TRUCK RACING:ALWAYS AIM HIGHER!

RENAULT TRUCKSDELIVER

OPTIMUMTHE RENAULT TRUCKS MAGA ZINE FOR THOSE INVOL VED IN TRANS PORT

MAY 2011

RENAULT TRUCKS INTERNATIONAL

www.renault-trucks.com

www.facebook.com/renaulttrucksdeliver

■ OPTIMUM RENAULT TRUCKS 2

READY FOR AN EVEN MORE DYNAMIC START

Hauliers’ business is likely to be impacted by the major upheavals taking place in the Middle East, North Africa and in Japan.This is why Renault Trucks must be there to support them and always meet their needs as closely as possible. Driven by the brand’s commitment, we are continuing to aim at delivering performance to all our customers in all their activities. For our ambition is always to go further, together.This is what you will read about in these pages. For example, you will discover the competitive edge offered by Optifuel Programme which delivers immediate and sustainable savings, and that the Renault Kerax was voted “Truck of the Year” in Russia and the launch of the Renault Kerax Xtrem, made even more robust by its latest technological improvements!You will also meet Michel Delassise, CEO of LLM, totally hooked on innovation, who is constantly exploring every avenue possible to make his business more profi table. He also explains why he chose to put his faith in Renault Trucks.Finally, the enthusiasm is as keen as ever. European Truck Racing Team Champion in 2010, Renault Trucks is ready to kick off the 2011 season again with the MKR Technology Team. And this time it is aiming not for one, but for two crowns! A passion for trucks shared by the Chamacos, fi ve members of one family, currently undertaking an amazing round-the-world adventure, who are also featured in these pages…

Enjoy your reading.Frédéric Mouret, Senior Vice President, Renault Trucks International

OPTIMUM is published by Renault Trucks in more than 100 countries, in 17 languages. Publication Editor: Véronique Adnet. Editor-in-Chief: Chrystèle Chef – chrystele.chef@renault-trucks.com Journalists: Catherine Fressoz, Jean-Christophe Hédouin, Didier Rougeyron, Tristan de Tedesco. Renault Trucks SAS’ share capital value is 50,000,000 euros - 954 506 077 RCS Lyon. Design and layout: In Fine. Photos: Renault Trucks, Jean-Claude Dortmann, DR. Printing: Faurite. Copyright 2nd quarter 2011. Circulation: 200,000 copies. The texts and documents published in this issue may not be reproduced without the agreement of the editors. Printed in France on coated paper 60% Recycled and 40% PSC Virgin Fibres (Forest Stewardship Council).

PAGE 3

IN BRIEFRENAULT KERAX ELECTED“TRUCK OF THE YEAR” IN RUSSIA

PAGE 12

SERVICESTHE OPTIFUEL PROGRAMME’S COMPETITIVE EDGE

PAGE 4

ADVENTUREA DAKAR FOCUSED ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND ROAD SAFETY

PAGE 13

PRODUCTSRENAULT KERAX XTREM EVEN MORE ROBUST!

PAGE 10

TESTIMONIAL A RELATIONSHIP BASED ON TRUST

PAGE 14

PASSIONAN EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY ADVENTURE IN A RENAULT TRUCK

PAGE 3

IN BRIEFTHE “CONSTRUCTION DAYS” ADDRESS SOUTH AFRICAN CUSTOMERS’ CORE NEEDS

PAGE 6

TRUCK RACING ALWAYS AIM HIGHER!

3 RENAULT TRUCKS OPTIMUM ■

IN BRIEF

RENAULT KERAX ELECTED “TRUCK OF THE YEAR” IN RUSSIA

For the second year running, the Renault Kerax, fl agship vehicle of the Renault Trucks Construction range, has been elected “Truck of the Year”

2010 in Russia, in the over 33 t category. The award was presented during the 5th International Motor Transport Forum (MAF) in Moscow.

Johannesburg, 5 and 6 October 2010: 80 haulage professionals and

journalists were invited to get some fi rst-hand experience of various

Renault Kerax and Premium Lander confi gurations. Test drives and

static presentations of some 10 vehicles gave guests the opportunity of

assessing the construction range’s pulling power, agility and ground

clearance capacity.

Cape Town, Durban and Middleburg, on 10, 15 and 17 February 2011,

welcomed almost 120 guests. These off-road tests were particularly

appreciated by customers who were able, in return, to tell Renault

Trucks technicians about their own specifi c needs in terms of products

and services.

“I was very, very impressed. It’s the fi rst time I’ve driven a Renault Trucks

vehicle, but I have been contacted several times by their sales team, here

in Durban (...). One of our customers who drives Renault trucks has also told

me about the reports on these vehicles’ good fuel consumption,” states

Ted Stone, head of operations for Oilco, a fuel haulier.

As far as performance is concerned, Ted explains that the loaded vehicle,

“Started off gently on the test track, after the right gear had been selected.

