Converted by Renault

The French company will now also deliver its commercial vehicles with factory-installed modifications – as a pre-configured vehicle.

Vans may be mass-produced, but hardly any commercial users buy these practical helpers off the shelf. Depending on the class, from small city delivery vans to classic transporters and large cargo vehicles, Renovation rates rise to over 70 percentNo wonder: After all, business owners have very specific applications in mind and They specifically adapt their commercial vehicles for this use. Now it presents Renault These conversion requests are taken to a new level: They are converting their Kangoo, Trafic, and Master vans directly at the factory and offering them as pre-converted vehicles. The French company even has a label for this: Converted by Renault.

Renovation of the Masters in Batilly

Few people, lots of technology: Robots handle most of the work in automotive manufacturing. Photo: © Renault

The idea isn't new, but Renault is taking it to a new level.In this case, the conversion kits, for example for a flatbed, a tipper, a workshop and service vehicle, or a box van, are delivered to the factory. This is the case with the Renault Master. at the Batilly plant near Metz, where dedicated teams in a hall focus on these conversionsConversions are already available for both the Kangoo and the Trafic, although the selection is currently smaller. Similarly, the new e-Trafic, arriving from 2027, will be offered as "Converted by Renault" factory-installed conversion versions, all with a single invoice.

But the French offer not just off-the-shelf conversions, but going a step furtherThis applies when the customer wants individual modifications. At Renault, this is called "Qstomize," a unique spelling of the word "customize" to describe the individuality of the modification. This includes special bodywork and conversions, but also paintwork, decals, or lettering.

Customization is also possible

Insights into the production of the Renault Master. Photo: © Renault

A few Examples of these Qustomize models We are standing in the conversion hall during our tour of the Batilly plant. There is a panel van with a double cab; three or four seats are possible in the second row. Opposite are complete workshop vehicles that have been converted to meet the requirements of the telecommunications giant Orange, naturally in the company colors and with the correct lettering. There are also interesting conversions available here for people with limited mobility.The French guides revealed during the tour that such a customized conversion takes around 20 hours.

You might also be interested in:

Mobility

High-tech behind glass

Panorama

"Open doors with the mouse" on October 3rd

Operations management

Medium-sized businesses are becoming increasingly hesitant to take out loans.

The electric version is also available with all conversion options. Photo: © Renault

However, those who opt for classic conversions, i.e., the "Converted by Renault"Looking around, one finds the usual suspects, Gruau for example for a tipper or a box body, also JPM is involved. It's also clear that these brands serve the French market; in Germany, it will also be the well-known conversion companies. Renault has certified around 300 service providers across Europe.The conversions are carried out in cooperation with local dealers. Customers can then purchase the vehicles from any Renault dealer, including Renault Pro+ locations specializing in commercial vehicles. The models can be viewed at these locations, while at traditional Renault dealerships, configuration is done on a screen.

120.000 units per year

540 Masters can roll off the assembly line per day at the Batilly plant.This translates to an annual production of 120.000 units. Of these, 20.000 are produced for partners Renault Trucks and Nissan (as Interstar). How many of the 100.000 Renault Master vehicles produced will ultimately leave the plant as "Converted by Renault" by the 40 employees remains to be seen – but commercial vehicle head Jan Ptacek sees good opportunities to further strengthen the company's market position.DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!