The Commercial Vehicle Show, held this week at the NEC in Birmingham, again demonstrated that it is the UK’s premier event for road freight, transport, distribution and logistics.
More than 15,000 fleet buyers, transport experts and industry leaders gathered to see a wide range of vehicle and technology innovations, all designed to help businesses boost operational efficiency, lower emissions and reduce costs.
TNB looks at some of the highlights from the event.
FORD
Ford launched an N1 variant of its Explorer model to suit businesses that need a long-range commercial vehicle.
This new LCV, which has a payload of up to 650Kg and a 374-mile range, was developed by the Ford Pro Special Vehicles team through engagement with fleet operators.
It is available with two powertrains, offering two – or four-wheel-drive.
The rear-wheel-drive version has 285PS, while the four-wheel-drive variant provides 340PS. Rapid charging up to 135kW enables a 10-80% per cent charge in about 25 minutes.
Niall Canavan, product manager, Explorer Van, said: “This project has been a prime example of how close engagement with customers and keeping things simple can often deliver the best result.
“We spotted a need, pulled the Ford teams together to meet it, and quickly delivered the ideal answer.”
Another highlight on the stand was the UK debut of the new Transit City van.
STELLANTIS
A highlight of this year’s Stellantis display was the UK debut of the Fiat Professional TRIS, a three-wheel electric urban vehicle with a 56-mile range, ultra-lightweight design, low running costs, 2.25 square meters of load space and capacity for two standard euro pallets.
Visitors to the stand also saw Citroën’s ë-Berlingo Van, the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric Doublecab, the Peugeot Boxer Panel Van, and Fiat Professional Ducato Dropside.
The display also highlighted Stellantis Pro One’s broad LCV offering, with a strong focus on its CustomFit programme.
Delivered through dedicated centres, CustomFit offers a wide range of conversions, including utility upgrades, comfort features, ergonomic adaptations, and tailored interior layouts, allowing businesses to configure vehicles to suit their specific fleet needs.
KIA
Kia UK used the show to display two new PV5 Cargo variants, the L1/H1 and L2/H2.
The manufacturer also revealed its enhanced Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) customer support programme which includes new business servicing rates, PBV Service Plans as well as preferred charge point suppliers Ohme and Radius.
In addition, it announced five new approved UK Kia PBV Conversion Partners: Würth, Modul-System, CoolKit, TGS, and GM Coachworks
Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, said: “The Kia PV5 is already proving its value on UK roads, and the additions we have announced at the show give our customers even more flexibility, capability and confidence.
“From new Cargo variants to our growing network of PBV Centres and newly announced approved Kia PBV Conversion Partners, Kia has built a commercial vehicle offering designed around real-world business requirements.”
CHERY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
Chinese manufacturer Chery Commercial Vehicle launched Delivan – its new all-electric commercial vehicle brand.
The company said its van models – Delivan Pro, Delivan X and Delivan I – will each represent a different level of capability across service, customisation and intelligent technology, allowing solutions to be shaped around customer needs rather than fixed vehicle definitions.
Chery, which also plans to set up its European commercial vehicle headquarters in Liverpool, will offer a complete end-to-end solution spanning vehicles, charging, service, telematics and digital programmes, as well as aftermarket, warranty and lifecycle support.
Jolly Yang, vice president of Chery Commercial Vehicle and CEO of Delivan, said: “With Delivan, we are introducing a new generation of commercial vehicles designed specifically for European operations.
“By combining intelligent systems, modular thinking and a connected ecosystem, Delivan enables fleets to operate more efficiently, adapt more easily, and deliver greater value across their lifecycle.”
RENAULT
Renault had a comprehensive line-up of electric, ICE and conversion-ready vans on display at the show.
Headlining was the production-ready Renault Trafic E-Tech electric, marking its UK debut in production-ready form and the arrival of Renault Group’s first Software Defined Vehicle (SDV).
Built on a dedicated platform and featuring advanced 800V charging technology, Renault said the vehicle represents a significant step forward in range, usability and digital capability for operators.
FARIZON
Farizon launched its new V7E at the show – a medium-sized van on a city-optimised electric platform that prioritises efficiency and ease-of-use.
The V7E benefits from extremely efficient packaging, with a skateboard chassis and drive-by-wire technology.
It also offers a 6.95m3 cargo capacity, payload of up to 1,338kg, and an ultra-low 500mm cargo platform for easier loading and unloading.
The V7E has a single comprehensive specification, with the choice of a 50 kWh or a 67 kWh battery, and a range of up to 295 miles on the WLTP city cycle and 204 miles WLTP combined.
It is being launched in the UK by Jameel Motors alongside the larger Farizon SV electric van.
KGM
KGM Motors UK showcased the new Musso EV at the show, with the first demonstrator units due to arrive with dealers in May.
The Musso EV attracts just 4% BIK tax for 2026/27, which equates to £30 per month.
Kevin Griffin, managing director at KGM Motors UK, said “The Commercial Vehicle Show is the perfect stage for Musso EV and for our wider commercial vehicle line-up.
“Musso EV brings something genuinely distinctive to the market, combining usable electric range with serious capability, and the addition of the £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant makes it an even more compelling option for businesses.”
KGM also exhibited the Musso Saracen and the Rexton Commercial Vehicle on its stand.
ISUZU
Isuzu launched its new D-Max 2.2 Diesel, with UK market deliveries starting in July this year.
Accompanied by an optional new-eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum 400 Nm of torque, the pick-up has a 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and off-road capability.
The New Isuzu D-Max will be available in single cab, extended cab and double cab configurations, with the introduction of a DL40 Extended Cab model providing additional load area capacity at a higher specification.
