ON THE COLD ROAD

INTERVIEW

ISSUE N° 47 / UNITED KINGDOM / RENAULT-TRUCKS.CO.UK

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

A CARPENTER IN SPAIN

GEOGRAPHICS

DEFEATING OBSTACLES

REPORT

A SECURED COLD CHAIN

INTERVIEW

RENAULT TRUCKS T HIGH

JANI MARTIKAINEN ON THE COLD ROADOn board his Renault Trucks T High, known as the «Diamond Devil», Jani Martikainen travels the roads of Finland from North to South and from East to West, every day. With temperatures ranging from -30° to +30° C, his vehicle has become a reliable partner, dependable, powerful and reassuringly secure.

3OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

With his Renault Trucks T «Diamond Devil», Jani covers all parts of Finland, carrying out subcontracted deliveries for his company.

The fleet’s vehicles cover up to 120,000 km a year, often under extreme climatic conditions.

set up the Martom Oy company in 2005,

with my partner Tomi Hjelt. We currently

have a staff of nine, which includes five

full-time drivers and another working

part-time. We are based at Vantaa, near

Helsinki, but we don’t have a head office,

premises or garages. All the «magic»

of our business takes place on the road,

and my wife handles the paperwork from

our home. Although I was trained to be a

mechanic, I never actually did that job.

My enthusiasm for trucks soon caught up with me

and got me out on the road. Our «Devil fleet»

consists of five tractors (Star Devil, Black Devil 666,

SWE Devil, etc.) including the flagship Diamond

Devil, the Renault Trucks T High that I drive.

We also have a lighter vehicle for carrying

foodstuffs at controlled temperatures. We work

as subcontractors for Rahtikeskus, which gives

us assignments to carry all kinds of goods.

Our trucks cover between 100,000 and 120,000 km

a year and the light vehicle covers 40,000 km.

Our business takes us to the furthest reaches of

Finland, and every day is different, as are the goods

we carry: electronic equipment, industrial

components, foodstuffs, paper and even dangerous

substances.

THE DIAMOND DEVIL’S POWER IN EXTREME

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Just over a year ago, we needed to get a new

vehicle very quickly. The Renault Trucks dealer

in Finland, who we appreciated following a positive

experience with him, suggested the Renault Trucks

T High which seemed to meet our requirements.

This first impression proved to be largely

confirmed. The engine, with its 520 hp,

made it possible to effortlessly handle heavy loads

over all kinds of surfaces and in all kinds of

weathers. What surprised me most was its power,

which was available from 30,000 km,

where as other vehicles generally need to cover

between 50,000 and 60,000 km before reaching

their full potential. In urban conditions, open

country or hilly regions, it never lets me down.

And I’ve also noticed that it consumes less than

the other «devils» in the fleet, despite me not being

particularly light on the pedal! If I made an effort

and adopted a more flexible driving style,

I think I would save even more.

INTERVIEW

I

4 OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

RENAULT MASTER

A CARPENTER IN SPAINHeading the Valdés carpentry shop based in Corvera de Asturias, Spain, Modesto Valdés Fernández has been making kitchen furniture, built-in cupboards and reinforced doors for 35 years. The craftsman opted for an orange Renault Master to carry his heavy and bulky loads. A vehicle that always stands out, but is above all reliable, manoeuvrable and powerful.

08 H 45 Modesto and his brother

Roberto start their day. When they load the vehicle, the rear doors fold right back: this is practical and highly functional. Modesto also uses the side door when parking in built-up areas so he can reach his tools and raw materials without obstructing the traffic or passers-by.

6 OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

“I heard a lot of good things about its loading conditions, its steering,

its traction control and all the on-board systems.

I was right to follow that advice”Modesto Valdés Fernández, Valdés carpentry

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

10 H 30 The roads to his

customers are

sometimes narrow,

in a poor state of repair or even snowed up. Thanks to the Renault Master’s traction control system and the pick-up offered by its 135 hp engine, Modesto can reach all his customers, whatever the weather. To provide a swift service, Modesto pre-assembles the furniture in his workshop the day before: so all he has to do on arrival is finish off the assembly.

15 H 00 Rear door access, steering

and traction control. Everything is done to make it easier for the driver to use his vehicle. Modesto can complete up to two round trips a day, or four daily journeys.

16 H 30 Perfectly suited to

a master

cabinetmaker’s

business,

there is enough headroom

for Modesto to stand up inside, carry large items

of furniture reaching the roof

and unload his items

more easily.

19 H 00 Modesto closes

the cabinetmaker’s

workshop

to the public and makes

preparations for the next day’s work.

