Renault 
, of all automakers, has just released a newmidsize pickup truck 
concept called the Alaskan. This marks the first time Renault has targeted the upmarket scene with a pickup and is slated to preview a production pickup that will be a global player. What’s more, this could very well be the first real glimpse of what the 2020 Mercedes-Benz new global pickup 
could look like.
, of all automakers, has just released a newmidsize pickup truck concept called the Alaskan. This marks the first time Renault has targeted the upmarket scene with a pickup and is slated to preview a production pickup that will be a global player. What’s more, this could very well be the first real glimpse of what the 2020 Mercedes-Benz new global pickup could look like.
Wait, Mercedes ? Yep Mercedes. Don’t forget Renault and Nissan have their global alliance together and Mercedes has already announced it will build its first pickup 
in conjunction with Nissan. What makes this rumor even more plausible is just how similar the Alaskan Concept looks to the first Mercedes rendering 
of its pickup. The speculation is a stretch, for sure, but the possibility is there nonetheless. (Be sure to check out the photo comparison below.)
? Yep Mercedes. Don’t forget Renault and Nissan have their global alliance together and Mercedes has already announced it will build its first pickup in conjunction with Nissan. What makes this rumor even more plausible is just how similar the Alaskan Concept looks to the first Mercedes rendering of its pickup. The speculation is a stretch, for sure, but the possibility is there nonetheless. (Be sure to check out the photo comparison below.)
Regardless of the Mercedes tie-in, Renault’s newestconcept 
shows off a more luxurious side to the brand’s bustling commercial truck lineup. The automaker stresses its new pickup is for “business and leisure use, plus everyday motoring.” This is a big departure from Renault’s more utilitarian workhorses that populate its commercial fleet.
shows off a more luxurious side to the brand’s bustling commercial truck lineup. The automaker stresses its new pickup is for “business and leisure use, plus everyday motoring.” This is a big departure from Renault’s more utilitarian workhorses that populate its commercial fleet.
The Alaskan concept is only a concept, but Renault says the Alaskan is a direct foretaste of a production-ready pickup. The yet-unnamed pickup will fight for sales in nearly every global market save for North America – that is, unless its underpinnings cross the pond via Mercedes or as the next-generation Nissan Frontier .
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SOURCE:TOPSPEED
Mercedes Truck Speculation
It is rather interesting to see the initial Mercedes sketch next to the finished Alaskan concept truck from Renault . The two trucks would be at the far ends of a wide string of corporate deals and product sharing that spans the globe, but nevertheless, the two trucks could eventually be related. At the center of the family tree is the 2015 Nissan NP300 pickup – a truck that already underpins the Alaskan concept and is reportedly the basis for Mercedes’ new global pickup.
. The two trucks would be at the far ends of a wide string of corporate deals and product sharing that spans the globe, but nevertheless, the two trucks could eventually be related. At the center of the family tree is the 2015 Nissan NP300 pickup – a truck that already underpins the Alaskan concept and is reportedly the basis for Mercedes’ new global pickup.Exterior
The Alaskan concept carries a rather striking design, with sharp angles contrasting soft curves and bulging features. The front boasts a large Renault badge on the familiar slotted grille while LED-encrusted headlights flank each side.
The front boasts a large Renault badge on the familiar slotted grille while LED-encrusted headlights flank each side.
Large tow hooks protrude from the bumper, emphasizing the truck’s off-road ability. Speaking of those abilities, large mud-terrain tires are mounted on the huge 21-inch wheels for plenty of grip. (On a side note, Michelin owns BF Goodrich tires, so the BFG Mud-Terrain T/A tires seen here aren’t knockoffs or a blatant copyright infringement.)
The business end of this pickup includes a composite bed with compartments on the inner bed walls and on the bulkhead. A railing system mounted on top of the bed walls offers tie-down spots and visual interest.
Renault doesn’t mention what the device mounted on the Alaskan’s roof is, but it appears to be some sort of solar panel with off-road lights mounted to the front and sides. Beyond that, there are plenty of interesting new features, including a camera system mounted on the side mirrors that allow the driver to record the passing scenery.
Interior
Renault has not released photos or information on the Alaskan’s interior, but when the info becomes available, we’ll bring it to you. Before then, I can only speculate the Alaskan will have a fairly luxurious interior that looks just a “concepty” as the exterior. Expect the production version to have a more down-to-earth appearance.
