RENAULT TRUCKS K: FAILSAFE · rating, placing it among the top 30% of companies. IN BRIEF ALL LED NEW TAIL LIGHTS PIGEON GROUP 800,000th VEHICLE DELIVERED The Renault Trucks plant

ISSUE 46

UNITED KINGDOM

RENAULT-TRUCKS.CO.UK

EVENT

XTREM DAYS

INNOVATION

3D PRINTING

RENAULT TRUCKS K:

FAILSAFERELIABILITY

2OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine

Optimum Magazine has been reaching out to transport

professionals all over the world for the past 20 years.

Once again, this issue gives you an opportunity to travel

the world with us. This time, we go to Italy, near Parma,

to meet a client who specialises in transporting vehicles

across the peninsula. We will also visit Lithuania where

a Renault Trucks K is used in all weathers to maintain roads

in the Vilnius region. We will also be stopping at Marrakesh

in Morocco, where the XTREM Days were organised,

an event during which clients from 40 countries were able

to test drive vehicles from the construction and heavy

construction ranges. Read their testimonials for yourself!

Renault Trucks has been innovating for 20 years, offering

vehicles that are constantly improving to make our clients

even more cost efficient. Optimum Magazine has also been

your constant companion for the past two decades,

helping you and keeping you updated.

Happy birthday, and enjoy this issue!”

Bruno Blin

Chairman of Renault Trucks

EVENT

XTREM Days

p P. 8

INNOVATION

3D printing for lighter,

more reliable engines

p P. 11

TESTIMONIAL

Renault Trucks K: failsafe reliability

p P. 22

REPORT

The Renault Trucks D

on Italian roads

p P. 12

SERVICING

RTFS: tailored solutions

p P. 26

REPORT

T range: 0% breakdowns,

100% reliability

p P. 20

DIGITAL

Latest additions

to the Renault Trucks

digital world

p P. 27

Editorial

Contents

is published by Renault Trucks in more than 100 countries and 23 languages — Publication Director: Valérie Chabanne — valerie.chabanne@renault–trucks.com — Editor-in-chief: Stéphanie Cascino, — 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 — Print process supervision: Valérie Baugey — Photos:

Abderrahmane Mokhtari, Renault Trucks — Printing: Faurite — Legal deposit: last quarter of 2017 — Circulation: 145,000 copies. The texts and documents published in this issue may not be reproduced without the editor’s consent. Printed in France.

YEARS OF DEPENDABILITYp P. 4

3 OPTIMUMMAGAZINE – The Renault Trucks magazine

WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

THREE NEW MISSIONS

IN ETHIOPIA AND UGANDASince 2012, Renault Trucks has contributed to the United

Nations’ WFP (dedicated to combating hunger in the world)

by providing technical assistance and transferring the skills

local agents need to maintain the organisation’s vehicles.

The Renault Trucks staff members who volunteered

to take part in this partnership have provided three 5 day

training programmes in Ethiopia and Uganda using a 6x6

Renault Kerax fitted out as a workshop.

SILVER RATING

A GUARANTEE OF QUALITYThe corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy implemented

by Renault Trucks has been certified by the independent body EcoVadis.

The assessment covers 21 international standard criteria covering

four areas: the environment, social issues, ethical practices

and responsible purchasing. Renault Trucks was awarded a “Silver”

rating, placing it among the top 30% of companies.

IN BRIEF

ALL LED

NEW TAIL LIGHTS

PIGEON GROUP

800,000th VEHICLE DELIVEREDThe Renault Trucks plant

in Bourg-en-Bresse,

operating since 1964, has

assembled its 800,000th

vehicle. The keys of this

Renault Trucks C, equipped

with a cement mixer, were

presented to Thierry Pigeon,

Chairman of the Pigeon

Group and grandson of the

founder. The vehicle will be

joining the company’s fleet

of 500 heavy-duty vehicles.

SOLIDARITY

VEHICLES FOR

RESTAURANTSThree trucks with a one-year maintenance

contract will soon be delivered to the

“Restos du Cœur” (providing food packages

and hot meals to the needy). At the same time,

a food collection initiative was launched

in October at all Renault Trucks sites in France.

The supplies and vehicles will be delivered

to the organisation in November. A splendid

way to support these “Restaurants of Love”

before the start of the winter campaign.

The T, K and C ranges can now be fitted

with All LED rear lights. These All LEDs have

a longer lifetime, require no maintenance and are

connected to a surge-free electronic circuit.


20 years of Optimum Magazine means two decades of stories

and testimonials, two decades of reports reflecting the

durability of our relationships. Here are a few examples

of this long-term loyalty.

OPTIMUM MAGAZINE AT THE AGE OF 20

THE STORY…

Founded in 1930, Transport Withofs has always focused on bulk goods

transport. Over the last 30 years, almost all replacement vehicles have

been Renault Trucks models. The company was the first in Belgium

to acquire 4 Renault Trucks T 430 models. Today, it owns 19.

1947

YEARS OF LOYALTY

TRANSPORT WITHOFS, BELGIUM

FOUNDED:1930.

LENGTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS:first Berliet purchased in 1947.

FLEET MAKEUP:60 vehicles, including 52 Renault Trucks, of which19 are Renaul Trucks T 410 4x2 models.

SECTOR OF ACTIVITY:bulk transport (solids and liquids).

