Heinz-Jürgen Löw is Head of Renault Light Commercial Vehicles and chairman of the board of Flexis SAS. A seasoned leader in the truck and LCV industry, he drives Renault LCVs’ ambition to lead the market through innovation and operational excellence.
BY RENAULT GROUP
When I talk to non-professionals in the sector, I realize that few understand the weight of LCVs (Light Commercial Vehicles) in the economy and urban logistics. Do you?
Their importance clearly goes beyond mere transportation: the LCV sector generates more than 2 million direct and indirect jobs, essential to SMEs and independents. More than 70% of light commercial vehicles are used by artisans, merchants, and independent professionals. With the growth of e-commerce (+9% per year in Europe), LCVs represent more than 90% of urban deliveries and 30% of city center traffic. Route management and vehicle compactness offer a concrete solution to reduce traffic jams.
Today, I want to take you on a journey into the heart of what we’re doing in the LCV space: our innovations, our insights, and our vision for what’s next. It’s not just about designing vehicles; it’s about crafting smart, sustainable solutions that will change the way businesses operate.
Light commercial vehicles: redefine expectations
When it comes to light commercial vehicles (LCVs), we’re not just building cars; we’re building the future of how businesses move. At Renault, we’ve always seen ourselves as pioneers, never content with just meeting the status quo. We understand that the business landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the needs of the people we serve. This is why we’re driven by a single passion: to create vehicles that don’t just meet expectations, but redefine them.
Logistics: innovation that speaks to real needs
“It hit me how much more than a mode of transport a van or truck is; it’s a business partner, a trusted asset.”
I often think back to a conversation I had with a small business owner: he runs a delivery service, and he shared how much he relied on his vehicle to keep his business running smoothly. It hit me how much more than a mode of transport a van or truck is; it’s a business partner, a trusted asset. That’s why every time we design a new LCV, it’s with people like him in mind. We’re not just engineering vehicles; we’re building tools that help businesses thrive, day in and day out.
Talking logistics, our commitment to understanding the unique demands of industries is what sets us apart. Whether it’s a construction company needing robust, reliable transport, or an emergency service team relying on precision and speed, our LCVs are made to work in the real world, solving real problems. Across various sectors—ranging from CEP (courier, express and parcel service providers) & logistics to passenger transport, construction, and even specialized needs like disabled mobility or emergency services—we see each business as unique. Our clients, whether they’re in the world of crafts, grocery logistics, or municipal services, each have their own set of challenges and requirements. This is why we tailor our solutions, creating vehicles that are not just functional but also enable the efficiency and success of our partners.
It’s this deep, hands-on knowledge of our customers that we take into account to deliver solutions that truly make a difference.
Smart design:design that works, inside and out
“Every detail of our LCVs, from the durable materials to the intuitive technology inside, is created to make life easier for those who rely on them.”
There’s something special about the moment a design comes to life. For us, it’s never just about aesthetics; it’s about function first, and then form. Every detail of our LCVs, from the durable materials to the intuitive technology inside, is created to make life easier for those who rely on them. That’s why we believe in “smart design”: vehicles that not only look good but also serve a real purpose.
I’ve seen this philosophy in action at every stage of our vehicle development process. Whether we’re working on improving cargo space for small businesses or enhancing safety features for fleet drivers, it’s the customers’ needs that are always top of mind. The result is a vehicle that not only looks sleek but is built to last and perform under pressure.
Deliveries: driving the future with sustainability and connectivity
Innovation in logistics and deliveries isn’t just about cutting-edge design; it’s about creating a future that’s sustainable for everyone. That’s why we’ve placed a major focus on eco-friendly technologies, especially with electric utility vehicles. Our E-Tech vehicles are leading the charge in zero-emission transportation. But it’s not just about the vehicle itself; it’s about creating a whole ecosystem. From the development of charging stations to dedicated support with a business partner approach, we’re laying the foundation for a future where sustainable business transport is the norm, not the exception.
And let’s not forget the role of connectivity in this future. With our brand new vehicles featuring flexible and scalable architecture developed by Ampere around the SDV (Software Defined Vehicle), fleet management becomes a seamless experience. Predictive maintenance, smart route planning, real-time data—all integrated to keep businesses running efficiently and safely. It’s all part of our broader vision of an interconnected, digital-first future.
A logistics future built on constant evolution
Looking ahead, we see a future where Renault LCVs are more than just vehicles: they’re a vital part of a connected, sustainable transportation ecosystem. We’re constantly looking at the next horizon, thinking about how we can do more, how we can improve. Our ambition isn’t to just follow the trends; we want to set them.
“Our goal is to remain at the cutting edge of LCV innovation and doing so in a way that’s environmentally responsible and economically viable.”
We’re not just thinking about the next few months or even years: we’re thinking decades ahead. Our goal is simple: to remain at the cutting edge of LCV innovation, delivering solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of businesses, and doing so in a way that’s environmentally responsible and economically viable.
In the end, our journey is about more than just creating the best vehicles. It’s about being the partner our customers can rely on, today and tomorrow. We’re on a mission to change the way people work, travel, and connect.
Join us on this journey
Are you ready to be part of this transformation? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest innovations and insights. As business partners, we can drive the future of business mobility.
FAQ
01
Who are the main users of light commercial vehicles?
02
What is Renault’s range of light commercial vehicles?
03
Where are Renault's light commercial vehicles manufactured?
They are primarily businesses and professionals who need to transport goods or equipment as part of their work (craftsmen, shopkeepers, public services, transport companies, service providers, etc.).
Renault offers a full range of light commercial vehicles: Kangoo, Trafic, and Master, available in both internal combustion and electric versions, as well as the Express for North African markets, and the Alaskan and Oroch for South America.