The UK arm of Europe’s ‘One-stop-shop’ for truck operators’ trailer needs has reaffirmed its confidence in the Renault Master with the addition of 17 specially-equipped Panel Van versions to its mobile maintenance fleet.
TIP Trailer Services’ UK & Ireland operation now has 58 Renault Masters on its mobile maintenance fleet, the versatile LCV being used by its technicians to carry out work on customers’ trailers either at their premises or on the road.
The latest Masters will enable TIP’s certified technicians to provide an extensive array of services to its nationwide customer base, including pre-MOT inspections, tyre servicing, diagnostic checks, preventative maintenance and the rectification of common trailer faults.
Ordered in long wheelbase, high-roof (LH35) specification, TIP’s latest Renault Masters replace a number of older vehicles but also extend the business’ mobile maintenance fleet in response to recent contract wins. All of the Masters are powered by the popular dCi 125 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 125 hp and delivers a highly usable blend of performance and efficiency.
The Master’s generous payload of up to 1,490 kg was a key factor in TIP’s purchasing decision. Unlike it has experienced with rival vehicles, TIP has found the Master to comfortably accommodate the equipment and spares its technicians require to keep customers’ trailers moving without breaching the legal weight limit. In addition to an on-board generator, compressor and trailer check diagnostic equipment, each of TIP’s Masters carries an extensive array of commonly-required trailer repair parts that include actuators, lamps, lenses and fixings.
TIP’s decision to once again invest in Renault’s largest, factory produced LCV was also based on the vehicle’s excellent drive and the reliability record of its previous Masters.
Ordered in Business Specification, the Renault Master offers TIP’s operatives such standard features as a DAB radio with Bluetooth, electric front windows, remote central locking, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with HSA (Hill Start Assist) and Grip Xtend; which over loose surfaces such as gravel, light snow and mud, allows one wheel to spin to help aid traction.
Fitted out to TIP’s bespoke specification by Bott Ltd, TIP’s latest Masters benefit from the four-year/100,000-mile warranty and roadside assistance package that comes as standard with all Renault LCVs. As with the rest of the company’s existing Masters, TIP’s new LCVs will be fully maintained by Renault dealerships.
Roy Thomas, Maintenance Leader, UK & Ireland, TIP Trailer Services, said: “The Renault Master is perfect for our needs. We have considered rival vehicles, but nothing comes close – other vans just cannot accommodate all the kit that our mobile technicians need to do the job.
“We work our Masters hard both in terms of mileage and what they carry, and they have always performed exceptionally well. They have proved to be efficient and the drive of this latest model is particularly impressive. The level of standard equipment is another plus and with our technicians constantly on the road, the Bluetooth connectivity allows them to easily keep in touch with both the customer and head office while on the move.”
Thomas continued: “Based on our experiences of the Renault Master and in line with our growth predictions, I expect we will certainly be ordering more in the future.”
Nick Tame, Sales Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “TIP’s continued confidence in the Renault Master is a great indication of the versatility and quality that Renault’s best-selling LCV range offers and how as a brand we strive to provide our customers with a range of vehicles that are perfect for their specific requirements, no matter how exacting and complex their needs may be.”
The Renault Master range is available from £21,420 ex. VAT. Customers can choose from five different engines, front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive; and many bodystyles, including Panel Van, Crew Van and Passenger.
The Renault Master is a core vehicle in the LCV product offering from the manufacturer’s specialised Renault Pro+ brand, which comprises of a vehicle range, services and a network dedicated to business customers. The performance of the Renault Pro+ operation has recently contributed to Renault winning the Most Improved Manufacturer at the 2016 Fleet World Awards. As part of its commitment to business customers and in line with the ever-increasing demand for its LCV vehicles, the amount of Renault Pro+ specialist dealerships in the UK will double by the start of 2017 to nearly 80.
All Renault LCV vehicles come with the reassurance of the Renault Business Quality Commitment – the manufacturer’s 13-point plan that guarantees customers will receive a class-leading service. Designed to keep customers moving no matter what and deliver hassle-free business motoring, the plan covers everything from an impressive warranty and transparent pricing to the availability of courtesy vehicles and a dedicated customer hotline.
Renault van sales in the UK grew by over 20 per cent to 13,435 vehicles in the first half of 2016, significantly outpacing the van market that grew by 2.5 per cent, according to official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. LCV market share for the first half of 2016 stood at 7 per cent – up 1 percentage point on the same period in 2015.
Renault’s growth in the van market builds upon a record year for LCV sales in the UK last year, with sales up 40 per cent on 2014 to 25,458 units, and also the manufacturer being the best-selling LCV brand in Europe for the 18th consecutive year.
