CV Show 2018 preview predicts vans will take centre stage

The van and truck industry’s largest event is set to take place on April 24-26 at the NEC in Birmingham.

As usual, the CV Show will host hundreds of exhibitors spanning the whole road transport, distribution and logistics supply business.

From truck, van and trailer manufacturers through to forklift trucks, insurers, tyres, telematics and training providers, fuels and lubricants suppliers and a whole lot more.

CV Show director Rob Skelton said: “One of the great things about this show is that it clearly demonstrates the diversity and adaptability of the UK’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector.

“Not only do we have key manufacturers offering British customers some of the best vans and light trucks in the world, but we also have UK-based convertors and specialists who are able to transform those vehicles into bespoke products for very specific purposes, in turn creating jobs and providing vital revenue to the UK economy.”

Who will be there

Among the big names taking stand space will be the UK’s LCV market leader, Ford, and second-most prolific van brand, Volkswagen.

Others include Citroën, Fiat Professional, Isuzu, Iveco, LDV, MAN, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SsangYong and Toyota.

Many manufacturers will be launching new products and vehicles at the three-day event, which expects more than 20,000 visitors to attend.

There will also be the chance to learn about a number of key industry innovations such as electric and hybrid vehicles, CNG and new driver assistance and telematics systems.

The Workshop zone will showcase everything from components and replacement parts to maintenance management systems, garage, workshop and bodyshop equipment.

Meanwhile, the Cool zone will feature a range of refrigerated vehicles and bodywork, side by side with the latest fridge units, monitoring equipment and other products specific to cold chain operations.

The CV show is free to attend and easily accessible by rail, road or air.

We have picked out some of the key exhibitors at this year’s event that will be exhibiting vehicles, products or services of interest to Commercial Fleet readers.

Ford

There will be a lot of activity at the Ford stand this year as the manufacturer displays five new vehicles.

Ford is remaining tight-lipped about one of the new launches, but has confirmed the facelifted Transit Custom and Torneo Custom will be at the show, alongside the new Transit Connect and Transit Courier.

The Transit Custom features an all-new interior, plus an external refresh. There is also a new Econetic variant, which emits just 148g/km of CO2.

It is powered by the new EcoBlue diesel engine that was introduced to the range during 2016, with a choice of 105PS, 130PS and 170PS power ratings. Average fuel economy can be up to 49.6mpg.

For the driver, all-new displays and control panels have been designed for enhanced ergonomics and ease of use, and high-series models feature a floating, tablet-inspired eight-inch colour touchscreen with Ford’s Sync 3 communications and entertainment system.

Similarly, the new Tourneo Custom people mover benefits from an all-new premium interior. Ford is targeting executive shuttle, personal use and lifestyle customers with the new model.

The Transit Connect and Courier have also received a refresh and now offer a choice of fuel-efficient engines with an all-new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel and 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol, featuring cylinder deactivation.

Driver assistance systems have been added including Intelligent Speed Limiter, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection emergency braking system, Side Wind Stabilisation and Active Park Assist, which helps to steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

Ford will also have a Transit Custom plug-in hybrid at the CV Show and will be able to talk to visitors about its ongoing trial, taking place in London, to assess the suitability of electrified solutions.

 

Goodyear 

Goodyear will be showcasing its Kmax and Fuelmax products along with its Fleet First services and Proactive Solutions.

Since its launch at the end of 2016, Proactive Solutions, the vehicle-to-fleet operations management system, has helped fleets reduce tyre costs by almost 25%.

On stand, Goodyear’s Kmax and Fuelmax tyre range and retreads will be on display, as well as its portfolio of van tyres, which have not previously been displayed at the CV Show.

This year, the tyre manufacturer will be introducing David Howe, its new leader for the UK and Ireland business.

“Our focus is on the provision of a full package of great products and smart services which can help to reduce downtime and total cost of ownership. We will have some innovative and interactive aspects to our stand at this year’s show which will bring to life what we have to offer,” he said.

