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NOVEMBER 2015UNITED KINGDOMRENAULT-TRUCKS.CO.UK
OPTITRACK: A FLEXIBLE 4X4 DRIVE
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2OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
T his issue gives us an opportunity to review
the recent certification awarded by TÜV
Rheinland, an independent certification body,
which demonstrates the lower consumption of
a Renault Trucks T Optifuel compared with that
of a standard Renault Trucks T. This vehicle consumes
10.9% less fuel than the standard model!
You will then be following in the footsteps of the Lumière
brothers, the inventors of cinema, from Lyon to the
Grand Palais in Paris, together with a Renault Trucks T
carrying the fragile items for the “Lumière! Cinema
invented” exhibition.
Our report on a Renault Trucks C Optitrack operated by a
client for the last few months will enable you to appreciate
this vehicle’s adaptive pulling power and versatility.
Many other new features and innovations will also be
highlighted in this latest issue: the new Maxispace T
cab, the Renault Trucks D Wide CNG running on
compressed natural gas, prototyping and 3D printing
with the Renault Trucks Design department.
We hope you will enjoy reading this latest issue!
Bruno BlinPresident of Renault Trucks
is published by Renault Trucks in more than 100 countries and in 18 languages — Publication director: Chrystèle Chef — chrystele.chef@renault–trucks.com
— Editorial team: Stéphanie Cascino, Christophe Castro, Benoît Solivellas, — Renault Trucks SAS with a capital of
€50,000,000 — 954 506 077 RCS Lyon. ISSN 2262-8754 — Design and production: — Production follow-up: Yvan
Cabut, Axel Garioud — Print process supervision: Valérie Baugey — Photos: Renault Trucks, Ian Hanning/RÉA, Laurent Cerino/RÉA, Romain Champalaune/
RÉA, Jean-Claude Dortmann, Yann Geoffray, Loïc Lagneau, EMC², Jean-Philippe Glatigny, Frédéric Bourcier, WEST. Fotostudio, Tom Cunningham, Halle du
Design, DR — Printing: Faurite — Legal deposit: last quarter 2015 — Circulation: 145,000 copies. The texts and documents published in this issue may not be
reproduced without the editor’s consent. Printed in France.
TESTIMONIALRenault Trucks C Optitrack: a flexible 4x4 drive
p P. 8
Editorial
Contents
PRODUCTMaxispace cab,
designed for comfort
p P. 5
TECHNOLOGYRenault Trucks D Wide CNG:
cleaner goods haulage
p P. 18
SPECIAL REPORTRenault Trucks T
transporting cinema history
p P. 6
DIGITALThe latest additions to the
Renault Trucks digital galaxy
p P. 19
BEHIND THE SCENES 3D prototyping:
bringing ideas to life
p P. 12
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3 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
T OPTIFUEL EFFICIENCY CERTIFIED BY THE TÜVIn order to demonstrate the performance delivered by the Renault Trucks T Optifuel,
Renault Trucks called upon the Rheinland TÜV, an independent certifying body.
Their extremely stringent test procedure made it possible to carry out an objective
comparison of the Renault Trucks T Optifuel’s consumption and that of a standard
Renault Trucks T. After driving over a typical long-distance haulage route of 210 km
with a 32 t load, the two experienced drivers followed the Optifuel Training instruction
programme and then drove over the same route again. After the test, the experts
were able to observe and certify that, after instruction, the Renault Trucks T Optifuel
consumed 10.9% less fuel than the standard Renault Trucks T. This independently
certified result clearly gives operators confidence that Range T Optifuel efficiency
claims are valid and that the truck will provide class-leading fuel economy and
profitability for their business.
10.9% The saving in consumption
of a Renault Trucks T Optifuel
compared with a standard
Renault Trucks T.
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4OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
INNOVATION
THE FIRST HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TRUCK This is a first in Europe: Renault Trucks
and the French Post Office have been
testing a truck running on electricity
equipped with an operating range
extender. The two brands are pursuing
their sustainable development initiative
with the Renault Maxity Electric, which
incorporates a fuel cell operating on
hydrogen co-developed with Symbio
FCell. The 4.5 t GVW vehicle, with an
operating range extended from 100 to
200 km, generates no noise pollution
and emits only water vapour.
Seven Renault Trucks T 520 High
vehicles have been delivered
to the Red Bull Racing
Formula 1 team. They are tasked
with transporting the Red Bull
infrastructure from one
Grand Prix to another. Four of
the vehicles contain the mobile
workshop (including a 3D
printer), while the other three
are used for offices.