LAST VEHICLE(S) PURCHASED: 2 Renault Trucks T 430 4x2 models in 2017.


THE STORY…

Since it was set up,

the Zizi Group has

diversified its services

enabling it to operate

in various sectors

of activity. With its fleet

of 65 vehicles, among

other activities, it is

engaged in the import

and export of animal

feed products.

THE STORY…

In 1942, Nicolas Martinez Valero, the grandfather,

set up “Transportes Martinez Colau”. In the 1950s,

taking advantage of the growing toy market, his

sons launched “Transportes Colau”, a national

and international haulage company. In 1982,

Antonio Martinez took over the business with

his children to continue the company’s history.

1996

1942

ZIZI GROUP, ALGERIA

FOUNDED:1980.

LENGTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS:21 years.

FLEET MAKEUP:665 vehicles, including 40 Renault Trucks:10 6X4 tractors,25 4X2 tractors,4 Renault 4X2 Midlums,1 Renault 4X2 Maxity

INDUSTRY:Import / Export: animal feed.

LAST VEHICLE(S) PURCHASED:20 tractors in 2017.

TRANSCOLAU,SPAIN

FOUNDED:1942.

LENGTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS:always.

FLEET MAKEUP:10 vehicles, all of them Renault Trucks, including 3 Renault Trucks T 460 models.

SECTORS OF ACTIVITY:haulage, hazardous materials, storage and industrial gas distribution.

LAST VEHICLE(S) PURCHASED:1 Renault Trucks T 460 model in 2017.


THE STORY…

Sió-Trans KFT. began operating in 1991 with a 7.5 ton Midliner and several

Renault Magnums. Its business went from strength to strength and now boasts

a considerable fleet of recent and well-maintained vehicles. Sió-Trans KFT.

has now reached an ideal size, enjoying its status as the benchmark haulage

company for the region.

SIÓ-TRANS KFT.,HUNGARY

FOUNDED: 1991.

LENGTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS:22 years.

FLEET MAKEUP: 48 vehicles, 85% of which are Renault Trucks.

SECTOR OF ACTIVITY:national and international transport.

LAST VEHICLE(S) PURCHASED: a Renault Trucks T 520 in September 2017.

1996

YEARS OF LOYALTY

THE STORY…

A family company founded in 1977, the Group is now managed

by Julian and Virginie Prévost. With a policy originally focused

on proximity and client service quality, the company was originally

devoted to the traditional activity of transporting bulk consumer goods.

It has since diversified into secure vehicle transport and, in June 2017,

acquired the Papalino haulage company (refrigerated transport).

TRANSPORTS PRÉVOST,FRANCE

FOUNDED:1977.

LENGTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS: 40 years.

FLEET MAKEUP: 300 vehicle registration cards, including including 85 for Renault Trucks vehicles. 270 tractors and 60 refrigerated rigids.

SECTOR OF ACTIVITY:Secure Vehicle Transport, Refrigerated Transport and Secure High-Quality Product Transport.

LAST VEHICLE(S) PURCHASED:September 2017 (51 tractors).

1977


THE STORY…

Max Damour is the co-founder and co-manager (with his brother)

of ST2D, the family haulage company which was set up in 1998.

Since then, he has been involved in the transport and delivery of all

types of building materials (construction panels, casing and formwork

units, etc.) to construction sites. Loyal to Renault Trucks from

the start, Max has been working with a K 520 since 2014 that people

on the island call the “Transformer”, with reference to the movie

in which cars turn into robots.

THE STORY…

Founded in 1993, the

Speed Han a.s haulage

company serves many

customers in the Czech

Republic and beyond its

borders. Certified ISO 9001

in 2002, the company

has also diversified into

passenger transport

as well as vehicle repairs

and cleaning. With a fleet

of over 40 trucks, it has

been loyal to Renault Trucks

for nearly 30 years.

SPEED HAN A.S.,CZECH REPUBLIC

FOUNDED:1993.

LENGTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS:24 years, its first vehicle was a Magnum AE.

NUMBER OF VEHICLES IN THE FLEET:42, including 33 Renault Trucks.

SECTOR OF ACTIVITY:national and international transport.

LAST VEHICLE(S) PURCHASED:the company replaces vehicles every year, the most recent purchase was a Renault Trucks T 520 in 2016.

ST2D,REUNION ISLAND

FOUNDED: 1998.

LENGTH OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS:almost 20 years!

NUMBER OF VEHICLESIN THE FLEET:3 worksite trucks.

SECTOR OF ACTIVITY: transport and delivery of building materials.

LAST VEHICLE(S) PURCHASED: a Renault Trucks K 520 acquired in 2014 to replace the Renault Kerax used for a decade.

TY:very ls.

520 replace

used

1993

1998


The “Construction Days”, the annual Renault Trucks event devoted to construction vehicles,

took place in Marrakech, Morocco this year, from 9 to 15 April. An operation renamed

“XTREM Days” which marked the launch of the K XTREM in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East,

Algeria, Morocco and Turkey.

XTREM DAYS

450 customers, dealers, network staff members

and journalists from 40 countries all came

together in Marrakech for the XTREM Days.

These events are designed to demonstrate the

manoeuvrability of 10 vehicles from the C and K

ranges, including the Renault Trucks K XTREM,

under actual operating conditions in a working

quarry. Participants are also given opportunities

to test drive the vehicles themselves. Those

on display are designed for construction,

earthmoving and mining where conditions

are often challenging. The Optidriver gearbox,

featured on 7 of the 10 vehicles on show,

was highly praised by those taking part.

