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NOVEMBER 2015UNITED KINGDOMRENAULT-TRUCKS.CO.UK

OPTITRACK: A FLEXIBLE 4X4 DRIVE

RTRU_1501044_OPTIMUM_REUNIS_OCTOBRE_GB.indd couv1 30/10/2015 18:36

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

RTRU_1501044_OPTIMUM_REUNIS_OCTOBRE_GB.indd 2 03/11/2015 20:12

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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.”



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.”



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



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



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



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


THE INTERNATIONAL TRUCK OF THE YEAR IS NOT JUST A TRUCK …IT IS A PROFIT CENTRE.

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Or email [email protected]

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