E-Trucks to go

Almost anything can be bought online – even heavy-duty trucks. A world-first initiative from Renault Trucks has made this possible.
The Renault Trucks T-Drive that is being sold online in the Netherlands.
The Renault Trucks T-Drive that is being sold online in the Netherlands.

Log on, place an order and within weeks a truck is delivered to your door, ready to go. It sounds too simple for a purchase as large and as important as a truck, but, for many businesses, which know what they want and need it quickly, Renault Trucks’ E-Commerce could be the perfect way to do business.

The new online service was launched in the Netherlands last September and allows customers to purchase the Renault Trucks T-Drive – a model that represents around 50 per cent of Renault Trucks’ current order intake – in one standard package at a set price. The package includes a 36 month/120,000 km operational lease, as well as the state-of-the-art tablet Tom Tom Bridge Connected Europe Truck. By offering only one model with standard specification, Renault Truck E-Commerce can also guarantee fast and direct delivery within four weeks.

“This is a fast, easy and transparent process for the customer,” says Charles Engelaar, project owner, Renault Trucks E-Commerce. “There is no need for long discussions with sales representatives, or negotiations over price. Just one click and you have a great offer.”

By establishing a new sales channel, it is hoped that e-commerce can help Renault Trucks reach its ambitious targets to increase the market share in the Netherlands. The concept of e-commerce also supports the brand’s image and business model.

“Renault Trucks promises to deliver fixed cost of ownership,” adds Charles Engelaar. “Our products offer efficiency, productivity and value for money. We also offer services that are efficient and cost effective, and Renault Trucks E-Commerce is a perfect example.”

So is this the future of truck sales? Are dealerships a thing of the past? “I think we will see over time a shift towards online sales, and by being the first to offer such a service, we’ve shown that we’re ready for the future,” explains Charles Engelaar. “But it won’t replace dealerships, as they continue to perform the same service role. E-commerce is a good complement to our business and a good solution for simple, straight-forward orders.”

In the meantime, the impact in the Netherlands will no doubt be watched carefully by other markets and other Volvo Group truck brands, and if it proves successful, the concept has the potential to quickly spread.

“By being the first to offer such a service, we’ve shown that we’re ready for the future,” says Charles Engelaar.

Renault Trucks E-Commerce – what’s on offer?

  • Renault Trucks T-drive 11 litre 42
  • 36 month/120,000 operational lease including insurance
  • Delivery promise of four weeks
  • Tom Tom Bridge Connected Europe Truck

More information: http://renaulttrucksonline.nl/