EVENT


ALGERIA

We started our business in 2002

with vehicles of different brands.

In 2008 we took a strategic decision

by choosing Renault Trucks as our sole

supplier, for two reasons: the robustness

of the products and the performance

of the after-sales service. We are now sure

we made the right choice and our drivers

appreciate the Optidriver gearbox installed

on all our vehicles.”

KAMEL DJEBARA, Managing Director,

Bejaia Logistics

TURKEY

Renault Trucks is very well represented in Turkey.

I am mostly interested in the construction range. I tested

the Renault Trucks C and the Renault Trucks K. I already

had a very good impression of Renault Trucks, and now

it’s even better!”

BEKIR CAVCAV, Owner, Timaş İnşaat A.Ş.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

We have just beefed up our

logistics department by acquiring around

40 Renault Trucks K vehicles. These

new trucks will allow us to optimise our

logistics. Tests have shown us what a

robust product it is. We – and our drivers

– are very satisfied.“

MOHAMED IBNI OUMAR MAHAMAT SALEH,

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Coton Tchad


EVENT

MOROCCO

Today’s tests have confirmed

our opinion of Renault Trucks vehicles:

they’re reliable, rugged, manoeuvrable

and with excellent driving comfort.

After-sales service is an unbeatable asset

that enables us to get spare parts easily

when we need them. They also provide

very good follow-up throughout the

vehicles’ operational lives via preventive

maintenance, consumption monitoring,

driver training, etc.”

HAFID ISSER, Equipment manager, SOTRAVO

MIDDLE EAST

We have 24 vehicles: Renault Trucks K and Renault Kerax fitted

with the Optidriver gearbox. We started buying Renault Trucks in 2007.

The Renault Trucks K is very powerful and has a long life cycle.

After-sales service is excellent. We have signed a service agreement

with Renault Trucks and I find their services to be of the highest order.“

DANI HOUSEISS, General Manager, Al Daicel Excavation CO


INNOVATION

1 A NEW OUTLOOK

FOR PARTS DESIGN

Since 3D printing eliminates the

constraints of traditional manufacturing

processes – moulding, sintering

and forging – new possibilities for

designing an engine’s various

components are now opening up.

The procedure results in reducing

each part’s mass and/or weight,

while at the same time maintaining

its quality and lifetime. According to

the latest studies, this process should

enable the weight of a four-cylinder

engine to be reduced by 25% (120 kg).

2FEWER NUMBERS

OF ENGINE COMPONENTS

3D printing allows several

different parts to be combined as one.

This brings twin advantages: weight

savings by removing the need for

assembly zones and eliminating risks

of faulty assembly due to vibration,

friction, loosening or leakage.

Furthermore, the lower mass allows

clients to increase vehicle payload

and cut back on fuel consumption.

Maintenance operations are also

easier to carry out, thereby reducing

vehicle downtime.

3QUALITY OF MATERIALS

3D metal printing is a process

initially developed for the

aeronautical industry using high

quality materials such as steel and

aluminium – materials that make very

solid, reliable and durable parts.

Additive manufacturing is now growing

exponentially, which will soon make it

possible to rapidly produce larger and

larger quantities of higher quality parts.

4 PRODUCTION ON DEMAND

Conventional manufacturing

processes call for major

investments in producing machines

and tools which limit the number of

engine versions on offer to customers.

Ultimately, 3D printing will enable a

wide variety of versions to be made

available so that the offering can be

matched to the specific requirements

of each market or even each customer.

It remains to be determined what kind

of production model will be able to get

the most out of this new technology,

enabling production to take place

closer to clients so that logistics and

vehicle maintenance downtime can

both be reduced as much as possible.

3D PRINTINGFOR MORE RELIABLE AND LIGHTER ENGINESSupposing engines could be... printed? At Renault Trucks, a team

of engineers and designers is already working on an additive

manufacturing process (by adding material): 3D metal printing.

A technology of the future that has delivered its first results:

complex parts successfully tested on a Euro 6 engine, reducing

its weight and making it more efficient.


REPORT

THE RENAULT TRUCKS D

ON ITALIAN

ROADS


The Fratelli Iapichino company uses a Renault Trucks D car carrier

to transport new and used cars to all parts of Italy. A choice that

is highly regarded by managers and drivers alike for the vehicle’s low

fuel consumption, robustness and comfort.


REPORT

servicings, no repairs and a few litres

of oil every 100,000 km... In other words,

our Renault Premium costs us nothing

in maintenance!

What are the constraints related

to your activity?

E. I. — We serve all parts of Italy.

Our vehicles therefore run on motorways

and country roads, narrow and winding

mountain roads – there are plenty of these

in Italy – as well as in large towns and

villages. Our vehicles must therefore be

able to drive everywhere, be manoeuvrable

and reliable. After our first positive

experience with the Renault Premium,

this year we decided to acquire a new

Renault Trucks D. Like other hauliers,

our biggest item of expenditure is fuel.

My brother and I therefore check each

truck’s consumption per kilometre. And

we have found that the Renault Trucks D

has an excellent average performance.

What is your opinion of the Renault Trucks D

after operating it for several months?

E. I. — These first months confirm what

we think of Renault Trucks vehicles

in general and their customer service.

The Renault Trucks D is really reliable.

