Renault launches new integrals
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RENAULT Vehicules Industrials is set to regain ground lost to West German coach manufacturers in its home market with a new range of sophisticated integral coaches called FR1, and it may be sold in Britain, writes NOEL MILLIER.
The French manufacturer has invested over FFr 2 0 0 m (£167,000) in its production plant at Annonay in South-East France to make the FR1 one of the most advanced and sophisticated luxury coaches produced in Europe.
The body and structure is formed from a tubular framework and spot-welded steel pressings, which enable the coach to be assembled without the need for trim mouldings, panel joints, beading and waist level mouldings.
The FR1 has been launched inh)ally in touring and longdist. nce versions for the French and uropean market. It is offerer.' with a choice of Renault MIDR 210kW (285bhp) or Mack E6 2 5 OkW (3 4 0 bhp) rearmounted turbocharged engines.
Renault eight-speed manual or ZF HP 500 automatic gearboxes are available. The coach has full air suspension, independent at the front, and comes with front disc brakes as standard.
FR1 is available in 11.4 or 12m long versions. First prototypes and production models are 3.17m high although a high floor 3.61m version is to follow.
The FR1 has a design life of 15 years. Its body has steel pressings, stretched steel sidepanels, and luggage flaps made from aircraft-style aluminium skinned honeycomb material. It has bonded-in windows and double-glazing is an option.
Body features include a thermostatic computer-controlled heating and ventilating system and aircraft-style interior trim plus a new car-style treatment to the instrument panel.
A range of 114 different interior trim combinations is offered, including 30 different ways of covering two different types of passenger seats.
The new production techniques have been designed to allow for the manufacture of both left and right-hand drive versions as well as an underframe for bodying by independent bodybuilders. The modernised Annonay production plant is claimed to be the first in the world with facilities to immerse the body structure completely in an electric rust-proofing process.
The first right-hand drive Renault FR1 is expected to be exhibited at the next NEC Motor Show and the manufacturer is known to be seriously considering an entry into the British market.
Parts and service back-up for Renault coaches will be available from the Renault-owned Karrier Motors network.