Renault launches the All-New Alaskan, to be built in three facilities the brand is expecting huge sales for this car.

Renault introduces its first global one-tonne pick-up: Alaskan Renault takes the wraps off Alaskan, a one-tonne pick-up that takes a completely fresh approach to the pick-up segment, including a stunning look that incorporates an imposing front-end. 

Both robust and comfortable, Alaskan delivers exceptional driving comfort enhanced with a cutting edge five-link rear suspension and a tough, fully boxed frame. Alaskan is a powerful, ingeniously designed vehicle that combines outstanding off-road ability and best-in-class fuel economy with the Renault 2.3-litre dCi engine under the bonnet. 

In addition to meeting the needs of professional customers, it is the perfect companion for leisure use and everyday motoring. Moreover, thanks to its Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) expertise, Renault provides a wide range of services, conversions and accessories to fulfil the broad diversity of customers’ needs. Following the launch in Latin America last year of the Duster Oroch, a segment-breaking half-tonne pickup, Renault has global ambitions for Alaskan in the pick-up market. 

This market accounts for five million units worldwide annually: more than one-third of the world’s LCV sales. Building on its position as Europe’s number one LCV brand for 18 years, as well as on its strong footings in South-America and Africa, Groupe Renault is shifting up a gear with Alaskan which will be manufactured in three industrial sites. 

Alaskan launches in the strong pick-up markets of Latin America where Renault is a long-time player. It will initially go on sale in Colombia. “This stunning pick-up will fulfil the needs of professional users and individual customers across the world. With Alaskan, we are on track to take Renault’s LCV range forward from being a top regional player to a top global player.” 

Ashwani Gupta - VP, Global Head of Light Commercial Vehicles Business

Alaskan, a stunning pick-up Following the launch of the half-tonne Duster Oroch pick-up in 2015, Renault now takes the wraps off Alaskan, a one-tonne pick-up with a stunning design. Robust yet comfortable, Alaskan is a powerful, ingeniously thought-through vehicle. 

Developed in France, Japan and Latin America, Alaskan is a genuinely global product capable of covering the broad diversity of customer needs across the world. 

The comprehensive list of available body types extends from single cab to double cab and chassis cab versions, with a short or long bed, and with wide and narrow bodies. Renault also provides a wide range of services, tailor-made conversions and accessories to fulfil all customer needs. 

A remarkable design The name Alaskan was inspired by the Aleut word “Alaska” which means “Great Land”. It conjures up wild, rugged landscapes and is an open invitation to indulge in the desire for adventure. Alaskan’s status-enhancing look fits perfectly with the aesthetic demands of the segment’s customers whilst expressing Renault brand’s identity. 

The vehicle’s statuesque lines incorporate Renault design cues that bring a modern, pleasing visual touch to the world of pick-ups. Forceful front-end styling 

 Renault’s new brand identity is expressed by the Alaskan’s large chrome grill, a gloss black trim and a chrome riser bar between the grill and the bumper. 

 The muscular lines of the bonnet heighten the impression of strength. 

 A proud and prominent logo. Distinctive, eye-catching C-shaped full-LED lighting signature 

 Full-LED daytime running lights with C-shape signature. 

 Headlights and fog-lights exude an inner strength. Bold sculpted wheel arches and sleek, athletic lines 

 The dimensions of the assertive, imposing Alaskan ensure a forceful stance. 

 The design of its robust yet athletic sculpted sides includes prominent wheel arches to accommodate 16- or 18-inch diamond-effect alloy wheels. 

 Alaskan’s lines blend a sense of high-tech engineering and imply its robustness.

“The Alaskan’s imposing front-end design and the muscular lines suggest power and strength. Alaskan brings a breath of fresh air to the pick-up world and enhances the customer experience irrespective of whether it is used for business or leisure.” 

Laurens van den Acker - SVP, Corporate Design

Robust and comfortable Cutting edge five-link rear suspension for improved driving comfort 

 This new five-link rear suspension provides excellent road handling and premium comfort for all passengers on board without any compromise to off-road capability or toughness. 

 Ride comfort is improved over more conventional rear leaf spring suspension due to less friction, whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Alaskan’s five-link configuration also reduces noise and vibration more effectively. 