When going downhill, the retarder is extremely effi cient, the best I’ve ever

experienced on a vehicle!”

There’s no such thing as chance! By being awarded the over 33 tons

category “Truck of the Year” trophy for the second year running in

Russia, Renault Kerax has proved that it is the ideal partner for

construction and mining operatives, by giving them a number of

unquestionable competitive advantages.

This award was presented during a key event, the 5th International Motor

Transport Forum (MAF) which took place in Moscow at the end of

October 2010, where more than 10,000 professionals from Russian and

foreign transport industries had gathered.

During the presentation ceremony, the jury, made up of experts from

the sector including hauliers, representatives of public authorities and

trade press journalists, particularly stressed the extreme robustness

demonstrated by the Renault Kerax, its unmatched pulling power, its

high payload and 366 mm ground clearance. Furthermore, its approach

angle of over 20°, well above the market average, is particularly

appreciated by those in the mining industry.

A worksite vehicle that is both powerful and comfortable, two vital factors

in a country renowned for its tough weather and construction site

conditions, Renault Kerax has a number of outstanding qualities enabling

it to perform superlatively over the most challenging terrain.

Needless to say, the Russian and international press gave high

prominence to the announcement of this well-deserved distinction.

— Didier Rougeyron —

THE “CONSTRUCTION DAYS” ADDRESS SOUTH AFRICAN CUSTOMERS’ CORE NEEDS

Renault Trucks set out to meet its South African customers and prospects during four major events dedicated to the mining, earthmoving,

concrete and quarrying sectors. These gave professionals the opportunity of trying out vehicles in the construction range specifi cally

adapted for working under the most testing conditions.

Christo de Ridder, director of Basadi Logistics, a haulage company

carrying coal, chrome and bulk materials, talks about the highly

comfortable driving experience and the vehicle’s robustness: “You can

really feel the power!” He adds: “The Kerax does indeed have good ground

clearance. That can help enormously, because our roads are bad and truck

steps get easily broken when they’re too close to the ground.”

The South African press widely publicised these opinions with high

added value and presented Renault Trucks’ products and services as

being simply the best when it comes to offering drivers the most

advantageous working conditions!

— Didier Rougeyron —

■ OPTIMUM RENAULT TRUCKS 4

BUENOS AIRES APPLAUDED THE DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL OF A ROUND-TRIP

COVERING 9,000 KM, MADE UP OF STAGES TRAVELLING THROUGH HIGHLY CONTRASTING

LANDSCAPES: PAMPAS, ARGENTINIAN BUSH, MOUNTAINS, CHILEAN COASTAL REGIONS

AND DESERTS. A MONUMENTAL ENDURANCE TEST FOR THE 570 COMPETITORS – AND

A MAGNIFICENT OPPORTUNITY FOR RENAULT TRUCKS TO PUBLICISE ITS EFFORTS

IN FAVOUR OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ROAD SAFETY.

A DAKAR FOCUSED ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND ROAD SAFETY

ADVENTURE

■ ■ ■ For the third year running, Renault Trucks provided

assistance to the drivers of trucks taking part in the rally. But the

new factor in this edition was the inclusion of a Renault Premium

Lander 440 Optidriver among the three assistance and logistics

trucks – a vehicle which is currently benefi ting from a major product

launch in Argentina. It also marks the launch of the most modern

robotised gearbox on the market, capable of delivering fuel savings

of 5%. It was accompanied by a Sherpa, originally designed for

military purposes, which made a big impression on spectators

wherever it appeared, as well as a Renault Kerax 6x6 Rallye Raid,

a vehicle ideal for the Dakar in terms of its power, reliability and

robustness. This provided both assistance to Renault Trucks

“customer” entrants, as well as to the 12 Renault Kerax operated by

the race organiser and the other Renault Trucks taking part in the

competition. Fitted with the very best gearboxes and drivelines

available on the market, this trio of assistance brought a breath of

fresh ecological air and safety to the Dakar 2011, which is very much

focused on this dual priority for Renault Trucks in South America.

COMPETING RESPONSIBLY

The image of rally drivers blindly roaring through protected areas and

villages, without any other concern than to reach the end of the current

stage – if possible in the lead – has long stained the reputation of

the Dakar, together with the accidents which have occurred during

some previous editions. The Dakar is – and aims to remain – a race,

but Renault Trucks fi rmly believes that this should not be at the expense

of all concerns for the environment and safety. Therefore, at the various

stages throughout the event, the Renault Trucks Argentinian subsidiary

went to great lengths to publicise the major communications campaign

which has been dedicated to these two priorities, as can be seen on the

rally blog (www.rallyrse.com), created in partnership with the Total

and Goodyear groups.

Day after day, at each stage of the Dakar, the site links the region

through which it is passing to an environmental issue being faced there

and the measures underway to improve the situation. This gives the

opportunity of presenting many testimonials on preserving the Chilean

5 RENAULT TRUCKS OPTIMUM ■

ADVENTURE

Atacama desert ecosystem, the fi ght against deforestation in Argentina

which reached its height of 300,000 ha in 2006, and the efforts being

made to replant the forests. Finally, it opens up perspectives for the

development of alternative, renewable energies and improved water

and waste cycle management.

