Dec 20, 2004 – At this years IAA truck exhibition in Hannover, Germany,
Renault Trucks surprised everyone by presenting a dynamic look into its future
with the 'Radiance' concept truck. By capitalising on the cultural heritage of
the brand, based on the three values of efficiency, 'caring and daring', and
innovation, Renault Trucks have produced what they imagine to be a 'dream
truck' which outlines their truck design language for the future.

Xavier Allard, the design cheif of Renault Trucks explains his newest
creation: "It should give people a look into a new chapter in the history of
Renault Trucks". The design has a futuristic appearance which can be traced back to Renault's automobile design division. In the truck world as in the
automobile world the French are relying on design perfection and stylistic
innovation. Allard explained that "Our trucks should be easily recognizable
even from a distance", as a part of the corporate "genetic code" philosophy.


The cab exterior has strong features which include the shape of the front
grille elements, muscular volume of the arched wings, distinctive triangular
lights in the front and dynamic flowing lines which all tie up to give the
design language for the exterior future of Renault Trucks. It seems that
Renault Trucks want to achieve through an avantgarde design strategy a special
position in the truck design world, as they have done in the automobile segment.

The driver will not sit in a purely functional spacious cab as in Renault's
competitors, but will sit in a high-tech minimalistic 'glass palace'. The
highly flexible cockpit can be changed quickly from an elegant functional work
place to a super chic 'hotel room'. Throughout the cab is the 'touch design'
philosophy which is being systematically adapted to all Renault vehicles. This
approach allows Renault to incorporate the desired level of technical
complexity into their vehicles whilst keeping them easy and enjoyable to use.
The intelligence and pertinence of a controls shape inevitably leads to its
intuitive use; this is what Renault Design likes to call 'simplexity'. The soft
flowing natural forms are combined with tight hard lines and surfaces, the
driver/cab interface has a 'want to touch' feel to it.


An entrance assistance step appears automatically when the door is opened, and
makes entering the cab almost like walking up stairs. The seating position has
the feel of modern sporty automobile with a small steering wheel which can be
adjusted into an almost vertical position.

The new driving position provides a level of comfort, safety and ergonomics
which has never before been seen in the market for heavy-duty trucks. The
driver gets only the most important information, the speedo and tacho are both
digital, and other than this the ergonomic dashboard is clean and uncluttered
with a retractable gear stick. This study is made up of existing technology
which could be put straight into production. Cameras on the cabs side and rear
replace conventional mirrors, enhance the design and are better for the
aerodynamics, and there is an electronic 'Steer-By-Wire' system with no
steering column, which in a crash situation would be an advantage. Both the
cameras and the steering system are unfortunately not permitted on the road at
the moment. For added comfort and safety, the Radiance has no key – with a
simple smart card in his pocket, the driver can start the vehicle. Access
locking and unlocking is automatic and there is also an electronic hand brake.


The rear saddle of the truck is completely covered and has a sporty automotive
feel about it, there is a cleanly designed rear light package, and as a safety
feature the rear brake lights shine brighter the harder they are pressed by the
driver.

It took only about 12 months from the first sketches to the finished concept
truck, and the Radiance has already covered about 250 km of test on the road
which for a concept truck is really a lot – Jean-Francois Venet who is Allards
boss admits this was a little trying at times.

Allard together with Renault's design guru Patrick le Quément are already
dreaming of the next concept truck, according to Allard, "We both want to do
something really different". I think we are all anxious to see what it will
look like.
--
FROM 219.224.170.*