TOOLS AND SERVICES TO BOOST FUEL EFFICIENCY

Transcription

1 CORPORAT COMMUNICATIONS DPARTMNT P R S S F I L Lyon / September 2012 TOOLS AND SRVICS TO BOOST FUL FFICINCY For a road haulier, irrespective of its size and operations, its trucks fuel consumption constitutes its second-highest expenditure item, sometimes even its highest. The pioneer and leader in the area of fuel efficiency, Renault Trucks provides an overall approach in this field. The company and its entire workforce in France, abroad and throughout the network, is making a commitment via its All For Fuel co initiative. This means that fuel efficiency is at the centre of Renault Trucks concerns, at a very early stage in our operations, during the course of research work, then in the very design of trucks, and finally in relation to their maintenance in the network. For customers, this translates into the Optifuel Solutions which consist of four main thrusts: Configuring trucks well To reduce the consumption of a truck, you must first of all have the best technological tools available and adapt them appropriately to the use you want to make of them (e.g. an optimised powertrain, a robotised gearbox, Optiroll, OptiTrack, the choice of an internal combustion engine, or of an electric, hybrid or natural gas solution, etc.) and the most effective equipment (tyres, deflectors, etc.). Training drivers well Having a truck which consumes very little fuel is good, but knowing how to drive it so that it consumes even less is better. Optifuel Training, Renault Trucks in-house training programme, is based on thirty years of experience and enables fuel efficiency savings of 15% to be achieved across a whole fleet. Measuring and analysing fuel efficiency on a long-term basis When your drivers have been trained, it is fundamental, to ensure that the fuel savings being achieved continue to accrue, to provide them with assistance over the long term and to monitor the fuel efficiency of your fleet as a whole, through fuel efficiency monitoring software such as Optifuel Infomax and fleet management software such as Optifleet. Reducing consumption throughout the vehicle s operating life ven if it is well set up, well driven and well monitored, a truck also has to be well maintained, and this must be done employing the Renault Trucks network s know-how and experience, and you must also obtain the latest technical innovations (Optifuel Retrofit) in order to maintain its fuel efficiency throughout its entire operational life. TR A , route de Lyon Saint-Priest Cedex Fax : +33 (0) RNAULT TRUCKS SAS Capital de uros Siège social : 99, route de Lyon SAINT-PRIST siret : RCS Lyon B

2 Configuring trucks well COMMUNIQU To reduce a truck s consumption, you must first of all have the best technological tools available to you and choose the technologies appropriate to the vehicle s applications. With Optifuel Technology, Renault Trucks provides a high-performance powertrain on its vehicles, in particular through its D robotised PRSS Optitronic and Optidriver+ gearboxes. To increase fuel savings still further, there are technological innovations such as OptiTrack and Optiroll but also certain optional extras such as automatic engine cut-off as well as power mode inhibition which can also be added to the fuel-saving features. Savings and mobility with robotised gearboxes Robotised gearboxes play a vital role in fuel savings. It is estimated for instance that using a robotised Optidriver+ gearbox (on the DXi 11 and DXi 13 engines) results in about 3% less fuel being consumed on long journeys; a figure that increases to 7% with the Optitronic gearbox (on the DXi 7 and DXi 9 engines). The saving is all the more appreciable in that Renault Trucks drivers also get the benefit of faultless mobility: We have developed our own gearbox management software, explains Amélie Debreux, the Long Distance range Product Manager. She adds that, The trucks have been designed so that the green zone covers not only the area in which engines consume the least fuel, but, at the same time, the one in which the available torque is the highest. In the end analysis, electronic management of gear changes provides drivers with the best possible compromise between mobility and consumption, under all circumstances. But to achieve that, an effective gearbox is not enough. You also need to ensure that the gearbox can communicate with and synchronise itself with the other parts of the powertrain in an optimal manner. Insofar as Renault Trucks controls the production and development of each part, it can provide its customers with a harmonious and effective whole. Over the past few years, robotised gearboxes have established themselves in the market. Indeed, electronic gear-shifting protects the clutch, increases its lifetime and reduces the risk of over-speeding and ensuing engine failure. In addition, it means that drivers benefit from driving comfort, enabling them to fully concentrate on their driving. For construction activities, an off-road mode has been specially developed on Optidriver+. It enables gear-shifting management to be changed when the vehicle has to deal with difficult conditions. The priority is at that point in time given to mobility, but only temporarily. The rest of the time fuel efficiency is all-important. The Optidriver+ gearbox also permits a swinging or rocking effect when the driver takes back control and shifts frequently from reverse to forward drive in order to get out of a tricky situation.

