IAA adds five Renault Trucks D 16 car transporters to fleet
IAA has introduced five Renault Trucks D 16 car transporters into its UK fleet, marking the first time the operator has selected Renault Trucks for its vehicle fleet.
Formerly known as SYNETIQ Auctions, IAA is a leading UK provider of vehicle remarketing and salvage services, working with insurers, fleet operators and government organisations to collect, process and sell accident-damaged, end-of-life and written-off vehicles.
The company operates a nationwide network of sites and uses its digital auction platform to connect sellers with buyers, helping vehicles move efficiently through the salvage and remarketing process.
IAA operates more than 140 transport vehicles across the UK, collecting hundreds of vehicles every day from locations including repair centres, insurers, fleet operators and other customers.
The five new Renault Trucks D 16T 4×2 rigids are now working across its UK network, with two based at Canvey Island and one each operating from Gloucester, Teesside and Bury St Edmunds.
Supplied by Renault Truck Commercials West in Tipton, the trucks are powered by 250hp Euro 6 engines and fitted with car transporter bodies from J&J Conversions in Andover. Each vehicle has been supplied with a seven-year Repair and Maintenance contract and is expected to cover approximately 80,000 kilometres a year.
IAA’s transport operation is time-critical, with vehicles typically completing between three and six collections each day within a 100-mile radius of their home depot.
Colin Casselden, UK Operations Director at IAA, said: “We are not running trunking operations. Our vehicles are out all day, every day, collecting from different locations, often on tight routes and under time pressure. It is a demanding job for both the vehicle and the driver, so reliability and suitability for the application are key.”
IAA previously operated 12-tonne car transporters capable of carrying up to three vehicles. However, the increasing weight of modern vehicles, particularly electric cars, has increased the need for greater payload capacity.
“Electric vehicles have definitely changed the dynamic for us,” Colin explained. “Where a 12-tonne vehicle worked well before, you now need that extra capacity to keep the operation running efficiently. The move to 16 tonnes gives us that flexibility.”
The new Renault Trucks D 16 transporters retain the capacity to carry up to three vehicles while providing the additional payload required for IAA’s increasingly varied collection operation.
First Renault Trucks vehicles for IAA
IAA selected Renault Trucks following an evaluation focused on vehicle specification, body construction and long-term support.
“For us, it is about getting the right vehicle for the job, but also the right support behind it,” said Colin. “The Renault Trucks D 16 suited the application well, and the team worked closely with us to make sure the specification and body build were right for what we do day to day.”
The vehicles were supplied through Renault Truck Commercials West in Tipton and feature car transporter bodies from J&J Conversions in Andover, marking IAA’s first experience with the bodybuilder.
“J&J are well regarded in the market, and we have been pleased with what they have delivered,” Colin added. “From the initial discussions through to getting the vehicles into operation, everything was handled in a straightforward and professional way.”
Seven-year maintenance contracts support uptime
IAA operates its heavier vehicles on full Repair and Maintenance agreements, making dependable aftersales support and vehicle uptime important considerations when selecting new trucks.
Dealer location was also a factor, given the national spread of IAA’s operation.
“We look closely at where the dealer is in relation to where the vehicles are based,” Colin explained. “Uptime is critical for us, so having that support in the right locations was an important part of the decision.”
Driver feedback has also been positive, particularly regarding cab comfort and ease of use.
“Driver acceptance is important because the job is so varied and hands-on,” Colin said. “The feedback so far has been encouraging, especially around comfort and ease of use.”
Neil Cox, Sales Director at Renault Truck Commercials West, said: “IAA operates in a highly demanding environment, so understanding exactly how these vehicles would be used was essential.
“We worked closely with Colin Casselden and his team to ensure the D 16, the body build and the seven-year Repair and Maintenance package were all aligned to their operation. We are pleased to see the first Renault Trucks now in service and look forward to supporting IAA over the life of the contract.”
The addition of the five Renault Trucks D 16 car transporters gives IAA greater payload flexibility as vehicle weights continue to increase, while the seven-year maintenance agreements provide a structured approach to supporting availability across its nationwide operation.
