Renault Pro+ at the CV Show 2018 (sponsored)
We get a guided tour of the Renault stand at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2018 and uncover what’s new for Renault vans.
The 2018 Commercial Vehicle Show is the biggest CV event of the year in the UK, and Renault Pro+, the French manufacturer’s commercial vehicle arm, is there in force. The Renault stand is packed full of its latest models and services - all designed to create an ‘EasyLife for Professionals’.
It's the 20th year that Renault has been part of the CV show, and the 2018 event sees the UK debut of the all-electric Master Z.E. large van. But while the Master Z.E. will be making headlines, there's much more on the stand, not least a total of 13 commercial vehicles on display giving a flavour of how much Renault Pro+ has to offer.
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Starting with the standard van range, Renault's other zero-emissions whilst driving van, the Kangoo Z.E. 33 is on show, as well as its combustion-engined counterpart. Plus there's the mid-sized Trafic van and the diesel Master range to accompany the Z.E..
However, as well as its conventional panel vans, Renault has also brought along some examples of the conversions that it offers. Highlights include a Kangoo Z.E. 33 Fridge Van that doesn't rely on the van's electric drive system to keep the load area cool, a world-first mid-sized Cherry Picker conversion for the Trafic, and no less than three different conversions of the Master, including the ever popular Luton Loloader model.
In addition, Renault's "EasyLife for Professionals" concept introduces a new service for business customers in the shape of signwriting that's available as soon as you order your van. This central service is designed to improve the turnaround time of a customer’s vehicle by adding signage to the exterior of the van as soon as it arrives in the country, and is designed to offer the least amount of inconvenience to business users who want to get on the road in their new van as soon as possible.
Auto Express joined Steve Wilson, LCV Range Manager for Renault UK, for a guided tour of the stand, and he stated the importance of the CV Show to Renault. "We've been coming here for 20 years, and with 21,000 people coming through the door this year, it's important for us to be here. The people that come to the CV Show are here to buy a van, and in some instances it's the only show people will go to. We can talk to the big fleet managers as well as sole traders and SMEs about their needs, and they're here to talk business over the three days of the show.
"This year's CV Show is an important one for our Z.E. (Zero Emissions) electric van range," Steve continued. "We have the Master Z.E. here in production form, and already there's a queue of people interested in its capabilities. As it uses tried and tested technology from the Kangoo, we can show that the technology works, and thanks to the Master Z.E.'s configuration, we have shown that the Z.E. is just as suited to the kind of conversions we have for the diesel model."
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"We're also consolidating our market position as the leading electric van seller in Europe with the Kangoo Z.E. 33 Its real-world range of about 124 miles means more buyers than ever are being attracted to it, as it has the range to suit their needs, while delivering running costs that are a fifth of what would be expected from a diesel model."
That's the inside line on what the show means for Renault, now here's a breakdown of the main features of the Renault Pro+ Commercial Vehicles display on Stand 5H60.
Renault Pro+ at the 2018 CV show: the exhibits in detail
Electric vans: Master Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E.
The all-electric Renault Master Z.E. takes centre stage on the Renault Pro+ stand as it makes its UK debut at the CV Show. The new model is designed with urban 'last mile' deliveries in mind, so it offers zero emissions whilst driving and an everyday usable range of 74 miles.
The location of the battery under the rear of the cab means that load volume is the same as you will find in the standard Master, while the Z.E. has a payload capacity that will be perfectly suitable for multi-drop urban deliveries.
Also on the Renault Pro+ stand is the latest version of the Kangoo Z.E. The Z.E. 33 features the latest battery and electric motor technology to offer a usable range of 124 miles on a single charge. That means more businesses than ever could take advantage of the low running costs of this zero-emissions whilst driving machine.
Meanwhile, another Z.E. on the stand shows the versatility of the Z.E. electric van range. Cold storage converter CoolKit has fitted out a Kangoo Z.E. 33 with a refrigerator compartment that can maintain temperatures as low as -18 degrees Centigrade, yet the enclosed system doesn't demand any power from the Kangoo's drive system, so the van's 124-mile range remains intact.
