Renault's future drive
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• Renault's managing director, Lot Caperan, has outlined some of his plans for the company's light CV range, which include greater fleet sales, more supplies of vehicles from France, Renault van centres, and the possibility of new enpjnes and gearboxes for the Trafic and Master.
Renault is spending around .£70 million on upgrading its dealer network, and over 65 van centres are already operating in the UK. A further 17 centres are planned for 1989, some of which will be capable of servicing vans 24 hours a day to suit fleet customers.
Caperan feels that the service side is more important than "just discounting", and to this end he will launch a 24hour parts delivery service to match the capability of some of his dealerships.
Discussing the increased supplies that Renault UK has received since he has been managing director, Caperan says Renault will receive over 20,000 Trafics, Masters, Extras, and 5s next year.
Although Renault's panel vans had a great lead against the opposition when they were launched, that lead has slowly been whittled away, and many operators feel that the Trafic and Master need new engines soon. Caperan feels it is too early to talk about improvements, but the two vans will be upgraded to match the opposition".
Although he was reticent about model improvements, Caperan did point to the passenger car drivelines when discussing driveline improvements to the van range. He also mentioned that any improvements would probably be seen on Trafic next year.