 It is available for the double cab version of Alaskan. Tough, fully boxed frame 

 Strong chassis capable of over one tonne payload is key in the segment 

 Alaskan’s fully-boxed frame from the Renault-Nissan Alliance is ideally suited to the needs of the customers as well as for workhorse, off-road and leisure uses, 

 Enhanced rigidity for a better handling performance and safety thanks to the use of durable materials, 

 Generous ground clearance of 230mm, 

 A best-in-class towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, 

 Chassis with smart design improving off-road capabilities (departure, approach and ramp over angles). 

 Durable materials 

 Strong bed protection: UV resistant, water repellent and anti-slip finish, 

 Strong chassis: anti-corrosion treatment and high-strength steel. 

 Versatile, practical bed 

 Heavy-duty bed, short or long depending on markets, 

 C-channels and four quick-fit hooks to secure all types of loads quickly and safely, 

 Bed-mounted 12V power supply. Comfortable and spacious interior 

 Cabin space: second-row for passengers provides the comfort associated with passenger cars (knee room: 589mm / torso angle: 23 degrees). 

 Adjustable, high-comfort seats for less fatigue on long journeys: 

 Four-, six- or eight-way power or manual adjustability,  Seats with lumbar support for an even distribution of body weight. 

 Heated front seats 

 Automatic air conditioning with dual-zone climate control, and adjustable vents for rear passengers offers enhanced travelling comfort. 

 Intuitive storage spaces throughout the cab, including a central console tray, doors bins, bottle holders and under-seat storage.

Powerful and ingenious Best-in-segment fuel consumption with Renault 2.3-litre dCi engine 

 Alaskan is powered by Renault’s fully-proven four-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel engine which also is featured in the Renault Master range: 

 160hp and 190hp versions, 

 Outstanding acceleration, plus fuel consumption and CO2 emissions amongst the very lowest in Alaskan’s class, 

 Twin-turbo technology: a small turbo for smooth acceleration at low engine speeds, plus a bigger turbo for performance at higher revs, 

 Engine available depending on markets. 

 Two other powertrains are available (depending on markets): 2.5-litre petrol engine (160hp) and 2.5- litre diesel engine (160hp and 190hp). 

 Choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automatic transmission, plus two or four-wheel drive. Excellent off-road capability 

 Drive modes: 2WD (Rear Wheel Drive) / 4WD 

 Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) with 4WD delivers a safer, more surefooted drive. 

This advanced system uses braking sensors that constantly monitor wheel speed. Whenever the system detects that one of the axle’s two wheels is rotating faster than the other, the brakes are briefly applied to slow the faster wheel for improved traction, greater cornering stability and a safer feel. 

 Rear-locking differential: mechanical lock of rear differential for difficult situations. 

 Vehicle control aids: assistance during hazardous maneuvers, enhanced driving comfort and safety: 

 Hill Start Assist (HSA): briefly applies the brakes to prevent the vehicle from moving backwards when pulling away on slopes, 

 Hill Descent Control (HDC): when traveling down a slope, HDC controls the brakes to prevent the vehicle from going at speed. 

 Plus: Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP). User friendly on-board features and smart technology 

 Renault keyless entry with push start button. 

 A five-inch 3D TFT colour display for swift, easy access to vehicle data. 

 Practical audio systems and connectivity: smartphone compatible, hands-free telephony, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, CD player, AM/FM radio, four or six loudspeakers, steering wheel mounted fingertip remote controls. 

 Connected 7-inch touchscreen navigation (available in certain countries). 

 360° visibility with four cameras (front bumper, door mirrors and tailgate) which allows 360° view of the car and check slow-speed manoeuvring on-road or off-road to avoid obstacles (available in certain countries). 

6 A wide range of services, conversions and accessories Dedicated services for professionals 

 The specialised Renault Pro+ network meets the specific needs of professionals. An Alaskan customer using his or her vehicle for business will benefit from this service. 

 This network includes: 

 Dedicated, specially-trained advisers for LCV sales and after-sales, 

 Simplified choice: LCV range and conversions on display, test drives without appointment, a quick and clear commercial offer, 

 Solutions to stay on the move: maintenance without an appointment, extended opening hours, replacement vehicles. 

 The global specialist Renault Pro+ network will include around 700 Renault Pro+ centres in 41 countries at the end of 2016. 

