Fleet van and utility spring17 fullweb

#Ford100

NEWS I | 29

Ford #1 again as LCV market remains buoyant

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016 saw Ford once again claim the number one position in the Irish Light Commercial Vehicle market.

Over the past twelve months the overall marketplace recorded a significant increase of 18.26 percent over the previous year. In all, there were 31,053 light commercial units registered, up from 25,876 for 2015.

With 7,580 vans registered, Ford took a strong pole position with almost 27% market share, well ahead of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on 4,658 registrations. Renault Pro+ was the third most popular brand, with 3,579 unit sales.

The Ford Transit was again Ireland’s top selling van nameplate with 3,329 units registered over the course of the past year.

“As 2017 begins and with it, the centenary year for Ford as a company in Ireland, it is heartening to hear that our vehicles were again the number one choice for van operators in the country,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman & Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “No other car brand can claim such a pedigree in Ireland and it is clear that such a long-standing legacy is a huge boost to our favourability among Irish motorists.”

With the new 171 registration period now in full flow, 2017 looks set to drive on for Renault Commercial Vehicles (Pro+), which claimed 10.3 percent of new commercial vehicle sales after the first ten days trading.

“It is early days but with the LCV market up 7.8 percent, it looks set to be a promising kick-off to the new 171 registration period,” stated Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager Ireland, Renault Group. “Europe’s best selling and multi award winning LCV range also performed well in the first ten days of the month finishing at 10.3 percent market share. The popular Trafic was the best-selling model

for Renault, followed by Master and Kangoo. The award-winning LCV range combined with the very attractive 5-year warranty makes Renault LCV a very affordable proposition for businesses of all sizes.”

Light Commercial Vehicles Sales 2016 (SIMI) Position Marque 2016 % Share 1 Ford 7580 26.90 2 Volkswagen 4658 16.53 3 Renault 3579 12.70 4 Toyota 1960 6.96 5 Peugeot 1710 6.07 6 Citroën 1446 5.13 7 Opel 1276 4.53 8 Nissan 1208 4.29 9 Mercedes-Benz 1046 3.71 10 Land Rover 875 3.11 Totals: 2016 = 28,180 verses 2015 = 23,829 (+ 4,351 + 18.26%)

New Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Aftersales Manager

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olkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland has appointed Ger Boyle as its new Aftersales Manager. He moves on from the role of National Service Manager he had held since joining the company in October 2014.

the Irish market in line with the long-term company strategy. In addition, he will be tasked with ensuring the company is considered the best possible choice for Irish Customers when selecting a Commercial Vehicle.

A native of Dublin, Ger has vast industry experience within the Commercial Vehicle aftersales area, having also worked for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer, McElvaney Motors.

Welcoming Ger’s appointment Alan Bateson, Managing Director at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ger Boyle to Aftersales Manager. Our strategic focus is to continue to be the best commercial vehicle brand in the Irish market and Ger’s broad motor industry experience will reinforce this both in terms of commercial and qualitative results in 2017 and beyond.”

Based at Volkswagen Group headquarters in Liffey Valley, Dublin, his responsibilities will include ensuring the continued growth of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in

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30 | NEWS II

Unnecessary loads on vans can prove costly

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n increase in fuel consumption of more than 20% between an unladen panel van and the same vehicle with 75% of its maximum payload has been recorded by leasing company Arval.

The controlled trials were designed to underline the importance of ensuring that LCVs are only carrying the load needed on any given journey.

A popular SWB panel van was driven in controlled conditions over a 49.1 mile course for the test at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of its 1,079kg maximum payload. The tests were all at the same time of day, an eco-driving style was used, and air conditioning was switched off.

The results were: Payload Fuel used consumption MPG 0% 35.74 25% 33.79 50% 30.97 75% 28.16

Increase in fuel use over 0% payload 5.4% 13.3% 21.2%

Commenting on the trials, Arval Fleet Consultant Liam Cresswell said: “Fleet operators know that payload has an impact on fuel consumption but perhaps are not aware of the degree. These results are marked. A van that is carrying a 75% payload is using a fi ft h more fuel, which is a considerable cost increase.