 

Toyota

Toyota will hold the European premiere of a new range-topping Hilux model at the CV Show.

It is expected to feature a re-designed front end and interior improvements, with deliveries taking place in July.

Celebrating 50 years of Hilux, the Toyota stand will pay homage to the model on the first day of the show. More than 16 million Hilux pick-ups have been sold globally, making it the brand’s second best-selling model.

A limited edition Hilux model will also be revealed as part of the celebrations, with only 150 examples available in the UK.

On day two Toyota will showcase a new Landcruiser Commercial model. It will be available immediately in three- and five-door configurations with prices starting at £27,546.

Proace, which saw a sales boost of 173% last year, will be on stand on day two.

A new camper van version – converted by Wellhouse Leisure – will make its debut at the show. It will cost £42,000 and be available from Toyota retailers.

 

Isuzu

The Isuzu stand will host the unveiling of a new limited edition D-Max model, alongside a range of accessory packs specially developed for the pick-up.

A converted D-Max model is also expected to be displayed, enabling visitors to see the broader range which includes cherry-pickers.

The facelifted D-Max was launched last year with a revised 1.9-litre diesel engine, offering greatly improved fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.

Other D-Max models, including the Blade and Arctic Trucks edition, will make an appearance, while the Isuzu team will be on hand to assist visitors with enquiries. 

 

Volkswagen

A new range of Business Edition models from Volkswagen will make their debut at this year’s CV Show.

The trims will be available on Caddy, Transporter and Crafter, adding crucial equipment that fleets regularly specify for a discounted price.

The Caddy business pack can be added to Startline models for £950. It includes an alarm, rear parking sensors and air conditioning.

Transporter models benefit from the same additional equipment, plus a bulkhead, for £975.

On Crafter the same pack costs £1,250 but includes two folding remote keys and an overhead storage compartment in the cab.

The new models are expected to bring a residual value increase of around £450.

Volkswagen will bring its ‘Working With You’ promise to life at the show, with its team on hand to assist customers with any queries relating to van fleet ownership and management.

Support for smaller fleets is a key part of Volkswagen’s strategy and an array of sofas and a coffee machine will provide a relaxed area for discussions.

The company will also display one of its mobile servicing vans, an initiative it launched in 2016 to support fleets with maintenance and repair while reducing downtime.

An array of on-board tools enable the technicians to carry out service work, inspections, air-con repair, minor warranty work and software updates at any location.

Launching this year is new workshop technology which uses augmented reality to link technicians to Volkswagen’s Technical Support Centre.

It provides a virtual technical support agent to guide technicians in van centres through complex repairs. Visitors at the show can see and experience the new technology on stand.

 

Nissan 

Nissan will display its full commercial vehicle range, including the new all-electric eNV200 40kWh.

A recent battery upgrade has enhanced the range of the zero-emission panel van by 60%. It can now cover 174 miles before needing a re-charge.

There is space for two euro pallets or 4.2 cubic metres of cargo, with a maximum payload weight of 662Kg.

Diesel-powered NV200s will also be on display, which feature a frugal 90PS or 110PS 1.5-litre engine, alongside mid-size NV300 and larger NV400.

Visitors can see the Navara pick-up and talk to the entire Nissan commercial vehicle team, who will be on hand to answer queries.

 

Renault Trucks

In response to the changing UK and Irish markets and demand from customers, Renault Trucks will display a newly-engineered right-hand drive Range T High at the Allports Group stand alongside a range of converted Renault Trucks Master vans.

Range T High features a flat floor cab and offers new opportunities for the brand with long-haul operators and owner-drivers.

It promises spacious, comfortable and well-appointed working and living areas that will appeal to both drivers and operators.

Three core variants are available: 

International features fabric seats with rotating passenger seat, standard bunk and steel wheels. It is available in 445PS and 485PS. 

Driver comes with full leather seats, ‘Performance’ lower and upper bunk, deep fridge, compact dashboard and alloy wheels. It is available in 445PS, 485PS and 525PS. 