3 10% less fuel consumed with the OptiTrack system To obtain further fuel efficiency gains, Renault Trucks has developed innovative technological solutions as part of Optifuel Technology. This is the case for instance regarding the Construction range, with the Premium Lander OptiTrack. This is a system which enables a building site supply vehicle to D temporarily PRSS have the benefit of extra mobility via two hydraulic motors placed in the hub of the front wheels. A 4x2 tractor vehicle thus becomes a 4x4 vehicle and a 6x2 rigid becomes a 6x4 rigid. Thanks to this system, hauliers can benefit from enhanced mobility in difficult situations (climbing a gradient on a loose surface at a building site, for example) while also benefitting from the advantages of an onroad vehicle. This means being able to carry a heavier payload (with a gain of more than 500 kg in relation to a full-transmission equivalent), enjoying greater driving comfort and above all better fuel efficiency, since the savings can amount to up to 10% compared with an all-wheel drive solution. A 1% fuel saving with the Optiroll pack, also known as the controlled freewheelling feature In the world of Long Distance trucks, every percentage point of fuel efficiency savings counts. For the Premium Long Distance and the Magnum, Renault Trucks developed the Optiroll pack. Integrated into the speed regulator, Optiroll automatically triggers the Optidriver+ gearbox s controlled freewheelling feature when driving conditions enable fuel savings. The feature thus makes optimal use of the vehicle s momentum, and can reduce consumption by as much as 1%. The pack also features soft cruise control, a speed regulator which is more effective and economic on undulating terrain. The driver sets a given speed, and the soft cruise control optimises fuel consumption. It can, for instance, reduce the speed very slightly on certain uphill sections, so that the engine speed delivers the best compromise between torque and output being achieved and fuel consumption being reduced. Power mode inhibition Power mode provides an increase in power when a driver is faced with unexpected situations. But the extra power is expensive in terms of fuel. This is why, in order to make fuel use reductions a priority, Renault Trucks offers power mode inhibition as an optional extra for road hauliers whose main aim is to save as much fuel as possible. Automatic engine cut-out When at a standstill, with its engine running, a truck consumes about three litres of fuel an hour. Pointless fuel consumption which Renault Trucks can save you by automatically having the engine switch off after five minutes when stationary and when the parking brake is on and no PTO is operating.

4 quipment geared to saving fuel Right from the vehicle configuration stage, Renault Trucks offers a series of accessories which contribute to reducing fuel consumption. For example, accessories such as deflectors can enhance the truck s aerodynamics, adapting the tractor vehicle to the trailer it is pulling and thereby reduce the rig s drag. But the accessories in question here can also concern optimised side fairings or the choice of specific tyres. D PRSS A vehicle optimised for low fuel consumption Premium Long Distance With Premium Long Distance, Renault Trucks was the first manufacturer to market a vehicle focused on its customers profitability, offering one of the very highest payloads on the market while at the same time reducing operating costs and increasing hauliers productivity. From 2008 to 2010, a test was carried out by the German road haulier Fehrenkötter, and after three years of use under actual operating conditions, the Premium Long Distance finished in the gold medal position. The vehicle was crowned champion in terms of savings, since its fuel consumption was the lowest of the six trucks in the running. A vehicle-plus-services offering optimised for low fuel consumption Premium Optifuel In 2009, with Premium Optifuel, Renault Trucks was the first truck manufacturer to launch an overall product-plus-services offering focused on fuel efficiency. This optimised offering is built around the Premium Long Distance, which leads the field in terms of fuel efficiency. Configured to consume as little fuel as possible, the truck is employed in conjunction with the fuel-efficiency instruction program developed by Renault Trucks and with the Optifuel Infomax fuel consumption measurement software. Premium Optifuel can deliver savings of 6.4%. This figure has been confirmed by the TÜV, an independent German body. Since then, Premium Optifuel has extended its lead still further by incorporating the Optiroll feature. Adapting the energy source to usage diesel, electric, hybrid or natural gas When configuring a truck, it is important to choose its power source carefully. Apart from Diesel, Renault Trucks provides a wide range of alternative-energy Clean Tech vehicles which open up new horizons for road haulage firms wanting to reduce the amount of money they spend on fuel. To make last kilometre deliveries right in the heart of city centres, road hauliers can opt for the Maxity lectric. A genuine 4.5-tonne small truck which can be driven in France with a B (car) driving licence, it is 100% electric and so does not consume a single drop of fuel. In addition, the lack of polluting and CO 2 emissions as well as the minimally low sound levels make this vehicle a favourite with city centre residents and one which is also suitable for night-time and inner city delivery runs.