A RACE FOR LIFE

At the same time as these environmental aspects, the rally blog

presents a report on road safety in the countries concerned. It has, for

example, reiterated the fact that Argentina has one of the world’s

highest rates of fatal traffi c accidents. According to the statistics,

more than 8,000 people were killed on the roads during 2009 and

120,000 others suffered injuries resulting in various degrees of disability.

In addition to the work carried out by the public authorities and NGOs,

the manufacturers’ programme aiming to make vehicles safer is also

highlighted, focusing on new braking systems, active and passive safety

devices as well as increasingly effi cient tyres.

For its part, Renault Trucks Argentina has taken on its responsibility

with regard to the community: after having launched training

programmes for drivers in 2008 and taking part in a very extensive

18 month campaign in partnership with Argentina Automotive Club

in 2009 and 2010, the manufacturer is doing even more throughout all

of 2011. This is taking the form of an awareness-raising and educational

road safety program aimed at adults as well as children, and carried out

in partnership with Total, Renault and Goodyear. Trucks are involved in

30% of all road accidents and 90% of these have been caused by a

human factor. A rally with as much media coverage as the Dakar is an

excellent opportunity to focus on these emblematic fi gures which are

still all too frequently considered to be a fact of life. An attitude which

could be changed if everyone were to make the necessary effort.

— Jean-Christophe Hédouin —

rest day 08/01

Departure 01/01Arrival 16/01

Iquique

Calama

San Salvador de Jujuy

San Miguel de Tucumán

CordobaSan Juan

Chilecito

Copiapó

Antofagasta

Victoria

200 km

PERUPERUPERUPERUPERUPERU

BOLIVIABOLIVIABOLIVIABOLIVIABOLIVIABOLIVIABOLIVIA

PARAGUAYPARAGUAYPARAGUAY

ARGENTINA

CHILE

oba

Vict

02/01

03/01

Sa MiSa

04/01

mamama

San SaSaSaSa

05/01

CalamaCa maCaCaCaCalamaCaCa mamamama

06/01

07/01

09/01

CopiCopiCo óóóó

10/01

ChChChCh11/01

12/01

ilecitoilecitoChilecitecitChChCh

13/01

14/01

15/01

iaoriactororct

01/01

BuenosAires

Dakar 2011

AricaPacific Ocean

MEETING THE PUBLIC IN ARGENTINA AND CHILE

A motor sport professional, Daniel Adrian, aged 58, has taken part in

23 Dakar rallies, building up a wealth of experience edition after edition

as a driver, navigator, mechanic, team manager, rally offi cial, etc. Taking

part in the Dakar 2011 behind the wheel of the Sherpa, he took two dif-

ferent journalists from the local or national media with him every day.

“The Dakar is incredibly popular in Argentina and Chile, where everyone seems

to be a fan of motorsports,” stresses Daniel. “I met crowds of spectators all

the way along the route and at the different stages. And when I got talking to

them - especially the young people – I was able to explain that during the rally,

as in everyday life, accidents were mostly caused by human error, a long way

ahead of mechanical problems or road conditions. I reminded them that safety

means fi rst of all never taking your eyes off the road, and staying concentrated

on it the whole time. I’m sure they’re going to remember that later, when

they’re old enough to drive.”

Find out more

The Dakar blog (in English, Spanish and French):

www.rallyrse.com

The Renault Trucks Argentina website (in Spanish):

www.renault-trucks.com.ar

■ OPTIMUM RENAULT TRUCKS 6

FOR RENAULT TRUCKS, WINNING THE TEAM CROWN IN THE 2010 TRUCK RACING

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MKR TECHNOLOGY TEAM,

REFLECTS BOTH A SEARCH FOR PERFECTION AND THE SPIRIT OF COMPETITION.

THE AIM FOR THE 2011 SEASON REMAINS THE SAME: TO WIN!

ALWAYS AIM HIGHER!TRUCK RACING

7 RENAULT TRUCKS OPTIMUM ■

TRUCK RACING

■ ■ ■ On 3 October 2010, the Renault Trucks - MKR Technology team

won the Truck Racing European Team Championship at the end of the

ninth and fi nal race of the season, 27 points ahead of the number

two team.

This crown, Renault Trucks’ fi rst, rewards a team that did not even

exist one year before, and refl ects the achievement of the drivers,

engineers and mechanics during this short time.

“Achieving such a result cannot be a question of chance,” observes Stefano

Chmielewski, CEO of Renault Trucks. “This team brings together the best

in the discipline, both in terms of people and technology. As far as the

people are concerned, I am of course thinking of Mario Kress, the team

manager with a string of triumphs to his credit, the two drivers, Markus

Bösiger and Markus Oestreich, but also those who have worked so hard for

this victory, such as the Renault Trucks engine designers and mechanics.

