The Commercial Vehicle Show 2021 preview

With the van and truck market on a path to decarbonise, the Commercial Vehicle Show will showcase the latest zero emission vehicles, as well as the support equipment and services that allow commercial vehicle fleets to run efficiently

With thousands of visitors already pre-registered, hundreds of exhibitors and many new companies confirmed to date, confidence is high as the Commercial Vehicle Show remains the ‘go-to’ event for everyone working in road transport operations, logistics and distribution-based businesses.
    
The demand to be back doing live business in a face-to-face environment has been building. This year’s Show – taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 31 August to 2 September - will be the first in the last two years to offer fantastic networking opportunities and the chance to share the very latest products and services in the sector.
    
Show director, Murray Ellis, said: “With live business activity returning, we are delighted to be able to stage a Commercial Vehicle Show on these new dates and are focused on delivering a successful Show for visitors, exhibitors and the industry. The Show will once again provide the perfect opportunity to see new vehicles, products and technology alongside networking that the Show is renowned for. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone back to another great Show.”
    
As well as hundreds of exhibitors from across the road transport industry presenting their latest products and services, the 2021 Commercial Vehicle 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 and challenges facing the industry. With all the changes that have been impacting the sector in the last year, these discussions will provide essential advice and information for every operator.
    
This year, the Show is pleased to announce that major leading brands such as Ford, Toyota, MAXUS, Isuzu, Land Rover, SsangYong, Webasto, VFS, Truckman and Hankook Tyre UK are all continuing their long-term commitments to the Show, while others like Bucher Municipal, LEVC, PETRONAS Lubricants International, Harris Commercial Autospares, Clairvaux, Awilco and many more will be exhibiting for the first time.   

The Commercial Vehicle Show remains the most important event in the calendar for everyone working in road transport operations, logistics and distribution-based businesses, so it is no surprise that visitor registrations are well in advance of previous years.

Decarbonising commercials

The government has recently published its transport decarbonisation plan, which gives pathway for the whole transport sector to reach net zero by 2050.
    
Within it, there’s a consultation which proposes a 2035 phase out date for vehicles weighing from 3.5 to 26 tonnes and 2040 for vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes.
 
The government has also published a green paper setting out the regulatory framework requiring vehicle manufacturers to improve the fuel efficiency of new cars, vans and HGVs, so the country can meet its phase out dates. This includes consulting on the possible introduction of a new phased industry mandate for zero emission vehicles.

Zero-emissions

Against this backdrop, the Commercial Vehicle Show will present the many zero emission commercial vehicles available - helping fleet buyers to get ahead of the curve.
    
MAXUS, for example, will only be showcasing its electric vehicles at the show – with its e DELIVER 3 and e DELIVER 9 available for visitors to see on Stand 5D110 in Hall 5.
    
Designed from the ground-up for electric power only, the e DELIVER 3 is a small van with a range of up to 213 miles on a single charge. With a 92KW motor, there are two battery options from which to choose - 35kWh and 52.5kWH. Using a DC rapid charger can top up the batteries to 80 per cent in as little as 40 minutes. Available in a number of variants with several battery and wheelbase options, the e DELIVER 3 is a versatile vehicle that suits a wide range of business needs.
    
The newest variant in the e DELIVER 3 range is the long wheelbase chassis cab (52.5kWH), which will be available from Q3 2021. However, visitors to CV Show can enjoy a sneak preview of the latest in EV technology and design and check out the new chassis cab and its many high spec features.
    
The e DELIVER 9 is available in two size options and has a range of 219 miles on a single charge. The vehicle offers three battery options - 51.5Kwh, 72Kwh and 88.55 Kwh (LH) with various battery cooling methods, which reduce charging time (DC 45mins, 5 per cent-80 per cent), as well as extending battery life and increasing the operating range.

Electrification

The Ford E-Transit will be making its public UK debut, ahead of its launch in spring 2022.
    
