This year’s CV Show has got off to a strong start with crowds keen to get a glimpse of new vehicles, technologies and solutions that will help their businesses grow and become more efficient.
One of the stars of the show can be found at the Vauxhall stand, as the British brand unveils the UK-built Vivaro. Featuring numerous improvements to aid driver comfort, the new large van promises to be bigger, better and more focused on total cost of operation than the outgoing model. Also on the Vauxhall stand is a revised Movano, with new bi-turbo engines and infotainment system.
Renault, too, has new metal to talk about, and visitors are advised to head to the stand to check out the revised Master, which made its world premiere in Birmingham. The new vans’ engines have more power than the outgoing units, but the French manufacturer is promising fuel consumption savings of up to 7.3mpg. New safety technologies to feature on the van include latest-generation ESC, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Swing Assist.
Another notable appearance on Day 1 is at the Citroën stand, where the new Relay has pride of place. Available with payloads ranging between 1,140kg and 1,995kg, Relay offers 15% better fuel economy and extended service intervals to save operators more money.
Away from vehicles, tyre manufacturers’ stands are busy as interested visitors get the opportunity to learn more about fuel-efficient and advanced new tyres. Goodyear is displaying its Kmax and Fuelmax brands, designed for higher mileage and efficiency respectively, while Bandvulc is keen to promote its range of retread tyres, such as the BD08 and BD09 long-haul radials. As well as the actual tyres, visitors to the Bridgestone stand can find out more about the company’s Total Tyre Care initiative, which played a key role in the renewal of Bridgestone’s largest fleet contract with Ryder fleet services, a deal that was announced at the Show.
New tachograph technology is on show at the NEC courtesy of Continental and Stoneridge. The former’s DCTO 2.1 Active now offers GPS capabilities, and seminars will be running throughout the three days to illustrate the new unit’s advantages. Stoneridge, meanwhile says it has listened to the customers in the development of its SE000 Exact Duo2 and the unit now incorporates Working Time Directive calculations and an advanced Period of Availability (POA) mode.
The Ford stand displays the manufacturers’ range of LCVs, including the award-winning Transit Custom and other Transit family models, Tourneo, Ranger (and even a Campervan conversion) illustrating the impressive payloads available to operators.
Moving into heavy vehicles, and MAN is using the show to highlight the benefits and differences in its Euro VI range, with all of the models on display in Birmingham. The company is also promoting its operating costs calculator, which allows fleet managers to see how much money they could save by changing vehicles. Like MAN, Renault Trucks was also promoting its range of Euro VI trucks, and reinforcing its mantra that “the truck is a profit centre”.
For those interested in vehicle conversions and other equipment, don’t miss the Hiab stand where there are new models such as the X-Series loader crane, the Moffett M4 Pro Future and Multilift XR hooklifts on display. There are also debuts on the Deker Trailers stand, as the company unveils a new range of curtainside, distribution and double deck trailers.
For an overview of all companies exhibiting at CV Show 2014, go to www.CVshow.com.