And we almost certainly wouldn’t be here without the contribution of

Renault Trucks’ engine technology and its DXi13 Racing, the chassis and the

expertise of MKR Technology.”

BENEFITING FROM POSITIVE DYNAMICS

Throughout the 2010 season, the manufacturer has been supplying its

partner with engine technology and assistance during the races.

Boasting an impressively original, sharp-lined exterior profi le, created

by Renault Trucks Halle du Design, the Premium Racing was the

highest performing truck in its class. The DXi13 engine supplied to the

team, already has a great reputation; as confi rmed by last year’s

victory. Flexible, reliable and delivering very high performance, it has

been considerably developed as a result of the information gathered

during the Grand Prix events. “With this engine, we knew that we could

challenge the best, and our competitors were not surprised by our

performance,” explains Gérard Pétraz, head of team coordination and

partner relations.

“Truck Racing creates an incredible collaborative spirit. It is a project which

generates immense pride, forging a powerful bond for our teams and our

partners,” stresses Maxime Lebech, the engineer in charge of

designing, developing and monitoring the DXi13 engine’s performance

on the track. “In-depth work is carried out with the suppliers, tests are run

on new materials and parts which can, ultimately, benefi t production

vehicles,” he adds. Heading the manufacturing project, Maxime works

in close collaboration with a team of 20 experts.

Gérard Pétraz and the entire team have been making the most of this

positive, dynamic drive to prepare for the new season, working

feverishly on possible improvements:

“Nothing has been left to chance, the trucks have been totally dismantled

and rebuilt, the engine which proved its reliability and power has been

minutely examined by our engineers, and we are now fully ready to defend

our title!”

PASSION, EMOTION AND HIGH-TECHNOLOGY

This European championship victory in 2010 has allowed Renault Trucks

to prove that the DXi13, the production version of which powers the

Renault Magnum long haul vehicle, is an outstanding engine, a winner

on the track as well as the road. An achievement made possible by its

unchallengeable qualities of effi ciency and reliability. ■ ■ ■

MARIO KRESS, FLANKED BY THE ’TWO MARKUSES’.

MARIO KRESS: “ALWAYS AIM HIGHER”

MKR Technology fl ies the Renault Trucks colours on European

race tracks.

The team is led by the famous Mario Kress, an iconic personality

in the world of competition. This outstanding technician refl ects

on this fi rst season of partnership, which holds such great promise

for 2011.

“I am of course very pleased with the results of our fi rst year together.

However, we can do even better! And right now, we are working on

certain adjustments. We are driven by a desire to aim ever higher.

With this team, we are looking to not only win the manufacturer’s

crown, but also to top the best driver rankings*. We are perfectly

capable of pulling it off!”

* In the 2010 individual rankings, Markus Bösiger fi nished in 2nd place and Markus Oestreich 4th.

■ OPTIMUM RENAULT TRUCKS 8

TRUCK RACING

Renault Trucks’ presence and involvement on the track also illustrates

its commitment to, and close relationship with, customers. Throughout

the 2010 season, the manufacturer’s subsidiaries invited over 4,000

people to the tracks where the Championship events were taking place,

to share in the highly-charged excitement.

With every passing season, popular enthusiasm for truck racing

remains high (200,000 enthusiasts at the Nürburgring in Germany last

year, and over 51,000 at the Le Mans 24 hour truck race). With eight

Grand Prix events in 2009, nine in 2010 and 10 this season, the public’s

interest in Truck Racing will potentially grow even stronger.

Public enthusiasm for the sport has inspired Renault Trucks to offer a

Truck Racing special edition, based on a 460 hp Premium (see opposite),

a line of derived products in the Premium Racing colours and a truck

racing videogame which can be downloaded free of charge and is now

available for the iPhone. On the track, on PCs or on the iPhone, the aim

remains the same… to win!

— Didier Rougeyron —

■ ■ ■

A THIRD DRIVER TO BOOST THE TEAM EFFORTAged 27, he is one of the youngest drivers in the competition. Adam Lacko

has just joined the Renault Trucks - MKR Technology Team, which will be

entering a 3rd driver and a 3rd truck for the 2011 season. Czech-born Adam

began his racing career in go-kart trials in 1994, before entering the European

Truck Racing Championship in 2003. In his very fi rst season, he scored two

2nd places before scoring three victories in 2005 in Barcelona, Nogaro and

Most. After having left the circuits for a few years, Adam Lacko returned

in 2010 with the Austrian team Allgäuer Truck Racing where he earned

7th place in the fi nal drivers’ rankings. Young but already highly experienced:

a valuable addition to the team!

THE DXi13 ENGINE, A CERTAIN WINNER!

Get all the latest news about Renault Trucks Racing

and the races themselves at:

www.renault-trucks.com/truckracing

9 RENAULT TRUCKS OPTIMUM ■

TRUCK RACING

EUROPEAN CHAMPION 2010!

