00 – 14:00

   1^st – 3^rd January: CLOSED

   4^th January: 06:00 – 22:00

   Northampton opening hours

   24^th December: 06:00 – 14:00

   25^th – 28^th December: CLOSED

   29^th & 30^th December: 06:00 – 22:00

   31^st December: 06:00 – 14:00

   1^st January: CLOSED

   2^nd January: 08:00 – 12:00

   3^rd January: CLOSED

   4^th January: 06:00 – 22:00

   If you have any enquires or require more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

6. #ProudProfessionals Launches 2020 Christmas ‘Thank You’ Video

   December 8, 2020 11:28 am

   Today at 7pm, Renault Trucks will launch its #ProudProfessionals Christmas video, a thank you to all the people working in transport and logistics for their efforts to keep our nation running this year. 

   Entitled ‘You are the ones’, the 150 second video sets out to tell the story of 2020 halted by the sudden shock of lockdown, and shining a light on the keyworkers in transport and logistics industry who have kept the nation running throughout.

   Alex Williams, Head of Brand & Communications, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland says: “2020 has demonstrated just how vital the transport industry is to our country. We wanted to celebrate the essential work and commitment shown by an industry that quietly gets on with the job, proudly and professionally. This video is our way of thanking all the #ProudProfessionals who have gone the extra mile this year – and to bring a little welcome festive cheer.  We are delighted to include footage of some of the real people working in the industry that we have documented as part of the ongoing #ProudProfessionals campaign to help tell the story.”

   Bringing in all aspects of the industry from drivers, dealers and technicians to forklift operators, pickers to packers and truck stop caterers, the narrative pays tribute the understated – and often underappreciated – work of an industry that has never been more valued.

   The #ProudProfessionals ‘You are the Ones’ video launches on proudprofessionals.co.uk and can also be viewed on Renault Trucks UK’s social media channels.

   Originally launched in 2017, #ProudProfessionals has been celebrating the dedicated, often highly-trained people working in transport and logistics, encouraging them to take more pride in their roles and in the value of their work.

7. RHCV Welcomes RTUK Executive to the Team 

   December 7, 2020 3:29 pm

   As part of ongoing investment, East Midlands Renault Truck dealer RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) is boosting its aftersales, with a strengthened team and further investment.

   RHCV has welcomed Peter Jukes previously Regional Parts and Service Business Manager at Renault Trucks UK (RTUK).  He has been appointed as RHCV’s new Bodyshop and Parts Sales Manager, based at its Nottingham HQ. He joins as part of RHCV’s wider investment in its parts and bodyshop operation.

   He began his career in the workshop before moving into aftersales management. Peter has previously worked for both Renault Trucks and Isuzu Trucks and joins RHCV with a great understanding of the commercial vehicle industry. Peter is also an associate member of the Institute of Motor Industry (AMIMI).

   RHCV’s bodyshop is also being invested in as part of strategic plans to successfully grow and enhance the aftersales services. An extensive refurbishment of the bodyshop will begin in December, in time for a January opening.  Once the work is complete, the bodyshop will be used to prepare vehicles before they are moved into the spray booth to be painted, something which is currently being undertaken externally. The site investment will be pivotal in improving customer experience by providing a ‘one stop shop’ for aftersales service for customers.

   The improved bodyshop will offer services including full repainting of truck cab and chassis, repair of plastic panels such as bumpers and minor accident damage to panels. Major accident work will also be managed and undertaken off site for heavily damaged trucks. The improved bodyshop services will also cover light commercial vans.

   Alongside its head office in Nottingham, RHCV also has three additional sites across the East Midlands in Leicester, Alfreton and Northampton and specialises in sales, servicing and repair, and parts sales for heavy and light commercial vehicles.

   Peter has two colleagues set to join the bodyshop team in November, Craig Pearce, and Tim Smith. Craig previously worked at Silverstone, painting Formula 1 cars and Tim joins RHCV following his career with Nationwide Accident Repairs. Both will be valuable assets to the team and help ensure RHCV continues to offer its customers a high-quality service.

   During his role as Parts and Service Business Manager at Renault Trucks, Peter became responsible for aftersales support for RHCV in 2012. Having worked with the team since then, Peter had a great understanding of the business and its company values, as well as a trusted relationship with the directors and team at RHCV.

   Peter comments: “RHCV is known as an outstanding dealership amongst the Renault Trucks team, so I am thrilled to have joined them personally. They are always prepared to invest where necessary to drive the business forward and not only do they offer an excellent service to their customers, but they also go the extra mile to ensure that the staff are happy as well.

   “This is an exciting new position for me, that will allow me to combine the skills I have learned throughout my career, to propel RHCV’s bodyshop and parts department forward. The business has some ambitious growth plans and I am thrilled to be a part of those.”

   Nigel Baxter, Managing Director at RHCV said: “We have worked with Peter for a number of years and recognise that he has the experience and dedication to drive forward the successful growth of our bodyshop and parts department. We are looking forward to working with him for more years to come.”

   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.

8. Renault Trucks Broadens its All-Electric Range

   December 2, 2020 11:07 am

   Renault Trucks is broadening its all-electric Z.E. range to help its customers speed up their transition to clean transport. Offering a wider choice of batteries for medium duty electric vehicles, the Renault Trucks D and D Wide Z.E can now be specified with 66 kWh battery packs giving an operating range of up to 400km.

   Furthermore, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. light commercial vehicle has just been released in a 3.5 tonne model.