IN BRIEF
RECORD
A GREAT LEAP FORWARDEMC, sponsor of the Lotus F1 team, got a Renault Magnum to perform
a 25 m leap above a single seater going at full throttle. The stunt, carried out
in the United Kingdom, won its place in the “Guinness World Records” and
chalked up over 11 million views on YouTube!
PARTNERSHIP
WORLD FOOD PROGRAMMETo help the World Food Programme
(WFP) carry out its missions,
Renault Trucks has deployed a
mobile instructional team to cover
several African countries (Congo,
Ghana and the Central African
Republic). As in 2012 and 2013,
staff members have volunteered
to pass on HGV maintenance and
repair skills to WFP mechanics.
The vehicle made available for this
operation is a specially configured
Renault Kerax 6x6, enabling
instruction to be provided very
close to where the Programme’s
mechanics will be operating.
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5 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
1A REAL DINING TABLE
The foldaway table
combined with the bunk
is comfortably proportioned
(81 x 60 cm) for everyday
meals. The sliding table
surface opens up a storage
compartment for crockery
and occupies the space
between the two cab seats.
Once it is folded away,
the table is flat against the
rear of the cab, taking up a
minimum amount of room.
2GENEROUS STORAGE
CAPACITY
The top bunk can
be converted into a 221 L
storage space with three
compartments 36 cm high.
Each compartment has its own
interior light and sliding
curtain. An additional storage
compartment is also available
under the driver’s seat.
3IDENTICAL INTERIOR
VOLUME
The layout of the
Maxispace cab has involved
no loss of useful space.
Drivers can benefit from
all the advantages offered
by the Renault Trucks T High
cab: a flat floor, a rear width of
2.5 m and headroom of more
than 2 m.
4INCREASED
OPERATING RANGE
The Maxispace cab has
been designed to facilitate
life on board. In particular,
its storage space enables
accessories such as a microwave
oven, coffee coffee maker or
safe to be to be installed. This
makes it easier for drivers to
have meals in the cab, giving
them greater independence
during long journeys.
MAXISPACE CAB, DESIGNED FOR
COMFORTThe Maxispace cab, available on the Renault Trucks T High, is the ideal cab for drivers
operating on long haul assignments. Its specific layout is perfectly incorporated into the cab’s
interior, without reducing the volume. Here is a detailed review with 4 highlights.
PRODUCT
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6OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
The scale model of the Lumière Institute
was carefully packed.
The Renault Trucks T in front of the
Lumière Institute in Lyon.
Made-to-measure crates have been
used to protect the various items.
The Lumière brothers’ cinématographe
invented in 1895.
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7 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
The cinématographe, invented by
the Lumière brothers, has
been seen all over the world.
However, the collections held
by the Institute bearing their
name had never before left
the city of Lyon. The purpose of the journey
was to be included in the “Lumière! Cinema
invented” exhibition at the Grand Palais
in Paris from 27 March to 14 June 2015.
An exhibition devoted to the groundbreaking
inventions of Louis and Auguste Lumière
organised to mark the 120th anniversary
of the cinématographe. This event brought
together various works of art, including
autochrome photographs, films and even
a number of large paintings by their father,
Antoine Lumière, who was an artist,
photographer and entrepreneur.
Transporting these unique and fragile
objects is a delicate assignment, so as
part of its cultural patronage activities,
Renault Trucks played a role, in coordination
with Léon Aget, a company specialised
in artworks logistics. Founded in 1920
and based in Marseille, the company has
established a solid reputation for this type of
transport, both in France and internationally
by working for major institutions such
as the Louvre Museum, but also for private
individuals.
PROTECTION AND SECURITY
As is often the case for works of art,
the exhibits were carried in a refrigerated
semitrailer, pulled by a Renault Range T.
This type of transport, under controlled
temperatures, stabilises the thermal
conditions essential for protecting the
works. At the same time, the packaging
crates maintain ideal levels of humidity.
The Renault Trucks T is fitted with several
driving aids designed to improve safety:
a line crossing warning system, electronic
directional control, an adaptive speed
regulator for maintaining a safe distance
from the vehicle in front, head-on collision
warning, etc. The suspension is also
designed to guarantee the totally smooth
journey essential for such a fragile cargo.
All the operations were carried out with
great attention to detail. It took one whole
week to prepare for the move; taking down
the pictures, securing the items, packing
them and putting them into crates – most
of which had been made-to-measure.