PREMIUM TRUCK RACING SPECIAL EDITION

INSPIRED BY THE MKR TECHNOLOGY TEAM RACING TRUCK, THE NE W PREMIUM TRUCK R ACING SPECIAL EDITION OFFERS ALL THE ASSETS OF THE RENAULT PREMIUM LONG DISTANCE WITH THE PRIDE, ENJOYMENT AND KUDOS THAT COMES FROM DRIVING A WINNER.

With the Premium Truck Racing special edition, Renault Trucks celebrates

its fi rst European Truck Racing Championship crown in style.

Instantly recognisable by its thoroughbred looks, dynamic decoration,

metal paint, matt brushed Alcoa rims, sporty leather steering wheel

and generous on-board, in-cab equipment, this Renault Premium

4x2 or 6x2 tractor also features a sleeper cab with Privilège trim and

a high roof.

In addition, it benefi ts from adjustable chassis/cab suspension, much

appreciated on the Renault Premium Long Distance, providing extra

comfort and outstandingly accurate directional control. Its DXi11 460 hp

engine uses the technology of the famous racing DXi13 which has

enjoyed such outstanding success on race tracks all over Europe.

When it comes to safety, one of its most outstanding features is disc

brakes on all wheels.

Renault Premium is also a champion of productivity, with the best

possible compromise between mobility and economy; the special

edition offers all the advantages of the Renault Premium Long Distance,

the acknowledged front-runner when it comes to saving fuel.

THE RENAULT PREMIUM RACING TRUCKS OF MARKUS OESTREICH AND MARKUSBÖSIGER RUNNING SIDE-BY-SIDE. THIS IMAGE REFLECTS THE RENAULT TRUCKS RACING TEAM SPIRIT AND ITS AIM: TO WIN TOGETHER!

TRUCK RACING HAS ENABLED RENAULT TRUCKS TO FORGE POWERFUL TIES WITH ITS CUSTOMERS.

■ OPTIMUM RENAULT TRUCKS 10

■ ■ ■ To guarantee customers a ’dependable, on time service‘ you

must make sure you choose the right product. Since it was established

in 1977, LLM (Logistique Location Multiservice) has developed a high

level of expertise in carrying all types of goods, particularly textiles and

foodstuffs; organising regular routes and connections in France as

well as throughout Europe. The company operates a regularly

upgraded fl eet of 500 vehicles, almost 200 of which are HGVs. Since

2005, the proportion of Renault Trucks vehicles in the LLM fl eet has

gradually risen from 5% to 80%.

GOOD-LOOKING VEHICLES ON THE ROAD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

“When new legislation required us to revise our transport plan and

update 120 HGVs, we chose Renault Trucks for the quality of their

products and the effi ciency of their service. The fl eet is now uniform,

which has a very positive effect on our image,” explains Michel

Delassise, the managing director of LLM, who makes building

a genuine two-way relationship with his partners a high priority.

“The downturn severely undermined the haulage industry in 2008-2009.

We had to adapt and fi nd solutions wherever we could. For us, the truck

is a machine representing capital investment which must be set against

the cost of each ton carried. We need good looking vehicles, reliable and

on the road as much as possible projecting our image and that of our

customers.” In other words, the aftersales service must be fast and

effi cient. This is provided by Renault Trucks Grand Lyon in Corbas

which has also trained the LLM in-house repair shop technicians.

“This is a perfectly transparent relationship,” asserts Samuel Chappe,

in charge of the company’s commercial affairs.

“Since our activity is based on a signifi cant amount of just-in-time

operations, it is crucial that the transport fl ow remains unbroken.

Renault Trucks’ strategically distributed network, backed by the

Clovis rental network, is an undeniable advantage,” continues LLM’s

managing director.

A CLOSE, TWO-WAY PARTNERSHIP: LLM, A FRENCH HAULAGE COMPANY IN THE LYON

REGION, MAINTAINS A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH RENAULT TRUCKS BUILT UPON

CONFIDENCE AND TRUST. BOSS, MICHEL DELASSISE, IS A DEMANDING PROFESSIONAL,

ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT INNOVATION, BUT FOR WHO THE HUMAN ASPECT OF THE

BUSINESS REMAINS HIS PRIME CONCERN. PARTNERSHIP.

MAIL DELIVERY BEFORE DAWN.

A RELATIONSHIP BASED ON TRUST

Michel Delassise, managing director of LLM.

TESTIMONIAL

11 RENAULT TRUCKS OPTIMUM ■

TWO LLM RENAULT PREMIUMS ON THE MILLION KILOMETRE ROAD

They never stop! Two LLM Renault Premium Distribution 320.19 vehicles

with DXi7 Euro IV engines have virtually invented perpetual motion by car-

rying out intensive roundtrips (in 3x8 shifts) for a subsidiary of the French

postal service (handling magazine and newspaper subscriptions). Launched

as pre-production models on French roads, the two vehicles, fi tted with

630 litre fuel tanks, will very probably have covered 1,000,000 kms by next

summer, unless there are any mechanical problems. A performance which

Michel Delassise fi nds very exciting. “These Premiums have become labo-

ratories on wheels for LLM, because they are capable of travelling much further.