E-Transit’s all-electric powertrain delivers up to 200kW of power and achieves a range of up to 217 miles. It boasts range-boosting technologies including Eco Mode and Scheduled Pre-Conditioning.
    
E-Transit’s load area is common with diesel-powered Transit models for ease of conversion, and to allow Transit operators to reuse existing racking with the all-electric van. An industry-first ProPower Onboard system delivers up to 2.3kW through standard plugs to power conversions and equipment in the cab and load area. Anticipated payload is up to 1,616kg for vans and up to 1,967kg for chassis cab models.
    
Prototype E-Transit vehicles are being trialled by customer fleets across Germany, Norway and the UK, ahead of its launch in spring 2022.
    
Ford will also host a digital introduction to Ford Liive – a new connected system designed to help operators increase productivity and maximise vehicle uptime.
    
LEVC – manufacturers of the range extended electric TX taxi, will be showcasing their first commercial vehicle, the VN5. It uses the same eCity range-extender powertrain technology utilised in the TX electric taxi which gives a pure EV range of over 60 miles (98 km) and a total flexible range of over 300 miles (489 km).
    
The VN5 has the ability to go from zero charge to 100 percent in 30 minutes thanks to its 50kW DC charging capability and a full charge can be completed in the time taken loading/ unloading at the depot or for a short driver break and be back on the road. VN5’s long 25,000-mile (40,000-km) service intervals mean time spent off the road is further minimised.
    
The VN5 cargo capacity of up to 5.5m³ capacity, easily accommodates two Euro2/3 sized pallets (1,000x1,200mm) with a gross/net payload up to 830/735kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side- loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.
    
Toyota’s Proace City Electric makes its UK debut at the CV show and appears alongside the Proace Electric medium duty van which went on sale earlier in the year. Proace City Electric will be available with a 50kw/h lithium-ion battery, giving a maximum power output of 134bhp, ensuring smooth operation in low emission zones.

Completing the stand line-up is the go-anywhere legendary Toyota Hilux and equally capable off-road Land Cruiser Commercial vehicle.

Hardworking vehicles

Jaguar Land Rover has chosen the Commercial Vehicle Show to promote its latest Defender Hard Top Commercial vehicle, which combines all-terrain capability with 21st-century connectivity and practical cargo space.
    
All Defender Hard Top models come with a fixed full-height partition to separate occupants from the generous load area. The bulkhead boosts security and safety and preserves the refined driving experience of the passenger model. The partition itself comes with four hanging hooks on the loadspace side, and two stowage nets on the cabin side of 110 models for small items.
    
The full-width load floor is completely flat, with up to six integrated lashing points, heavy-duty rubber mats and a set of lockable storage areas providing with 58 litres of underfloor stowage at the rear of both the 90 and 110. An additional underfloor area is fitted to the 110 Hard Top, where the footwells of the Defender passenger model would normally be found, providing 155 litres of hidden stowage, and the whole load area is illuminated by enhanced interior lighting five times brighter than the standard passenger Defender.
    
Isuzu will be using the Commercial Vehicle Show to present its D-Max pick-up range.
    
The Business range features the Utility trim, offered in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 and in three different cab types: single, extended and double cab. Developed with work in mind, the Utility features a wide range of practical and safety features to ensure drivers are as productive, safe and comfortable as possible.
    
The Isuzu D-Max has a high amount of additional equipment on all variants so the Utility model is anything but basic. Comfort and convenience are assured in this versatile pick-up thanks to automatic headlights with high beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, speed-sensitive power steering, DAB radio and a stop & start system.
    
Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are now standard on all models. Autonomous Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning & Prevention are fitted on every model and, for the first time in the pick-up segment, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Emergency Lane Keeping are fitted on all double cabs.
    
Utility models are ideally suited to working environments with features like an easily-cleanable vinyl flooring and durable steel wheels, while the bumpers, door mirrors and door handles are made from a hard-wearing black plastic.
    
