The two-year investment programme is to ensure Veolia vehicles meet the requirements of Transport for London’s CLOCS standard.
Veolia worked with Renault’s design team on the new vehicle, which has a ground step height of 375mm – 75mm lower than traditional crew cab models.
The Range D 6x2 rigid has air suspension front and rear, and is fitted with 315/60 tyres. An additional ‘kneel’ function drops the front of the vehicle a further 50mm. The day cab gives the driver full vision of other street users and enables Veolia to have a flexible solution for when vehicles have a crew of two.
The new low-entry truck is based on a Range D wide (2.3m) cab, and is available as a 4x2 18-tonne rigid or 26-tonne 6x2 rigid tag with fixed or steered rear axle.
Equipped with Renault’s DTI 8-litre engine, with a choice of power ratings (250bhp, 280bhp or 320bhp), the Range D low can be specified with a manual, Allison (automatic) or 12-speed Optidriver automated gearbox. It also has multiple body options.
Mike Stringer, product manager at Renault Trucks, says: “The Range D low cab challenges the conventional industry solution with a traditional day cab that delivers class-leading low entry access and egress.
“Despite its lower bumper, the vehicle’s shorter front overhang compared with alternative low-entry crew cabs on the market offers an improved approach angle for easier manoeuvrability on city streets, helps with ground clearance issues to reduce vehicle damage, and crucially, enhances the field of vision by putting the driver in direct control.”