It took two days to load the Renault Trucks T,
followed by a journey from Paris to Lyon
at a steady speed. The Lumière Institute
collections will continue to travel,
the exhibition will be visiting several
European countries before going to
South America, finally arriving back in Lyon,
at the Musée des Confluences in 2017.
The cinématographe is all set to fascinate
the entire world for a long time to come…
The fragile and precious collections owned by the Lumière Institute left the city of Lyon (France)
for the first time to be displayed at the “Lumière! Cinema invented” exhibition in Paris. This
involved a very delicate transport assignment, entrusted to the Léon Aget company, specialised
in carrying works of art, and to a Renault Trucks T.
THE LUMIÈRE BROTHERS’ CINEMA RENAULT TRUCKS T TRANSPORTING CINEMA HISTORY
LANDMARK WORKS TO DISCOVER
The travelling exhibition will be an opportunity
for visitors to discover the many family archives
and inventions, such as the Photorama, which
made it possible to project 360° photographic
panoramas and the Autochromes, colour
photographs on glass plates. The exhibition
also reveals that the Lumière brothers
projected images which could be seen from
both sides of a vast screen during the Universal
Exhibition of 1900 and also that in the 30s,
they shot films in relief. The key attraction
is a giant screen on which some 1,500 films
made by the Lumière family are shown
simultaneously, including the very first film
of all: “Workers leaving the Lumière factory”.
KEY FIGURES69 crates in wood and cardboard.
5 flight cases.
3 tonnes and 60 m3 carried.
2.15 M X 2.50 M FOR 150 KG: Antoine Lumière’s largest and heaviest painting completed in 1902: Le Puy au Mottay.1895: the year the Lumière brothers submitted their patent for the cinématographe.
Almost 1,500 films were shot by the Lumière brothers and their cameramen.
SPECIAL REPORT
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8OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
TESTIMONIAL
Six o’clock in the morning.
Barely a few kilometres from
the Old Port in Marseilles.
Christian Vinet is getting
ready to start his workday at
Transports Ferrato, a company
specialised in renting trucks with drivers for
Public and Road Works. Today’s programme
involves going to pick up an excavator
at the naval port of La Ciotat and taking
it to a construction site. He then goes
to the Gardanne quarry to pick up a load
of rubble for recycling and finally heads for
a roadworks site north of the city. This is
a schedule which involves coupling and
uncoupling different trailers between each
assignment. And for just over a month now,
Christian Vinet has been working with
a Renault Trucks C fitted with the
Optitrack system in a 4x2 configuration.
A VEHICLE ADAPTED
TO EVERY KIND OF SITUATION
“I wanted to replace a 6x4 tractor with
another twin axle vehicle capable of pulling
50 t., explains Robert Ferrato. It has to be
both powerful and capable of getting out of
all kinds of situations on difficult surfaces.
And I made the right decision.” Christian
coupled a tank transporter semitrailer
to the Renault Trucks C Optitrack and got
ready to leave for La Ciotat. “I’ve been
driving this vehicle for a month and up to
now I’m very pleased with it because it has
qualities I didn’t expect, especially from
a 4x2!” Christian has been driving trucks
for 23 years. “I started by driving HGV
tractor-trailer rigs on motorways, and
then went into public works haulage.
I’m also a mechanic.”
At this time in the morning, traffic is still
running smoothly on the motorway
overlooking the coast. To reach the
shipyard, Christian has to drive through
the old town, the length of the old port,
negotiate a few tight roundabouts, etc.
La Ciotat was not designed for this
kind of vehicle, but Christian reaches
his destination without problems.
The excavator is parked on a piece
of waste land, surrounded by a number
of old, disused hangars dating back
to La Ciotat’s glorious years. Now,
the shipyard is getting a new lease of life
thanks to the building and maintenance
of super yachts. A few minutes later,
the excavator has been securely lashed to
the tank transporter and Christian is back
on the road. The traffic is denser now,
often slowing down, coming to a halt and
involving hill starts. “I’m impressed by
the Renault Trucks C’s roadholding. Gear
shifting is perfectly smooth, thanks to the
TRANSPORTS FERRATOACTIVITY: truck rental with drivers for the Public Works and Road Works sectors.
FOUNDED: 1962 in Marseille.
FLEET: 55 vehicles, including 8 wholly owned Renault Trucks T vehicles and 4 on long term rental.
WORKFORCE: 50.