Renault Pro+ conversions
The standard Renault van range will suit most needs, but the company is expanding its specialist offerings, and Renault is using the 2018 CV Show to launch its latest conversions.
These models will feature on the price lists of Renault or the approved converter, making it easier for buyers to budget for the perfect van for the job. They are either converted at Renault's factories under the Renault Tech banner, or are created by one of the 29 specialist conversion companies that meet Renault's exacting standards.
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The Master Parcel Van features fold-out shelving that's designed to make extra space for packages, or fold out of the way for bulkier loads, while the sliding door in the bulkhead gives added security as the driver can move from the cab to the load area and back without having to get out of the van.
The Renault Master Tipper is based on the crew version of the Master chassis cab, so there's seating for up to seven inside, but the latest tipper now comes with a lightweight aluminium tipper bed. This frees up an additional 100kg of payload compared to previous Master Tipper models, taking the estimated total carrying capacity to an impressive 900kg.
The Master Loloader is a pioneer van conversion featuring a Luton-style load area built by Renault-approved converter Trucksmiths. With 19 cubic metres of space, it's great for maximum carrying capacity, especially as the low load floor offers easy access. As a tail-lift isn't needed, the maximum payload is greater than is possible for a conventional Luton body.
Finally, the Master Pharma is a specialist van that is now offered as part of the range after Renault tailor made it for a specific client's needs. The Pharma van is designed for carrying medicines and prescription drugs in a climate-controlled environment between 15-25 degrees Centigrade, and has a data recorder to show the load area's temperature hasn't been compromised in travel.
It's not just the Master that has had the conversion treatment, because the Trafic is also appearing at the show in different guises. There's a bespoke Cherry Picker with an alloy boom that can lift up to 9.6 metres off the ground, while the more compact dimensions of the Trafic body means this is one cherry picker that can access more locations than most.
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Finally there's the Renault Trafic Esterela, a camper conversion carried out by specialist firm Lunar. This two-berth model adds a dormer roof, fold-out bed and swivel chairs, while domestic needs are catered for by a compressor fridge, a hob with glass top and a sink with fresh and waste water tanks. A 100-watt solar panel supplies free energy on board, too.
Core Renault van range
While EVs and conversions are the main talking points of the Renault Pro+ stand at the CV Show, we shouldn't forget the conventional models that make up the bulk of Renault LCV sales. The full diesel range will be on show, including the Kangoo, Trafic and Master, while Renault is highlighting the versatility of the Trafic range with two additional models.
The Trafic Crew Van gets a sporty look on the outside and seating for six on board with a large load area behind the bulkhead, while the Trafic Passenger makes room for 9 as the ultimate van shuttle.
Also on display is the Renault Kangoo Maxi Crew Van with multi-mode bulkhead. This new layout means you can have the Kangoo Maxi as a five-seat van with mesh bulkhead behind, or you can fold the back seats and reposition the bulkhead to make it a two-seater with maximum carrying capacity. This Kangoo also features an EDC auto gearbox - a first for the Kangoo range.
Sign writing
As part of Renault's ‘EasyLife for Professionals*’ strategy for business customers, the Renualt Pro+ Commercial Vehicles franchise network can now offer sign writing as part of the package when buyers finalise the specification of their new van.
Renault is offering three sign writing packages on its Kangoo, Trafic and Master ranges, with a choice of fonts, colours and information that business users can display on the sides and rear of their vans. Once the package has been decided, the sign writing order goes with the van specification to Renault's import centre where the van is fitted out with any accessories and the sign writing is applied. That way, the van is ready to roll and promote the company as soon as the owner gets the keys and drives away.
Prices for Renault's sign writing service start from £215 (ex-VAT) on the Kangoo, rising to £535 (ex-VAT) for the full package on the Master.
Contact Renault Pro+ to learn more
So that’s Renault Pro+ Commercial Vehicles at the 2018 Commercial vehicle show. The event runs until April 26 2018 so call in and speak to the Renault team on the stand. If you can’t catch Renault Pro+ there, your local dealer will be only too happy to discuss any of the great new vans, conversions and services displayed at the show.
*Easy life for Professionals is for Business Customers only.
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