Drivetrain
Powering the Renault Alaskan is the 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. The engine is expected to make 188 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque thanks to its twin-turbo design. A smaller turbo helps create boost quickly at low rpm while the larger unit force-feeds the engine at higher rpm. Both a manual and automatic transmission are expected to be offered, along with 4WD.
Since the Renault Alaskan is based on the Nissan NP300 global pickup, the Alaskan rides on an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle held in place with a five-link coil spring design.
Conclusion
Renault’s stepping into the high-end section of the midsize, or “one-tonne” class of pickups signals the brand’s preparation for its partnership with both Nissan and Mercedes. As the world figures out there are profits to be made in light duty personal trucks, the question remains as to whether the U.S. will begin to re-adopt the midsize truck the way it did in the 1980s. As the new 2016 Toyota Tacoma and recently new General Motors twins grow the market and Ford ponders on reviving its midsize Ranger , it will be interesting to see how the segment will react to a high-end Mercedes pickup.
. As the world figures out there are profits to be made in light duty personal trucks, the question remains as to whether the U.S. will begin to re-adopt the midsize truck the way it did in the 1980s. As the new 2016 Toyota Tacoma and recently new General Motors twins grow the market and Ford ponders on reviving its midsize Ranger , it will be interesting to see how the segment will react to a high-end Mercedes pickup.
Regardless, this new concept shows huge promise for the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Let’s just cross our fingers the production version of the Alaskan doesn’t’ stray far from this innovative design.
Press Release
After introducing the Duster Oroch earlier this year, Renault is now taking the wraps off the ALASKAN Concept which marks a further step forward in its bid to win over customers in the constantly-growing pick-up market. Pick-ups account for around one-third of total LCV sales and open up a fresh front for Renault’s product offensive.
The ALASKAN Concept is a striking show vehicle that paves the way for a pick-up that will have a global calling. It combines a payload of one tonne with cutting-edge, athletic styling to meet the exacting needs of business users and individuals alike.
The ALASKAN Concept: robust, athletic, cutting-edge styling
The ALASKAN Concept’s status-enhancing design fits perfectly with the aesthetic expectations of the pick-up segment, whilst remaining true to the Renault brand’s own styling cues.
A head-turner…
The dimensions of the assertive, status enhancing ALASKAN Concept ensure a forceful stance,
The design of its robust yet athletic sculpted sides includes prominent wheel arches filled with 21-inch wheels,
Its lines combine a sense of high-tech engineering with an impression of robustness.
The dimensions of the assertive, status enhancing ALASKAN Concept ensure a forceful stance,
The design of its robust yet athletic sculpted sides includes prominent wheel arches filled with 21-inch wheels,
Its lines combine a sense of high-tech engineering with an impression of robustness.
Its eye-catching front-end styling incorporates Renault design cues which bring a modern, aesthetic touch to the world of pick-ups:
A large, prominent logo,
An impressive bonnet highlighted by four sculptured ribs that heighten the impression of strength,
A combination of satin-effect, brushed and polished metal finishes,
Blue and yellow detailing on the door mirrors, brake calipers, wheel rim centres and front tow hook visually enhance the ALASKAN Concept’s poise,
C-shaped head lights,
Full-LED lighting signature.
A large, prominent logo,
An impressive bonnet highlighted by four sculptured ribs that heighten the impression of strength,
A combination of satin-effect, brushed and polished metal finishes,
Blue and yellow detailing on the door mirrors, brake calipers, wheel rim centres and front tow hook visually enhance the ALASKAN Concept’s poise,
C-shaped head lights,
Full-LED lighting signature.
Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Design, commented: “The styling of the ALASKAN Concept sticks to the rules of the pick-up segment, including impressive dimensions and a visual sense of power and robustness. At the same time, we have dialed in specific Renault cues in the form of an attractive, status-enhancing front-end design.”
The ALASKAN Concept is powered by Renault’s proven four-cylinder, twin turbo diesel engine which features in the existing Master range:
Twin turbo technology: a small turbo for smooth acceleration at low engine speeds, plus a bigger turbo for higher revs.
This longitudinally-mounted twin turbo powertrain is lighter than average equivalent engines,
Outstanding acceleration performance, plus class-topping fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
Twin turbo technology: a small turbo for smooth acceleration at low engine speeds, plus a bigger turbo for higher revs.
This longitudinally-mounted twin turbo powertrain is lighter than average equivalent engines,
Outstanding acceleration performance, plus class-topping fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
The ALASKAN Concept: designed to make the most out of life in three different worlds
The ALASKAN Concept is a ‘work hard, play hard’ all-road vehicle designed to meet the requirements of three different worlds: business and leisure use, plus everyday motoring.