RENAULT TRUCKS C OPTITRACK A FLEXIBLE 4X4 DRIVE
Having driven the new Renault Trucks C Optitrack since April, Christian Vinet has already had
an opportunity to test the vehicle’s performance under many conditions: on roads, worksites
or slippery surfaces. It has proved to be an easily manoeuvrable, versatile and robust vehicle.
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9 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
automated manual gearbox, which is well
calibrated. It’s only a case of putting the
speed regulator into cruise mode and the
vehicle slows down on its own. I don’t use
the brake pedal very much at all.” Easy
driving that has a positive impact on
consumption. “Compared with the previous
Renault Premium on the same run, you
can easily save between 160 to 180 L.
The robust Renault Trucks C Optitrack can pull loads of up to 50 t.
You never go outside the green zone when
you’re driving in automatic mode.”
OFF-ROAD VERSATILITY
Once back at Transports Ferrato’s depot,
it’s time to change the trailer. Christian
couples a semi-tipper loaded with gravel
for the Gardanne quarry, some 40 km
outside Marseilles. Local conditions could
make things complicated: there has been
a lot of rain recently and the sloping quarry
ground will probably be muddy and
slippery. This chalk quarry now recycles
inert waste from building and earthmoving
sites to make building materials. Once
he has arrived, Christian drives the tipper
truck with a total weight of 27 t. towards
the unloading area in a maze of slippery
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10OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
TESTIMONIAL
tracks on steep slopes. “As soon as the
going gets difficult and you feel the rear
starting to slip, you should immediately
switch into Optitrack mode to activate the
2 front drive wheels.”
And then, under conditions that would usually
make a 6x4 lose traction and hamper its
progress, the Renault Trucks C Optitrack
is able to overcome the obstacles. “I only
have to press a button on the dashboard
to activate the Optitrack system. After that,
I can forget about it, for once the vehicle
gets up to 25 km an hour, it deactivates
automatically.”
This gives Christian peace of mind to focus
on driving, negotiating bends and slopes
at the right speed. When it comes to
unloading, he has to reverse up a ramp
leading to the top of a pile of rubble in a
manoeuvre the Renault Trucks C Optitrack
is able to take in its stride. “I have already
got stuck with other trucks on this climb,
without being able to move because the
bumpers got dug in; the Renault Trucks
C Optitrack has much greater ground
clearance and a bumper angle that allows it
to go anywhere, even on ‘awful’ surfaces!“
TANGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
IN PRODUCTIVITY
The Renault Trucks C Optitrack has also
been tested when coupling a hot mix
coating plant trailer. A long and delicate
operation taking at least three quarters
of an hour. “These trailers are extremely
heavy and can be as long as 35 m.
It should be remembered that this type
of manoeuvre has to be accurate down to
the nearest centimetre, forward, reverse,
again and again... And generally after three
quarters of an hour the clutch is red hot.”
Once more, Christian cannot hide his
surprise at the Renault Trucks C Optitrack’s
performance.“It is incredibly manoeuvrable,
I was amazed by the smooth start-up using
the 4 wheel drive. It was able to get a
trailer moving that had been at a standstill
for a very long time and had a few brake
problems! The Optitrack system enables
the rear drive axle to get it moving, but
smoothly, without the clutch protesting.”
The mechanic’s eye closely and
uncompromisingly analyses his vehicle’s
performance. For the client is there,
and can make up his own mind about the
performance of the vehicle he has hired
and decide if he will trust it again... or not!
“It has made a very good reputation for
itself on construction sites, so much so
that I already have reservations running
into next year.”
You can tear down
mountains, its unstoppable.”
Christian Vinet, a driver with Transports Ferrato
DURANCE GRANULATSLocated at a chalk quarry in
Gardanne, Durance Granulats
extracts chalk from alluvium rock
and recycles inert (non-polluting)
waste from the construction industry
to produce building materials.
“The company is a pioneer in this
field in the region,” stresses
Alexandre Liegeon, the site manager.
“Every year, our sites – Gardanne and
Meyrargues – take in some 300,000 t.
of inert materials as well as tipper
loads of rubble from waste
management facilities.” This is
a rapidly expanding market, since
the recycled materials are less
expensive and of better quality than
natural products. “The recycling
process allows us to maintain
the same properties as original
materials.” This activity involves
an incessant coming and going
of trucks on the quarry’s winding
tracks carrying materials to unload
or finished products to deliver.