THE RENAULT MASTER’S ADVANTAGES

LOADINGWith its generous interior volume, large rear and side doors combined with a payload of up to 17 m³, the Renault Master makes it easy to handle and carry bulky and heavy items.

EURO 6Combined with intelligent driving assistance technologies, the Euro 6 engine makes it possible to reduce polluting emissions while at the same time offering unparalleled driving comfort.

7OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

I was able to test the Renault Trucks K with a load of 30 tonnes. It’s very pleasant to drive and behaves like a light vehicle.”

Cameroon United Forests creates temporary access roads to the logging sites, opening tracks which will disappear once the site has been closed down.

Belgium. After these come North America and the

Middle East. CUF generates some 95% of its

income via export.

A FLEET THAT TAKES UP EVERY CHALLENGE

To cope with the extreme climatic and

geographical conditions imposed by the region

and its activities, the CUF operates a fleet of

39 trucks. “Although most of the roads leading

to the port are paved and usable without

problems, in the forests, where it can rain at any

time, the track soon becomes a slippery,

dangerous quagmire,” explains Antoine Darazi.

“To that must be added the hazards of fallen trees

and collapsed bridges.” In Cameroon, the climate

never lets up, with very heavy rainfall throughout

almost the entire year (over 1,000 mm of rain

annually). In this part of the world, people talk

about “dry seasons” when it rains “less”

(December-January, and in July-August).

“80% of the vehicles in our fleet are Renault Trucks.

We have as many forestry vehicles as light access

vehicles.” The CUF used Renault Kerax 440hp

vehicles for forestry work and log transport until it

purchased 10 Renault Trucks K, with another two

due to be delivered soon.

or more than 25 years, Cameroon United

Forests, known as CUF, has become

a major player in logging operations

in southern Cameroon. It employs

a workforce of almost 850, including

45 drivers. Supervised by Antoine Darazi,

administrator and manager, the

company now oversees 310,000 ha of concessions

of which it exploits an average of 10,000 annually.

“This accounts for a production of some 158,000 m³

of logs a year,” explains Antoine Darazi, “of which

some 30,000 m³ are sawn into timber and exported.”

Five forestry concessions take care of opening the

roads, felling the trees, logging and transporting

the wood, either to the plant or to the port of

Douala. “We also have a sawmill located at

Ebolowa, the regional capital, where 400 people

work at transforming the 42 types of timber

produced. The wood is cut into planks or dried

and planed ready for use in building terraces,

saunas, etc.” The processed products are then

loaded and carried in containers to Douala,

from where they are exported.

“Our largest market is Asia, especially Vietnam,

India and China. Then comes Europe, with outlets

in France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and

F

9OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

Big cabs, like the T520 High, are good for the drivers and good for the company image, says Jez Desmond.

The T High’s main work is delivering farming equipment for Sumo Ltd.

started out in the agricultural industry after

studying farm management at Bishop Burton

College in Beverley,” Jez tells us as we look

over his latest acquisition, a Range T520 High,

taking his fleet to six vehicles. “I got bitten by

the truck-driving bug whilst working on the

agricultural side of Huntapac,” he continues.

BIG CAB

“We want everything to have the biggest cabs from

here on. It’s good for the drivers and good for

company image,” Jez explains, who ordered the

T520 High after a positive two week long experience

with Renault’s high-spec’ demonstrator from local

Renault Trucks dealer, Thompson Commercial. Jez

went for like for like on the new T520, with every

option box ticked. “The driver we gave the demo

unit to was previously a huge Volvo fan. On his first

run out we gave him the option to swap back to the

FH after a trip to Scotland and back. He didn’t take

us up on the offer and made his mind up in the first

day that he’d be keeping the T520 MaxiSpace for

the remainder of the fortnight. We sent it out with

every conceivable trailer over the two week period

to make sure it suited our needs as well as the

driver‘s,” Jez recalls.

LEFT HOOKER

At the time of ordering, the truck was only available

as a left hooker, but as Jez says, “I’ve also got

drivers here with a lifetime of left hand drive

experience under their belts so that didn’t phase us

in the slightest.” Loads come in all shapes and

sizes for the firm’s fleet of low loader and curtain

sided trailers, mainly deployed on delivering

farming equipment for Sumo Ltd., the York-based

agricultural machinery manufacturer that was Jez’s

old employer. One of his other sources of traffic

comes from a Dutch traction-only customer, which

has seen post Brexit vote growth. “Trailers used to

come out full and go back empty, whereas now

we’re noticing volumes going up in both directions.