In Latin America: 65 in Brazil, 18 in Argentina, 9 in Colombia and 3 in Chile at the end of 2016. Tailor-made conversions 

 In partnership with our network of approved converters, a wide range of conversions is available to bring our professional customers all the solutions necessary for their activity: ambulance, tow truck, maintenance vehicle, cherry picker, tipper, etc. 

 The personalisation of the vehicle is also possible, with special options being available at the plants. 

 Our approved converters can rely on the Renault Conversion website to consult the technical information and drawings, and ask questions. 

 Renault was the first car maker to set up an approval process for converters. That serves reactivity, optimises the partnership and makes the quality of services progress. 

 The Conversion and Quality departments follow the worldwide converters network making regular missions, in order to select new converters or renew contracts. 

 Renault develops the Conversions Business overseas by identifying preferential converters for international tenders. Accessories for personalisation 

 Dedicated range to facilitate loading and unloading: sliding tray, metal step, bed divider, etc. 

 Dedicated offer to protect the bed and therefore secure the loading: bedliner, c-channel and sliding hooks, toolbox, etc. 

 Personalisation will also be possible with styling accessories which pick-up owners will find popular. 

02 Alaskan, a global endeavour Renault has been Europe’s number one Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) brand for the past 18 years. In addition to its strong position in the Latin-American and African markets, Renault is on track to shift up a gear to take Renault LCV from being a top regional player to a top global player. LCVs are a major strategic market, with 15 million sold in 2015. Pick-ups account for more than one-third of total LCV sales, representing five million units worldwide. 

The launch of Alaskan sees Renault enter the pick-up market with global intentions, beginning in the strong pick-up markets of Latin America where Renault is a longtime player. Sales will begin in Colombia. Renault enters the pick-up market The pick-up market accounts for more than five million vehicles globally. 

The growth of the global LCV market can be attributed primarily to the expanding pick-up market, which comprises three classes: 

 Half-tonne pick-ups: 3% of the global market, with a growth projection of 35% between 2014 and 2019.

  One-tonne pick-ups: 17% of the global market, with a growth projection of 19% between 2014 and 2019. 

 Full-size pick-ups: 18% of the global market (90% in the US and Canada). Renault’s pick-up market offensive 

 Duster Oroch Concept, unveiled in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in October 2014: a half-tonne show truck

 Duster Oroch, unveiled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in June 2015: a half-tonne pick-up for Latin America, produced in Curitiba, Brazil.

 Renault Alaskan Concept, unveiled in Paris, France, in September 2015: a one-tonne show truck. © Cédric Viollet 

 Renault Alaskan, unveiled in Medellin, Colombia, in June 2016: a one-tonne pick-up, with global intentions. Alaskan is produced in Cuernavaca, Mexico. It will also be manufactured in Barcelona, Spain, and in Cordoba, Argentina.

Global LCV strategy offensive 

 Groupe Renault delivered a strong year in the LCV market in 2015, with sales reaching 387,000 units, an increase of 12.4% in spite of a 6.3% dip in the total market (North America excluded). At the end of May 2016, worldwide LCV sales account for 167,000 units: +15% vs end-May 2015, in a decreasing market (-4%). 

 A multi-faceted offensive: products, markets and partnerships. 

 A renewed LCV Range: new Trafic and new Master in 2014, new Kangoo mid-2013, 

 Renault is the first brand to market an all-electric LCV offer: Kangoo Z.E., number one in Europe, and Twizy Cargo, the LCV version of Twizy, 

 Renault has formed partnerships with several carmakers: Nissan, Renault Trucks, GM, Daimler and, most recently, Fiat.

Latin America, a strong pick-up market A strong, growing pick-up market in Latin America  One million LCVs were sold in Latin America in 2015 (17.4% of the market). 

 Renault volumes in the LCV market has almost tripled in the last 10 years in the region (14,200 in 2005 and 38,400 in 2015, with 5.1% of market share in 2015). 

 The one-tonne pick-up sub-segment represents 45% of the LCV market and is expected to grow by 15% in the next 3 years. Renault is a long-time player in Latin America 

 Americas is a major region for Groupe Renault: 

 Americas: 355,151 registrations in 2015 (market share: 6.3%), 

 Brazil is Groupe Renault’s number two market: 181,504 units (market share: 7.3%), 

 Argentina: 79,383 units (market share: 12.7%), 

 Colombia: 49,331 units (market share 18.6%, up two points). 