Range-topping Driver Lux is available in 485PS and 525PS and additionally includes lockers, luxury curtains, laminated side windows and aluminium air tanks.

 

MAN Truck & Bus

MAN will launch four new products and display a full range of vehicles, from the 3.0-tonne TGE Van through to the TGX Flagship tractor.

With the introduction of the new TGE van, MAN has expanded its product portfolio and is now a full-range supplier covering all weight categories: vans from 3.0-5.5 tonnes, trucks from 7.5-44 tonnes and heavy haulage vehicles with a gross train weight up to 250 tonnes.

Customer interaction is a key area for MAN and it will have a full team of in-house experts covering all business areas at the stand, offering visitors advice, support and product updates.

Visitors will be able to see the new TG truck interiors for the first time plus MAN’s new SCR-only engines for light and medium weight trucks.

The launch of the new 3.5-tonne rear-wheel-drive TGE will also take place at the show alongside the launch of MAN ‘Vans to Go’ body solutions.

The new programme will mark the introduction of a range of bodied vehicles marketed through the nationwide MAN dealer network.

These bodies will include Lutons, tippers and dropsides, all designed to complement the MAN ‘Trucks to Go’ programme, from known and trusted UK LCV body builders. 

Another initiative MAN will showcase this year is its fleet management solutions.

MAN Fleet Management is designed to provide vehicle operators with a simple-to-use and easy-to-learn approach to managing their fleet.

Split into four segments, the system offers tools designed to boost efficiency, proactive diagnostics monitoring, vehicle tracking and driver performance monitoring.

 

SsangYong

SsangYong will be displaying the all-new Musso pick-up at the CV Show, following the truck’s European debut at the Geneva motor show.

It’s built on the same architecture as the new Rexton, with a body-on-frame construction that can deliver strong off-road driving performance and safety.

Inside, there is seating for five while the load deck will transport a full-sized Euro pallet.  It also carries more than one tonne and tows trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes. 

The e-XDi220 engine delivers maximum power of 181PS at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 420Nm from 1,600rpm. It is available with either a six-speed manual or an Aisin six-speed automatic.

The Musso’s four-wheel drive system draws on SsangYong’s years of experience in all-wheel-drive technology. 

For better efficiency and greater fuel economy, it features part-time 4x4 with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels, and front-wheel drive dialed in electronically as required, with high and low ratios available as on- and off-road conditions demand.

 

Renault

Renault Pro+ Commercial Vehicles will display 13 vehicles on its stand this year, led by the new Master ZE.

The all-electric panel van is the second from the brand and will be available by the end of the year.

Master ZE uses technology from the Kangoo ZE 33 to offer customers an all-electric drivetrain, with a real-world driving range of 74 miles.

The Kangoo Van ZE will also be making an appearance with a fridge van conversion.

Other highlights include a UK debut for the latest Trafic Camper Van conversion and a new aluminium Tipper fitted to a Master double cab.

Renault’s line of factory-fitted conversions will be on display, too. From the Renault Tech range will be the Master temperature-controlled Pharmaceutical delivery van and the parcel delivery van.

Finally, the Trafic Formula Edition will make an appearance, fitted with the Renault ‘Ready4Work by Sortimo’ racking system.

 

BigChange

Software specialist BigChange is a customised booking app service that gives companies a specially configured and own-branded app on the major App Stores.  

The app allows business customers or consumers to arrange a transport service, fulfilment and shipment or order any other type of service at the touch of a button from any smartphone or tablet.  

It is fully integrated with the BigChange cloud-based job-management system and can be synchronised with transport scheduling, giving immediate, automatic booking confirmation. 

Transport businesses can use the app to book vehicle inspections and servicing, as well as urgent reactive work such as tyre repair and replacement.

“For any business looking to offer exceptional service, our new apps allow customers to book services instantly.