5 For urban distribution requirements, which entail higher payload capacities, Renault Trucks provides the Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech. This parallel hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric engine powered by kinetic energy recovered during braking and deceleration. The kinetic energy is then converted into electricity which is stored in traction batteries. These batteries thus operate fully autonomously and do not have to be recharged. The vehicle starts in electric mode. Once a speed of approximately 20 km/h is reached, the Diesel engine takes over. This means that it is D PRSS only used at times when it consumes the least fuel, in other words apart from during the start-up phase. The Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech is the largest hybrid vehicle on the market. It comes in 19 t and 26 t models, and also in bodied, tipper, platform crane and refuse collection configurations. Measured fuel savings which can be as high as 20%! Finally, for certain applications such as captive fleets or fleets operated by regional authorities, compressed natural gas (CNG) can prove to be a wise choice. For gas-powered vehicles emit neither smoke nor particles and are quieter than their Diesel equivalents. CNG technology is a good match for the uses which Premium Distribution meets. Renault Trucks CNG offering comes in two configurations an t rigid and a 26 t 6x2*4 rigid. The offering is principally intended for urban and suburban uses in the distribution, street-cleaning and industrial and household waste disposal spheres, as well as for collections which require equipment with boom arms, such as glass collection for instance. Training drivers well: Optifuel Training, tried and tested instruction in economic driving Renault Trucks offers Optifuel Training as part of its Optifuel Solutions. Developed by Renault Trucks, this consists of an instruction program in economic driving dispensed by the manufacturer's own experts. Because having a truck with low consumption is good, but knowing how to drive it so that it consumes even less, is better. For Long Distance hauliers, fuel is the company's second largest item of expenditure. In the world of Construction, it can even be the largest item of all. The key elements of consumption do of course include the truck, but also the driver. This is why Renault Trucks has spent more than 30 years developing its own training in economic driving. Initiated in the 1980s, it has been continually adapted to customers' evolving needs, keeping pace with technological innovations (the increasingly widespread use of robotised gearbox for example). As a manufacturer and trainer, Renault Trucks has a comprehensive knowledge of all its products. Its "in-house" instructors are therefore best qualified to exploit the benefits offered by Renault Trucks vehicles to the full. At the end of 2011, more than 21,000 drivers had already followed the Optifuel Training instruction program. In most cases, the instruction in economic driving takes place on the customer's premises and uses their own vehicles. This makes it easier to take into consideration drivers' assignments and the conditions they have to contend with. "Consumption depends hugely on a number of factors: the truck, the load, the climate and also the traffic conditions," explains Jerome Oliver, in charge of driving instruction at Renault Trucks. "Our aim is to focus on the drivers, show them that they play a role in the vehicle's consumption, but cannot be held entirely responsible for it as some tend to think. We want drivers to adopt a responsible attitude to driving and certainly not make them feel guilty," he concludes.