 Four manufacturing sites in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile: 

 Brazil (Curitiba) facilities - opened in 1998, includes a passenger car plant (bodywork and assembly), an engine plant, and an LCV plant. 

The main vehicles built on the two production lines are Logan, Sandero, Duster, Duster Oroch and Master. The plant will also produce Kwid, a brand new A-segment model, 

 Argentina (Cordoba) facilities - opened in 1955, produces Clio II, Kangoo and Fluence. It will soon produce the new Renault Logan and Renault Sandero and will produce Alaskan in 2018, 

 Colombia (Envigado, Medellin) facilities - opened in 1969, produces Clio II, New Logan, New Sandero and Sandero Stepway, and Duster, 

 Chile (Los Andes) facilities - opened in 1969, manufactured 297,000 gearboxes in 2015.  A network of almost 900 dealerships. 

 An engineering centre (Renault Technology Americas) in Curitiba, Brazil, and a design centre (Renault Design Latin America) in Sao Paulo, Brazil. “Following the successful launch of Duster Oroch, we are thrilled to introduce Alaskan in the growing, buoyant pick-up markets of Latin America where Renault is a long-time player.” Olivier Murguet - SVP, Chairman of Americas region

Sales to begin in Colombia Duster Oroch and Renault Alaskan: two Renault pick-ups in Colombia 

 The Colombian pick-up market represented 12,300 units in 2015. 

 Half-tonne pick-up sub-segment: 880 units, 

 One-tonne pick-up sub-segment: 11,400 units. 

 Launched in March 2016, Duster Oroch is the best-selling LCV in Colombia in May 2016, ranking second in the global pick-up segment in May 2016. 

 Alaskan will be launched soon in Colombia and will significantly extend coverage of the pick-up market.

The first official pictures of the MULE to test the new Rolls Royce SUV.

In its open letter on 18 February this year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars gave an undertaking to inform stakeholders of the progress of Project Cullinan. Keeping this promise, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today published photographs depicting the first key milestone in the vehicle’s development programme. The photographs are of the first engineering mule, which will be seen on public roads this week.

This early engineering mule, based on a shortened Phantom Series II body, has been created purely to begin the development of an all-wheel drive suspension system that will deliver a ride that will be Effortless … Everywhere. 

The body may hint at the size of the new car, but it features no design aspects of the eventual high-sided, all-terrain motor car announced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in February this year.

The mule rides on the first iteration of an all-new suspension that will assist Rolls-Royce engineers in developing a final all-wheel drive system that delivers Rolls-Royce’s hallmark “magic-carpet” ride not only on the road, but off-road too.

The first series of tests will focus on Project Cullinan’s on-road behaviour from suspension throw to high-bodied stability, and will test the new suspension across all types of international road surface specification at test facilities, as well as on public roads. Test surfaces will include; Belgian Pavé, cobblestones, corrugated concrete, noise development and measurement surfaces, resonance road, and acceleration bumps.

Project Cullinan engineering mules will spend equal amounts of time testing on-road and off-road to ensure that the customer will experience the same unrivalled ride quality on loose surfaces and challenging terrain as they do on the road today.

TMW REVIEW - 2015 Range Rover Evoque Dynamic SD4.

With a range of cars that were not that exciting, Land Rover were in need of something that would both wow the buyer and bring in some much needed funds, the Discovery 3/4 was aging, the Freelander 2 was well past its sell by date, the Defender was creaking along to a well deserved pension, and the Daddy Range Rover was a limited proposition for the buyer due to its rather large price tag, which left the Range Rover Sport.

The Sport was undoubtable a great car, and was giving JLR some serious street cred, and income, but they needed something more, or in this case, less, and the car that came was the Evoque, in three and five door models, with front and four wheel drive, it was heavily based on the underpinnings of the Freelander 2, giving this all new (ish) car cost advantages, but with a look that made the world go mad for the car.

When the car was launched at the July 2011 the sales just flowed and flowed, and even today nearly four years later, they are still struggling to keep up with demand, the model has also become the most successful in Land Rover history with nearly 400,000 units sold up to the end of 2014,  and with the introduction of the 2016 models, and a just announced convertible version, as well as an overdue extended wheelbase version, the sales will continue to grow.

