A number of heavy truck manufacturers had a significant presence at the CV Show. Mercedes-Benz took up a dominant position, and with 35 trucks divided between its indoor stand and an additional 4,000m2 outside, displayed the widest range of trucks at the show. A renewed truck range that’s taken the opportunity to bring completely new models along with the Euro-6 legislation, it also has a new managing director for trucks in the UK.
With Michael Kamper moving to Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Asia, Mike Belk returns to Mercedes in the UK after running Daimler’s interests in the Middle East. A strong range of vans from the Citan city van to the heavy Sprinter sees the launch of the new mid-range Vito panel van. Both van and truck divisions are claiming best-ever figures for 2014, with Mercedes tractors topping registrations with more than 20% of the market.
With a quarter of the truck market over six tonnes in the UK, DAF’s market leadership makes it a natural for the show. Managing Director Ray Ashworth sees even further growth. He said, “Our 
first quarter figures have pushed us over the 25% mark, and the trend has been upward since then too. As of Friday last week, our order intake has seen a 165% uplift compared to the same period last year.”
His forecast for the year-end position for DAF is an ambitious 28%+.
With the fluctuations of Euro-6 ironed out, Ashworth’s forecast for the whole market over six tonnes this year is 40,000 units, representing a solid upswing in fortunes.
DAF’s Marketing Manager, Phil Moon, says there are product improvements across the board. He said, “The advanced emergency braking (AEBS), and lane departure warning (LDW) technologies that are to become law in November this year actually make trucks safer than cars. For the first time, the mandatory safety equipment that applies to trucks will be in advance of other vehicles on the road. We’ve chosen to specify the more stringent AEBS level 2 system, which is not due to be law until 2018.”
New models at the show for DAF included the XF 510 FTM Super Space Cab 8×4 rear-steer, heavy-haulage tractor, and the first pair will go to Collet & Sons later in the year. Moon added, “Like the rest of all our right hand drive models for the UK, the LF, CF and XF ranges, this specialist heavyweight will be built at our Leyland assembly plant.”
Iveco’s van and truck product covered an impressive 900m2 at the Show. International van of the year Iveco Daily appeared in a number of forms, including with a new Hi-Matic eight-speed automated transmission.
Martin Flach, Iveco UK’s Product Director, said, “Daily Hi-Matic offers an average 4% reduction in fuel consumption, and a 4kg weight saving versus the previous generation AGile gearbox.
“Having eight speeds makes it easier for drivers to ensure they are always in the optimum operating range. Hi-Matic also changes gear quicker and more precisely than even the best driver on the planet, needing less than 200 milliseconds for a gear shift when greater acceleration is required. Its wider range versus a traditional six-speed transmission also ensures a faster and more precise gear change.”
A striking Vision concept van with a host of innovations in transmissions, body construction and safety drew the crowds. Commenting on its presence at the CV show, Nigel Emms, Iveco’s press and public relations director, said, “This is the pre-eminent event for the commercial vehicle business in the UK, and we are delighted to be here.”
At the heavy end of its product portfolio, a new special edition Stralis Hi-Life was showing off what an enthusiastic visit to the options list can do. Adding five factory-fitted options packs, plus an array of additional Iveco accessories, Bob Lowden, Managing Director of Iveco UK, said at the launch, “Every feature we’ve added is designed to make on-board life that little bit more special for the driver. We think it’s the perfect blend of style, comfort, convenience, safety and efficiency.”
