Renault denies van link-up
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• Renault has strongly denied that it is talking specifically to Volkswagen and General Motors about a co-operation deal for the replacement of its Trafic and Master vans.
The story recently appeared in the French press, and it follows speculation that Renault might co-operate with Freight Rover on light commercial vehicle developments.
After some heavy losses in the past four years, the French company is expected to make a profit this year. This follows major jobs cut, restructuring, and the French government writing off some of the company's debts.
The amount of speculation surrounding the replacement for the seven-year-old Trafic and Master vans would seem to indicate that the company is casting about for a possible partner to share the development costs.
Its only comment about this speculation is: "Everybody in Europe is talking about a way to reduce the cost of some investment on engines, gearboxes, and bodyshells."