Perfectly suited to the needs of business users:
Strong chassis for excellent road holding, high ground clearance and distinctive driving comfort,
A payload of more than one tonne with five passengers onboard and a long, wide load bed,
Load bed incorporating three longitudinal recesses suitable for fixing equipment,
Additional storage bins either side of the load bed for the secure protection of equipment,
Best-in-class fuel efficiency, plus impressive power output and acceleration performance.
Strong chassis for excellent road holding, high ground clearance and distinctive driving comfort,
A payload of more than one tonne with five passengers onboard and a long, wide load bed,
Load bed incorporating three longitudinal recesses suitable for fixing equipment,
Additional storage bins either side of the load bed for the secure protection of equipment,
Best-in-class fuel efficiency, plus impressive power output and acceleration performance.
The ALASKAN Concept is the perfect companion for leisure use, too:
Ideal for road trips, adventure or sports use. Its big load bed can comfortably accommodate mountain bikes, camping gear or surfboards, etc. Availability of a range of outdoor accessories (load bed liners, covers, etc.),
Premium travelling comfort, together with highest quality standards in terms of equipment and connectivity,
Last but not least, a camera located inside the door mirror housings to permit the filming of passing landscapes.
Ideal for road trips, adventure or sports use. Its big load bed can comfortably accommodate mountain bikes, camping gear or surfboards, etc. Availability of a range of outdoor accessories (load bed liners, covers, etc.),
Premium travelling comfort, together with highest quality standards in terms of equipment and connectivity,
Last but not least, a camera located inside the door mirror housings to permit the filming of passing landscapes.
For everyday motoring:
A status-enhancing vehicle complete with large 21-inch wheels, user-friendly driving comfort and modern urban styling that sets it apart in the pick-up world,
A sporty, appealing look:
Large LED Pure Vision rear lights with brushed and polished aluminium surrounds framed by C-shape direction indicators,
Sophisticated rear-end styling heightened by the central aluminium exhaust tail pipe.
A status-enhancing vehicle complete with large 21-inch wheels, user-friendly driving comfort and modern urban styling that sets it apart in the pick-up world,
A sporty, appealing look:
Large LED Pure Vision rear lights with brushed and polished aluminium surrounds framed by C-shape direction indicators,
Sophisticated rear-end styling heightened by the central aluminium exhaust tail pipe.
Hasselblad and ALASKAN Concept
Renault and Hasselblad worked jointly to underline the ALASKAN Concept’s ability to adapt to three different types of use: business and leisure use, and everyday motoring. Hasselblad is a Swedish manufacturer of cameras and photographic equipment. It is famous for having provided photographic equipment for the Apollo programme which took men to the moon for the first time.
A one-tonne pick-up to follow in the wake of the ALASKAN Concept show truck:
The production version’s design will be similar in spirit to that of the ALASKAN Concept and will feature the same dimensions,
A broad range of body types and powertrains will be available,
It will be a high-end pick-up for business and leisure use, as well as for everyday motoring,
It will capitalize on Renault’s crossover know-how with models like Captur and Kadjar.
A broad range of body types and powertrains will be available,
It will be a high-end pick-up for business and leisure use, as well as for everyday motoring,
It will capitalize on Renault’s crossover know-how with models like Captur and Kadjar.
This new one-tonne pick-up will be unveiled in the first half of 2016.
2. Renault outlines its ambitions for the LCV market
As Europe’s number one Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) brand for the past 17 years, and in addition to its strong positions in the South-American and African markets, Renault is now shifting up a gear to take Renault LCV forward from being a top regional player to a top global player. LCVs are a major strategic market, with over 14 million sold in 2014.
In order to achieve this objective, Renault has embarked on assertive product and market offensives, while at the same time striking up solid partnerships and enhancing the experience of its customers thanks to the Renault Pro+ expert brand.
A multi-faceted offensive: products, markets and partnerships
Renault LCV is launching an ambitious product offensive, as illustrated by the ALASKAN Concept which paves the way for the one-tonne pick-up.
Other illustrations include:
A renewed LCV range
The New Trafic and New Master in 2014.
The new Kangoo mid-2013.
The New Trafic and New Master in 2014.
The new Kangoo mid-2013.
The new Renault Trafic (270 variants)
A brand new vehicle and a true mobile office.
A huge success with sales amounting to 40,000 vehicles up to end of June 2015, an improvement of 12.5% over the same period in 2014.