“Th is has direct operational implications, the most immediate and direct of which is to ensure that your vans are not carrying any weight that isn’t needed. Th is is something that needs to be communicated effectively to drivers.

“In the medium term, you should also endeavour to raise driver awareness of the payload of their vehicle and how to use it to maximum advantage. Vehicles should be clearly labelled with payload information and education for drivers is very useful.

“It is also worth considering the question of storage systems. Good, modern, lightweight racking can help to maximise the carrying capacity and payload of a vehicle and generally increase its efficiency in use.

“Finally, this is an issue that can influence the selection of vehicles. A smaller vehicle operating near its payload capacity will always be a more cost-effective transport choice than an under-utilised, larger van.”

Liam added that even the unladen vehicle in the test had been more than 25% adrift of the manufacturer’s official combined MPG figure.

“Official MPG figures are obviously carried out in controlled test conditions but this shows once again that they only provide an indication of performance in real world conditions.”

Enterprise Rent-A-Car opens latest branch in Castlebar

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nter pr ise R ent-A-Ca r recently opened its newest Irish branch in Castlebar, County Mayo. Catering for car and van rentals, the new outlet will operate from Casey Accident & Repair Centre on the Turlough Road, in the county town, primarily serving tourists who wish to rent a car and explore the town and surrounding areas.

location for a new branch given the area’s thriving business and tourism sector. “It provides a service to Mayo based business people and locals who may require affordable transport from time to time without needing a fulltime vehicle,” he said.

The company has also officially launched its new door-to-door tow truck service which will serve the entire Galway / Mayo area.

Speaking at the official launch, Richard FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

Mahon, Area Manager, Enterprise Rent-ACar Ireland, said that Castlebar is the ideal

Enterprise, which prides itself on a thorough 25-point safety check on each vehicle and provides a free Pick-Up and Drop-Off service, has a new fleet of cars and vans on Casey’s premises offering highly competitive weekend special rates. The new branch at Caseys of Castlebar operates from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.

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Model shown: KADJAR Signature Nav 1.5 dCi. RRP €30,990, Price excludes metallic paint, delivery and dealer related charges. Maximum recommended dealer delivery charge €750. *5-year/200,000km manufacturer’s warranty as standard. Finance example Kadjar EXPRESSION + Tce 130. RRP €25,190. Deposit €8,700. Term 36 monthly payments of €209. APR 3.9%. Total cost of credit €1,562 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €10,378. Includes 3-year service plan. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of Vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. See renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made].

32 | NEWS III

Olympic sailing star Annalise on course with Mercedes-Benz Vito!

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n preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Irish sailing Olympic silver medal winner Annalise Murphy, has renewed her association with Mercedes-Benz in Ireland.

As part of a ‘Tier One’ partnership sponsorship deal that sees Mercedes-Benz retain its status as the only vehicle manufacturer supporting Annalise’s bid for further Olympic glory, the 26-year old from Rathfarnham will shortly take delivery of a 171-registered Vito Mixto van for use in transporting her team, herself and her equipment to events, in Ireland and overseas.

Commenting on the renewed arrangement, Annalise said: "The support of Mercedes-Benz, so valuable when preparing for the Rio Olympics, ensures my plans to go one better in Tokyo are off to a great start."

Set to be a familiar sight at Laser Radial sailing events, the new extralong 119E Vito is equipped with features fit for an Olympic star. They include five leather-covered passenger seats, chrome grille, automatic cruise control and speed limiter, reversing camera and a spacious load-carrying interior. Featuring the most powerful unit in the Vito range, the 119E is driven by a 190hp CDI engine.

