Insight into the Commercial Vehicle Show 2024

Now in its 23rd year, the Commercial Vehicle Show is taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 23-25 April and is the place to discover the latest vans, trucks and specialist vehicles, as well as the components and services that help fleet operators drive  efficiencies and achieve decarbonisation

With the road transport industry navigating the road to net zero, the CV Show is returning to NEC Birmingham in April 2024 in expanded form to help operators prepare their businesses for growth against a complex and ever-changing backdrop of new regulations and technology.

With the EU expected to implement new emissions standards for conventional truck and van engines from 2027 and the UK ending the sale of new non-zero emission vans and trucks under 26 tonnes by 2035 and over 26 tonnes by 2040, the commercial vehicle industry is undergoing the most radical changes in its history.
    
For operators, manufacturers and technicians looking to futureproof their fleets and skills, the CV Show will include an essential conference covering decarbonisation, including electrification and hydrogen, skills and recruitment, and technical updates.    
    
What’s more, the Commercial Vehicle Show is the place to discover the latest vans, trucks and specialist vehicles, as well as the components and services that help commercial fleet operators drive efficiencies and deliver on decarbonisation targets.
    
Within the Show there is a Workshop Sector which showcases everything from OE components and replacement parts to maintenance management systems, garage, workshop, and body shop equipment. And for those moving goods to be kept at a constantly controlled temperature, the Cool Chain Sector will showcase a range of refrigerated vehicles, fridge units, monitoring equipment and more.
    
The CV Show is hosted with its members the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Seminar programme

The Commercial Vehicle Show’s new seminar programme, called The Road Ahead, will provide insight and analysis on everything from net zero fleets and regulation to workforce upskilling and wellbeing.

The new conference-style event will help fleets keep ahead of the curve in the transition to net zero road haulage, with panel discussions and Q&As featuring leading van and truck OEMs, executives from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, National Highways, the Road Haulage Association and National Grid, plus an opening address from Rt Hon Bill Esterson MP, Shadow Minister for Transport (Roads).
    
Future planning is now essential given van and light truck sectors are required to meet the same 2035 end-of-sale date. The Road Ahead will provide timely tips and advice for fleets considering the next steps towards decarbonisation, as well as offering direct insight from experts on how to navigate the UK’s fast-changing regulatory landscape. The role of cutting-edge technology, including the use of artificial intelligence in fleet management, is even more paramount in futureproofing your depot sooner rather than later.
    
Green skills and diverse recruitment are at the core of the transition and The Road Ahead attendees will gain expert analysis on the very best strategies for recruitment, upskilling and workforce wellbeing – allowing employers to hire, train and retain the best talent. The Institute of  Road Transport Engineers will open day three of the conference with a keynote on people and competencies to set the scene on why professionalism and standards are crucial in our industry, and how to shape the skills of the future. There will also be a special stream with would-be young apprentices to discuss the rewarding careers on offer in the sector and what industry can do to attract today’s school leavers – including a try-out of the latest virtual reality technology driving a new generation of cutting-edge training.
    
Susan Kitchener, executive lead, Commercial Vehicle Show, said: “The CV Show has always been the best place for industry to get a first look at the future of Britain’s fleets, from vehicle and component technology to specialist solutions and services. Now, an all-new seminar programme gives attendees a front row seat to gain expertise from across the sector, helping them to start preparing for their successful future, today.”

Vehicle selection

There will be a number of new vehicle launches at this year’s show, many of which will be zero-emission.
    
Renault for example, is using the CV Show for the UK premiere of its new Master electric van, which has a range of up to 285 miles (WLTP) and an payload of 1,625 kg. It will be joined by the Renault Trafic E-Tech electric and Kangoo E-Tech. new Master E-Tech.
    
Meanwhile, Renault’s mobility company Mobilize will be showcasing its Fleet@Home offering, which provides a flexible charging solution for businesses that wish to give drivers the choice of charging at home, at work or on the road. Benefits of this software include the ability to view charging sessions, costs and consumption on one portal across all charge points, plus drivers being able to directly expense the domestic electricity that’s been used for business miles.
    
Maxus will be returning to the CV Show this year with two exciting launches - the eDeliver 5 electric van, and MIFA 7 - the second model in MAXUS’ all-electric MPV series, as well as a selection of its other commercial vehicles.
    
Mark Barrett, managing director, Group Franchises, at Harris Group, said: “The CV Show is a key calendar date for our brand, serving as a dynamic platform to showcase Harris MAXUS’ commitment to innovation in the commercial vehicle sector in the UK and beyond.
    
“The CV Show is a fantastic launchpad for unveiling new and ground-breaking products, reaching not only the media but also the business world and the public at large. It’s our opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to pushing boundaries and engage with a diverse audience eager to witness the future of commercial vehicles.”
    