My fellow hauliers can’t believe it! When I began my career in the ‘70s, I never

thought that one day I would see a truck that could travel for up to 1,000,000 kms.

It was totally inconceivable, at a time when we had to do an oil change every

10,000 kms. What is now absolutely certain, is that Renault Trucks is one of the

very best when it comes to reliability and consumption.”

AVERAGE CONSUMPTION 28 LITRES

Michel Delassise and his technical teams made an in-depth study of

the vehicles in his fl eet to analyse their performance and concluded

that the Renault Premium Long Distance 410 and 450 hp vehicles

with the Privilège cab stand out in terms of comfort and consumption,

according to LLM’s statistics, they average 28 L/100 kms. “These

products are clearly ahead of the market competition, fi rst of all because

of their smooth driving and outstanding visibility in the cab – there are

no blind spots and the driver has no impression of being closed in,”

confi rms Yoann Pautremat, LLM’s technical manager.

REMARKABLE ENGINES

Placing particular importance on their fi rm’s considerable human

and technical skills and experience, the company constantly seeks

ways of improving performance; for example in terms of safety (see

box highlight), oils, tyres or gearboxes. “Optitronic improves our

consumption by 10%!”, says Michael Delassise.

An enthusiast for everything connected with technology and

innovation, Michel Delassise has set up a truck driving simulator on

his premises so that his drivers – who have also received economical

driver training – may perfect their style. He admires the continual

improvements in design specifi cation Renault Trucks makes to its

products. “Renault Trucks has remarkable engines and its design offi ce

is constantly offering us new features, from radar detectors to prevent

drowsiness at the wheel to personalised seat covers. The idea being that

improving performance is a combined effort.”

As the next episode in this ongoing story, LLM is planning to add

some 10 Renault Midlum rigids and Premium tractors to its fl eet to

serve a well-known Parisian customer in the textile sector. “Our

destinies are tied! There is a real determination to move forward together,

sharing a close working relationship built on confi dence. When we make

a commitment, we always make it with true professionals.”

— Didier Rougeyron —

SAFETY, A REQUIREMENT THAT EARNS AWARDSLLM employs a staff of 350 at its sites in Ussel, Mions, Melun, La

Courneuve, Ormes, Chambéry, Bourget du Lac and Cap de Pin.

Its drivers are trained to strictly adhere to safety rules. The ‘Golden

Truck’ was awarded on this theme to LLM in 2001 and 2002. In

2005, the company was also awarded the Safety Star.

In pursuance of its sustainable development policy, LLM is antici-

pating forthcoming European regulations and fi tting its vehicles

with the SCR technology provided by Renault Trucks.

■ OPTIMUM RENAULT TRUCKS 12

OPTIFUEL PROGRAMME COMBINES INSTRUCTION

IN RATIONAL DRIVING (OPTIFUEL TRAINING) AND

SOFTWARE (OPTIFUEL INFOMAX) FOR OPTIMISING

VEHICLE USAGE. THE MOST NOTABLE BENEFITS IT BRINGS ARE A REDUCTION IN

MAINTENANCE COSTS AND LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION, WHICH CAN BE AS MUCH AS

15% ACROSS AN ENTIRE FLEET!

THE OPTIFUEL PROGRAMME’S COMPETITIVE EDGE

SERVICES

■ ■ ■ With Optifuel Programme, Renault Trucks is deploying the tools

and expertise needed to allow its customers to make immediate and

sustainable savings.

The N° 1 feature in this range of services, Optifuel Infomax delivers all

the parameters necessary for analysing how well a vehicle is being

used. This IT tool allows users to optimise vehicle operations while at

the same time keeping costs under control.

Very easy to use, this solution makes it possible to cover an entire

Renault Trucks fl eet, without any additional investment in hardware

or installation costs.

The second means of improvement, Optifuel Training, consists

of instructing drivers at the wheel while they are driving under actual

operating conditions and applying the principles of rational driving:

anticipation, acceleration, gear shifts, use of brakes, retarders, etc.

A SWIFT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

400 companies of all sizes, representing a potential of 15,000 drivers,

have already chosen Optifuel Programme in Europe, and are also

benefi ting from access to an exclusive internet site.

“This programme leads to a signifi cant reduction in maintenance costs,

with the economic driving ‘taking the pressure off’ the parts most

subject to wear and therefore reducing the risk of incidents, in addition

to which the drivers are also more careful… The return on investment

can be made in 3 to 4 months with a fl eet of 10 vehicles,” emphasises

Anne-Marie Martins, Optifuel Programme project manager.

