Renault PR100
| Company type | Bus chassis |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Berliet PR100 |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | Berliet |
| Fate | Production ended in 1999 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Single-decker bus chassis, articulated bus chassis |
The Renault PR100 was a full-sized, step-entrance single-decker bus chassis originating from France, initially manufactured by Berliet starting in 1971. After Berliet's integration into Renault, production and sales continued under Renault Véhicules Industriels. Although the 1987 Renault R312 was intended as its successor, the PR100 line persisted with enhancements: the PR100.2 introduced in 1993 and the PR112, with manufacturing ceasing in 1999. More than 13,500 units were assembled in France. Additionally, an articulated version called the Renault PR180 was released in 1980.
PR100 and PR100.2
Berliet developed the initial PR100 drawing inspiration from the late-1960s German "VÖV-Standard-Linienbus," adapting it with distinctive front and rear styling. The bus measured 11.23 meters in length and had a wheelbase of 5.6 meters, offering configurations with either two or three doors inside. Power came from a rear underfloor Perkins V8.510 diesel engine delivering , which was subsequently replaced by a Berliet diesel unit (PR100.PB). From 1979 onward, the vehicle was marketed under the Renault badge.
In 1984, the PR100 underwent a facelift featuring a redesigned front facade and technical improvements, rebranded as the PR100.2. This updated model included an asymmetrical windscreen, integrated front bumper lighting, and a destination display mounted separately.
While predominantly serving the French market, some units were exported to countries such as Algeria, Australia, and Morocco. The design was licensed to Polish manufacturer Jelcz, supplying numerous cities across Poland. In Spain, the PR100.2 chassis was assembled with Hispano Carrocera bodywork while maintaining Renault’s front styling cues.
The PR100.2 was powered by a Renault MPS turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine available in two power outputs: / or /, paired with a four-speed ZF automatic transmission.
With dimensions of 11.4 meters length and 2.5 meters width on a 5.6-meter wheelbase, the PR100.2 entered the UK market in 1988 featuring bodywork by Northern Counties Motor & Engineering Company, competing against models like the Leyland Lynx. Only one demonstrator was delivered to London Regional Transport’s East London division, followed by three additional units configured specifically for airside operations at London Luton Airport. In 1989, an Ansair-bodied PR100 was trialed unsuccessfully in Singapore before returning to Australia.
After Renault acquired a controlling interest in Mack Trucks, demonstrations of the bus took place in Australia in 1985. Australian operators ACTION and Transperth procured significant fleets—258 and 250 buses respectively. ACTION’s vehicles bore Mack badging with Ansair bodies; meanwhile, Transperth’s fleet retained Renault branding fitted with bodies by Howard Porter, JW Bolton, and Volgren in Perth—all incorporating the PR100 front design.
PR112
Introduced in 1993 as an evolution of the PR100 series, the PR112 featured a new front design developed by Safra that replaced the original windscreen and front quarterlight styling elements. Production concluded in 1999.
The articulated buses PR180 and PR118
The PR180 represented a tri-axle articulated adaptation of the PR100 chassis, marketed under the name Megabus. It generally accommodated seating for 62 passengers along with standing space for up to 144 individuals. The front section retained the original PR100’s 5.6-meter wheelbase while the rear section measured 5.15 meters, producing an overall length of 24.38 meters. Its engine output was .
ACTION acquired 34 units badged as Macks with bodies constructed by Ansair, whereas Transperth purchased 65 units badged as Renaults featuring bodies by JW Bolton. Both operators’ buses preserved the characteristic PR100 front-end styling.
The PR180 model was succeeded in 1993 by the PR118, which was based on the updated PR112 platform.
The ER100 and PER180 Trolleybus Models
The trolleybus lineup featured the ER100, a single-section model, alongside the PER180, an articulated version equipped with dual driver cabins. These vehicles were manufactured by Berliet and Renault to serve urban transit systems in French cities including Grenoble, Lyon, Marseille, Nancy, and Saint-Étienne.