The order follows an intensive 12-month assessment of several marques, and is the first time the council has chosen Renault vehicles.
Supplied by Specialist Cars Renault, of Aberdeen, the line-up comprises 55 Master panel vans, 83 Master conversions, 43 Trafic panel vans, 29 Kangoo panel vans, three all-electric Kangoo ZE panel vans and one Trafic passenger van.
Of the 83 Master conversions, 74 were off the shelf. The factory build of the 55 double cab tippers and 19 dropsiders aided the efficient delivery of the order, with only minor additions such as extra lighting, storage cages and ply lining, added by bodybuilder Arnold Clark.
The LCVs are also the first of the council’s fleet to be fitted with the Michelin tyre pressure management system. The other extra safety feature is Vehicle Weighing Solutions’ VOPS TM2 on-board weighing system, to prevent overloading.
Dealer support for the deal includes mobile technician availability, replacement vehicles and a guaranteed slot in the workshop within three hours of any issue being identified. All vehicles come with the standard three-year/100,000 manufacturer warranty.
“While the Renault order met our budget requirements, our choice was heavily influenced by the quality of the product and the comprehensive aftersales support,” says Sandra Macdonald, the council’s transport spokesperson.
“Feedback has been excellent, our drivers particularly rating the ride, comfort and handling of the vehicles on the road.
“We are looking to introduce more Renault Pro+ commercial vehicles to the fleet in 2020 as we work to replace older, less efficient vehicles.”
The council has also placed an order for two Renault Master ZE vans to determine the suitability of electric power for larger vehicles in its fleet.