Annalise is pictured at the announcement of her ‘Tier One’ partnership deal with Mercedes-Benz, with Fergus Conheady, Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager and Stephen Byrne, Chief Executive.

To be wrapped with a striking action photograph of Annalise carving her way through the sea, the arrangement with Mercedes-Benz includes provision to display its familiar ‘three-pointed star’ logo on Annalise’s sails and clothing.

“Th is ensures there’ll be a star – not just in the boat, but on the boat as well,” noted Fergus Conheady, Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Ireland.

Katie Taylor Announced as Windsor Motor Group Ambassador

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reland’s largest motor dealer group, the Windsor Motor Group, has appointed Irish boxing legend, Katie Taylor as its product Ambassador. Katie, Olympic Gold Medallist, five-times World Boxing Champion and six-times European Champion, not to mention local and national hero, recently took delivery of her all-new 171 Nissan X-Trail.

Commenting on the partnership, Peter Nicholson, Managing Director, Windsor Motor Group said: “We’re very proud to welcome Katie Taylor, to the Windsor Motor Group Ambassador family. She’s a remarkable and inspirational lady, who is passionate, driven, and determined and clearly has her sights set on one goal – to be the best – these are attributes Windsor Motor Group mirrors. The entire Windsor Motor Group team is looking forward to working with Katie and exploring the synergies between us.”

Established in 1964, Windsor Motor Group with over 320 employees and tens of thousands of satisfied customers, operates 15 dealerships, ten Nissan dealerships in Airside, Belgard, Bray, Clonee, Deansgrange,

Dundrum, Galway, Liffey Valley, Long Mile, and Raheny. Furthermore, it operates two Opel dealerships at Liffey Valley Motor Mall and Airside Motor Park, as well as two Peugeot dealerships in Airside Motor Park and Clonee and a Mazda dealership in Galway.

Windsor Motor Group, through Sixt Leasing, also provides Fleet Management services to the large corporate and SME sectors.

Northgate Vehicle Hire to feature on BTCC Team

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orthgate Vehicle Hire Limited is continuing its association with motorsport in announcing a major new sponsorship deal with British Touring Car Championship front runners, the Handy Motorsport Team and driver Rob Austin.

Here-to-fore Northgate supported Irish rallying and to officially launch the new

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

partnership, Northgate joined the Handy Motorsport Team on the British Touring Car Championship stand, at the Autosport International Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

As the team unveiled their new car, their new driver, Rob Austin (otherwise known as the ‘fans favourite’) talked about his ambitions for the 2017 season and his love of the new Toyota Avensis and its’ striking livery with the Northgate branding.

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34 | COVER

Mercedes-Benz Vans:

Thinking outside the (Delivery) Box

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ommerce is changing everything in the way shopping, the supply chain and logistics are carried out. To use the words of a famous Irish poet, “Changed, changed utterly. A terrible beauty is born.” Customer demands and expectation alongside a fast, efficient, dispatch and delivery system are the key concerns.

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles presented its latest ongoing Research and Development at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. The annual event, which for the past five decades has showcased all things electronic, has in recent years featured advances from the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz’s presence highlighted both aspects involving collaborations with start-up enterprises. Two interesting elements were presented under the auspices of its adVANce strategy and Vans and Robots banner. What is clear is that Mercedes-Benz has moved on from being a commercial vehicle manufacturer to a provider of “holistic system solutions for the transport sector,” as expressed by Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes Benz Vans, particularly in this case, the express delivery services.

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

“The transportation of goods and people has always been vital to global economic development. With digitisation and the Internet of Things we are currently once again experiencing an industrial and economic revolution,” underlined Volker. “In an era of booming online commerce, the interplay of transport and digitisation plays a vital role. Intelligent connectivity makes new services possible, enhances convenience and flexibility for the end customer, and boosts efficiency in delivery operations.”

CES featured the North American debut of the Vision Van, part of Mercedes-Benz AdVANce strategic future initiative. As it did at the IAA CV Show in Hannover last September, the metallic silver dream delivery machine drew huge attention, but what was on top and inside is what intrigued the most – the drones.

