French manufacturer uses Commercial Vehicles Middle East to showcase vehicles capable of operating under extreme conditions

Dubai, UAE, 25 January 2012: Renault Trucks is launching the civilian version of the Sherpa Scout military vehicle in the Middle East, as it looks to address the needs of customers beyond the defense sector, including leisure and commercial buyers.

The versatile full time 4x4 vehicle can be adapted to multiple applications, and will be available in three models in 2012 - the Sherpa Scout for leisure buyers, the Sherpa Carrier pick-up truck for commercial use, and the fully armored Sherpa Station Wagon used for transport purposes in high risk countries.

Renault began testing the first prototype Military Sherpa Truck in 2006 for more than two years in the toughest desert conditions of the Empty Quarter, and it will be showcased for the first time at Commercial Vehicles Middle East, taking place from 6-8 March 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Marco Bonaveglio, Head of Marketing at Renault Trucks Middle East, said that the Sherpa Scout's off-road capabilities make it unmatched as an all-wheel drive multi-terrain vehicle.

"Initially offered as a military vehicle, the Sherpa Scout is now available for civilian and industrial applications," said Bonaveglio. "With a ground clearance of 600mm, an approach angle of 40 degrees, and a centralised tire inflation system, the Sherpa Scout is capable of tackling the harshest and most difficult to access off-road terrain in the Middle East.

Measuring 5.43 meters long, 2.35 meters wide, and 2.1 meters high, the Sherpa Scout has ABS assisted four-wheel disc brakes, an automatic Allison gearbox, and can be fitted with racing seats and a dashboard to add contemporary styling to the functional and roomy cabin.

Bonaveglio added that the vehicle is ideal for hard to access locations such as oil and mining exploration sites, or a fully armored escort vehicle in volatile countries. "The Sherpa Scout's application adaptability means it can be targeted towards certain niche markets that are not easily catered to," he added.

"The Sherpa Carrier truck can transport up to twelve people, and the add-on armour capabilities of the Sherpa Station Wagon, including ballistic, hand grenades and anti-personnel devices provide a safe form of transport for diplomats and executives in high risk locations such as Iraq, while still capable of travelling at speeds of 110km/h".

Renault Trucks will also showcase the 30 tonne GVW Kerax 6x6 heavy transport vehicle at Commercial Vehicles Middle East.  Also built for off-road applications, the Kerax 6x6 is the official support vehicle for the Dakar rally in Argentina, and participated in the famous Renault Trucks expedition in 2009 between Cape North in Norway and Cape South in South Africa.

Continued Bonaveglio: "We will be using Commercial Vehicles Middle East as a key platform to showcase our capabilities as a manufacturer able of developing sophisticated trucks for every application and any kind of terrain".

Organised by Streamline Marketing Group, Commercial Vehicles Middle East covers all types of heavy and light commercial vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle attachments, accessories, maintenance and repair services.

Other headline exhibitors taking part in the exhibition include title sponsor Mercedes Benz, telematics sponsor Trinetra Wireless, along with IVECO, Hyundai, Daimler Middle East, and Emirates Transport.

Running alongside the exhibition for the first two days is the Commercial Vehicles Conference, presenting case studies on fleet management systems to transform performance, increase operational efficiency and reduce costs of heavy and light commercial vehicle fleets.

With the keynote address to be delivered by CEO of the RTA Licensing Agency, Ahmed Bahrozyan, the conference will host an expert line up of regional and international vehicle management professionals from AECOM, Daimler Middle East, Hertz UAE, ETA Ascon, and Leaseplan.

Commercial Vehicles Middle East was launched in 2010 to position the UAE as a regional focal point for the commercial vehicles industry in the region.  Those wishing to be involved as an exhibitor, sponsor, or visitor can contact Alexandria Robinson at alex@smg-online.com or +971 447 5357.

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For further information please contact:
Tony Lewis / Gareth Wright / Ahmad Huzayen
Total Communications
Tel: + 971 4 336 9909 Fax: + 971 4 336 9905
Email: tony@totalcompr.ae / gareth@totalcompr.ae / ahmad@totalcompr.ae

© Press Release 2012