A teaching tool that also offers a real competitive edge, Optifuel

Programme has been available in Cameroon for the last

two years.

“Optifuel Programme meets the different needs other customers have

throughout the world. We act as both advisers and partners with

total transparency,” adds Philippe Œuf, marketing services manager

within Renault Trucks International.

This offering can be completed with Optifuel Technology, a range

of technical solutions, such as the Optidriver+ gearbox, which

enables customers to improve their profi tability even further.

— Didier Rougeyron —

OPTIFUEL TRAINING, INSTRUCTION IN ECONOMIC DRIVING.

13 RENAULT TRUCKS OPTIMUM ■

PRODUCTS

FAMED FOR ITS ROBUSTNESS, ITS RELIABILITY

AND ITS UNBEATABLE OPERATING COSTS,

RENAULT KERAX XTREM NOW BENEFITS FROM

SOME SIGNIFICANT TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS AND A NEW 8X4 CONFIGURATION.

THIS CONFIRMS IT TO BE THE MOST EFFICIENT SOLUTION WHEN WORKING CONDITIONS

ARE PARTICULARLY HARSH.

RENAULT KERAX XTREM EVEN MORE ROBUST!

PRODUCTS

■ ■ ■ Acknowledged to be the most robust truck in its category,

Renault Kerax Xtrem has undergone some signifi cant improvements

to help Renault Trucks customers optimise their operating contracts

including those involving the most challenging types of work.

First of all there is a new addition to the Xtrem range – an 8x4

confi guration which will be available in June for the Euro III range and

in December 2011 for Euro V vehicles. Furthermore, on all the 6x4, 6x6

and 8x4 confi gurations, both the rear suspension and rear drive axle

have been reinforced. At the end of 2011, the air fi lters will benefi t from

additional protection and the suspension joints will be signifi cantly

improved to make them even more resilient. “This strategic choice to

optimise the offering for mining applications asserts Renault Trucks’

determination to provide its customers with a solution of the highest possible

quality on a particularly demanding segment, as clearly demonstrated by

the new Renault Kerax 8x4 Xtrem,” explains Jérome Poulain, international

promotions manager for the construction range.

HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY

With Renault Kerax Xtrem, the operational cost per ton carried and the

vehicle’s rate of availability are among the best on the market. The

DXi11 engine, known for its excellent pulling power, keeps fuel

consumption and maintenance costs under control. “The manufacturer

reasserts its quality as a leader in mining applications, on a market

undergoing profound change, by continuing to offer the most effi cient

solution. In addition, it is backed by exemplary aftersales service to

minimise vehicle downtime and a system for supplying spare parts

adapted to the pressures customers face in this business,” explains

Patrice Roeser, Renault Kerax product manager.

“Renault Kerax demonstrates its reliability, even under the extremely

difficult conditions around the edge of our opencast coal mine. Its

robustness contributes to achieving a significant improvement in

productivity. Fuel consumption and vehicle availability meet our needs

very well. We are proud to be using a truck like this,” states Maskur Ahmar

who works as a project manager at the Sanga Sanga mine in

Indonesia.

In China, 15 8x4 Xtrem vehicles have just been delivered to CNSC,

the governmental company specialised in international commercial

and economic cooperation. The aim is to supply 200 units in 2011 for

use in Chinese mines.

— Didier Rougeyron —

MASKUR AHMAR, PROJECT MANAGER AT THE INDONESIAN SANGA SANGA MINE.

■ OPTIMUM RENAULT TRUCKS 14

ON 14 JULY 2010, THEY LEFT A COMFORTABLE BUT STRESSFUL LIFE IN THE PARISIAN

SUBURBS. SINCE THEN, THE FIVE MEMBERS OF THE CHAMACO FAMILY ARE LIVING THEIR

DREAM: TAKING THREE YEARS TO TOUR THE WORLD IN A 4X4 TRUCK. RENAULT TRUCKS

HEARD OF THE SUPERB ADVENTURE CURRENTLY BEING ENJOYED BY LAURENT AND

VIRGINIE VIA ITS SUDANESE REPAIRER, AND MADE CONTACT WITH THEM IN KENYA.

AN EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY ADVENTURE IN A RENAULT TRUCK

PASSION

How many families would dare to embark upon such an adventure

in a truck?

Virginie: According to our searches on the Internet, there are three

or four families travelling the world’s roads at the moment.

Why did you choose a 4x4 truck rather than a motorhome?

Laurent: You can go everywhere in a 4x4. The truck has a tough,

reassuring appearance. It’s a look that has instant pizzazz, especially

with the Renault diamond on the front to give it that inimitable

’French touch‘.

We were also taken by the idea of fi tting the truck out as we wanted,

to make it something unique. And it was an opportunity to use the heavy

goods vehicle licence I got when I was in the Army!

What do you fi nd enjoyable about travelling by truck?