Gear shifting is very quiet and very pleasant

when you’re driving. The drivers even tell

me: “Enzo, it’s like we have a bus in our

hands!” Its robustness and manoeuvrability

make it ideal for medium and long distances

and also make it suitable for narrower

and winding roads. Loading and unloading

manoeuvres are straightforward, it

adapts to all the situations we are likely to

encounter during our missions. Apart from

my own opinion, it’s our drivers who give

us the most telling feedback on the qualities

of the Renault Trucks D. We maintain

a relationship of trust with our drivers.

And we want them to be happy with their

vehicles because they are the ones who

use them. They feel really at ease in the cab

and the berth is very comfortable. The

driving position is perfectly adapted to the

job in hand. The Renault Trucks D behaves

like a car. It is very stable on turns and

never tends to lean to one side or the other.

How would you define your relationship

with the Renault Trucks dealer?

E. I. — I am very satisfied with the

relationship we have established over the

past few months: the Renault Trucks

What is your company’s business?

Enzo Iapichino — Fratelli Iapichino SRL

is a family company, handed down from

father to son. We transport cars almost

exclusively and work with all brands.

The financial crisis saw a certain increase

in used car volumes, while new cars were

somewhat neglected. But over the past

two or three years, new car sales have

been on the rise, as have registrations,

and our business is growing again. In 2012,

we began to expand our fleet with the

acquisition of our first Renault Trucks

vehicle, a Renault Premium 460. Since then,

it has travelled 500,000 km, with 5 regular

FRATELLI IAPICHINO SRL2008: company founded.

HEADQUARTERS: Colorno, Parma.

ACTIVITY: goods forwarding and distribution.

COUNTRIES SERVED: all parts of Italy.

14: staff complement, including 10 drivers.

NUMBER OF KILOMETRES TRAVELLED: 120 to 130,000 km per year per vehicle.


VIEWPOINT

Santo Zambaldo, a Renault Trucks D driver.

“I usually start between 6 am and 7 am in the morning, depending on my deliveries,

unloading and destination. I go to the dealers, I deliver the cars, and then I come back

here for a new load. We can see that the Renault Trucks D belongs to a new generation.

I have everything to hand and no longer need to let go of the steering wheel to reach

the controls. The cab is roomy, with a comfortable berth. It’s easy to move around inside

the vehicle, visibility and the steering position are excellent. As for security, the camera

is a real plus, warning of any dangers on the road. It’s perfect for the job I do! “

representatives have always come to me,

they are always pleasant, friendly and

available. This is a dealer who provides

his customers with a real follow-up. For

example, he got in touch with us as soon

as we received the vehicles to explain

their characteristics, the new features

and help us operate them under optimal

conditions. Finally, the performance

of the Renault Trucks range is mainly

due to its reliability and low maintenance

costs: there has been no need to carry

out any repairs on them in recent years.

And we are always amazed at the number

of extra kilometres we can cover with a

Renault Trucks D!


Its fleet of bright yellow artics move everything

from access booms (often known as cherry

pickers) to scissor lifts and low height

platforms, as well as plant machinery on one

of their seven trailers: low height step frame

trailers, extenders or conventional flats.

The company has also diversified, boasting

its own paintshop and shot blasting bay for

respraying access, plant and trailers, along

with a welding and fabrication shop. In addition

to third party movements, Freelance also

has its own plant and access sales division,

and is, of course, equipped with the kit

to deliver anything it refurbishes or sells.

Over fifteen years later and Chris, who is still

very much involved in the day-to-day running

of the business, now works alongside his

FREELANCE UK LTDLOCATION: Boughton, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire.

OPERATION: haulage to access and plant equipment manufacturers and hire companies across the UK.

YEARS IN BUSINESS: 15.

EMPLOYEES: 15.

FLEET SIZE: 8.

SISTER COMPANY: A&E Mechanical Ltd refurbishes, buys and sells equipment and machinery.

TRAILER HIRE: step frame and low loaders, lorry loaders and flatbeds.

TESTIMONIAL

FREELANCE

ACCESS ALL AREAS Chris Porter remembers the first job he took, back in 2002. “When someone asked

what they should put on the invoice, I said ‘just put Freelance!’ – and Freelance UK Ltd

was born. Today, and significantly larger than the Freelance name might imply,

the Nottinghamshire-based company provides haulage to access and plant equipment

manufacturers and hire companies across the UK.

daughter Holly and son Scott; and it’s clear

the good old fashioned values that have seen

the company grow from strength to strength

still stand.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Indeed SERVICE is writ large and in capital

letters on the Freelance website, and is the top

priority, as Holly explains, “Many companies

move access equipment as part of general

haulage, but not to the level that we do here.

We look after our customers from start to

finish, and our drivers play a vital role in this.

They take real pride in their work, they always

go the extra mile to get the job done and

to keep the customer happy.”

“They say take care of your staff and they’ll

take care of your business, and this is

something that we really believe in,”

says Holly.

And it works – at Freelance everyone in the

company is happy to go above and beyond, as

Holly explains, “We don’t do ‘picking things up

in a couple of days’ – we arrive to collect or

deliver exactly as arranged with the customer.

It’s easy, tell us what you need us to do and

when you want it, and we’ll take care of

everything, no matter how big or small.

It’s the details that make the difference.”