Vision Van combines digitisation, connectivity, information technologies and a little more. “It is the first van worldwide to serve as an integrated concept for a completely digitally connected process chain from the goods distribution depot to the consignee. It features a fully automated load compartment, integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries

COVER | 35 and a state-of-the-art joystick. Up to 270 km can be reached from the emission free and silent 75 kW electric motor, which is extremely beneficial to the last mile delivery operation.”

At this point of the interview conducted at the CES, Volker stated that the brand’s concentration for future drivelines will be IC - international combustion and pure electric drive – no hybrids. Dual systems only complicate things, make the development more expensive and have payload issues, according to Mr. Mornhinweg.

The concept vehicle, which looks a little smaller than the Sprinter van but a lot sleeker and more aerodynamic, provides the driver with all the relevant data such as traffic management and route planning, plus drone flight details, all from the dashboard.

The van study is an example of intelligent communication between the vehicle, the driver and their surroundings. The vehicle communicates with other road users via the Black Panel radiator grille with LED matrix and an LED display integrated in the rear end, which warns them when the vehicle is stopping, turning or releasing drones, for example.

One vital piece of safety equipment fitted is LED indicators in the stainless steel floor that illuminate to warn the driver of any pedestrians or cyclists approaching the vehicle. “The driver is also continuously provided with information relating to manual delivery operations by means of a smartwatch. The watch shows him various data, such as the delivery address, input codes for electronic locking systems and, if necessary, secure places in which the consignment concerned can be deposited. New possibilities also arise for end customers. They benefit from reliable new delivery options, such as same-day delivery and time-definite delivery. End customers are additionally able to adapt deliveries to their needs, rescheduling the delivery time when their plans for the day change, for example,” added Volker.

Huge potential here as the drones can access areas unreachable by standard vehicles. Heading in this broader perspective has given Volker and his team much scope and has helped build huge motivation within the brand’s management and staff. Collaborating with Start-up firms like Matternet and Starship is beneficial to both parties, bringing fresh thinking to the projects. As a result, Mercedes-Benz has added significantly to its Research & Development teams as well as establishing new centres around the world. Synergies with their budding enterprises will be established soon.

‘Vans and Robots’ is another very interesting futuristic delivery system concept from the German marque. In teaming up with British start-up firm Starship Technologies, established just over two years ago, the i-Pad remote controlled box type robot could be making a delivery to you anytime soon. “Mercedes-Benz Vans is transforming the van into a mobile goods depot and a distribution centre for automated last-mile delivery systems. The van becomes the basis of a new type of delivery system combining a high range with low infrastructure costs,” explained Volker.

This solution is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, incorporating a racking system which operates according to the first-in first-out principle.

The rack is loaded with a total of 54 load carriers for eight Starship robots. An algorithm calculates a route for the van with optimised stops for unloading individual robots and for collecting empty robots. The robots are loaded at predefined stops. They then proceed autonomously Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

to the delivery destination and return to the Mercedes-Benz van – their mobile hub – at one of the subsequent stops.

The long-term vision of this concept, which also goes by the name of “Mothership”, is an autonomous robot fleet which coordinates and optimises its routes autonomously with vans from Mercedes-Benz and which is loaded automatically. Cooperation with Starship Technologies is to be stepped up in pursuit of this vision and the project developed further.

Initial field-testing out on the city streets of London has gone well with no security issues of concern.

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36 | TEST

Iveco Daily 4x4 (5.5 tonne) on the batt lefield. Mainly thanks to its selectable 24+4 gears with crawler and three different wheel locks, it’s outstanding climbing, while when descending, hill control ensures that there is literally no place out of reach with the Daily 4x4. Due to its wide approach and departure angles, any terrain can be tackled. We tried everything that Millbrook could throw at it and Daily 4x4 emerged chest beating!