At present, 60% of this rubble is
recycled for a ‘new life’ as aggregate
– an activity which amongst other
things, preserves natural resources,
avoids an excessive build-up of waste
in storage centres and limits the
impact of road traffic by encouraging
two-way freight flows.
THE “PRODUCT BENEFIT”
THE OPTITRACK SYSTEMTwo hydraulic motors fitted into the front
wheels of a Renault Trucks C enable the
vehicle to temporarily benefit from all-wheel
drive. Easy to activate, the Optitrack system
can be used between 0 and 25 km/h,
beyond which it automatically disconnects.
It is associated with the Optidriver automated
manual gearbox and compatible with
the Voith hydraulic retarder. This enables
a vehicle equipped with, Optitrack to be
versatile, economic and powerful all at once,
as well as being able to carry a higher
payload than that of a conventional all-wheel
drive vehicle. Renault Trucks C Optitrack
has a turning circle which enables it to go
anywhere and get out of difficult situations
on all types of terrain.
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11 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
COMFORT HAND IN HAND WITH
SAFETY AND ROBUSTNESS
“I spend about 6 or 7 hours a day in this
truck, without counting loading, unloading
and changing semi-trailers,” emphasises
Christian. “It’s totally quiet inside the
Renault Trucks C cab thanks to the double
glazing. Everything has been well
designed, with all the controls within easy
reach. The Bluetooth® system has been
improved, the computer is intuitive,
the storage compartments are more
roomy, the bunk is more comfortable...
This means it’s always a pleasure to come
to work every morning, I feel much less
stressed and don’t get so tired. We can
programme our tachograph warnings 10,
15 or 20 minutes before we have to stop,
giving us time to find somewhere to park.”
Comfort which stays the same whatever
the terrain. “I was surprised to find the cab
so comfortable; it’s on shock absorbers
rather than air cushions like my former
Renault Premium. Even if we’re going
over muddy or stony ground, the cab stays
stable and compensates smoothly all
the time.” Steel bumpers, high ground
clearance and a reinforced fifth wheel are
all features bringing safety and reliability
to the vehicle. For Robert Ferrato,
the Renault Trucks C Optitrack gets
top marks for the moment. “I wanted
a manoeuvrable 4x4 tractor that also
delivers high-performance and is
economical, not only in fuel, but also in
terms of wear; tyres, brakes, clutch, etc.
It’s true that this vehicle is still quite new,
but up to now, we are pleased and our
clients ask for more!”
The Renault Trucks C Optitrack’s bumper angle and high ground clearance enable it to go anywhere.
A really versatile 4x4, it adapts to every kind of situation.
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12OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
BEHIND THE SCENES
“The vehicles we are now
producing have all been
designed here,” stresses
Yannick Attuyer, head
of mock-ups at the
Renault Trucks Design
Studio. “It can take several years from the
first sketches until vehicles start rolling
off the assembly line; seven, in the case
of the T, C, K and D ranges currently on the
roads.” Seven years, during which every
interior and exterior detail of the vehicle
is scrutinised in infinite detail by the team
of designers, 3D modellers and mock-up
builders.
PRINT ME A TRUCK
3D printing, stereo-lithography, machining,
etc. Throughout the design and
development stages of a new vehicle,
3D prototyping makes it possible to create
and validate the form, aerodynamics,
ergonomics, feasibility and assembly of
individual vehicle parts. “3D printing is fast
and very accurate to within 0.015 mm –
but only suitable for small parts; buttons,
handles, keys, etc.,” explains Yannick
Attuyer. For example, the key for the new
T range was a real challenge for the
Design team. “This is something that has
great emotional significance for the client.
A good dozen prototypes with different
shapes and colours had to be made before
we defined the current model, all of them
printed in 3D.” As for larger parts such
as the full-size rearview mirrors, these
were produced using stereo-lithography,
a quick prototyping technique which means
“writing in relief.” This makes it possible
to manufacture any kind of object, even the
most complex, based on 3D modelling
accurate to within 0.25 mm. The machine
consists of a tray of photosensitive liquid
epoxy resin, which is photopolymerised
by an ultraviolet laser beam. Like all
3D printing technologies – known as
“Additive manufacturing”, the prototype
is manufactured in successive layers,
built up one upon another.
FOAM AND CLAY
The parts produced by fast prototyping will
be incorporated into the full-sized vehicle
mock-up. “The interior and exterior
structure are made by machining different
densities of polyurethane foam, depending
on the scale and the prototype’s length
of life.” The final touch, which gives
the “vehicle” its hyper-realistic character,
is provided by sculptors working with
(synthetic) “clay” and by painting the body.