HIGH COMFORT

When it comes to looking after the drivers,

the right truck makes the difference. As they

often spend several nights away on the road,

Freelance always makes sure the cabs are

fully equipped for a comfortable life on board.

Drivers often spend several nights on the

road, so Freelance is keen to ensure the cabs

are fully equipped for a comfortable life on

board. “Trucks and drivers are kitted out with

Drivers Darren Dolman (left)

and Nathan Smith (right).

First impressions count: T 480 (left) and T 520

(right) are ready for business.

Style meets comfort: Freelance’s high-spec

fleet keeps drivers happy.


57%Overall, powered and specialist access

equipment is estimated to account for

around 57% of the access equipment market,

which enjoyed 4% growth in 2016.

Nessenti andigen imetur aut etur, cum faceatem. Et

officie nditatur, conse eosti quunt maximi, esenim

labore, tem ius enis autate prae volorer

everything, right down to the

Freelance branded hoodies,”

laughs Holly. “We do try to buy

everything with a really nice spec

to keep the drivers happy.”

TAKE PRIDE

Gleaming in the sunshine,

the three yellow Renault Trucks

Range Ts, two 520s and a 480,

are immaculately presented. And

when we discover that it’s often

the drivers who come in on their

days off to clean their vehicles,

it’s evident that looking after your

people genuinely pays dividends.

“We often get calls from

customers praising the driver’s

attitude,” she says. There’s no

secret formula, “it’s simply a case

of treating people like human

beings.”

Setting such high expectations for

service delivery demands trucks

that don’t let you down, and

Freelance’s relationship with

Renault Trucks stretches back

over ten years and is the

predominant brand on the fleet.

While its own workshop handles

vehicle maintenance and six

weekly inspections, the company

values its relationship with local

dealer, RH Commercial Vehicles

(RHCV). “We get on really well

with everyone there, they always

go the extra mile when we need it;

they’ll always help us out and

they’ll always make it happen,”

says Holly.

In the highly regulated world of

access equipment and working at

heights, health and safety comes

with the job. Mobile Elevating

Work Platform (MEWP) delivery

drivers are involved in around

a third of all accidents recorded

by rental companies, according to

the International Powered Access

Federation (IPAF). Things can

go wrong very quickly, so as

Freelance’s drivers are required

to move and load equipment

on site, training is a big part

of the job.

“All our driving team are fully

IPAF compliant, attending

courses on safe operation of

MEWP equipment as well as how

to load, unload and secure the

machinery for transport by road,”

she explains.

FULLY LICENCED

Most of the training is done by the

access equipment companies,

which are approved IPAF centres

and tend to be Freelance’s

customers. Successful trainees

received a Powered Access

Licence (PAL) card.

Driver Darren Dolman, who

drives a 15 plate Range T 480,

normally pulling a Faymonville

Max 3-axle or Broshuis 4-axle

trailer, both with rear steer, says,

“I have the IPAF licence, which we

have to redo every five years as

we have to go on site and load

ourselves. I’m usually collecting

and delivering scissor lifts and

cherry pickers, not many people

can move these £180,000

machines!”

IDEAL JOB

For Nathan Smith, who drives

a 64 plate Range T 520, working

for Freelance is the ideal job.

“I always knew I wanted to work

here and turned down four jobs

waiting for a job at Freelance!

It was worth the wait, it’s a very

good place to work, a relaxed

company and a close-knit team.

Every day’s a different day. I take

real pride in my job, I enjoy

meeting new customers and

taking care of the equipment

I use. My truck’s a home from

home really – the Range T’s bed is

pretty comfy which is good as

some weeks I’m away a full week,

others I’m home every night.”

We visited RT Mycock &

Sons, a family-owned

concrete supplier

based in Buxton,

to find out how its

multi-vehicle fleet can

accommodate concrete pours of all sizes

and mixes across Derbyshire, Staffordshire,

Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

“Our work is mainly on site – and we’re the

first there, putting in the footings, so

off-road performance really matters,”

explains RT Mycock’s Managing Director,

Kevin Mycock, when we take a look around

his three new Renault Trucks Range C

8x4s with aluminium Bay-lynx Newman

volumetric mixer bodies.

Volumetric mixers allow the concrete to be

produced directly on site, to all specifications

and only to the exact amount required, so

you ‘pay for what you lay’ – saving on part

loads, return concrete charges and waste.

Supplied by Renault Trucks Approved Dealer

JDS Truck and Van, the new 32 tonne Range

C430, C480 and C460 with high bumpers join

Buxton-based RT Mycock’s mixed fleet of

17 vehicles.

“We currently operate ten volumetric trucks

and the Range Cs are that good off road,

they’re out-performing the rest! They’re

durable, the high bumper gives excellent

ground clearance, they can handle the

weight and the automatic gearbox is great

– the drivers love them. We’ve put a further

Range C430 6x4 on the road alongside a

64 plate Range K460 8 wheeler,” says Kevin.

The Range Cs work on a wide range of

projects of all sizes, locally and across the

country, occasionally running as far south

as London. Supplying up to 10 cubic metres

of concrete mixed freshly on site, with the

ability to change the mix at any time

during delivery, the lightweight aluminium

Bay-lynx volumetric mixer offers RT Mycock

a one tonne advantage over the standard

steel body.

RT Mycock financed the purchase of the

trucks and uses its own workshop to

maintain its fleet. “We service all our trucks

in house, but we use genuine Renault Trucks

parts supplied by JDS for the Range C and K,

and the manufacturer’s warranty on our

vehicles gives us additional peace of mind.”