I think there has been quite a lot of scare

mongering going on. I concede the government will

have to sort the customs and free trade issues, but

for exporters and international hauliers, for the

moment at least, it’s looking positive,” he remarks.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Rather than being a millstone around his neck, Jez

sees Brexit as a massive opportunity. “We took a big

gamble just starting this business; we won’t be

frightened off by something like leaving the EU.

We’ll just knuckle down and focus on the positives.”

He might not have to look too far or indeed wait too

long. With roughly half everything Sumo Heavy

Haulage touches destined for other European

countries, they’re in a good position to see export

verses import. He says one of his UK-based

I

MEETING POINT

“

17OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

BU

ZZ

GERMANY

FRANCE

TECHNOLOGY UNITED KINGDOM

OPTIFLEET

DESIGNAWARD

The Renault Trucks T High Edition carried off the German Design Award for 2018. The jury was won over by its trapezoid-shaped cab, its windscreen and radiator grille evoking the π symbol, as well as the equipment designed for on-board comfort. Yet another prize for the Range T!

ONE MILLIONThe British group Pace Logistics Services has taken delivery of the millionth truck manufactured by the Renault Trucks production lines at its Blainville-sur-Orne (Calvados) factory. It is an 18-tonne Renault Trucks D Cab 2.1 m. This is the 31st vehicle to join the Group’s fleet, exclusively made up of Renault Trucks vehicles. The factory, operational since 1957, produces 262 cabs and assembles 76 trucks every day.

FALCONPROJECTThe FALCON (Flexible & Aerodynamic Truck for Low CONsumption) project is working towards developing an entire HGV to operate as a genuine laboratory on wheels. The innovative concepts it incorporates aim to reduce consumption by 13% compared with that of a conventional HGV. With this project, Renault Trucks is continuing its research into improving its vehicles’ energy efficiency.

INNOVATION

OPTIFLEET, THE FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE DEVELOPED BY RENAULT TRUCKS, IS NOW AVAILABLE IN A VERSION FOR SMARTPHONES OR TABLETS. WHEREVER THEY MAY BE, OPERATORS CAN NOW ACCESS INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR FLEET IN REAL TIME.

NE

W A

PP

CHALLENGERENAULT TRUCKS AND ITS PARTNER MKR are once again competing in the Dakar, the 40th

edition of this famous rally. Setting out from Peru, two K 520 vehicles and a Renault Sherpa covered almost 9,000 km in 14 stages to reach Cordoba in Argentina. The three vehicles also took part in the 10th edition of the Morocco Desert Challenge in April, a seven day rally with no “liaison” stages.

ELECTRIC POWER RENAULT TRUCKS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH of a new range of vehicles in 2019. These all-electric trucks, designed to operate in urban and semi-urban environments, will be manufactured at the Blainville-sur-Orne (Calvados) factory.

SWEDENDURING THE VISIT OF EMMANUEL MACRON, President of the French Republic, to Sweden, Renault Trucks’ CEO Bruno Blin, introduced him to the latest products in the T range, as well as the brand’s most recent innovations.

TELEX

BACKSTAGELATEST RENAULT TRUCKS NEWS

Renault Trucks won the low emission driveline prize with its Urban Lab 2 distribution laboratory vehicle at the Solutrans Innovation Trophies. Urban Lab 2 brings together several innovative technologies associated with engine hybridisation, aerodynamics or tyres, designed to reduce vehicles’ fuel consumption.

19OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

CAMBRIDGE

ANNIVERSARY

NINE RANGE C

Cambridge’s leading volumetric supplier, Cardinalis Concrete, has introduced the first Renault Trucks into its line-up, changing three quarters of the fleet to the Range C. Supplied by Renault Trucks dealer, Norfolk Truck and Van on a 2 year full R&M package, the nine Range C460 8x4s come equipped with 9m3 production capacity Reimer ProAll P8525 mobile batch plants.

PROGRAMME

PARTS4URefreshed for 2018, our PARTS4U programme now offers even better discounts on genuine Renault Trucks parts. As well as competitive prices, there are new and exclusive offers every quarter on a wide range of products. Every genuine part fitted by a Renault Trucks dealer comes with a 2 year warranty for additional peace of mind. Don’t miss out, visit your local Renault Trucks dealer or go to parts4u.club to sign up today!

#X-TRACTOR

TOP TENThe first ten Range T High dealer demonstrator vehicles have arrived in the UK. Featuring the striking livery based on a design theme by Daniel Beddoes, winner of Renault Trucks’ #X-Tractor social media competition, each of the ten tractor units has its own unique identity that links it to the Renault Trucks dealer that it will call home. How many have you spotted on the roads?