"So, whether booking a parcel or pallet collection, a vehicle hire, or a fulfilment and shipping request, businesses can now offer an on-demand, real-time service,” said Martin Port, BigChange founder and CEO.

 

Intelligent Telematics 

Intelligent Telematics will be launching a 3G multi-camera system at this year’s show.

The modular solution allows fleet operators to combine a range of internal and external camera options to gain complete visibility of what really happened in the event of a road collision.  

“We have seen growing demand for a connected multi-camera system that works alongside our 3G single- and dual-camera solutions to capture video evidence from the front, driver, side and rear views,” said Sam Footer, Intelligent Telematics partnerships and marketing director.

The connected multi-camera system features automated and manual upload options that can be configured dependent on individual requirements and to minimise data usage.

Canbus connectivity means it will be the first camera solution that can access accurate engine data such as mpg, rpm and odometer readings.  

Intelligent Telematics will also be sharing its stand with key partners Sopp+Sopp and Plexus Law to provide advice and guidance on the advantages of video monitoring, first notification of loss and proactive claims handling. 

 

Freight Transport Association  

FTA will be sharing some of its newest and most innovative products with CV Show visitors.

Highlights include the chance to pre-book a personalised demonstration of a condensed version of FTA’s new Compliance Confidence Index (CCI) software.

CCI is only available to FTA members and allows vehicle operators to carry out an in-house audit of a wide range of compliance issues and pinpoint aspects of good practice and areas which would benefit from further improvement.  

There will also be demonstrations of FTA’s Vision software which offers not only tachograph analysis, but the chance to view all vehicle inspections and audit reports within the software, making it faster and easier to manage, control and analyse fleet data.

 

SmartWitness 

Video telematics specialist SmartWitness will launch a new product that significantly reduces driver distraction.

The SmartWitness DDC100 uses infrared imaging and artificial intelligence to detect if a driver is using a mobile phone and can also see if the driver is eating or drinking. 

The device will alert the driver suffering from fatigue or nodding off and can send notifications to fleet managers to give early warning of potential safety issues.  

SmartWitness founder Paul Singh said: “Driver distraction is the elephant in the room for the commercial fleet industry and is now the single biggest safety problem on British roads. Our insurance partners tell us more than 80% of all collisions on UK highways are due to driver distraction.”

The DDC100 system is available with or without a video camera and can be used live with any existing telematics system capable of transmitting data. 

SmartWitness is also launching a lane changing warning and advanced collision avoidance system.

SmartEye will provide drivers with clear audible and visual alerts when changing lanes and sends out collision warnings when other road users are getting dangerously close. 

 

Morris Lubricants 

Morris Lubricants will showcase its Versimax brand, a range of OEM-approved heavy-duty diesel engine oils. 

It will also be introducing a new company ambassador, TV presenter Guy Martin (below).

Throughout the event, Morris Lubricants staff will be on-hand to show its latest Whatoil? online lubricants selector tool that is designed for fleet operators and maintenance professionals to find the correct lubricants for all major commercial vehicle OEMs and models.

Experts from Morris Lubricants’ technical team will be available for face-to-face consultations throughout the three days, providing advice on issues such as grade consolidation and the latest fuel-efficient technology lubricants. 

“I’d urge fleet operators and maintenance professionals seeking to reduce lubricant stock inventory or advice on the latest technologies to pay us a visit,” said Adrian Hill, product manager at Morris Lubricants. 

The company’s commercial team will also be available to give advice on bulk delivery options, handling equipment and the latest storage and monitoring technology.

 

r2c Online 

r2c Online will showcase its Exemplar Workshop Management software package with hands-free functionality.

The company says the package will “transform productivity in workshops”, using headsets with smart eyewear and voice recognition technology.

It allows the software to be used entirely hands-free, minimising disruption to a technician’s workflow. The headset is engineered from the ground up for industrial workers in rugged and loud environments.

Nick Walls, managing director at r2c Online, said: “We’ve spent the past 18 months ensuring this package will directly answer current and future industry needs. Using these exciting new features, we can now free technicians’ hands when it comes to inputting inspection data. This will drastically improve productivity in workshops.