People can climb on board, sit in the
driving seat, test the cab’s ergonomics,
the positioning of the controls and buttons,
visibility, etc. In other words, the vehicle’s
real dimensions and design can be tested
objectively. “At this stage, the vehicle
is about 90% mature. 3D prototyping
techniques now play a very important role
in decision-making, enabling us to design
more functional vehicles that are both
ergonomic and robust.”
THE RENAULT TRUCKS HALL OF DESIGN 1,500 m²: total surface area.
Consisting of:
– 1,200 m²: the vehicle exhibition area. Designing and observing every aspect of a full-size truck requires a viewing distance of 40 m.
– 300 m²: the offices.
WORKFORCE: 10.
EQUIPMENT: 1 3D printer; 1 3D measuring machine ; 1 SLA (stereolithography by photopolymerisation).
3D PROTOTYPING:BRINGING IDEAS TO LIFE
The Renault Trucks Hall of Design: developing tomorrow’s vehicles, today.
To make ideas become reality, various types of 3D prototyping make it possible
to create vehicles almost as large as life.
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13 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
Mock-up builders
modelling the (synthetic)
clay of a T range mock-up.
Successive stages in modelling the key for the T range.
At each stage of the design and development process, we produce mock-ups in
various scales, increasing the level of detail so as to validate the interior and exterior design.
For nothing can compare with a critical eye looking around the vehicle or ‘hands-on’
experience of the real object for judging the relevance of an idea.”
Yannick Attuyer, head of mock-ups at the Renault Trucks Hall of Design.
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14OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
What demands are associated with your activity and your customers?Graham Benford – “We are primarily
an own account operation – a old-established,
high-profile brewer with over 1700 pubs,
delivering our own retail and wholesale
products to inns, supermarkets, and shops
nationwide. Image is important, so our trucks
are cleaned twice a day to promote the
brands! We are not hauliers, although we do
some bottling and transport fulfilment for
smaller breweries to assist our customers
and improve fleet utilisation.”
What does your fleet consist of? G.B. – “This is a trunking depot, so all
vehicles are six-axle artics operating at
maximum GVW (44 tonnes) with a mix of
MARSTON’S BREWERYDISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Chris Evans.
DEPOT: Burton-upon-Trent.
WORKFORCES: approx 40 (at depot).
VEHICLE FLEET: 24 (at depot).
KILOMETRES TRAVELLED IN A YEAR: Variable, depending on utilisation.
FOUNDED: 1890.
TESTIMONIAL
GRAHAM BENFORD RANGE T: THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MARSTON’S BREWERY
tanker and ‘curtainside’ trailers. We have
Renault Premium and Range T, plus other
makes, all 6x2 and keep these tractor units
for five years. Specifying Optidriver
automated gearshifts aids fuel economy
– I always advocate them.”
Why did you choose Renault Trucks Range T? G.B. –“We had Renault Premiums, which
performed very well – particularly regarding
fuel, reliability and impressive backup
support. As a responsible, environmentally-
aware company I thought we should
embrace Euro-6 early. When the new model
came out we took the first two Range T,
11 litre, 460hp tractors sold in the UK and
are very pleased with their performance and
have had no problems.”
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15 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
They do well in terms
of fuel, and the drivers like
the modern cab design”
Graham Benford, Transport Manager
After nearly two years of UK operation our
Range T Renault Trucks are proving and problem free.”
Graham Benford , Transport Manager
How important is fuel economy in your business?G.B. – “We are well satisfied with our fuel
figures, but thus is not our only criteria
– important, but not the primary factor.
We make our main profit from our products,
so vehicle reliability and customer service
is paramount. For example, as a recognised
beer supplier to Tesco we have to make our
booking-in time slots at RDCs or face
financial penalties.”
With an identical load and route, what performance do you get? G.B. – “Much of our work is not directly
comparable because we work to customers’
demands. Some trucks are doubled-shifted,
others make multiple local trips during
the day and trunk at night. Some travel
as far as Scotland and SW England from
our Midlands brewery – it’s a very mixed
operation.”
What do the drivers think of the T series?G.B. – “The drivers like them – we try and
keep them allocated to the same truck
to ensure continuity. We had a guy who asked
to transfer to a Range T. He was tall and
reckoned the cab offered more legroom and
greater comfort.”
