Robot shifts for Renault LCVs
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Renault has developed a robotised gearbox that could revolutionise the way light commercial vehicles are driven. The BVR (boite de vitesses robotisee) is a two-pedal system which, like ZF's semi-automatic AS-Ironic, has sequential changes but can be converted to fully automatic at the touch of a button. Renault claims a 10% fuel saving in automatic mode, compared with a conventional manual gearbox. In the prototype a stick is used to change gear in manual mode—the production model, due out next year, will feature an F1 -style steering column paddle. The company says the BVR will cost less than its current fully automatic box. No decision has yet been made on which models will get BVR, but the recently launched Kangoo and Master vans would seem to be likely candidates.