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Are we seeing the last of the giant car and CV shows? At this year's Paris show, the only heavy truck makers were Renault, Scania and Tatra ...
• Renault launched its Maxter range of multi-wheelers at Paris as well as announcing other changes across the range. The AR, which officially became the Magnum at the show, gets significant changes two years into its life.
The 375kW (503hp) Mack vee-eight gets a power hike to 390kW (523hp) at 2,000rpm, with a thumping 2,250Nm of torque available between 1,000-1,600rpm. Equipped with a Bosch P7 100R injection pump, six-hole injectors, re-designed cooling and fuel systems, the mighty Mack diesel also satisfies Euro-1 emissions requirements. The new model is curiously badged AE 520ti.
The lower-powered Magnum AE 385ti is joined by an uprated version tagged AE 420ti. Modifications to the 12-litre ACE engine include high-pressure fuel injection from the Bosch P7 100 injection pump, redesigned pistons to give a higher compression ratio, five-hole injectors, revised fuel pump timing and new camshaft and turbocharger. The engine produces 305kW (409hp) at 2,000rpm and 1,980Nm (1,4601bft) of torque at 1,200rpm. It also satisfies Euro 1.
To cope with the increased torque from the Mack engine, the B18 gearbox has been uprated, while the AE 420ti gets the AE 500's B18 gearbox. Brakes have also been uprated on the Magnum AE 420 and 520 models, with larger diameter front discs and wider rear drums. An ASR anti-skid system becomes standard, replacing the diff-lock, which remains on the options list. Other changes to the Magnum include standard 'airtronic' suspension on 4x2 tractors, a standardised 4.12m wheelbase and a 'dropped' tractor specification on AE 385 and 420 models. This features a 0.97m (unladen) fifth wheel height helped by new Michelin 295/60 R 22.5 tyres.
Joining the electric blue Magnums on the stand were the shining metallic green Major R 420ti which shares the AE 420ti's driveline. Two new Euro-1 Midliner models also made their debut. The 180 Midliners are powered by a revised MIDR 06.02.26 engine, producing 122kW (163hp) at 2,500rpm and 575Nm (4241bft) at 1,400rpm. The new power rating is due to a modified fuel system and re-designed combustion chambers.
MIDLINER
The M 230-13C Midliner offers a reduced loading height, thanks to 285/70R tyres, replacing 22.5in wheels and tyres. The 'C' chassis also cuts kerbweight by over 400kg.
Scania's line-up included the MK 6x4/8x4 bonnetted construction chassis that launches its two-spring back bogie into Europe with new gearbox options. These include new engine-driven PT-Os that mount at 12 o'clock on the clutch housing, for concrete mixer chassis, or at 5 o'clock for other uses.
French manufacturers also dominated the light CV stands. Renault had a full line-up, including the 'stretched' Extra (Express in France) with a crew cab. Another Extra variant was the Electrique, with batteries taking up a small part of the load area. The full-width battery box is placed behind the seats, supplying power to the 21kW electric motor. The range was quoted at 90km or 120km at a constant 60km/h. Maximum speed is 80km/h (50mph).
One Renault Extra pickup featured a neat mini-skip system from Jocquin of Gamaches. Made of aluminium and fitted with drop sides, the 1.6m3 unit simply bolts to the floor and can carry up to 550kg of waste. It is powered by Smith's electro-hydraulics and operates via a single extending ram. It adds around 34,200Ff (E4,600) to the chassis.
Another urban cleanser came from Bar 0 Clean of Vendeuvre which had a prototype Renault P1400D-mounted 1,000-litre Somac .vacuum/pressure tanker on display. The company, which manufactures its own gearboxes, is building larger versions on Renault B80/120 chassis. It also specialises in converting from left to right-hand-drive for UK markets and recently sold 20 of the larger units to a UK municipal authority.
Peugeot displayed a 106 van which is expected in the UK, but without the rear side windows. The stand included several Peugeot-Talbot J5 (Express) vans with a wide choice of bodies. Most unusual was a mobile commentary box, built for the Hippodrome d'Enghien. It featured four side-facing seats and a single-piece side window with windscreen wipers.
VW was well represented, with the Transporter and Caravelle models forming the centre of the display. Variants have been slow to reach the UK, but the stand included a high-roof LWB model. The fibreglass topped van had snug-fitting steel full-height rear doors.
A shelf over the cab made full use of the extra space there. Driver and passengers are protected by a full-height steel bulkhead with a central gap for access to the load area.
Japanese manufacturers are not exactly welcomed with open arms in France, but were at the show in force in the light CV and 4x4 halls. Mazda's stand included a 4x4 'E' series mini-bus. Nissan's S-Cargo might not be new but Japan's second largest manufacturer showed it had a sense of humour: the cheeky S-Cargo, a Nissan design project, was on show surrounded by plastic sunflowers.
Land Rover displayed its full range of off-roaders including a new electronically-controlled air suspension system for its luxury Range Rovers.