Renault wants to regain control of LCV conversions

Under the Converted by Renault label, the Diamond brand offers a catalog of transformations on LCVs, carried out directly at the factory. Advantages for the professional? Savings in time, cost and quality of execution.

Deep cabin, tipper, dropside platform…the construction sector is fond of conversions. Professionals in the sector need LCVs adapted to their profession. Until then, the process was as follows: the customer took possession of his vehicle, van or chassis cabto the dealership, then took it to the body shop. To help the customer, Stellantis developed CustomFit and Renault, Converted by Renault. These labels offer to simplify the process by taking care of the most common transformations directly to theLCV production plant in question.

Batilly, 100% Master site

In France, the Rhombus is leader in the utility sector. The brand can count in particular on its Master, launched in 1980 and which is in its fourth generation. Over the years, the large flagship utility vehicle has become the Best-selling LCV in Europe. Exported at 77%, this model is, more than ever, a pillar of Renault’s industrial and commercial strategy.

L’Batilly factory in eastern France (54)not far from Metz, is exclusively dedicated to him. Le Losange invited us to visit this site, officially called Sovablast June. Nearly one hundred thousand units of this van were produced on site last year. Electric versions in particular represent 10% of total production and versions under the Nissan and Renault Trucks logos approximately 20%. Very modern, the factory is run by a battalion of 600 robots with rhythmic movements. They compose a sort of mechanical ballet with very industrial choreography. This state-of-the-art equipment allows significant productivity gains.

In the Sovab factory, located around twenty kilometers from Metz, more than 600 robots assist operators throughout the process, from assembly of the body to the final quality checks. In 2025, nearly 100,000 vehicles will roll off the production lines there, the vast majority of which will be destined for export. It is also on this site that Renault now carries out part of the “Converted by Renault” transformations: tippers, drop sides or deep cabins are directly integrated at the end of manufacturing, even before delivery of the vehicle. © Renault

One in two LCVs undergoes conversion

In France, a LCV in two is subject to conversion. This share is even higher when we talk about large utility vehicles. Thus, it rises to 70% on the Master. Overall, converted vehicles present a double interest: on the one hand for their manufacturer, for whom they are the hope of juicy profits; on the other hand for the professional customer, for whom they allow them to increase their productivity. They make work more efficient, faster and less tiring.

3-stage rocket

Until recently, the conversion, development and transformation of light utility vehicles eluded manufacturers. They were the preserve of bodybuilders. This era is partly over. For several years, brands have been trying to recover this business… Renault offers three levels of conversions for its LCVs.

Converted by Renault allows craftsmen to acquire a turnkey converted van. The purchase is made via the Renault network. This program brings together the transformations most requested by professionals and best suited to their needs. ©

This program brings together the transformations most requested by professionals and best suited to their needs:

– the Kangoo, manufactured in Maubeuge (59), is offered in a deep cabin version;

– Le Trafic, built in Sandouville (76), offers extensive cabin configurations with 5 or 6 seats;

– And the Master (Batilly) finally, is also entitled to his deep cabin; it is also extrapolated into a sideboard or tipping body in aluminum or steel, monoverse or triverse – these added elements come from expert bodybuilders like Gruau or JPM.

There is also a large volume offer 20 or 23 m³but less suitable for construction.

The famous Master. ©

What are the benefits for these live conversions?

Speed

Previously, the typical transformation process could take several months. With Converted, the model is modified directly at the factory at the end of the assembly line. Le Losange particularly emphasizes the time savings this represents. On average, theobtaining a VUL is in this way 30% faster than at a bodybuilder via a traditional circuit.

The guarantee

The warranty covers both the base vehicle and its fittings – tipper, in particular. The assembled elements are in fact designed by Renault approved bodybuilders. The whole thing is therefore 100% covered by the Losange guarantee. Fragmented guarantees are just a bad memory. After-sales service interventions are carried out directly within the Losange network. In the event of a problem, builder and developer can no longer pass the buck.

Sustainability and simplification

The calculation of the residual value includes the converted part and therefore holds up better over time.

And, finally, it’s a simplification for the pros. No more multiplicity of interlocutors! The customer is in contact and supported by a single contact from the Renault network. The process is accompanied by a single invoice, unlike LCVs purchased at a dealership then entrusted to a bodybuilder.

The “Converted by Renault” models are available to order from the manufacturer’s 2,700 dealerships in Europe. An exhibition of bodied LCVs is on display at each point of sale in the Renault PRO+ network. Please note that the “Converted” offer will extend to the new Renault E-Tech, when it is released in early 2027. ©

The Qstomize label, a sort of “integrated bodybuilder” from Renault, provides further support. This service offers personalized, almost tailor-made transformations. The choice includes: integrated storage, protection, specific adaptations, even flocking, signage. Qstomize interventions also take place at the factory. ©