Did they go through the Optifuel training induction programme offered by Renault Trucks UK?G.B. – “Yes, ‘hands-on’ training was given to
the drivers. We also record and monitor fuel
use ourselves and check these figures with
the weekly Optifuel reports.”
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16OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
On the road the Renault Range C
is setting new benchmarks
for others to match with
its steering, chassis and
handling standards. Chassis
component planning is superb,
and generous laden ground clearance levels
give the C430 a tough looking stance, an
image furthered by a three part steel front
bumper. The firm suspension, a mixture of
parabolic and leaf spring, is tuned to minimise
vibration and roll feedback in the cab.
This 8x4 construction chassis and alloy
tipping body features a 430hp, 11-litre DTi
engine and 12-speed Optidriver automated
gearbox. Maximum torque of 2,040Nm
(between 950rpm to 1,400rpm) provides
extremely smooth and flexible power,
minimising the need for gear changing.
I used full auto mode for around 99% of the
time, but recommend the excellent manual
option for slow speed manoeuvring;
Optidriver is intelligently programmed,
adapting to the vehicle’s weight and
constantly changing road conditions. An
aluminium gearbox housing keeps unladen
weight to a minimum, while two robust
double-reduction drive axles prove
incredibly quiet in operation.
Braking performance, via two primary
sources, easily matches the Renault Trucks’
powertrain. Pedal operation, on the few
occasions required, is first class, minimum
travel swiftly bringing in a reassuringly firm
bite and retardation thanks to the large all
round ventilated discs. I mainly employed
the Optibrake, a progressive three-position
engine brake, delivering a highly useable
303kW at 2,300rpm although it easily
manages downhill tests with the truck
92% loaded.
Eight-wheel rigid tippers with high roof
sleepers are much in demand at present
as UK operators currently work further
away and drivers require nights out.
Ideally equipped for such work, the
RENAULT TRUCKS RANGE C NORTH OF THE BORDERRenault Truck’s sensational new Range C tipper comes under the spotlight on a 200 mile Scottish road test.
Transport Journalist John W Henderson reports on “the best 8x4 rigid he’s driven to date”.
PRESS TEST
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17 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
THE FEEDBACK FROM
Paul Saunders, Director of B.R SaundersRapidly growing demand in the
UK construction sector recently
led self-loading crane specialist
B.R. Saunders (Transport) Ltd, to
add a 380hp, 6x2 sleeper-cab rigid
– the Surrey-based, family firm’s
first-ever Renault Trucks to its
40-strong fleet.
“The 26-tonne, Range C is robust,
has rugged looking components
and is up to the rigorous demands
of delivering to busy building
sites”, explains Director Paul
Sanders. “It was crucial our
drivers accepted it. I really liked
the look of the cab, it has loads
of space; so important for the
driver’s comfort when they’re
out on the road. It’s certainly
an eye-catching truck in our
distinctive red, gold and blue
livery. Our drivers are really
pleased and have found it to be
very manoeuvrable with an
exceptionally good turning circle”.
‘Comfort’ cab has exterior storage boxes to
accommodate muddy PPE kit. The rear view
mirror assemblies offer no discernable
blind spots and class-leading vision from
electrically heated and adjustable lenses.
Inside the roomy cab is finished in top quality
materials that appear easy to keep clean.
Multiple adjusters for the steering column
and driver’s seat allow a perfect driving
position and I emerged fresh and refreshingly
ache free after a day at the wheel.
The main dashboard contains switch groups
that may be moved around to suit the user’s
Range C robust for demanding activities.
personal preferences. An onboard computer
contains an encyclopaedia’s worth of
information and remembers up to 10 different
driver setting preferences, prompted by their
digital tachograph card. Clever ideas like
this abound in the Range C and any driver
will feel part of the 21st century here.
It would be an understatement to say
I had my eyes opened with the new
Range C 8x4 tipper. The best 8x4 rigid
I’ve driven to date, this vehicle is a winner,
putting Renault Trucks’ new model at the
forefront of the CV marketplace.
Fuel economy was a
crucial factor when
Northern Irish aggregates
and concrete supplier,
Northstone Materials,
added 12 Renault Range
C430hp 8x4s to its fleet.
Six tippers are employed
on road contracting
operations and six mixers
deliver concrete but haul
distances vary, as some
trucks are based in rural
areas, whilst others operate
in urban environments.
Commercial director,
Richard McDermott says:
“We had good experience
with Renault Premium
tractor units on our fleet.
