First Norbert Dentressangle hybrids hit French streets12 July 2011

Norbert Dentressangle's first hybrid trucks – 19-tonne Renault Premium Distributions – have taken to the roads of Paris and Lyon in France, making deliveries for the Carrefour group.

Trials move to London later this year, to compare performance with equivalent diesel 6x2 rear-steer trucks.

Renault's hybrid vehicles combine a diesel engine with an electric motor that delivers a reduction in fuel consumption of around 20%.

They are also quieter than their conventional diesel powered counterparts, with the electric motor driving fuel efficiency by powering the vehicle from zero to 12mph before the bio-diesel engine takes over.

With 310bhp on tap, automatic idle cut out and quick restart, the vehicles are also particularly suited to distribution in urban areas – and hence Norbert Dentressangle's initial trials on the Carrefour contract.

"We have worked closely with Renault for over 30-years as both our companies aim to consistently improve the service we can offer customers," says Norbert Dentressangle CEO François Bertreau. "The new Renault hybrid truck is further proof of Norbert Dentressangle's commitment to reduce greenhouse gases."

Bertreau makes the point that Norbert Dentressangle has been working with ADEME, the French environment and energy management agency, since 2003.

"We have adopted an ambitious environmental approach that has already enabled us to achieve substantial progress," he states. "With 85% of our fleet at the Euro 4 and Euro 5 regulations, we now operate the cleanest and most modern fleet in Europe."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Renault Trucks UK Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.