   Renault Trucks D and D Wide Z.E. now feature 66 kWh batteries

   Building on the 200 kWh and 300 kWh installations available at launch, a range of new battery configurations is now available on the Renault Trucks Range D and D Wide ZE models. Based on a new 66 kWh battery pack, the vehicles can now be specified in one of five configurations, from 200 kWh to 400 kWh, offering operators the opportunity to transport more goods further than before. A Range D ZE with six 66 kWh batteries – 400 kWh total – will now offer operators a range of up to 400 km on a single charge.

   The new battery options give operators great flexibility in selecting the most efficient combination of batteries for a wide range of applications.

   The Renault Trucks Master Z.E. now comes in a 3.5 tonne version

   Renault Trucks is expanding its Master Z.E. offering which can now be ordered with a 3.5 tonne GVW in addition to the 3.1 tonne GVW previously available. Adding a further 400 kg to the Master Z.E. 3.1t model’s already excellent payload of up to 1 tonne, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. still offers a real-world operating range of 120 km and can be fully charged in just six hours.

   The 3.1-tonne range consists of two models (van and platform cab) available in three different lengths (L1, L2, L3) and two heights (H1, H2). The 3.5-tonne van version is already on the market in the same six combinations.

   The 3.5-tonne Renault Trucks Master Z.E. all-electric LCV will shortly be available with a platform cab and chassis cab opening up a wider range of utility applications by enabling the fitting of a wide range of equipment such as a tipping trailer or a high-volume body with lifting tailgate.

   From 3.1t to 26 tonnes GVW, all vehicles in the Renault Trucks Z.E. range, with zero tailpipe emissions and quiet electric engine, allow access to inner city areas even with strict traffic restrictions.

   Renault Trucks Z.E. range technical specifications

   Renault Trucks D Z.E.

   – Total GVW: 16t

   – Available wheelbases: 4,400 mm and 5,300 mm, others by request

   – 185 kW electric motor (130 kW continuous output)

   – Maximum torque of the electric motor: 425 Nm.

   – Maximum torque rear axle: 16 kNm

   – Two-speed gear box

   – Energy storage: lithium-ion batteries totalling 200 to 400 kWh

   – Real-world operating range: up to 400 km

   – Charging 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC

   Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E.

   – GVW: 26t

   – Available wheelbase: 3,900 mm, others by request

   – Two electric motors with a total rating of 370 kW (260 kW continuous output)

   – Maximum torque of electric motors: 850 Nm

   – Maximum torque rear axle: 28 kNm.

   – Two-speed gear box

   – Energy storage: lithium-ion batteries, 200 kWh to 265 kWh.

   – Real-world operating range: up to 180 km

   – Charging 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC

   Renault Trucks Master Z.E.

   – Total GVW 3.1t to 3.5t

   – 57 kW electric motor

   – Maximum torque: 225 Nm

   – Maximum speed: 100 km/h

   – Energy storage: 33 kWh lithium-ion batteries

   – Operating range on NEDC cycle: 200 km

   – Real-world operating range: up to 120 km

   – Charging 7 kW AC

9. Renault Trucks and Carlsberg Group, Together Towards Carbon Neutral Distribution

   November 26, 2020 1:52 pm

   On Tuesday 24th November 2020 in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks, handed over the keys of a 100% electric D Wide Z.E. to Thomas Amstutz, CEO of Feldschlösschen, a subsidiary of the Carlsberg Group.

   This vehicle is the first of a historic order for twenty 26-tonne Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. vehicles. Through the use of electric trucks, the Carlsberg Group and Feldschlösschen show that carbon neutral distribution can be achieved.

   Last February, Renault Trucks took a major step towards transforming urban transport by announcing the signing of a historic contract with the Carlsberg group for the delivery of twenty fully electric D Wide Z.E. 26 tonne trucks. Now Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks, has handed Thomas Amstutz, CEO of Feldschlösschen, the keys to the first vehicle of the order placed by the Swiss brewery.

   “I’m convinced that electric mobility is the solution for improving the quality of the environment both for ourselves and for future generations,” declared Bruno Blin, President of Renault Trucks.

   Bruno Blin continued: “I’m delighted that Renault Trucks is supporting Feldschlösschen and Carlsberg, a pioneering group when it comes to investing in electric technology. Transport is undergoing major changes. Our industry is set to change more over the next ten years than it changed in the past century and through this partnership, Carlsberg and Renault Trucks are showing the way forward.”

   Thomas Amstutz, CEO of Feldschlösschen, continues: “We are proud to see our pioneering work with electric trucks, which began several years ago now, finally paying off. We are the first company in Switzerland and even Europe to use these environmentally friendly trucks for beverage transport. Our ambition is to take on a leading role not only in the development of beers and beverages, but also in beverage logistics and climate protection.”

   Indeed, Feldschlösschen and the Carlsberg group, which are strongly committed to environmental protection and reducing global warming, are systematically pursuing the objectives of their ‘Together Towards ZERO’ sustainability strategy and aim to reach a CO₂-neutral distribution. To help Feldschlösschen achieve these objectives, it will be using its electric trucks charged using renewable electricity, for the last few miles and rail transport for long distances.

   Renault Trucks electric vehicles, a comprehensive zero-emission range

   Renault Trucks provides a comprehensive range of fully-electric vehicles from 3.1 to 26 tonnes. Operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint can acquire a 100% electric truck for immediate use.

   Electric vehicles respect air quality by emitting neither CO₂ nor NOx (nitrogen oxides) when in use. They allow access to inner city areas with the strictest vehicle emissions entry regulations, even during periods of peak pollution. As they are silent, they can be used in city centres at night, thereby respecting the sleep of local residents and helping traffic flow more freely during the day.

   Renault Trucks is currently one of the first industrial vehicle manufacturers to produce series electric trucks in its Normandy factory at Blainville-sur-Orne.

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

    October 20, 2020 2:19 pm

    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/