Professional Builder has all the “truck” as we spend a red letter day with Renault in the Cotswolds
It’s always been pretty good in Trafic – 42 years, 2.2 million sales and counting – but it would seem that Renault’s medium sized panel van just got even better! It follows the recent launch of its special RED edition featuring a number of styling changes exclusive to the model and a level of 24/7 after care service, and 100,000 mile warranty package, that is already enjoyed by its bigger brother the Master and, of course, its extensive HGV range.
It prompts the question, of course, why bother to go the extra mile when the impressively face-lifted 2019 version is already a popular choice in a very competitive market. Adding bits and pieces always comes at a premium although, increasingly, it is a price many businesses feel is worth it to stand out from the crowd.
Graham Neagus, Head of LCV and Municipal, explains the rationale behind the expansion of the Red concept: “Despite all the logistical problems presented by the pandemic over the past two years, we have remained firmly focused on our mission to create an aspirational, driver centric range of products that go beyond the traditional one-tonne market operators’ expectations, by infusing our formidable truck DNA into the new Trafic. We have been listening and responding to the needs of a myriad of small businesses – which are the lifeblood of every nation’s economy – for more than four decades, and the new Red models are the pinnacle of how the Trafic has evolved to suit even the most discerning of these operators across the full business spectrum.”
The formidable Renault Trucks Group clearly believes that the further expansion of the Red concept can help the company capture a bigger slice of the European medium van market, which has high end front runners like Mercedes, Ford and VAG all vying for top billing.
The company had already seized something of a pre-pandemic advantage over its competitors in the summer of 2019 with a significant refreshing of the Renault van brand which saw an industrial sized scalpel taken to both the Trafic and the Master. Shared features across the board included a new more imposing modern design from its 2014 incarnation, new fuel efficient engines, bespoke cabin layouts to facilitate the growing demand for a moving office, improved driving comfort/safety and greater on board connectivity. For the Trafic, the most noticeable difference was the front end, which had been cosmetically tidied up. To all of this, customers are now invited to choose from a bespoke range of four special Red edition models, offering two transmissions, four engine types, 2 to 9 seats with payloads from 5.8 to 17 m3 (Pcab), all with stand-out exclusive prestige trims.
This includes the DAKAR edition in recognition of the company’s performances at the iconic Rally. A two-tone interior, illuminated step well and additional lighting add a touch of style, but thanks to an integrated Bosh jet wash and hand wash facility to clean muddy boots and equipment prior to storage, the vehicle is designed to be equally at home on the construction site as it is for weekend pleasure trips.
For those with a more sporting persona, there is the Red Racing edition, taking its inspiration from the Alpine racing cars, and featuring a tri colour leather interior, illuminated step wells, sidebars, rear spoiler and unique livery available in van crew van and combi configurations. In homage to the founder of the company Marius Berliet, there is also a highly individual special 1894 edition complete with its own internal fridge and striking blue and gold interior. Certainly, our convey of press vehicles caused something of a stir as we made our way through the usually sedate picture postcard villages and hamlets of the Cotswolds.
One of the most welcome developments, and further proof that the company is listening to the very real concerns of van users, is the development of an inbuilt security deterrent. We know from all of the letters and emails we receive on a weekly basis just how devastating the loss of tools and materials can be to a small construction company. Many have told us that, after the third or fourth such incident, they have actually decided there is no other option than to leave the industry for good. Renault has invested heavily in trying to find a viable and simple solution to the problem and have come up with the Trafic OptiSafe.
Heavy gauge internal metal ribbed doors are enhanced with a toughened polycarbonate exterior which would make even the most determined thief think twice about attempting a break in. “Time is everything to the opportunist criminal,” says Graham, and anything which significantly delays the process will make them look for softer targets.” He continues: “A recent survey commissioned by Harbo revealed that thefts involving vans cost tradespeople more than £264 million a year, around £5,800 each on average, and are likely to put that tradesperson out of work for around 30 days. We are still working on final installed prices of the OptiSafe, but are expected to be around the £2,000 mark which we believe is a small price to pay for that level of peace of mind. You Red it here first!
For further information on the Renault Trafic visit https://business.renault.co.uk/van-range/trafic