Ford Pro will be exhibiting at the CV Show with its all-new, electrified Transit line up, an award-winning Ranger portfolio and some new integrated software.
    
The E-Transit Courier, Transit Connect plug-in hybrid and E-Transit Custom join the E-Transit, featuring as a minibus, Tipper and Van, as well as some Ford Pro Special Vehicles.
    
Bradshaw Electric Vehicles will also be on hand to showcase its range of industrial and specialist vehicles.

Telematics

There will be a number of telematics companies showing how their technology can transform fleet operations.
    
Jaama will be showcasing the latest version of its Key2 fleet management software platform, which can manage all sizes of commercial vehicle fleets.
    
Jaama’s Key2 is said to manage more 1.6m vehicles for its fleet customers and its new Maintenance Exchange, Compliance Manager and MyTechnician App software has been developed with CV fleets in mind.
    
Teletrac Navman will put on a team of product experts who will be available to discuss the full range of Teletrac Navman’s fleet solutions as well as findings of the brand’s annual industry report, TS24: The Telematics Survey 2024.
     
The research, which aims to showcase the prevailing trends that are impacting fleet operations globally, was launched in October 2023, and the results are due to be shared in Q1 of 2024.
     
As well as operational challenges and how to tackle them, the research explores the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life, as well as decision makers’ feelings towards widespread issues like the ongoing driver shortage and the upcoming mandated production ban of petrol and diesel vehicles.

Products and services

Legend Fleet Solutions will be at the CV Show to showcase their latest van products, such as flooring and storage systems, that can be upfitted to vans. This not only protects vehicle assets, but provides a safer, more effective workplace for drivers.
    
Locks 4 Vans meanwhile will showcase its latest vehicle security innovations for 2024. With the emphasis on a new level of strength, new electronic solutions, an extended cargo range, and its award-winning integrated van alarm system, the company will attend the Commercial Vehicle Show to show delegates their latest security solutions.
    
Rightcharge will be demonstrating how its Electric Fuel Card consolidates drivers’ charging across public, home, and work. Drivers with the card will be able to access over 38,000 public chargers and cover their home charging by adding credit to their home energy accounts.
    
B–ON will be present to discuss its full service for fleet electrification, which includes electric vehicles, productivity-enhancing tools, fleet management software, and electric deployment solutions for commercial fleets.
    
Driveline Emissions will be present to discuss its services which include DPF cleaning, EGR Cleaning, exhaust re-conditioning, fuel tank leaks, and more.
    
Meanwhile, Dawson Group Vans will be on hand to talk about its flexible van and cargo bike rental services.

Workshops

Within the Show there is a Workshop Sector which showcases everything from OE components and replacement parts to maintenance management systems.     
 
Workshop equipment specialist Totalkare will be attending the show to demonstrate its vehicle lifts, brake testers and live wheel alignment and tyre changer demonstrations.
Totalkare will be displaying its mobile column lifts, as well as a two-post lift, vehicle inspection pit, mobile brake tester, tyre changers, wheel alignment, diagnostic equipment and more.
    
Steve Braund, marketing manager at Totalkare said: “The CV Show remains a key event in Totalkare’s calendar – meeting new customers and catching up with existing ones to showcase our ever-expanding portfolio of commercial vehicle workshop equipment is always a highlight for us and we expect 2024’s show to be no different.
    
“Our team will be on hand to offer advice on the best lifting and testing solutions and our extensive range of comprehensive service and maintenance options.”
    
Flying the flag for commercial vehicles

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The commercial vehicle sector plays a pivotal role in the UK economy, with manufacturers investing billions to deliver ever greener, safer and more cost-effective vehicles and equipment. With the sector in such a period of complex change, operators’ need for expert insight into the latest technologies and regulation has never been greater. In these uncertain times, the CV Show is an unmissable opportunity, providing the most authoritative platform for manufacturers to demonstrate how they can help businesses across Britain navigate the road ahead.”
    
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “The CV Show is a vital fixture in the commercial road vehicle sector promoting the very best innovations to help businesses operate responsibly and efficiently. It’s also an opportunity for people to connect, learn and join in conversations about the future of our industry, especially on the journey to net zero. We are proud to be a partner in our industry’s biggest trade exhibition in the UK.”
    
John Eastman, President, IRTE, said: “The CV Show plays an important and vital role in the total scene of road transport not only in the display of new vehicles, but the development of initiatives that allow the operators of trucks, the owners of trucks and the providers of maintenance, to look ahead to achieving efficiency, reducing emissions and improvement in safety in an arena that reflects the importance of road transport to the nation. Large or small, road transport vehicles are an integral part of the economy. The CV Show allows all associated with transport a window to look into the future, and how best to be safe and compliant.”