70 YEARS

THE PROVEN ROBUSTNESS AND RELIABILITY OF RENAULT TRUCKS OPERATING IN ARDUOUS FORESTRY CONDITIONS AND EXCELLENT SERVICE SUPPORT FROM LOCAL DEALER BORDER TRUCKS CARLISLE, HAS SEEN WD & A HALEY ADD THE FIRST TWO RANGE T520 TAG AXLES TO ITS SEVEN-STRONG FLEET. THE NEW T520S HAVE ALREADY BEEN PUT TO THE TEST PULLING 28-29 TONNES OF LOGS FROM LOCAL FORESTRY IN THE REMOTE AND CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT OF BEATTOCK SUMMIT, TO THE NORTH OF LOCKERBIE IN SCOTLAND.

FORESTRY

LOG

S O

NGOOD THIINKINGEXEMPLIFYING RENAULT TRUCKS’ ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN, ‘Rethink what you think you know’, Ipswich-based Freightline Europe UK has transformed its perception of the brand and introduced the first Range Ts into the fleet for its UK refrigerated transport drops. The four Range T 480 6x2 tractor units are fitted with eye-catching light bars, spot lights and colour coded light blue bumper, steps, grab handle and visor.

GET THE APP RENAULT TRUCKS’ TURNKEY FLEET MANAGEMENT TOOL, Optifleet, is now available as an app for iOS and Android mobile devices. This addition to Renault Trucks’ telematics suite, available at no extra cost to existing Optifleet customers, offers a simplified interface for smaller screens and underlines the manufacturer’s commitment to improve connectivity, fuel efficiency and productivity for operators.

TELEX

BRS is proud to be celebrating 70 years of successfully meeting and exceeding customer requirements in contract hire and truck rental transport solutions. It was originally formed in 1948 as part of the post war nationalisation programme to oversee railways, canals and road freight transport, under the control of the British Transport Federation. Later, road haulage networks were reorganised as British Road Services, and the rest is history!

BU

ZZ

20 OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING CONTRACTS: EFFICIENT AND FLEXIBLE

n order to offer maximum vehicle

availability, Renault Trucks has

designed its Start & Drive

contracts to programme their

servicing with original spare parts,

plan and control operating costs

and deal with unforeseen incidents

with total peace of mind. These

contracts’ versatility, covering an

adjustable period from 2 to 7 years and

up to 250,000 km a year, enable each

customer to define a customised

solution with options geared to every

need. At any time, options, mileage

and length of time can be adjusted to

keep pace with the company’s actual

activity. Start & Drive contracts are

honoured throughout the 1,600

Renault Trucks service stations in

France and the rest of Europe.

START & DRIVE SECURE

This covers the vehicle’s repairability

beyond the guarantee period,

reassuring the customer with annual

checks to examine wear, sealing

and general condition. It also ensures

that all functions are delivering optimal

performance from the driveline

to the cab.

START & DRIVE REFERENCE

This contract covers all Renault Trucks

preventive maintenance operations:

oil change, filter replacement,

particulate filter cartridge replacement,

belt and tensioner replacement,

valve lash and injector adjustment, etc.

Connected vehicles adapt

and optimise maintenance plans

according to their actual mileage and

consumption situation.

START & DRIVE PERFORMANCE

This comprises all the Reference

and Secure contracts, covering both

the vehicle’s entire preventive

maintenance and repairability.

It guarantees the optimal functioning

of the vehicle’s driveline units, with

commitments in terms of mobility

and costs (engine, gearbox and axle).

START & DRIVE EXCELLENCE

This is the most comprehensive

contract on the market and the one

most highly praised by Renault Trucks’

customers.

It includes all the operations covered

by the Start & Drive contract and

includes replacement of all parts

subject to wear (brakes, clutch,

batteries) as well as all the main options

such as towing.

The purpose of Start & Drive contracts is to guarantee vehicles’ maximum availability over time.

These contracts are designed to provide peace of mind on an everyday basis.SO

LUTI

ON

I

• PROFITABILITY

Optimal costs, increased vehicle

availability and optimal condition

maintained to ensure greater value

when finally re-sold.

•EFFICIENCY

With the Start & Drive

member card, customers are

recognised at any Renault Trucks

service station.

• PEACE OF MIND

Personalised preventive

maintenance operation

planning adjusted

to your actual mileage.

22 OPTIMUM MAGAZINE _ The Renault Trucks Magazine