6 The instructor's first move is to check that all the tools available to the driver are being correctly used. "In many cases, several of the vehicle's functionalities, such as the speed regulator or even the retarders, are ignored," stresses Jérôme Oliver. "And these have a fundamental impact on the consumption." D PRSS Then, the driver and the instructor go on a typical journey of about two hours, at the end of which they carry out an analysis of the consumption using the Optifuel Infomax software. These objective results, taking into account the various conditions which cannot be controlled, enable instructors to have an objective conversation with drivers and make them aware of the areas in which there is room for improvement. "This isn't about teaching drivers how to drive," Jérôme Oliver asserts. "It's about showing them what they need to do to reduce their fuel consumption." The instruction continues with a presentation of the theoretical data concerning rational driving: switching off the engine if stationary for more than 3 minutes, anticipating obstacles on the road to avoid having to stop and restart or make sure the green zone is being used as much as possible. The green zone on the DXi 11 and DXi 13 is the engine speed zone between 1,000 and 1,500 rpm. This is of course the zone in which consumption will be the lowest, but not only that. In order to also enjoy maximum mobility, the "engine" cartography has been designed to ensure that at the same time this zone is the one in which maximum torque and the greater part of the power are available. At the end of the training, drivers and instructors take to the road again to apply these principles and carry out another analysis with Optifuel Infomax. Generally speaking, when travelling over the same route, reductions in consumption of around 10% will be recorded. However, Jerome Oliver does have one word of warning: "There shouldn't necessarily be a specific consumption objective to reach. It's more important to have a target consumption that takes into account what the truck is used for and the assignment it is given." Furthermore, before the training, many drivers think that economic driving involves a passive approach which results in losing time. Whereas in fact, it is quite the opposite. All tests show that, not only does economic driving not make journey times any longer but in most cases it actually shortens them. By better anticipating stopping and restarting, drivers stop less frequently and thereby save time. There is nothing passive about this style of driving, since it is essential for drivers to stay alert and anticipate obstacles at all times. Similarly, all drivers who have adopted economic driving acknowledge that it means they have to be suppler and less stressed. They therefore enjoy greater comfort and at the same time improve both their own safety and that of other road users. From a haulier's point of view, apart from the lower fuel consumption, having well-trained drivers enables them to make substantial gains in vehicle maintenance. For by being thoroughly familiar with their vehicles and using them to best advantage, these drivers do not put any excessive strain on their trucks' mechanical parts. And since this means that they use the brakes, clutch and tyres more sparingly, servicing can be carried out less frequently. Renault Trucks aims to highlight all these advantages to as many people as possible via its Optifuel Training programs during the coming years.

7 A unique offering: Optifuel Programme Renault Trucks is the only manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive instructional program which includes, in addition to economic driving, full command of the consumption measurement and analysis Optifuel Infomax software. This unique, dual phase training is called Optifuel Programme. It is D particularly PRSS designed for fleet managers and driving instructors, who can not only train their drivers in economic driving but, above all, use the software to detect any anomalies and also maintain the effects of this training program in the long term. Measuring and analysing consumption in the long term with Optifuel Infomax and Optifleet When drivers have been trained, it is essential to ensure that the instruction will have a long-term effect on reducing fuel consumption, that they can also be given ongoing support in maintaining their fuel efficiency and that consumption of the fleet as a whole can be constantly monitored. To achieve these goals, Renault Trucks' Optifuel Solutions includes easy-to-use, straightforward tools which help drivers and fleet managers monitor, analyse and reduce their fuel consumption however big - or small - their haulage business may be. These tools are Optifuel Infomax and Optifleet. Informax, the support tool for drivers "Just giving a figure for consumption doesn't mean anything at all," states Bruno Malluret, head of training at Renault Trucks. "Consumption must always be seen in relation to the route being followed and the load being carried. For example, 28 L per 100 km can be a very poor figure if the route is extremely easy and 39 L per 100 km could be an excellent figure on a very difficult route!" Just considering an average figure is likely to result in dialogues that go nowhere between drivers and fleet managers. Optifuel Infomax is therefore a "key" tool available to all those involved which will provide relevant analysis and help establish an ongoing improvement in consumption. Thanks to the accuracy of the data which it provides, Optifuel Infomax can, for example, explain differences in consumption between two identical trucks driven by two different drivers. It can also reveal key elements which increase consumption. Once these have been identified, drivers can change their driving style to consume less. If they are working for a fleet they can also talk about the multiple and objective databases with their managers, who will be able to take into account the route they have followed and the difficulties it entailed. This will make their conversation all the more constructive. Introducing the Optifuel Infomax software into a fleet enables drivers to become active players in reducing fuel consumption since it takes account of the conditions they have to face. This is particularly important because we know that their involvement is essential for meaningful results to be achieved. It is also why several companies use this tool to organise challenges or a system of monthly rewards for drivers who record the lowest consumption over a particular route.

