Renault get 500 order for Master Vans
The recent health crisis we are all experiencing has resulted in an order by the Department of Health (DoH) and Crown Commercial Services (CCS) for 500 specialised conversations based the Renault Master van and is one of the largest of its kind for the French light commercial vehicle manufacturer.
Its a team effort
Tenders, issued via the Department of Health (DoH) and Crown Commercial Services (CCS), saw Renault UK awarded the contract to supply the entire order of 500 vehicles after demonstrating its manufacturing capacity. The contract for the supply of the vehicles was awarded to LeasePlan UK, following success in an initial tender for consultancy work to create a single, viable conversion which LeasePlan delivered pro bono. TGS was chosen for the conversion of all 500 vehicles after completing the pre-order concept and having the ability to deliver the order within a tight three-month timeframe.
Double the capacity
The 500 Renault Masters replace, and nearly double, DHSC’s existing MTU fleet of 258 vehicles and will enable twice as many daily tests to get place compared with the previous MTU, with each of the new vehicles having the ability to store 1,000 test kits compared with the original’s capacity of 500. These developments significantly increase the testing capacity offered by the UK’s mobile testing capability and enhance the NHS Test and Trace Programme.
TGS, which is an accredited converter in Renault UK’s conversions portfolio and a Tier 1 supplier to LeasePlan UK, completed up to 60 MTUs per week. Despite a late design change dictating the necessity for sliding doors on either side of the Renault Masters, all 500 MTUs were completed by the end of March making it one of the most ambitious single order and delivery in the UK.
The Vans
The purpose-built conversion ensures safe and comfortable testing conditions for staff and subjects in all weather conditions. Features include twin awnings with layouts to accommodate drive-through testing and staff welfare areas, pedestrian testing bays, onboard heating, hot water and hand-washing facilities, generator for additional power, comprehensive charging and electrical access points, and extra lighting. To ensure the Renault Master MTUs are instantly work-ready, TGS and LeasePlan UK have worked with third-party suppliers to guarantee the continual flow of components and inventory sourced from across the EU and included in each van before delivery.
Renault Master In Service
The Renault Master MTUs have been praised by the crews particularly for their improved welfare facilities, the ability to complete some duties inside within clinical requirements and the new walk-through awning providing a more private experience for the person being tested.
As well as the vans, part of the contract also stipulated the need for technical training for the MTU operatives, COVID-safe handling procedures for those involved in the collection and handover of the vehicles, a rapid response servicing programme and a dedicated hotline for MTU service providers by LeasePlan UK.
Alfonso Martinez, Managing Director, LeasePlan UK, commented:
“Making sure that vital vehicles remain on the road has been a priority for us throughout the pandemic, and the involvement we’ve had with this tender has been no different. Our remit has spanned initial conversion concepts and vehicle supply, to ongoing training, and a full-service, rapid-response maintenance and repair program should the vehicles need it. We’re delighted to play our part in ensuring the DHSC has all it needs to continue the great work it’s doing in keeping people safe, protected and constantly tested, as part of the wider effort in combatting this virus.”