To protect the electric fan when wading though deep water, it is advisable to turn it off manually through a switch on the dash.

The new chassis frame accommodates a broad range of specialist bodies and ancillary equipment and for real off-road duties there are Power-Take-Off options both on the transfer box and on the gearbox. The front fi xing plate is standard.

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hen opportunity knocks, open the door and let it in. Make it happen. Life (and business) presents itself with golden opportunities and if they are not acted upon.....well, they're gone, and regret sinks in.

Case in point is Iveco with the newly extended range of 4x4 utility options within its award winning Daily range. Here-to-fore Mercedes-Benz dominated this specialist market with the long serving Vario, which is now out of production. At the heavier end, Mercedes-Benz has the Unimog. Other than that, the Fuso Canter 4x4 is the only other main competitor. So, Iveco sees great potential with its Daily 4x4.

Now catering for two weight categories - 3.5 tonne and 5.5 tonne GVW, Daily 4x4 is available either with a standard 3-person cab or 7-person crew cab, with two wheelbase lengths (3,050mm & 3,400mm) for the former. All options are powered by Iveco’s 3.0 litre Euro 6 diesel that produces 170hp and 400Nm of torque. The 6+1-speed manual gearbox has up to 28 gears, when the 4 low ranges are applied. On-road or off-road tyres can be specified.

The 4x4 is built on a much higher platform than the standard Daily, due to its specially developed off-road chassis frame, but with the same cab design. A few coats of amour are attached, such as the three piece steel bumper that can take hard knocks and is designed for easy repair, while the fuel tank is well protected and the rear under-run protection bar folds up. Stepping into the 55S17DW 5.5 tonne crew cab version while on a test session at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire was different, with an extra external step fitt ing to aid gett ing on board. A grab handle on the B-pillar would not go amiss here, which was noted by Mark Hank, Iveco’s demo driver.

Not much else is changed inside the cabin other than the extra gear lever and higher centre of gravity when driving. The on-road section took in the journey from Luton Airport to Millbrook, which was comfortable enough with its strong suspension and comfortable driving seat, but required a fi rm hold of the steering wheel at times over the bumper sections!

Iveco is targeting utility and service providers in the main with the Daily 4x4 as a good value for money all rounder.

From the day long exercise, it could not be faulted.

Opportunity knocks, opportunity taken!

Spec Check Make/Model: Engine: Power: Torque: Transmission: Brakes:

Iveco Daily 55S17DW 4x4 Euro 6 Crew Cab 3.0 litre 4-cylinder 16 valve 125kW/170hp @3,000-3,500 rpm 400 Newton Metres @1,250-3,000 rpm Manual 6+1 gears with 4 low ranges (total 24+4) Front; discs - Rear; drums - Standard ABS Front; 3 leaf parabolic springs - Rear; 4 leaf parabolic Suspension: springs 9.5R17.5 - Optional: 255/100R16 - Full Off-road Wheel/Tyres: tread Ground Clearance: 255mm Tank capacity: Fuel; 90 litres - AdBlue; 25 litres Towed load: 3.5 tonnes (braked)

On a cold frosty foggy morning Daily 4x4 proved its worth out FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

N E W P E U G E OT E X P E R T

W I T H N E W G E N E R AT I O N P L AT F O R M

ITS MISSION: YOUR BUSINESS

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EXPE

A VA N D E S I G N E D FO R E V E R Y B U S I N E S S Choose the Peugeot van that best suits your business. From our best selling Partner, the new-generation Expert and the load-lugging Boxer, we offer a van for every business. Don’t wait any longer. Come and discover the full Peugeot light commercial van range, presented to you by professionals that understand business.

Combined consumption (l/100 km): from 5.1 to 5.9. CO2 emissions (g/km): from 133 to 155.

