Renault makes artic disc debut
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• This week's Paris truck show marked the debut of disc brakes on 38-tonne tractive units, when Renault launched its new top-of-the-range premiumweight R420 with a disc-braked front axle.
Disc brakes are not a new feature on Renaults. As long ago as 1974 they were fitted to two and three-axle military vehicles, and they have since been specified for the Midliner and some PSVs.
The brakes mounted on the R420 are 414nun-diameter ventilated discs and feature floating-caliper pneumatic operation with automatic brake wear adjustment.
The 4x2 tractor unit is powered by Renault's chargecooled MIVR 08.35.30 veeeight engine delivering 315kW (422hp) at 2,100rprn and 1,619Nm (1,194Ibft) at 1,25Orpm.
New front and rear axles on the R420 reduce unladen weight by 161kg.
Pad life is said to be in line with that of the rear linings, but the pads will be easier to replace. Overall performance is more efficient, giving equallybalanced braking across the axle. Heat dissipation is more rapid and discs are less susceptible to contamination from mud and water.
The R420 can be supplied with an ABS anti-locking system. As yet Renault has no plans to bring the new model into the UK, but its lowerpowered stablemate — the 267kW (359hp) R365 — will be launched in Britain at next month's motor show.
El After proving it could finally make a profit last year, RVI predicts a 1988 profit of a billion French Francs (t100 million). RVI has also improved its European market share to 13%.
Chairman and chief executive Philipe Gras told Commercial Motor this week: "Truck operations have made a significant contribution to profits, with a spectacular jump of 20% in overall productivity. During the first half of this year all of RVI European interests were operating in the black RVI's UK profit margins are described as at zero level — but this is a great improvement.
"Overall market share is down, partly due to its success in 1987 in the de-regulated bus market and low spending on the municipal market. The group as a whole retained significant margins for future progress, large enough to face a big drop in general demand."
Over the next five years the company plans to allocate 12 billion French Francs (21.2 billion) on research and development, increasing the share from the profits spent on R&D from 10% to 30%.