enoult van for '81
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RENAULT Truck and Bus will definitely be bringing a panel van into the UK in 1981. This was confirmed by the company's managing director, Guy Caunegre at a press conference to launch the non-hgv JK75 rigid. (CM June 29).
It was also confirmed that the Renault name, rather than the separate Saviem/Berliet, will be used on vehicles imported to the UK after the Frankfurt show.
The first vehicle to bear the name will be the new 16tanner but the name will be applied to all vehicles including the JK75, and will be used in Italy and Germany too.
So far 31 JK75s have been delivered to British dealers, and this will be increased to 100 by the end of July. By the end of the year, Renault expects to have imported a total of 200, and the launch was purposely delayed so that stocks could be built up, Renault believes that the high specification of the JK75 is acceptable on the UK market where operators are seeking higher standards.
For the panel van, which is to be designated the 'F' range, a special, purpose-built factory has been constructed in Eas tern France.
At first it is likely that 3.5 tonne units will come to the UK, although Renault could very well bring in vehicles as small as 2.8 tonne, or as large as 6.5 tonne.
It will, says Renault, depend on market requirements as to which models are sold, but overall the company expects to sell around 1500 per annum.