Talking about transformation with Renault Trucks Netherlands

These days, when you talk about transformation, you almost by definition also talk about sustainability and CO2 emissions. Renault Trucks is working hard to reduce those emissions by leading the way in electromobility. For a long time, the transport sector was seen as impossible – or at least very difficult – to electrify, but technological innovation is now making it possible to make great strides. Renault’s target is for 50% of vehicles sold to be electric by 2030. We are going for 100% electric by 2040.

“We also look critically at the life cycle of a vehicle. Renault builds a sustainable product. Therefore, used trucks are also often suitable to be given a second or third life. It often remains underexposed, but this form of recycling is also an extremely efficient way to make a product sustainable. Renault trucks are given this second, third and sometimes even fourth life at the specially developed Used Trucks Factory in Limoges. The trucks sold here are definitely not used vehicles in the traditional sense. They are fully serviced, receive the Renault stamp of approval and are offered with 12, 24 or 36 months warranty. Even a complete conversion to electric is being explored. As far as Renault is concerned, sustainability is a mix of these kinds of initiatives.”

“Importantly, in this mix of initiatives, we don’t lose sight of what we can do for our customers. That is also directly where my responsibility comes in. Bad trucks are not made these days. That means that, as a manufacturer, you have to make a difference in a different way. Renault Trucks Netherlands does that by fully committing to a 360-degree service strategy. What does that entail? Basically, it means that our involvement goes much further than just selling a truck. We look at routes being driven, for example. Can it be done more efficiently? And if a certain vehicle is remarkably damaged, why is that? If you choose an electric vehicle, have you thought about when you can recharge and are you coming out with your route? When considering such issues, we can even involve several companies. In this way, Renault Trucks can be much more than ‘just’ a manufacturer. We are a full partner when it comes to transport – and everything that comes with it. Moreover, we are not only that for transport companies, fleet managers and independent contractors are also part of the Renault Trucks family.”

“The temptation is great to change course drastically when you are on the way to achieving certain goals, but transformation does not mean that everything has to change immediately. Our business is largely about emotion and relationships. You don’t often see a car driver with a VW or Renault tattoo. But with truck drivers, the love goes much deeper. I am therefore convinced that – to roll out the service strategy – the Renault Trucks dealer network is essential. They know the challenges our customers face and they have the relationships that are so important. So at Renault Trucks, you can assume that the dealer is going to be more important than ever.”

“I have known Sjoerd since we were at Mercedes. Even there he was full of ideas (which we implemented together). We are now doing that again for Renault Trucks, and it especially helps that Sjoerd (and the rest of the men and women at Commandos) are very strong conceptually. The next step for us is to tackle the online strategy. How are we going to communicate? How do we ensure a fully integrated customer journey? How do we secure these things in the organisation, including that of the dealer? The truck business is traditional, but we too see a shift and expect a greater emphasis on online. Sjoerd is the man who will help us further in this regard. If we caught your interest, click here to read about the Renault Trucks case. If we have piqued your interest, click here to read about the Renault Trucks Netherland.