Meanwhile, SsangYong will launch the new Musso pick-up, a multi-purpose vehicle with a rugged off-road capability.

Support for drivers

The AA, DriveTech and Prestige Fleet Servicing will combine at this year’s event to demonstrate their extensive capabilities including; roadside recovery, service maintenance and repair, plus comprehensive driver risk management for fleets.
    
What’s more, the AA will be able to talk about the services they offer electric vehicle drivers - such as road recovery and support at EV charge points.
     
Highways England will be on stand to talk about their commercial vehicle incident prevention programme, which aims to reduce the number of commercial vehicle incidents on the motorway network, so that everyone has a safer, smoother journey.
    
DVSA meanwhile will be available to talk about the work it does carrying out tests to ensure lorries and buses are safe to drive.
    
As the organisation representing the operators of commercial vehicles, the RHA is actively addressing some of the biggest challenges and issues that face the industry. The Road Haulage Association will make its industry experts available to give visitors advice and information on its services and new offerings for the operators of coaches and vans.
    
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK - will attend the CV Show to share insights into the UK automotive industry.

Flexible mobility

Europcar will be attending the CV Show, explaining the array of cost-effective solutions that can act as a more flexible alternative to contract hire or outright purchase.  Their fleet is made latest cars and vans, including many electric vehicles, so businesses can be sure their employees are driving around in safe, reliable and fuel efficient vehicles.
    
LeasePlan meanwhile will be sharing its 50+ years experience in commercial vehicle leasing to explain to visitors the different options to acquiring vehicles, including the benefits of leasing a zero emission vehicle, which takes the risk out of outright purchase.
    
Arval UK will share how they are helping fleets prepare for the 2030 diesel and petrol ban, and support the transition to electric LCVs. They
will be on hand to share results of their latest research into eLCV real-world performance, insight into the use of telematics analysis, discuss flexible options to ease the transition and provide specialist knowledge.
    
Fleet management firm Rivus will discuss its end-to-end solution that includes leasing, service, maintenance and repair, compliance, accident management for all vehicle types. With 55 of its own garages, a UK network of mobile response units and an additional 500 Rivus Approved garages, Rivus can help fleets large and small.  

Telematics

Technology has proven to give fleet operators insight into their drivers habits, vehicle usage and routes, allowing them to make informed decision on how to improve their fleet operations.
    
Geotab will be available at the CV show to explain how its advanced analytics can help with fleet management. Processing billions of data points daily, Geotab leverages big data and machine learning to help businesses manage safety, compliance, and improve productivity and efficiency.
    
Trakm8 will also be on hand to discuss its technology solutions for fleet management, insurance telematics, route optimisation and dashboard camera systems. Trakm8’s cutting edge technology is adaptable for fleets of all sizes; providing intelligent insights that can improve fleet efficiency and reduce risk across fleet operations.
    
Sharing the benefits of dash cams, Lytx will present its Surfsigh AI-12 dashcam, which automatically flags risky driving behaviours and offers robust data and real-time insights to make fleet management more efficient.

Support services

The Commercial Vehicle Show will also showcase the support services and equipment that makes running a commercial fleet possible.
    
Totalkare provides workshop equipment for commercial vehicle workshops, with customers ranging from small family businesses through to multi-national transport operators and logistics companies. They will showcase a range of their products, including vehicle lifts, brake testers, inspection pits and other lifting and testing equipment.
    
On-board power specialists Clayton Power will be launching its new Lithium Power Supply II at this year’s CV Show - with more power, longer run times, and improved performance. The Award-winning LPS offers the ability to power your 230V, 110V, and DC appliances, tools, and equipment simultaneously without the need for engine idling.
    
What’s more, cargo security experts Maple will discuss their commercial vehicle security solutions, which range from simple locking applications to integrated electronic seals and load integrity systems.