Which brings us to the model tested here, the Range Rover Evoque SD4, five door, four wheel drive, a car that has a presence about it, no matter what colour combination, at first look, you are struck by the sharp incline of the windows, which draws your eyes to teh back of the car and a very thin rear window, which to be honest is as much use as having a letter box, and that rear wiper is so small, that it would work equally as well on a pair of glasses.

The over sized wheels are as much a part of the Evoque as the thin light signatures front and rear, they are all part of what makes this car different, and why so many have taken it to their hearts, minds and driveways, but is really any good ?

Being registered disabled, the access is a very important thing for me, and the car wins this hands down, you can just sit on the seat, and fall into and out of the car without any effort at all, and the raised ride height helps to give a decent view around the front and sides of the car, rear view is hopeless, as was trying to look out the rear three quarter window.

The pillars are so thick that getting any view from that angle is virtually impossible, making reversing out at an angle quite tricky, even with the reversing camera showing you the way, the keyless start and press button action is simple enough and the rising of the gear knob, which started life in the Jaguar XF, gives the car a little sense of theatre.

The engine fires into life with a silence that belies its price point, and once you place the car into drive, the near seamless gear changes again showcase the quality of the car,  my only issues with the gearbox are that there is so many gears, nine forward, that in reasonable traffic the gearbox is up and down like a yoyo, and that can't be too good for the car, can it ?

The ease of driving this car is a great plus point, and if you are, in anyway, in need of a car that would be ideal for someone with special requirements, the Evoque is one that can fulfill a number of those requirements, however, its not all good news, as with all cars there are positive points and negative, but will the negative ones outweigh the positive.

The fuel consumption of the SD4 Dynamic was far far FAR less than the quoted mpg on the LR website, the numbers quoted are 39.2/53.3/47.1 our test on reasonable roads with a decent test drive attained a figure closer to 30mpg overall rather than the 53.3 that Land Rover would have you believe, but we all know that the manufacturer figures are a touch on the generous side.

As with ALL Land Rover products it has unrivalled off road ability, this test did not include any off road driving, however on a recent visit to Solihull, we did take an Evoque on the huge Land Rover Off-Road facility and like all the other cars it just did everything that we asked of it,  and more, and it enjoyed it too.

Getting into the back of the Evoque is not an experience anyone would enjoy over the age of 12, it can be, and it definitely feels very cramped in the back, especially with the small windows and black leather upholstery and black headlining, so, if you feel very claustrophobic, then the back of this car is not for you, likewise the boot space, is not the best in class, and with a very high lip getting heavier things in can be an issue, the flat boot space right to the bumper is a help, but the height does hinder.

The switchgear, and central console are very familiar places to be if you are aware of Land Rover products, but that can also be a hindrance, as the central screen is quite busy with too much info to digest as you're driving along, this can be dangerous if you're not used to such display's, however the Nav system is very good, and very quick, we had no issues in choosing a destination and within a very short time frame, it was chosen and off we went.

Moving the Terrain option across one space and the dials in front of you turn a rather nice shade of red, and give the driver a sense of speed and evilness, not that you should treat the car any differently just because it has the shade of the devil in front of, you.

The Evoque is one of those rare cars that can fit nicely in whatever environment you put it, whether it be the School run, shopping, off road, Royalty or celebrity, or just your next door neighbour, it offers everything that its bigger brother does, in a smaller package, with style and flair, and even after a few years it still looks the business.

OVERALL

The Evoque is a great car, thats not in dispute, but it does have its faults, some worse than others, the fuel consumption of our test car was not that good at all, and for some that would be a big deal breaker, the rear view from the C-Pillar, around the back to the other C-Pillar is pointless, you can see hardly anything, which in this car is eased with the rear view camera.

The car is comfortable, if a little firm, and has great road and off road capability, nothing can beat the Land Rover range for that, the original design was so good that nothing has been needed to keep it fresh, even the latest midlife nip and tuck has not changed anything exterior, with the exception of the light signatures, and tweaks to the bumpers.

The car is a good one, but it has issues, if you can live with those issues you will not be disappointed, if you are one of those that likes to be able to good all round vision, or great fuel consumption, or a big boot space, then maybe this is not the car for you. The Evoque has been one of teh biggest hits of the decade for any motoring brand, and it is therefore not a surprise that LR are milking it for all its worth, expect a bigger seven seat version, convertible and a smaller baby Evoque, with the convertible definately coming, the other two, well, we will wait and see.