With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of key decision-makers from leading fleet operators, this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show is set to be the most important event of the year for the industry.
The event, which is back for the first time since May 2019, and takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 31 August to 2 September, presents huge opportunities to get back to doing business again, face-to-face.
In effect it will present the first opportunity in more than two years for fleet managers, business owners, and transport operators to come together to discuss solutions for the challenges faced by the industry.
Murray Ellis, CV Show director, said: “The atmosphere has been building for some time now as thousands of visitors look to welcome back live networking, face-to-face business with hundreds of exhibitors and new product launches from leading brands at the 2021 event.
“Confidence is high as the show remains the ‘go-to’ event for everyone working in road transport operations, logistics and distribution-based businesses.”
One of the highlights of the 2021 show is set to be the Live Theatre programme with hot topics this year including electric vehicles, decarbonisation and sustainability.
Tim Jones, Director of Sustainability for DPD UK will take to the stage to discuss the barriers to EV adoption at one of the Live Theatre talks while Mark Barrett, general manager of Harris Maxus, will also discuss the increasing popularity of electric vans.
“As well as hundreds of exhibitors from across the road transport industry presenting their latest products and services, including leading vehicle manufacturers, the show will also host a live programme across two theatres featuring expert speakers from different sectors, presenting educational and informative sessions on a variety of topics”, Ellis said.
“With all the changes that have been impacting the sector in the last 16 months, these discussions will provide essential advice and information for every operator.”
More than 200 companies have confirmed their attendance at the show, including Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota, Isuzu, Maxus, LEVC, Land Rover and Ssang Yong.
Ford will display its latest Ranger special editions, as well as the new E-Transit electric van and some Qualified Vehicle Modifier exhibitors from its list of approved converters.
This year, Land Rover is back after a long absence and exhibiting the commercial 4×4 Defender Hard Top, appearing alongside the Discovery Commercial.
Maxus will have what it describes as ‘the first all-electric LCV stand at the CV Show’, with its e Deliver 3 and e Deliver 9 electric vans on display while there is also a CV Show debut for SsangYong, as the firm launches a facelifted version of its Musso pickup.
The Toyota Proace City Electric small van will make its official debut at the 2021 CV Show, while there is the chance to see the all-new Movano-e on the Vauxhall stand.
In addition, Isuzu is inviting attendees to visit the NEC’s off-road course and put its new D-Max through its paces.
They will be joined by an ever-growing number of component suppliers, technology companies and equipment manufacturers, financial experts and government agencies.
Ellis said: “The show presents an unrivalled opportunity for exhibitors to demonstrate their latest products and services to key decision makers, and to do so at a time when the industry is looking forward to renewing relationships.”
Exhibitors will be keen to demonstrate to visitors how they are rising to the challenges that the industry currently faces.
For example, Clayton Power UK is launching its LPS II battery generator at the show – technology that it says allows operators to cut fuel consumption and reduce roadside emissions to zero.
Meanwhile, fleet risk management specialist Vue Group UK is launching three new products at the show – new anti driver distraction AI technology, a VUE360 camera system and CANbus device.
“The past 16 months has shown the resilience, determination and agile thinking of everyone involved in the road transport sector”, Ellis said.
The show will also see manufacturers offering new ways to demonstrate their products.
For example, the live Ford Live demo on the manufacturer’s stand will show how the manufacturer is able to track customer vehicles to recommend proactive intervention with regards to service, maintenance and repair to maximise customer van uptime and productivity.
Vehocheck will also have a live demonstration on its stand of its defect reporting app fleet management system and workshop manager for operators’ compliance and fleet maintenance needs.
Ellis added: “Live B2B events have always, and will continue to, offer the only place where exhibitors can talk directly to purchasers and demonstrate their products in a live, face to face environment.
“It’s the perfect place to bring their products and services to life in front of thousands of visitors.”
Linda White, regional operations manager at the RHA will speak at the Live Theatre Programme posing the question: “Direct Vision – how direct does it need to be?” while Richard Burnett Chief Executive at the RHA will discuss the current driver shortage.
Also, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, will provide a new analysis into the zero emission commercial vehicle parc and the challenges that must be overcome to deliver a full transition away from fossil fuels.
According to Ellis, as the largest, most comprehensive and best-attended commercial vehicle event in the UK, the three-day show provides a far greater choice then can be found anywhere else.
He said: “The central location and convenient transport connections to the NEC in Birmingham annually bring visitors to the show to meet exhibitors from the UK and abroad.
“It’s the perfect annual meeting place for operators to catch up with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, as well as providing the opportunity for them to learn about new products and services.”
