Volvo Action Service (VAS) will introduce a new specification of 14 Renault Master vans to its fleet as part of plans to boost payload efficiencies and give technicians more flexibility to work with a more diverse powertrain portfolio.
Launch customer Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East has placed an order for the 3.5-tonne vans, fitted out by Bott with a focus on weight reduction – allowing VAS technicians to carry more tools, fluids and spare parts for a broader range of powertrain solutions.
Changes include the introduction of both a lighter electric compressor and a capacitor booster, while the vehicle’s racking system is now made of aluminium instead of steel, further reducing unladen weight.
In addition, to assist with jump-starting vehicles, a lithium power supply system, chargeable through roof-mounted solar panels, has replaced heavier mains-charged battery packs.
The vehicles are scheduled for roll-out across the VAS network by the end of August.
The new specification can be installed in numerous van makes and models, including in fully electric vans without negatively impacting driving range or performance.
Following a 12-month consultation process, both wholly owned and independent dealers can now specify the new equipment.
Brent Norton, National Technical Manager, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “Technology has advanced substantially since we last revised our VAS build specification.
“While our current fleet already does a sterling job, with our new design we were eager to guarantee that the revised fleet can support us for many years to come.”
