AUTOSMART FRANCHISEE CHOOSES STRIKING RANGE T

Autosmart franchisee for Scarborough and its surrounding areas, Paul Daley-Smith, has taken delivery of a striking Renault Trucks Range T380 4x2 rigid. Supplied by Thompson Commercials Hull, the immaculately presented T380 is on full air, with side skirts and optional Alcoa Dura-Bright alloys.

Autosmart is a network of mobile supermarkets and, as presentation was key to Paul’s business, he took some time to spec’ the new vehicle for maximum visual impact.  This included colour-coded paintwork and smart bodywork by Hardcastle Coachworks Limited from Selby, who normally build horseboxes.

“This truck is my own rolling cleaning supplies shop window so it had to look the part. Striking M4 Graphics and Alcoa Dura-Brite alloys set off the look, plus a few subtle customising tweaks such as front, back and cab-step light bars and, of course, the colour-coded paintwork from Hardcastle,” explains Paul Daley-Smith.

Excellent customer service from local dealer Thompson Commercials and salesman Andy Cross was key, notes Paul: “The relationship I have with Thompson Commercials is strong and I have been sold on the service they provide since I purchased my first Midlum in 2008.”

The Range T380 enables Paul to carry more AdBlue and bulk chemicals, with growing sales supported by Autosmart’s ‘Barrel for Life’ concept where customers take delivery of a high quality barrel that is refilled during each visit. Paul worked closely with the bodybuilder to design and build a system of four underfloor tanks with a combined capacity of 4,500 litres that dispense AdBlue and Autosmart’s top-selling traffic film remover (TFR) via one of two Hydrahose reel systems, completely doing away with unsightly IBC tanks.

Equipped with a three-seat day cab to give Paul the flexibility to transport an extra person to trade shows and fairs, the Range T also comes with front air suspension to fully adjust the ride height, as Paul explains: “My truck never sees motorways, it was more about lowering the rear entrance without the vehicle tipping up in the air at the front, or to raise the ride height to avoid obstacles in farm yards.” 

Paul’s territory covers a fair degree of challenging terrain, hence the decision to opt for Renault Trucks’ 11-litre Euro-6 engine rated at 375hp coupled to an Optidriver 12-speed automated manual transmission system.  “It’s all backroads and hills in this area. This new truck will probably average around 50,000 kms a year so it’s hardly pushed. I’m stop-start almost all day long; the priority is making as many calls as possible in a day, not eking out every last drop of fuel! The front air really gives the truck a lovely driving dynamic and of course helps cushion out the local lumps, bumps and pot holes!” concludes Paul.