8 70 accurate indicators COMMUNIQU To achieve this aim, Optifuel Infomax provides 70 different indicators drawn directly from vehicles' engine data, all of which can be leveraged by drivers to reduce their consumption. For example, excessive use of the brake pedal reveals a lack of anticipation. Drivers who find themselves in this situation will therefore understand that they have to use more anticipation in their driving to get their consumption down. This line of reasoning is similar when the Optifuel Infomax report shows that the D PRSS ABS or the SP has been triggered or that the robotised gearbox has been used abnormally. These show that the driving style has been too dynamic. Similarly, indicators supplied by the software such as the percentage of fuel consumed in the green zone or the time spent in it are very valuable since they show if the economic driving is efficient or otherwise. To ensure that it is, Renault Trucks recommends that these proportions should be as close as possible to 100%. Optifuel Infomax also logs the consumption per hour (L/hour). This figure is particularly interesting to analyse consumption when PTOs are being used or the vehicle is at a standstill. If the percentage used is too high, drivers are warned of the consequences resulting from letting the engine run when the vehicle is stationary and it will help them to be more vigilant. ven the most experienced drivers are not always aware that an idling engine consumes around 3 L an hour! By switching off the engine more quickly when at a standstill, drivers are able to reduce their consumption to a degree that they may not have realised. A unique training tool The software also provides analytical tools designed to be used for training purposes. This allows users, whether they are instructors, fleet managers or drivers, to monitor their improvement over time, carry out an analysis within a specific timeframe, establish individual objectives or carry out comparative analyses. To make fleet managers' work easier, Optifuel Infomax can also be configured for multiple site application. This means that every time data is downloaded, even if an operator has several sites, it can all be automatically shared via a centralised database. A simple and inexpensive tool Optifuel Infomax can be used on all Renault Trucks vehicles, however large or small the haulier's fleet may be. It can also be configured for multiple site usage. This means that each time data is downloaded, the information collected from an operator's various sites is automatically transferred to the centralised database. The software can be installed on a computer in just a few seconds. Once the software has been purchased, no monthly subscription is required. Data is downloaded after each journey by connecting to a specific port which is featured on all Renault Trucks vehicles. Renault Trucks can supply it to customers as part of a pack known as Optifuel Program. In addition to the software, this pack includes the Renault Trucks training in economic driving module designed for fleet managers or instructors. Together with Optifuel Infomax, Renault Trucks offers Optifleet: its on-board, real-time fleet management and monitoring IT solution. It enables hauliers to increase their profit margins by reducing operating costs.

9 Optifleet, manufacturer's on-board IT solution Simple to use and set up, Optifleet is an on-board "turnkey" IT solution offering secured access via an Internet portal from any computer. It is free of any time commitment and comes with one day's training on the customer's premises. It is made up of four modules so that this solution can be adapted to each haulier's needs. D PRSS The first module ("Map") manages a geo-location function based on Google MapAPI Premier cartography. It enables operators to know the exact position of their vehicles in realtime and analyse the route they have taken. This makes it possible to optimise rounds, avoid "parasitic" kilometres and give customers greater satisfaction by, for example, informing them of estimated delivery times. The second module, supplying technical data ("Check") enables each driver's consumption to be monitored so that kilometrage costs can be reduced, particularly for fleets with different makes of vehicle. Optifleet also allows operators to give their customers an environmental report (CO2, Nox emissions, etc.) relating to the transport of their goods. Apart from allowing operators to consult their drivers' activities in realtime, Optifleet now makes it possible to comply with tachograph regulations and save time with the "Drive" module. This gives operators the possibility of programming remote downloads of data from the tachograph's on-board memory and the driver's card, which are initially stored on the Renault Trucks server. Drivers are also assisted in their assignment via an interface incorporated into the dashboard that uses a wireless keyboard. This "Link" module enables them to communicate by with their operator, consult the details of their activity and transfer GPS coordinates of delivery points received from their depot to the PL GarminDezl navigation system (option). This module also makes it possible to maintain communication between operators and drivers in realtime - with a written record - so that quality transport assignments can be carried out at the lowest cost and in the fastest time for customers. By means of these four customisable modules, operators and drivers can get the most out of their vehicles, respond quickly to unforeseen events and generate even greater loyalty among their own customers. ach service is subject to a monthly subscription per vehicle, totalling between 15 and 60 according to the combination of modules chosen. The communications box which gives access to the first three modules is fitted as standard in France without any increase in the price of the vehicle. All subscriptions include one day of instruction and training provided by an Optifleet specialist, on the customer's premises. The tool requires no IT investment, only an Internet connection. Web portal maintenance ensures 24/7 accessibility. The monthly subscription, with no time commitment, includes unlimited communications throughout urope, automatic updates and a free hotline. Optifleet can be used for all Renault Trucks commercial vehicles and those of other brands.

