Renault is launching its first 1-ton pick-up – the Renault Alaskan

Renault Alaskan is a Renault 1-ton pick-up

This is new for Renault – a 1-ton pick-up.  While Renault has been active in the commercial vehicle space for years, the company never put to market a 1-tonner.

Another vehicle named after a geographical location (Alaska) the Renault Alaskan makes its first global unwrap for the brand.  The name Alaskan was inspired by the Aleut word “Alaska” which means “Great Land”.  It conjures up wild, rugged landscapes and is an open invitation to indulge in the desire for adventure.

Robust and comfortable

Robust and comfortable, the Renault Alaskan was designed for driving comfort, enhanced with a 5-link rear suspension and a tough fully-boxed frame.  A generous 230mm ground clearance makes it practical on dirt and rough terrain.

The company says it has outstanding off-road ability, as well as best-in-class fuel economy thanks to a Renault 2.3-litre dCi engine.  A towing capacity of 3.5 tons is claimed to be best in class.

It intends to meet the needs of commercial/professional customers, while also being a suitable leisure bakkie for daily use.  Thanks to Renault’s commercial vehicle experience, the Alaskan is provided with a wide range of conversions and accessories to cater to the broad diversity of customers’ needs.

Design details:  “muscular lines of the bonnet heighten the impression of strength”, while the assertive, imposing dimensions ensure a forceful stance.

Renault Nissan Mercedes-Benz cross-product

If the Alaskan looks somehow familiar in its body (if not the front-end) then just look at images of the Nissan NP300 Navara – the Navara replacement which is yet to arrive in SA. 

Renault and Nissan of course have a JV, so some cross-product is the result.  The “Nissan” NP200 so popular in SA is actually a re-branded Renault/Dacia.  Also, Mercedes-Benz has already shown it is working on releasing its 1st 1-ton pick-up, and with a Renault panel van turned into the Mercedes-Benz Citan panel van (not available in SA) could Alaskan be a glimpse of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz 1-tonner…?

Global ambitions

Building on its leading position as Europe’s #1 LCV brand for 18 years and a strong footing in South America and Africa, Groupe Renault is launching Alaskan into the strong pick-up markets of Latin America, where Renault is a long-time player, so it will initially go on sale in Colombia… not Alaska (go figure). 

With South Africa also being a strong 1-ton pick-up market, will the Alaskan become a South African?  Probably not.  The market here has the LCV offerings in panel van only, as the compact Renault Kangoo Express and medium-large Renault Trafic.  Renault SA did not issue any information on the Alaskan.  Perhaps this is being considered, now that another unlikely player (Fiat) entered the 1-ton bakkie scrum with its Fullback.