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38 | REVIEW I th

95 Salon de Bruxelles – Brussels Motor Show 2017 A-Z presence from all the leading Light Commercial Vehicle manufacturers as seen

by Jarlath Sweeney Addax Motors Local enterprise Addax Motors is convinced that mobility in our cities will s o on be powered by smart, customised, small electric vehicles, since they allow clean, silent and efficient transport of goods and services. Its model MT exhibited can cover 80 km on one charge.

FIAT Professional Two debut modelsfromthe Italian brand highlighted newly created alliances w ith other manufacturers, namely Renault for its Talento van, a nd Mitsubishi for the Fullback Pick-up.

Hyundai Premiered here was the 6-person crew cab version of the H350 van range, while over in the corner was the interesting Fuel Cell powered by hydrogen.

Citroën K now n a s the Jumpy in markets across Europe, the Citroën Dispatch was shown in both panel van and SpaceTourer passenger styling.

Iveco Daily The history of the best selling LCV range from Italy was highlighted as one of its exhibits was the original model from 1978 perched nicely on the back of the latest Euro 6 version.

MercedesBenz A Sprinter with a difference, with this threeaxle, all wheel drive variant showcased.

Alongside was the award winning Marco Polo which is the Vito campervan.

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

Ford An impressive all-white lineup of the ‘blueoval ’ brand which included the 2-tonne Transit and Custom with Select–Shift transmission.

Ford introduced a 100,000 km warranty at the show.

Isuzu W h i le t he MY2017 Isuzu D-Ma x got a noticeable makeover, the most significant development is under the bonnet with a new 1.9 litre Ddi Blue Power Euro 6 diesel.

Expect new models in Ireland this Spring.

REVIEW I | 39

Most Loved Van Visitors had the opportunity to choose their favourite van from the line-up selection and win €15,000 to boot! Leading marques such as FIAT, Ford, Hyundai, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen were in contention.

Nissan Another national premiere with the new NV300 from Nissan, which is actually a Renault Trafic with different badging. The platform type eNV200 electric also drew attention.

Opel As well as the Corsavan, Combo,Vivaro, Movano and Vivaro Camper displayed by GM Opel, the Combo CNG was on show elsewhere at the Natural Gas powered section.

Peugeot The second element of the new van design partnership with Citroën and Toyota, Peugeot had both versions of the Expert LCV range displayed namely the Panel van and Traveller MPV.

Renault Pro+ Group Renault’s association with its own Formula 1 race team is being promoted through special limited Formula Editions of its van range, which will be seen in RHD soon.

Toyota The new Proace completes the trilog y of recently launched vans in association w it h PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Proace Verso is the passenger carrier version.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Another national debutant in the form of the Volkswagen Crafter, the newly crowned International Van of the Year 2017. This proud achievement is recognised by the German brand with badging celebrating the award featuring on each version off the production line.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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40 | LAUNCH PAD

Renault Pro+ to become Masters of EV LCVs Renault Kangoo ZE

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Renault Master EV

hen a company or team is ahead of the game, there is no time for resting on laurels. Continuous evolution of the product line or team squad brings fresh thinking or legs to the collective

(instead of its Nissan Alliance partner, strangely). Built at Renault’s vast Maubeuge factory in France, Kangoo ZE (Phase II) will be available by mid 2017 in two lengths, and will come with 2 or 5 seats in van, passenger or crew cab form. Load volume is from 3 to 4.6m3 and 650 kg payload is achievable.

For many years now, Renault Commercial Vehicles, or Renault Pro+, the new preferred name, has led the European sales charts comfortably. Under the current team leader, Ashwani Gupta, Vice President, Global Head of LCV Business (pictured), the evolution of the brand continues to ensure the leadership is maintained.

Master ZE uses the same battery base and provider in LG Chem but the electric motor is more powerful at 57 kW. Up to 200 kilometres range distance is claimed by Renault Pro+ and a payload of over 1,000 kg is offered, which is sufficient for this type of operation.

Again 6-hours is required for a full charge and top speed is 120 kmh.

