PARIS: Renault wants a piece of the light pick-up truck action and is showcasing the ALASKAN Concept as a prelude to a production truck that would cater for work and leisure and everyday motoring.
The pick-up market is a segment that accounts for more than one-third of global Light Commercial Vehicle sales. Over 14 million such vehicles were sold in 2014.
The ALASKAN Concept is a striking show vehicle that paves the way for a pick-up that will have a global calling. It combines a payload of one tonne with athletic styling to meet the needs of business users and individuals.
The concept truck features an assertive stance, with prominent wheel arches filled with 21-inch wheels. Its lines confer a sense of high-tech engineering with an impression of robustness.
Its eye-catching front-end styling incorporates Renault design cues which bring a modern, aesthetic touch to the world of pick-ups. The bonnet will be highlighted by four sculptured ribs that heighten the impression of strength. Full-LED headlights and tail lights are standard.
The ALASKAN Concept is powered by Renault’s proven four-cylinder, twin turbo diesel engine which features in the existing Master range. In the Twin turbo technology, a small turbo is used for smooth acceleration at low engine speeds, plus a bigger turbo for higher revs. This longitudinally-mounted twin turbo powertrain is lighter than average equivalent engines and promises outstanding acceleration and class-topping fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
Renault highlighted the specifics that enable the ALASKAN Concept to appeal to three different worlds:
For business users:
> Strong chassis for excellent road holding, high ground clearance and distinctive driving comfort
>A payload of more than one tonne with five passengers onboard and a long, wide load bed
> Load bed incorporating three longitudinal recesses suitable for fixing equipment
>Additional storage bins either side of the load bed for the secure protection of equipment
> Best-in-class fuel efficiency, plus impressive power output and acceleration performance
For leisure:
Built for road trips, adventure or sports use. Its big load bed can accommodate mountain bikes, camping gear or surfboards, etc. A range of outdoor accessories (load bed liners, covers, etc.) would be made available.
>Premium travelling comfort, together with highest quality standards in terms of equipment and connectivity
> A camera located inside the door mirror housings to permit the filming of passing landscapes
For everyday motoring:
>A status-enhancing vehicle complete with large 21-inch wheels, user-friendly driving comfort and modern urban styling that sets it apart in the pick-up world
>A sporty, appealing look
>Large LED Pure Vision rear lights with brushed and polished aluminium surrounds framed by C-shape direction indicators
> Sophisticated rear-end styling heightened by the central aluminium exhaust tail pipe
Renault said the production version’s design would be similar to that of the ALASKAN Concept and would be the same size. It would capitalise on Renault’s crossover know-how with models like Captur and Kadjar, and a broad range of body types and powertrains would be available.
The new pick-up truck would be unveiled in the first half of 2016.
Keyword: Renault to go after 1-tonne truck segment with ALASKAN Concept