Groupe Renault has been officially recognised for its commitment to the development and production of zero-emissions-in-use commercial vehicles by winning the Notable Contribution award at the 2019 Commercial Fleet Awards.
The coveted award acknowledges Groupe Renault to be a leader in how it is providing sustainable mobility solutions to business operators. Significantly, the award comes at a time when legislation limiting the use of conventionally-powered commercial vehicles in highly populated areas is greater than ever and companies are increasingly focusing on their corporate responsibility.
On awarding Groupe Renault, the expert judging panel, chaired by Editor-in-Chief of Commercial Fleet, Stephen Briers, and consisting of industry and fleet specialists, commented: “Groupe Renault is looking at how it can support various industry sectors with electric vans across the range and sizes. It is forward-thinking, but doing it now, with a clear commitment to electric.”
The judges acknowledged the support offered to fleets by not only the specialised, business-focused Renault Pro+ dealer network, but also through the introduction of dedicated Business Development Managers to the Groupe Renault UK Fleet Sales team who are able to advise companies on how to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The experience of Groupe Renault in producing all-electric commercial vehicles – the manufacturer being one of the first brands to enter the sector with the 2011 launch of the Kangoo Z.E. – and its ability to deliver pure electric LCVs in similar timeframes to those of traditionally-powered versions also contributed to the award win.
Peter Horton, National Corporate Sales & Leasing Manager, Groupe Renault UK, was presented with the award by television presenter Kate Thornton at a ceremony held at the National Motorcycle museum.
Mark Dickens, Fleet Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We are delighted to collect this award, especially as it recognises the emphasis we have placed on helping businesses make the potentially challenging transition to a pure electric fleet. Having a spectrum of all-electric commercial vehicles, plus the resource to help support and educate businesses on the suitability and benefits of EVs, illustrates how important we see this sector and our understanding of the hurdles that companies face in making such a monumental change to their fleet requirements.”
In addition to winning the Notable Contribution Award, Groupe Renault was also Highly Commended in the hotly-contested Zero Emission LCV category with the Renault Kangoo Z.E. Together with the long-established compact van, which is available in a choice of body styles, the all-electric Renault Pro+ commercial vehicle range includes the award-winning Renault Master Z.E. and the innovative Twizy Cargo.
As well as being available as a panel van in a variety of lengths, the Renault Master Z.E. also forms the basis for several off-the-shelf factory conversions, which further enhances the potential for differing businesses to switch to all-electric power.
Renault has also explored how it could further enhance its pure electric Pro+ offering, plus counteract the predicted four-fold increase in transported goods by 2050, with the reveal of the Renault EZ-FLEX – an experimental electric and connected LCV that is both compact and agile. Far from just a concept, Renault EZ-FLEX will be experimented with various professionals in Europe to collect all relevant data usage to better understand their needs associated with daily delivery in urban areas.