10 With its two Optifleet and Optifuel Infomax complementary offerings, Renault Trucks is the only manufacturer to offer its customers a range of tools for measuring, analysing and monitoring consumption which is individually adapted for each one of them. These tools make it possible for all sizes of organization - from SMs to large companies with extensive fleets - to reduce their fuel consumption. Furthermore, they can be adapted to all kinds of activities, whether in the construction, distribution or long distance haulage fields. COMMUNIQU D PRSS Reducing consumption throughout a vehicle's entire operating life Optifuel Retrofit In order to allow its customers to benefit from solutions designed to reduce consumption that can be applied to their entire fleets, Renault Trucks offers a service called Optifuel Retrofit. This involves installing the latest fuel saving options on trucks that are already operational. For example, the Optiroll pack can be installed as an aftersales feature. By taking maximum advantage of the vehicle's inertia and the "controlled freewheeling" function, Optiroll can reduce consumption by around 1%. Similarly, it is possible for the power mode to be deactivated on a vehicle already in service, just as the automatic engine cutout can be installed. Finally, Optifleet, the Renault Trucks on-board fleet management IT solution can also be installed as an aftersales feature. Furthermore, maintaining vehicles in line with Renault Trucks' recommendations, using the manufacturer's original spare parts and the range of Fuel co lubricants from Renault Trucks Oils, can enable customers to reduce their total fuel bills by a significant amount. The specific formulae used for these lubricants based on low viscosity and friction modifying additives combine to reduce overall friction and therefore consumption. All these possibilities are ways of enabling vehicles already in service to enjoy a second lease of life. Optifuel Workshops (France only) ven when it is well configured, well driven and well monitored, a truck still needs to be well maintained to preserve its low consumption performance throughout its lifetime. To meet this need in France, Renault Trucks offers a service known as Optifuel Workshops (Ateliers Optifuel). These can carry out a number of different interventions to reduce the consumption of trucks already on the road and enable them to take advantage of the latest advances in this field. First of all, in order to determine the action to be taken, technicians from the Renault Trucks network download data from the Optifuel Infomax software's consumption measurement and analysis tool to find out why excessive quantities of fuel are being consumed. Following this, a number of different measures can be implemented.

11 In particular, these concern adjustments to the chassis and engine. The Renault Trucks technicians first of all adjust the vehicle's geometry and then the rocker arms on the engine. Depending on the vehicle in question, they may subsequently suggest fitting specific fuel saving tyres to the customer as well as installing and appropriately adjusting deflectors. But the services provided by the Optifuel Workshops go even further and can incorporate the possibility of adding the latest technical innovations designed to further reduce fuel consumption as an aftersales feature. D PRSS Reducing fuel consumption is not something to be improvised or imposed. A precursor and leader in this field for many years, Renault Trucks has a global approach to this issue embodied in its Optifuel Solutions. In order to achieve substantial and sustainable results in this area, Renault Trucks recommends users to correctly configure their vehicles, particularly their mode of propulsion, train their drivers properly, carefully measure and analyse their consumption and then optimise their fleets by regularly maintaining and updating them. Optifuel Solutions are one of the cornerstones of Renault Trucks' All For Fuel co approach, which aims to mobilise the energy of the manufacturer's entire workforce, from the design stage right through to vehicle sales or repair. As a result, it will be possible for customers to be offered concrete and efficient ways of continually driving down their fuel consumption. Further information is available from: Marie-Lise Marchais Tél. : + 33 (0) marie-lise.marchais@renault-trucks.com Fabrice Piombo Tél. : + 33 (0) fabrice.piombo@renault-trucks.com