A320km charity cycle ride

through France and Belgium

in memory of the thousands

of British and Commonwealth

soldiers who lost their lives in

WWI sounds like a great idea.

Only first the organisers of the recent ‘Ride to

the Somme-Passchendaele and Arras’ event

(which raised money for SSAFA, the UK’s

oldest national tri-service military charity)

had to get 100 bicycles over to the starting

point at the French city of Arras.

Poured into place as a liquid before hardening to its rock-like form, concrete is the perfect building material.

It’s easy to work with, versatile, durable and economical – no wonder it’s the world’s most popular natural

material, with over 2 billion tonnes is produced every year.

CONCRETE THINKING

Thanks to Renault Trucks UK over 100 charity cyclists

were able to complete a three-day journey through France

and Belgium in memory of the fallen of WWI.

RIDING TO REMEMBER

TESTIMONIAL

Ready for anything, on and off site.


DRAY IN, DRAY OUTAs Adnams’ operation requires a permanent

two man delivery team, the new Range D is

equipped with dual air suspended comfort

seat.

The bespoke curtainsider body incorporates a

‘Slide and Carry’ roof retractable net securing

system by CV Rollers, installed by Colliers,

to meet the current load restraint rules.

“We have worked with Colliers for the best

part of 20 years and are happy that they

produce a first class body for our operation.

Although not the cheapest on the market,

we get a body that stands up to the rigours of

brewery dray work and last the lifetime of the

vehicle with little or no attention,” says Kevin.

They say that if you hear the ringing of bells

beneath the sea waves on a calm winter night,

you’d best keep well away from the water…

superstitions run wild here in Suffolk. So it’s

not surprising that, as there has been beer

brewed on Adnams Southwold’s site for over

650 years, this award-winning brewer, hotelier

and wine merchant has a few ghost stories

of its own to tell.

Some of the Adnams pubs have long histories

with ghostly tales a plenty. Delivering beers

and spirits to these buildings, several over

400 years old, can be challenging when access

was originally designed for horse and cart.

One of the newest arrivals on the Adnams’

fleet is the company’s first 18 tonne

Renault Trucks Range D, and as Kevin Wells,

Adnams’ Supply Chain Manager explains,

its narrow cab fits the bill perfectly.

“The Range D can go pretty much anywhere

- including some of the most haunted pubs in

the country! It’s got a small front overhang and

the reduced turning circle gives us greater

manoeuvrability too. Also, the vehicle’s low

deck height makes access and manual

handling easier for delivery staff,” he says.

Liveried in one of Adnams’ most popular beers,

‘Ghost Ship’, a pale ale that takes its name

from the legend of apparitions that haunt this

part of the Suffolk coast, the distinctive Range

D18 High 4x2 R250 delivers the company’s full

product range including beer, wine, spirits and

soft drinks to its East of England base.

“One of the major reasons for initially selecting

the Range D was our willingness to give a new

manufacturer the opportunity to prove its

vehicle in our fleet. We liked the approach from

James Cooper from Norfolk Truck and Van

and the deal he put together was good,” says

Kevin. Vehicle reliability is the most important

consideration, while a payload is also key.

“The Range D is promising good mpgs, too, so

we will be closely monitoring its performance

and downtime over the coming months.”

GHOST SHIP RAISES SPIRITS

Happily, Renault Trucks UK loaned them

a brand new T 520 tractor along with driver,

Demonstration and Press Test Specialist

Neulla Hughes. The T 520 pulled the box

trailer that not only carried all the bikes over

to France but also acted as the secure

overnight warehouse for the riders’ precious

machines. Moreover, the organisers were

given a new Renault Master crew van which

proved to be the perfect ‘command vehicle’.

During the three-day ride, which took

in many of the historic WWI landmarks

throughout the Somme and Flanders,

the T 520 and Master kept the cycling convoy

rolling on to its final destination at the

famous Tyne Cot Cemetery near the historic

Belgium city of Ypres. And not content with

providing logistical support, Renault Trucks

UK entered its own team of four riders from

its Warwick HQ consisting of Marketing

Services Manager Wencke Roovers,

Senior Legal Counsel Sonica Dahri, Retail

Development Director Ian Wrench and

Commercial Director Nigel Butler.

Delivering to 400 year old pubs designed with horse and cart in mind, manoeuvrability is essential.

The Range D delivers beer, wine, spirits and soft

drinks to Adnams’ East of England customer base.

Support vehicles: the Renault Trucks Master

crew van and T 520 provide vital logistics.



REPORT

Could you tell us about Chalavan

et Duc and its business?

Christian Duc — The company was

founded in 1955 by Raymond Chalavan

who bought, what was at the time,

his first Renault vehicle. A few years later,

our father, Aymé Duc, joined him and

they then set up Chalavan et Duc

together. Today, Mr Duc’s sons run

the company, which has a workforce

of 1,100 and is based in Montélimar.

In France, our biggest client is La Poste,

which exclusively rents vehicles with

drivers, an activity which accounts for

70% of our business. Other customers

work in the fields of industrial freight,

logistics, services and training. We cover

all parts of the country and also provide

regional and urban delivery services.

How is your fleet made up?

C. D. — We have a very diversified fleet

to meet all of our customers’ specific

and increasingly demanding needs.

