Smith&Smith is New Zealand’s leading vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration company. In recent years we have taken significant strides in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into our business operations via our Responsible Business Framework. We have held an EcoVadis Gold sustainability rating since 2017, putting us in the top five percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis globally. Key environmental achievements include our ‘repair first’ strategy delivering 80 percent less carbon emissions per windscreen repair vs. replacement (1), operating a nationwide windscreen recycling programme with our partner 5R Solutions resulting in 94 percent of all windscreens we replaced being recycled in 2023, and Toitū enviromark Diamond Certification since 2021.
In line with our commitment to sustainability, our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Partnering with Renault NZ puts us on a solid path toward meeting this ambitious target with their Trafic E-Tech vehicles. We started our journey with the purchase of nine new Renault Trafic 2.0 Diesel LWB Cargo Vans.
Last year Smith&Smith chose to review the market and explore fleet options for vans. We looked at several reputable brands, focusing on whether they met relevant criteria and, as a result of that review, we chose to collaborate with Renault NZ. Renault NZ offered a fleet solution that met our requirements. We have now introduced the Renault Trafic 2.0 Diesel LWB Cargo Van to our fleet and once the Renault Trafic E-TECH is available in New Zealand we will be able to explore its suitability for our business purposes.
The Renault Trafic met several key criteria in our requirements, particularly because of the Diesel van’s fuel efficiency. In addition, we have designed our internal fitouts of the Diesel van to be lean and more compatible for repurpose with the new Renault Trafic E-TECH vans. In this way we will be able to reuse the fitout components rather than disposing of them. Both the Diesel and E-TECH vehicles offer comfort and, most importantly, safety features. They offer advanced features such as a multimedia system with built-in navigation, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road whilst enjoying their journey. The spacious cargo area of 6.7m3 on the long wheelbase perfectly accommodates our on-road needs, and the sliding doors on both sides facilitate easy access to compact areas, thus providing a more convenient experience for those customers who prefer our mobile services.
Ensuring safety for our on-road technicians is important to us, and Renault Trafic delivers on this with its advanced driver assistance systems. The inclusion of a reversing camera and front and side sensors makes parking this van straightforward. Additional safety features include forward auto emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and six airbags.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine offers ample pulling power from low in the rev range. Paired with an automatic transmission, it delivers 125 kW of power and achieves an impressive 7.2L/100km combined cycle fuel consumption. This allows for approximately 1100 km on an 80-litre fuel tank, with the added benefit of not requiring AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid (2).
Ben Capel, the Leading Hand who manages our Smith&Smith Silverdale branch, provided the following feedback:
“When I was working at our Albany & North Shore locations, I spent quite a bit of time as a mobile technician in our old vans. I found these vans to have a high fuel consumption when loaded up for the day, and the high roof vans were inconvenient because I couldn’t get into most carparks to complete jobs or park easily. The vans, being manual, made it harder to recruit mobile technicians as not everyone can drive them, and I found that they were uncomfortable.
“I have been lucky enough to be sent a new Renault Trafic van to use at the Smith&Smith Silverdale branch. Although I haven’t spent too much time in the van yet, there are many key features that separate it completely from any other van we have previously had in our fleet. The fuel economy is really great compared to the previous vans, which is perfect for us always being on the road, saving costs weekly.
“The low roof makes it easier for our Smith&Smith technicians to be able to get into all carparks to complete work under shelter, and having a spacious rear cargo section is a bonus.
“I have found when driving the van that it is extremely comfortable, with heaps of features making the experience more enjoyable. The Renault Trafic is a very smart looking van which increases public awareness of the Smith&Smith brand as we drive around the roads.
“I am very excited to use the new van and offer our mobile service to the Silverdale area. Having a Renault Trafic van provides enthusiasm within the team to get out on the road to help solve our customers problems and keep more kiwis safe on the road.”
Renault NZ’s National Sales Manager Alex Rayns adds, “We are thrilled that one of New Zealand’s most recognised companies and large vehicle fleets has chosen the Renault Trafic as their vehicle of choice. This highlights the Trafic’s exceptional versatility, outstanding fuel economy and advanced safety technology.”
He says that Renault is the leading LCV brand in Europe by sales and we aim to replicate this success in New Zealand.
“We will expand our vehicle portfolio with the addition of two fully electric vehicles: the Trafic E-Tech and the Kangoo E-Tech. The electric vehicles that Renault has sold have now travelled more than four billion kilometres on the road, a true leader in electric vehicle technology. We are committed to working with businesses to achieve their sustainability goals through decarbonising their vehicle fleet.”
Jacques Wilters, Property Facilities & Fleet Specialist, Smith&Smith