Torque values are 225 Nm. Like the Kangoo ZE, an improvement to the heat exchange system boosts cold starting. Master ZE will be sold by year-end in four versions; three van lengths and two roof heights, plus a flatbed option.

effort.

With the refresh to the Renault van range finished, the soon to arrive Alaskan 1-tonne Pick-up truck together with the Oroch half tonne Pick-up, will expand the product portfolio even further.

By the end of 2017, Renault Pro+ will have launched the latest electric van into its LCV fleet with the Master ZE. With that, the French brand will become the fi rst mainstream manufacturer to mass-produce an affordable totally-electric 3.5 tonne van. Others have tried, collaborations failed and start-ups … stopped in this zero-emission arena. Renault’s focus is now on the big blue chip express courier companies that are keen on promoting their green credentials by using the Master ZE as a last mile delivery solution.

SME’s will be targeted also in due course.

Dovetailing this development is a re-engineering of the Kangoo ZE. After four years on the market, the original sold 25,000 units to contribute towards Group Renault’s 100,000 Electric Vehicle unit sales to date. With the Kangoo ZE, the range distance has been stretched by 50% to an estimated 270 kilometres. Charging speed has been raised too, to 6 hours. Th is has been achieved by the development of higher power battery unit and electric motor.

Other vital statistics include 76 hp and 225 Nm, 33 kWh and 44kW respectively.

In this case Renault worked with Korean specialist LG Chem FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

To date Master has clocked up 475,000 sales in the past 6 years.

Both vehicles received their global premieres at the Brussels Motor Show as an acknowledgement to the Belgian market where Renault and Renault Pro+ are market leaders.

LAUNCH PAD | 41

Master EV interior

Maubeuge Plant At the Renault Pro+ Maubeuge plant in France, which produces the Kangoo (and Citan for Mercedes-Benz, not sold in Ireland) is one of the most modern and sophisticated manufacturing facilities within the Group Renault. Every minute a completed vehicle rolls off the production line and on to the quality control department.

Last year the 2,200 employees assembled 151,064 units, and have built over 3 million Kangoos in its 20-year history. A high percentage of female operatives are employed – 8%, and plans are to increase that figure to 20% in the short term. All of the steel pressings for the bodywork is done in-house by giant machines, each weighing 5,400 tonnes. Automation is high and impressive with hundreds of robots carrying out their duty efficiently. Quality control is a key aspect of each and every vehicle produced and microscopic inspections are carried out by specially trained engineers.

For the electric Kangoo, a special floor is fitted to take both the weight of the batteries but also all of their fitt ing under the floor.

They are also well protected from the elements.

Master EV Plug-In Charge Point

Ashwani mentioned during his launch presentation that these new arrivals give Renault Pro+ the competitive edge to meet the needs of professional customers. “By 2030, 25% of the vehicle fleet will be electric powered which will bring good business for us.”

As well as highlighting the merits of the latest Kangoo ZE and new Master ZE, Mr. Gupta spoke about the newly created connected services for its LCV customers. Stating that vans should take to business and vice-versa really means that telematics in light commercials have many benefits, similar to those achieved with HGVs for the past decade or so. Again Renault Pro+ is leading the way in bringing these systems to market and not depending on third party providers. Fully integrable into mixed fleets, the Renault Pro+ Fleet Management System monitors and reports on driver and vehicle performance, so that the fleet operator can pin point wasted fuels, and significantly reduce downtime through its preventative maintenance programmes. Th is represents savings all round, said Mr. Gupta, mentioning that the difference between drivers can vary between 20 and 25% on fuel consumption alone.

Interestingly, the battery fast charge option was not installed with the latest ZEs, according to Eric Feunteun, EV Programme Director.

He explained that the operator does not use fast charge facilities while out on delivery duty as the preferred option is to charge back at base. “All too often the city located charge points are occupied when most needed,” he said.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

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WINNER LCV of the Year

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