From the minivan to the light-bodied

vehicle and rigids from 12T to 26T. We have

tractor / semi-trailer, semi-double-deck,

crane, and special vehicle combinations:

refrigerated vehicles with dual wall fridges.

We have been operating Renault Trucks

vehicles for twenty years and they now

account for 35% of our fleet, which will

continue to grow. We renew the T-series

road tractor vehicles every 5 years. In our

company, vehicles have 2 lives: during the

first 2 years, they travel about 25,000 to

30,000 km per month, a mileage that falls

THE T RANGE

0% FAILURES, 100% RELIABILITY

The Chalavan et Duc Group have been constantly renewing and expanding their fleet of

Renault Trucks vehicles for almost 20 years. While paying attention to client needs and customer

service have always been decisive factors in their choice, the most recent Renault Trucks T

acquired by the Group has improved its performance and its customers’ satisfaction.

CHALAVAN ET DUCACTIVITY: forwarding and distribution of goods in France.

1955: founded.

7 agencies in France.

1,100 staff members, including 1,000 drivers.

1,200 vehicle registration cards, including 700 motor vehicles.

35% Renault Trucks vehicles.

250,000 TO 300,000 KM covered per year and per vehicle.


delays due to the driver or the vehicle. It is

therefore thanks to the Renault Trucks T

that we achieved this performance, since

we had a 0% breakdown rate during the

period concerned.

How good is your relationship with your

Renault Trucks dealer?

C. D. — We use the highly responsive 24/7

service and the Clovis rental service, which

offers a diverse range of vehicles that meet

to 5,000 or 6,000 km in the second part of

the vehicle’s life. When the time comes to

replace them, they have between 850,000

and 1 million km on the clock.

What do you consider to be the

Renault Trucks T’s most important

features?

C. D. — Unquestionably its reliability,

low fuel consumption, comfort and safety!

Reliability because it’s currently the

vehicle with the lowest failure rate,

particularly as far as the driveline and

electronic equipment are concerned.

Fuel consumption because it’s lower than

those of other equivalent vehicles thanks

to its robotised gearbox. As for comfort

and safety, these are two aspects I have

learnt about from our drivers and company

instructors, because I’m not a driver

myself. All these characteristics work

together, allowing us to accomplish

our missions on time. We must mention

that La Presse, a subsidiary of La Poste,

imposes strict time constraints on us.

For example, on a run scheduled to take

about 12 hours, we are only allowed a

margin of 5 minutes. Furthermore, this

customer’s satisfaction rate must never be

less than 98%. At the last meeting, it stood

at 99.8%. A rate that takes into account

VIEWPOINT

Mr. Guinebert,

driver of a Renault Trucks T.

“I’ve been at Chalavan for 2 years

now and I work at night. I drive the

Renault Trucks T on the Carosses /

Toulon route, which has many difficult

climbs. Whatever the load, it handles

these gradients without incident

at 80-85 km/h. I never have to change

down, unlike on other vehicles that

seem unable to make any progress.

All controls are within easy reach

inside the cab, the seat is comfortable

and easy to adjust. This lets me

concentrate on the road in perfect

safety. I particularly appreciate the line

crossing warning system, which

triggers an audible signal if I deviate

from my trajectory. The Renault Trucks T

is also very manoeuvrable, docking is

always faultless and we are able to work

without any fatigue, thanks also to

the very flexible power steering. In fact,

I drive it just like I drive my car!”

our needs. We also use their trainers to

take care of new vehicle handovers. Repairs

are carried out either at our in-house

workshops or at Renault Trucks after-sales

service centers all over France. The fast

delivery of spare parts they offer allows us

to considerably reduce vehicle downtime.

The Renault Trucks T is the Group’s most reliable, cost effective

and efficient vehicle. Not to mention its safety! This means our drivers

can fully concentrate on their mission and the road ahead. All of which

results in keeping our customers satisfied!”

Christian Duc, Technical and purchasing manager for Chalavan et Duc


RENAULT TRUCKS K: FAILSAFE

RELIABILITY

The public road maintenance company in the Vilnius region takes care of snow

clearance and salting of local roads to make sure they are safe for vehicles

to use them. Saulius Batvinksas, head of the company’s mechanical department,

lists the advantages offered by Renault Trucks Ks fitted with snow ploughs.


5%The fuel savings delivered by the

Renault Trucks K in comparison

with the other vehicles in the fleet.

Why did you choose the Renault Trucks K?

Saulius Batvinskas — We listed our

requirements and the tender showed that

the Renault Trucks K met our expectations.

It is perfectly adapted to our constraints

and this is what we are looking for: reasonable

fuel consumption of course, but also great

robustness to withstand temperature

differences and corrosion problems.

What are its main assets?

S. B. — The power of its engine and its high

performance braking system. The vehicle

has fully protected drum brakes. They are

very useful and extremely effective when

we work during the summer in quarries or

in winter on the roads. It also has a reduced

speed function. This is a real asset in winter

when we’re salting, an operation that doesn’t

involve driving at high speed.

Is the vehicle’s fuel consumption

an advantage?

S. B. — Our vehicles generally consume

a lot because of the high loads we carry.

The Renault Trucks K consumes 5% less

than our other vehicles. Its tank contains

about 350 litres, which allows us to cover

between 500 and 600 kilometres.

What conditions do your vehicles

work under?