“The industry faces increasing technician shortages and with that comes a greater pressure on finding new workshop efficiencies. The technology we’re introducing is the obvious next step: getting the job done quicker without compromising on the quality of the work.”

The workshop package will complement r2c Online’s fleet equivalent (Exemplar Fleet), which has already assisted many users achieve DVSA Earned Recognition, Van Excellence and FORS Gold.

 

Hankook 

Hankook will be presenting a comprehensive range of commercial vehicle tyres including a new bus tyre for city traffic. 

The company has an expanding portfolio of CV tyres including the SmartFlex for regional haul, and the SmartWork for on- and off-road, both of which are selected as original equipment for MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Scania trucks. 

Its new all-position bus tyre for city traffic will take centre stage.

The Hankook stand will also feature the concept tyres from the 2016 Hankook Tyre Design Innovation Programme ‘Connect to the Connected World’. Designed by students from the University of Cincinnati, the three futuristic tyres present a vision of future mobility through tyres. 

Visitors will be invited to play a ‘Strike-a-Light’ game where they can compete for a place on the leader board and, ultimately, the chance to win the daily top prize of a 4K Ultra HD 55-inch TV. 

 

BT Fleet Solutions

The BT Fleet Solutions stand will host the launch of its new apps and accident management products.

A DVSA-compliant daily check app will provide drivers with an easy way to perform pre-use checks electronically with data fed back to the fleet manager in real time. The app also sends defects to the Fleet Solutions booking system to ensure repairs are carried out as soon as possible.

In accident management, another new app provides drivers with the necessary portal to electronically report accidents. It logs images and data which can be sent back to the Fleet Solutions accident management team.

The app is part of a new accident management offering from BT Fleet Solutions which promises to provide cost-effective management of repairs and provide data insight to reduce the risk of future accidents.

BT Fleet Solutions has responsibility for more than 120,000 vehicles and its network consists of 64 owned garages, 500 preferred workshops and 50 mobile technicians.

 

BOC

Visitors interested in learning more about clean energy solutions should go to the BOC stand.

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) specialist will be exhibiting its new ‘lite’ refuelling equipment, which is suitable for fleets of five-15 vehicles.

BOC’s LNG mobile refueller can fill a vehicle’s tank in 60-90 seconds and is easily installed.

Examples of new LNG vehicles from leading manufacturers will also be on the stand, along with a host of BOC experts who can explain the benefits of LNG.

LNG vehicles offer lower emissions, reduced costs and quieter operation. Compared to compressed natural gas (CNG), LNG is able to store two and a half times more gas in a tank.

 

PanelTex

Temperature-controlled vehicle specialist PanelTex will debut three vehicles.

Its new Urban Trailer uses a Dearman liquid-nitrogen refrigeration system, for zero-emission running.

The unit also features a GRP side skirt system for pedestrian and cyclist protection, enhanced aerodynamics and a self-tracking rear axle.

Other vehicles on stand include a Ford Transit-based side-loading home delivery vehicle and a new Somers Volkswagen Crafter with an electric refrigeration system.

 

Jaama

Asset management software system provider Jaama will be showcasing new functionality introduced to its smartphone MyVehicle App.

It was unveiled at last year’s show and a range of additional features has been added to help commercial vehicle operators reduce van and HGV downtime and ensure maximum compliance.

One of the reasons for developing the new functionality was the DVSA’s launch of its Earned Recognition pilot last year.

The new features include: an electronic defect history record, the ability to take a photo of a critical defect and attach off-road status to the vehicle, a facility that combines non-urgent defects into one job thus reducing vehicle downtime and the ability to log ‘nil’ vehicle defects.

MyVehicle app was launched at last year’s show and works in tandem with Jaama’s Key2 fleet management system, giving fleet managers the latest data relating to service, maintenance and repair and other vital compliance information, including odometer readings, at their fingertips.