Renault LCV boss doesn't rule out Renault 4 Van in the UK, but future plans lie with Trafic E-Tech
The head of Renault's van division left the door open for the Renault 4 Van to still be sold in the UK, despite no current plans for the model in right-hand-drive.
Speaking at the CV Show last week to Van Reviewer, Jan Ptacek, Renault VP LCV Business Unit, said Renault has been assessing demand for smaller, niche electric commercial vehicles based on passenger platforms, but says Renault's immediate focus remains firmly on core LCV sectors, with the Renault 4 van a potential future addition rather than a priority.
Renault 4 Van is already under consideration in various European as a small electric van alternative, could be introduced in the UK if there is sufficient demand.
Read our Best small electric van guide
“We are discussing already about the UK market,” said Ptacek. “If we identify that there is potential for such kind of product, we are ready to go with it.”
However, he was clear that volumes would need to justify the move. “If it’s too small, it doesn’t make sense to bring the car to the market just for a small volume,” Ptacek added.
Renault has introduced several conversions for its passenger car models in France with commercial vehicle versions of both the Renault 4 and the Renault 5. There's even been a Renault Twingo Van spotted. But after the demise of Mobilize and its urban quadricycle plans, which included the Mobilize Bento single seat van, Renault does not see the need to go further down into the emerging micro-van or quadricycle segment.
Read our Mobilize Bento review
Ptacek suggested Renault’s existing and planned line-up already covers most use cases.
“We consider that today we have a very strong offer in our three main segments: small, medium and large vans. The other segments are very tiny.”
That effectively rules out any near-term expansion into ultra-compact urban delivery vehicles, outside of the handful of domestic conversions already seen, despite a growing number of start-ups targeting that space and an increasing number of conversions in the UK which have seen conversions of Ford, Volvo, Skoda and BYD passenger cars into light commercial vehicles.
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Speaking from a UK perspective, Renault UK managing director Adam Wood, comfirmed that Renault’s ambitions lie elsewhere.
“We’ve got clear priorities right now,” Wood said.
“We’re in a strong position with a full range of combustion vans and at the same time launching next-generation electric vans. That’s where our focus is. Trafic E-Tech is a game changer. That’s what we’re focused on,” he added.
The Renault Trafic E-Tech was named as the Best Van To Wait for in the Van Reviewer What To Buy Awards earlier this year. It's 800V charging system will be the first on the market in a dedicated LCV, and will provide a ground-up electric version of Renault's best-selling model, the Trafic.
“There are huge investments required, we can do it only for the cars that represent significant volume potential,” continued Ptacek.
“The product [Renault 4 Van] exists. If the market is ready, it’s quite easy to bring it,” he added.
[Pictured - The Renault 4 Roland-Garros can carry more tennis balls than a Renault 4 Van although in its Plein Sud version, with an electric-powered canvas roof, they are in danger of falling out. We just liked the picture.]