S. B. — This was specified in our technical

requirements: vehicles must be able

to operate at temperatures ranging from

–40°C to + 40° C. This winter, despite

negative temperatures as low as – 30 °,

our Renault Trucks vehicles had no trouble

starting. Other advantages offered by the

Renault Trucks K include its steel bumper and

the fact that all the vital units are well protected.

What kind of equipment helps drivers

in their work?

S. B. — The shape of the rear-view mirrors

provides a very broad view and the side

mirrors are well protected from snow and

splashes. The wheels, recessed under the

vehicle, do not send out splashes on the sides.

As for in-cab comfort, Renault Trucks has

thought of everything. The height and back

of the heated seats are both adjustable. Our

drivers also particularly appreciate the cab’s

ample dimensions. This is very convenient,

especially if they’re carrying a box of tools for

their work.

VILNIAUS REGIONOKELIAI1990: year established.

300: number of staff.

32: number of trucks with skips, including 1 Renault Trucks K, and 8 Renault Kerax.

2,000 KM: total length of paved roads to be maintained.

TESTIMONIAL


TESTIMONIAL

VIEWPOINT

Ricardas Kasperavicius,

driver of the Renault Trucks K.

The kind of work 36 year old

Ricardas Kasperavicius does

largely depends on the weather.

Snow clearing or salting, working

at night or in the rush hour,

he operates on one of the main

roads leading from Trakai, a small

historical village, to Vilnius,

30 kilometres away. He joined

the company 15 years ago, and

declares: “It’s a real pleasure

to drive the Renault Trucks K,

everything is so quiet and there

are no vibrations. This winter

in Lithuania, temperatures dropped

sharply, with heavy snowfalls”.

As far as Ricardas is concerned,

the Renault Trucks K is perfectly

suited to the stretch of road he

looks after. “You can load up to

about 11 tons of salt or sand, more

than in other trucks,” he explains.

Lower fuel consumption is another

of the Renault Trucks K’s key

advantages. Without knowing the

exact figure, Ricardas often sees

the vehicle return from a mission

with its tank more than half full.

Particularly suitable for work

in an urban environment, it can

also be fitted with two snowplough

blades. “They allow us to do more

and do it faster. The work I can

now do alone would have taken

two vehicles to do before,” stresses

Ricardas. But speed must be

accompanied by safety, especially

in adverse weather conditions.

The driver must take great care

n using both the front and lateral

blades. Several things have to be

done almost simultaneously;

monitoring the road, checking

that the snow is being cleared

efficiently and controlling the

salting. This calls for a great deal

of concentration. “You must be

very careful; everything is done

with the rear-view mirrors,” the

driver explains. As Trakai is in

an agricultural and forested area,

Ricardas sometimes travels over

more rugged terrain where he

could get bogged down. Locking

the differential is very useful.

“When we have to drive in fields,

the rear wheels start skidding.

But the lock makes the task easier.

Using this system helps the other

drive axle get a grip so that the

vehicle can move forwards much

more easily,” explains the driver.


We’ve had no problems

with the Renault Trucks K.”

Saulius Batvinskas


SERVICE

By being familiar with its customers’

business and market, Renault Trucks

Financial Services provides solutions

to meet every need, in France and abroad.

Whether it is a single vehicle or a complete

fleet, new or used, financing and insurance

can be grouped together in a single

formula: “Renault Trucks is with us every

step of the way,” explains Jan Dijkstra,

head of Dutch hauliers Niek Dijkstra

Transport BV. “We have financing and

insurance services for about 30 vehicles

of all sizes. Our contact at Renault Trucks

is a real partner for us, keeping step with

the growth of our business. He is there when

everything is going well, but especially

when we need support and assistance.”

ENSURE THE SUSTAINABILITY

OF YOUR BUSINESS

Renault Trucks Financial Services

insurance offers cover for all risks related

to the vehicle and its user / owner, as well

as financial risks. Roberta Valbonesi

is an Insurance Manager at TIE, an Italian

haulage company based in Reggio Emilia.

“We specialize in intermodal container

transport and work mainly with shipping

companies. With a fleet of almost

200 vehicles, we opted for leasing with

RTFS and since 2003 we have been

insuring all our vehicles for every kind

of risk: accidents, vandalism, glass

breakage, climatic events, theft and fire.

Relationships with our RTFS contact are

excellent, and have continued to improve

over time. In the event of an incident,

the procedure is always very fast: from

the declaration to taking charge of

the vehicle and its repair, everything

is managed by the same person.“

These words perfectly illustrate the

Renault Trucks Financial Services’ motto:

”Solid peace of mind“... whatever happens!

RTFS

TAILORED SOLUTIONS

With its customised financing and insurance services, Renault Trucks Financial

Services (RTFS) enables customers to concentrate on their business and handle

any difficulties with perfect peace of mind.

Our contact is a real day-to-day partner who keeps

pace with the growth of our business.”

Jan Dijkstra, head of Niek Dijkstra Transport BV

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Long distance, heavy construction, construction and

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the whole Euro 6 Renault Trucks range. Thanks to the

configurator, it also offers the possibility of personalising

the vehicles by choosing

both colours and markings.

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RENAULT TRUCKS K: FAILSAFE · rating, placing it among the top 30% of companies. IN BRIEF ALL LED NEW TAIL LIGHTS PIGEON GROUP 800,000th VEHICLE DELIVERED The Renault Trucks plant