CONCENTRATING on the fact that different operators need specific requirements has certainly paid off for Renault with a major order for its Master van.

One of the UK's leading distributors of pharmaceutical, medical, health and beauty products has enhanced its fleet with the addition of over 300 Renault Master Panel Vans, which have been officially converted by the manufacturer to offer full ambient temperature control.

Alliance Healthcare UK, which is part of the pharmaceutical wholesale division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, will use the specialised Renault Masters to assist in the twice-daily delivery of its products to nationwide pharmacies.

The new vans replace existing Renault Masters on the Alliance Healthcare fleet and also a number of vehicles from other manufacturers.

Constructed to Alliance Healthcare's specifications, the Renault Masters have been built entirely ‘in-house', the vans being manufactured, converted and prepared for delivery by Renault facilities.

The initial conversion was undertaken by Renault Tech - the manufacturer's specialist division that designs and produces converted vehicles in accordance with Groupe Renault's quality standards.

Alliance Healthcare opted to equip all of its Renault Master Panel Vans with the ENERGY 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine, the firm switching to the advanced twin turbo power unit after initial trials showed significant gains in efficiency and performance.

The engine utilises Stop & Start technology, an ECO function and regenerative braking system (Energy Smart Management), which will make a significant contribution to Alliance Healthcare's commitment to reducing its carbon emissions.

Ordered in Business level trim, the Renault Masters offer Alliance Healthcare's operatives an extensive specification that incorporates a host of safety, comfort and convenience-enhancing features.

Standard equipment includes a DAB radio with Bluetooth, electric front windows, remote central locking, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with HSA (Hill Start Assist) and Grip Xtend; which over loose surfaces such as gravel, light snow and mud, allows one wheel to spin to help aid traction.

In addition to the bespoke ambient temperature conversion, which also included extra lighting and the fitment of side and rear door curtains, Alliance Healthcare has equipped its Renault Masters with other factory-fitted options.

These include air conditioning, 270-degree opening rear doors, uprated alternator, all-weather tyres and, in the interests of safety, a 68 mph speed limiter and a reversing camera.

All of the Renault Masters have been supplied through Renault Manchester, the dealership adding to the convenience of the order by arranging for the application of Alliance Healthcare's livery to each van.

As a Renault Pro+ specialist fleet dealer, the dealership is able to offer services and vehicles that are tailored to the complex needs of business customers.

Frank Stanley, group fleet manager for Alliance Healthcare, said: "To ensure that we meet the latest changes to the regulatory requirements to the delivery and control of pharmaceutical products, Alliance Healthcare commissioned work to purchase climate control vehicles to replace some of our ageing fleet.

"After extensive trials and testing by our Fleet and the Operations team, working with the wider group (Walgreens Boots Alliance Procurement team), and a competitive tender process, we are delighted to have selected Renault as our supplier."

Many Renault Master conversions are available through the company's entire dealer network and also its specialised, business-focused Renault Pro+ dealers.

These include ‘off-the-shelf' Dropside, Box Van, Luton Loloader and Tipper variants.

Renault also works in conjunction with 30 UK-based Approved Converters who are able to build bespoke vehicles on demand.