Virginie: Chamaco travels slower (65 km/h) and gets noticed more than

a small car. Because of it, we have met some incredible people. We go

everywhere, we sleep where we like while still being protected as if we

were in our own house. When we were parked in front of the Alep citadel

in Syria, nobody realised there was a family sleeping inside!

Apart from a well thought-out desire to radically change your

lifestyle, what is the aim of this family world tour?

Virginie: We wanted to make our children aware of how important it is to

respect the Earth, how rare its resources are, and the problem of waste.

Can you reconcile travelling in a truck and ecology?

Laurent: Consuming diesel is bad for the environment. But since we’ve

been travelling, we’ve been much more economical than a sedentary

family that has the heating on, owns two cars, etc. We are self-suffi cient in

terms of electricity, hot water and heating by means of solar panels,

batteries and a generator. There only remains the issue of water, which

we manage very carefully, and the fuel. By adopting a fl exible driving style,

and replacing off-road tyres with normal on-road tyres, I have been able

to reduce my consumption from 25 to 20 litres per 100 kilometres.

How do you cross frontiers with Chamaco?

Virginie: There aren’t any regulation problems with the ’customs

clearance booklet‘ we were issued by the Automobile Club de France.

We just have to show it when we enter and leave the countries we

drive through.

15 RENAULT TRUCKS OPTIMUM ■

PASSION

CODENAME: CHAMACO

These three syllables are the beginning of the three adventurous

children’s fi rst names. Chamaco has become the name of the truck,

the adventure and even that of the family during this epic journey.

THE CHAMACO’S

The father: Laurent (36). At the end of 2008, he sold his pharma- ■

ceutical marketing company, which was preventing him from watching

his children grow up, to fi nance the family world tour. He was formerly

an Alpine Hunter and a volunteer fi reman.

The mother: Virginie (32). She was a manager in Laurent’s com- ■

pany. She dreams of dedicating her life to underprivileged and

sick children.

The children: Corentin (8), Marine (6) and Charlotte (19 months). ■

In Cairo, you met the director of the Renault Trucks workshop

under rather stressful circumstances…

Laurent: Yes, our engine had seized up in the white desert between two

oasises. Our temperature gauge wasn’t working, and we didn’t realise

the engine was overheating. We had to wait three days, 60 kms from

any human habitation, before being towed into Cairo. It’s the fi rst time

Mohamed Mostapha had ever seen a family come into his garage! He

treated us like princes: unlimited sandwiches and drinks and a

Christmas tree covered with Renault Trucks gifts for the children!

He learned all about our adventure, and took the pressures we were

under into account – our Egyptian visas were running out and the boat

for Sudan was waiting for us at Aswan – so he really pulled all the stops

out to get our repairs done in time. Looking back on it, we realise what

a superb job he did on our engine.

And in Khartoum?

Laurent: We also had a wonderful welcome there. We had problems

with the starter motor and the water pump inside our living area. Talal

and Mamoum, in charge of aftersales, let us use a washroom in their

garage where we could wash while they repaired our system.

On the day before our departure, they showed us around the town and

invited us for a meal in a restaurant! We will always have very fond

memories of these two Renault Trucks dealers who really looked

after us so well. We even had a pleasant surprise when they gave us

their invoices!

What will happen to Chamaco at the end of the trip, in Canada?

Virginie: That’s what we’ve been wondering since the beginning. The

further we travel, the less we feel like parting company. And yet at

the beginning it wasn’t so easy to live in 10 m² after being used to

200 m². But now everyone has found their place. Charlotte only feels

at home in Chamaco because she still needs familiar surroundings.

Corentin and Marine have trouble leaving it when we arrive in a new

place. Throughout all our adventures, it has become an excellent

travelling companion and a kind of life raft. It’s an extraordinary

means of travelling as a family. Why shouldn’t we keep it for our trips

in France?

— Interview by Catherine Fressoz —

3000 km

THE TRUCK

This is a Renault 110/150 4x4 rigid, dating from 1981. Built to fi ght forest

fi res, it fi rst served with the Dijon Regional Fire-fi ghting and Emergency

Rescue Unit. When the Chamaco’s found it on www.leboncoin.fr, it had

26,000 kms on the clock. Laurent and Virginie gave it a new lease of

life with the help of a bodybuilder. To fi t out the new body (4.1 x 2.4 m),

they drew their inspiration from a design adopted by other travellers

they had met via the Internet. They gradually improved their living space

as they went along. But they made no mechanical changes, in order

to ensure they’d have no maintenance problems in the countries they

drove through.

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ON HTTP://CHAMACO.KAZEO.COM

The whole journey is planned to cover 120,000 kms. In six months,

the family has visited Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Syria,

Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya. They are now headed for

South Africa before the long sea crossing to Asia and Australia, and

then South America and North America.

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2010 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS*!

www.renault-trucks.com/truckracing

* Renault Trucks and MKR Technology the 2010 European team champions.

Benefi t from all the technological advances of the number 1 French

manufacturer, to win on the roads as well as on circuits.