The 32-tonner’s
impressive fuel
performance, together
with an additional half
tonne payload payload,
determined our decision.
After a couple of months
the Range C430s are
already achieving 8.5mpg
– around a mile per gallon
advantage over other
vehicles on the fleet.
Our drivers are also very
pleased with the trucks.”
THE FEEDBACK FROM
Richard McDermott, Commercial Director of Northstone Materials
RTRU_1501044_OPTIMUM_REUNIS_OCTOBRE_GB.indd 17 03/11/2015 20:12
18OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
TECHNOLOGY
RENAULT TRUCKS D WIDE CNG: CLEANERGOODS HAULAGERenault Trucks D Wide CNG is a vehicle that runs on methane. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) offers all
kinds of advantages for carrying out delivery / pickup rounds in urban environments. It uses clean energy
without emitting particulates and offers the same flexibility of use as a Diesel vehicle. A wise choice that
also offers long-term savings.
3ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Renault Trucks D Wide CNG is qualified
to access low emission urban zones.
It emits virtually no particulates and its
CO2 emissions are less than those of
a Diesel model. And by using bio methane
– biologically produced natural gas – the
carbon footprint becomes even smaller,
since this fuel is produced by the
methanisation of organic materials such
as domestic or agricultural waste.
4COMFORT AND
VERSATILITYDriving the vehicle is identical to that
of a Diesel model. Drivers also have an
Allison series 3200 automatic gearbox to
rely on. Available in two configurations
(4x2 19 t or 6x2 26 t), Renault Trucks
D Wide CNG is ideal for all kinds of local
authority and distribution activities.
1 RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY
The engine on the Renault Trucks
D Wide CNG is a six cylinder Euro 6
9 L block, running on natural gas.
It delivers a powerful 320hp with a
higher torque than on the Diesel
version (1,356Nm). The gas tank
can hold up to 120 kg kilograms,
giving the vehicle an operating
range of up to 400 km in urban
environments.
2STRAIGHTFORWARD
FUELLING
The Renault Trucks D Wide CNG
offers two types of connection
for fuelling, thereby making it
compatible with all European
standards. Refuelling takes place
in a conventional station or via a
private installation. As with a diesel
model, fuelling only takes a few
minutes. On the other hand,
the cost is lower: on average,
CNG is 18% cheaper than Diesel.
4 ADVANTAGES OF THE CNG D WIDE
RTRU_1501044_OPTIMUM_REUNIS_OCTOBRE_GB.indd 18 03/11/2015 20:12
19 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine
NOT TO BE MISSED
OPTIMUM MAGAZINE ON IPAD Read the enhanced version of your magazine
on iPad. Extra photos, videos, interactive
animations and more. In addition, once
downloaded, your content remains available
off-line. Optimum Magazine for
iPad can be downloaded free
from the App Store.
SOCIAL NETWORKS
YOUTUBE Robustness, working comfort, payload, the new Euro 6 engines’ power,
low consumption and adaptability: the Renault Trucks C is perfect for every
kind of construction
activity. Watch the video
on our YouTube channel.
TRUCKERS GALLERY
POSTED ON TRUCKERSGALLERY.RENAULT-TRUCKS.COM RENAULT TRUCKS T 2015 Sent by michou on 21/05/2015
truckersgallery.renault-trucks.com
DIGITAL
This application designed for the haulage industry enables drivers to take a photo which automatically features the date, time and place where it was taken. This can be useful in the event of delays caused by heavy traffic, goods already damaged when collected or any other incident, so that in the event of complaints, end clients will know that any delay or damage to goods were not due to the conditions of transport.
APP
DELIVER EYE
Download the App
Watch the video
TWEETED THIS QUARTER@RenaultTrucksCo
01/07/2015 at 12:46
headlineauto @headlineauto_EDHazell and Jefferies rate Renault Trucks
Range C “clear drivers’ favourite”
ly/1Huc43j @RenaultTrucksUK
Download the App
RTRU_1501044_OPTIMUM_REUNIS_OCTOBRE_GB.indd 19 03/11/2015 20:12
THE INTERNATIONAL TRUCK OF THE YEAR IS NOT JUST A TRUCK …IT IS A PROFIT CENTRE.
renault-trucks.co.uk
Or email [email protected]
PROFITABILITY BEGINS WITH A CALL TO BOOK A DEMO 0870 60 60 660.
RTRU_1501044_OPTIMUM_REUNIS_OCTOBRE_GB.indd 20 30/10/2015 18:36