Renault and Opel will unveil a new compact panel van in a world premiere at the 58th Frankfurt LCV Show on September 23, 2000. The van is representative of the new light commercial vehicle which will go on sale in 2001. Jointly developed by the two car manufacturers within the scope of a cooperation agreement signed on December 18, 1996, the "X83" project is set to become a new benchmark in the compact panel van segment (class 2).
.

Renault TRAFIC

Photo: Renault

The LCV market is notable for its high proportion of panel vans, which represent 50% of the European market in 2000. Compact panel vans (MGVW between 2.5 and 2.8 tonnes) make up 50% of the total panel van segment in Europe. 

Renault initiated a proactive strategy in the panel van market with the new Master in 1997. The policy continues with the X83, which will be named TRAFIC. 

A vehicle with a distinctive and expressive design, the X83 will spearhead Renault's growth strategy in this segment. It will be available in panel van and combi (passenger transport) versions and offer two wheelbases (3,098 and 3,498 mm), a maximum payload of 1,200 kg and maximum loading volume of 6 m3. The X83 will be powered by common rail 1.9 dCi turbodiesel engines (80 and 100 bhp) and the 2.0 16v petrol engine (120 bhp). 

The new TRAFIC is destined to replace the current model, the Trafic, of which more than 940,000 units have been produced since its launch in 1980, in Renault's light commercial vehicle range. 

(August 8, 2000)