Renault jumps into one-ton pickup market

80150_1_5

While the U.S. is seemingly enamored with endless launches (and possible re-launches) of mid-size pickups, Nissan’s French sister Renault last week dipped its toe in the waters of Alaska.

The Renault Alaskan is a one-ton pickup that features a mostly familiar styling to Nissan’s global pickup, Navara. A five-link rear suspension and a tough, fully boxed frame gives the truck some off-road street cred along with the Renault 2.3-liter dCi engine under the hood.

“This stunning vehicle provides us with the means to fulfil the needs of professional users and individual customers around the world,” says Ashwani Gupta, Renault’s global head of light commercial vehicles business. 80154_1_5

“With Alaskan, we are on track to take Renault’s LCV Division forward from being a top regional player to a top global player.”

Alaskan will give buyers the option of rear- or four-wheel-drive. Four-wheel-drive will get high- and low-range modes and an electronic limited-slip differential.