France's Gendarmerie Nationale Chooses Megane Renault Sport for Rapid Intervention Vehicle Fleet


Mégane Renault Sport

Mégane Renault Sport

 

Renault has won the call for tender launched by the Gendarmerie Nationale to replace its fleet of rapid intervention vehicles. Renault will deliver a total 70 Mégane R.S. vehicles in Gendarmerie guise, starting end of 2010.

The Gendarmerie has chosen the “Chassis Cup” version with its extremely precise handling, particularly at high speeds, assisted by a high-performance limited-slip differential and 18-inch tires ensuring the best possible transfer of engine power. The generously sized brakes were also a decisive factor behind the choice, making high-speed driving safer. The powertrain characteristics, and the engine in particular, were adapted to meet the specific needs of the Gendarmerie in terms of acceleration and speed, which are vital to its work.

Durisotti, an approved Renault coachbuilder, was selected to incorporate the special equipment stipulated in the specifications of the Gendarmerie.

Mégane R.S. rounds out the equipment used by the Gendarmerie in its remit to control land flows. The Gendarmerie is responsible for the day-to-day safety of the French population across nearly 95% of the national territory, the largest part of which concerns the road and highway network. The new vehicle provides it with an adapted tool for fighting certain types of criminality specific to this environment, including the extremely high speed excesses sometimes encountered in vehicle pursuits, freight theft and assaults committed by highly mobile criminals, and drug trafficker travel (GOFAST).

The new contract extends the success of Mégane Renault Sport and strengthens existing links between Renault and the Gendarmerie in terms of road prevention. Members of Sirpa-Gendarmerie, the Gendarmerie’s public relations office, participate in the “Safety for All” program, launched by Renault in 2000, through initiatives aimed at raising the road safety awareness of children and teenagers.

The new vehicle adds to the automotive resources of the Gendarmerie, where Renault is largely represented. In 2010 Renault received an order for 900 units of Mégane hatchback, Mégane Estate, Clio, Master and Kangoo.

Renault has already provided the Gendarmerie Nationale with models from its sports range, including the Alpine A110 and A310 and the Renault 21 2-liter turbo.