A multiple award winner, including the 2015 Argus Trophy in France, What Van? awards in the United Kingdom, Van of the Year in Finland, Best LCV in Germany and Croatia, etc.
A brand new vehicle and a true mobile office.
A huge success with sales amounting to 40,000 vehicles up to end of June 2015, an improvement of 12.5% over the same period in 2014.
A multiple award winner, including the 2015 Argus Trophy in France, What Van? awards in the United Kingdom, Van of the Year in Finland, Best LCV in Germany and Croatia, etc.
“The new Trafic replaces the former-generation version which reached sales of more than 1.6 million units. The new Trafic has received a high number of awards; it features numerous innovations, including its Wide View mirror and its mobile office,” commented Pascal Schmitt, Global Commercial Director, LCV Division.
The new Renault Master (350 variants)
New front design, engine range renewed, latest technologies (incl. ESC, Extended Grip, Wide View mirror etc.), for an updated leader.
New front design, engine range renewed, latest technologies (incl. ESC, Extended Grip, Wide View mirror etc.), for an updated leader.
Electric LCVs
Renault was the first brand to offer an electric LCV range (Kangoo Z.E. and Twizy Cargo).
The Kangoo Z.E. is marketed in 45 countries.
Renault was the first brand to offer an electric LCV range (Kangoo Z.E. and Twizy Cargo).
The Kangoo Z.E. is marketed in 45 countries.
Renault is also launching an offensive in the pick-up market. The pick-up market accounts for more than 5 million vehicles in 2014.
The growth in the global LCV market can be primarily attributed to the expanding pick-up market, which comprises three classes:
Half-tonne pick-ups: 3% of the global market, with a growth perspective of 35% between 2014 and 2019.
One-tonne pick-ups: 17% of the global market, with a growth perspective of 19% between 2014 and 2019.
Full-size pick-ups: 18% of the global market (90% in the US and Canada).
The growth in the global LCV market can be primarily attributed to the expanding pick-up market, which comprises three classes:
Half-tonne pick-ups: 3% of the global market, with a growth perspective of 35% between 2014 and 2019.
One-tonne pick-ups: 17% of the global market, with a growth perspective of 19% between 2014 and 2019.
Full-size pick-ups: 18% of the global market (90% in the US and Canada).
Source: Global Insight
Renault’s pick-up market offensive: a four-step strategy:
The Duster Oroch Concept, unveiled in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in October 2014
The Duster Oroch, unveiled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in June 2015,
The ALASKAN Concept, unveiled today in Paris, France,
The one-tonne pick-up, due in the first quarter of 2016, with a global calling.
The Duster Oroch Concept, unveiled in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in October 2014
The Duster Oroch, unveiled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in June 2015,
The ALASKAN Concept, unveiled today in Paris, France,
The one-tonne pick-up, due in the first quarter of 2016, with a global calling.
Focus on the Renault Duster Oroch, designed in and for Latin America
The Renault Duster Oroch is the only pick-up designed on a Sport Utility Vehicle platform, that of the Renault (Dacia in Europe) Duster.
It is a genuine, nimble and reliable double-cab pick-up, with four doors, five seats, and a generously sized load bed. It inherits the Duster’s styling, equipment and accessories, along with additional upgrades and innovations. Its in-car equipment package is worthy of that of a C-segment SUV.
A wide range of accessories allows users to personalize their vehicle and adapt it to their particular use. The Renault Duster is a global success. It is the Group’s best-selling model: about 400,000 units in 2014 in some 100 countries.
Along with its product and market offensive, solid partnerships are a fundamental part of Renault LCV’s Global Growth Plan:
Nissan and Renault together have developed the one-tonne pick-up truck for Renault which will share some of its architecture with the Nissan NP300.
Nissan, Daimler, General Motors Europe and Renault Truck are sharing Renault LCV products, components or expertise thanks to strong long-lasting partnerships.
Fiat is a recent newcomer to the Renault LCV partnership portfolio. The Sandouville plant in France is to build a Trafic-based Fiat LCV from mid-2016.
Nissan and Renault together have developed the one-tonne pick-up truck for Renault which will share some of its architecture with the Nissan NP300.
Nissan, Daimler, General Motors Europe and Renault Truck are sharing Renault LCV products, components or expertise thanks to strong long-lasting partnerships.
Fiat is a recent newcomer to the Renault LCV partnership portfolio. The Sandouville plant in France is to build a Trafic-based Fiat LCV from mid-2016.
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