Renault boss Bruno Blin has more than hinted that significant revisions to T, C and K-Range models are imminent. During the annual Renault Trucks online business report, he stated that the changes would address productivity, comfort and drivability. While not quoting any firm start-of-production date, he did confirm that updated models would be on sale during the second half of 2021.
The first opportunity to evaluate the changes will come from 6 April, when realistic simulations will feature in the latest version of the Euro Truck Simulator 2 video game.
The Renault Trucks president also confirmed his commitment to producing 100% fossil-free vehicles by 2040. His prediction is for a constant decline in the share of internal combustion engines to a level that can only be guessed at, but fuelled by bio-fuels and hydrogen. The remainder will be split between battery and fuel cell electric.
Along the way, electric vehicles are predicted to account for 10% of sales by 2025, and 35% by 2030. More immediate milestones will be an extension to medium-duty EV range this year, construction and long-haul offerings in 2023, and hydrogen trucks in the second half of this decade.
Asked about how Renault will respond to new competitors from outside the existing OEMs, Blin explained that Renault’s long history of building trucks, its knowledge of the market and its comprehensive support network would be major assets.
