The Commercial Vehicle 2005 Show

The Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham is on the horizon once again. John Loughran previews this year's three-day extravanganza, which runs from April 5 - 7.

The Commercial Vehicle Show is now in its sixth year and it is without question one of the best shows of its type anywhere in Europe. It has become the focal point for the road transport industry in Britain and Ireland, where the simple objective is to do business.

Specialist providers displaying their wares to serious transport professionals typify the Commercial Vehicle Show. To that end upwards on 30,000 visitors are expected at the Show this year.
These visitors can expect to find the latest in trucks, vans, trailers, bodies and ancilliary equipment. If it has anything to do with the road transport industry, you can expect to find it at the CV Show.

Every product and every conceivable service available to the road transport industry - from light and heavy commercial commercials right through the spectrum to the latest in satellite tracking technology will be on display.

Lifting and handling equipment, OE and replacement parts, finance, insurance and logistics management systems will all be exhibited side by side at the largest UK based transport event in 2005. This year some 500 exhibitors will display their wares at what is now recognised at the second biggest show in Europe after the 10-day Hanover extravanganza.

The introduction of pre-registration four years ago proved to be a resounding success with more than 14,000 visitors receiving advance "fast track" entry passes. This year the show's organisers have put an even greater effort into pre-registering visitors. Pre-registration can be carried out on www.cvshow.com and is recommended.

In the first few years the organisers noted that visitors attended the show for just one day. But increasingly visitors are now coming back for a second and even third visit - the show has so much to offer it is virtually impossible to pack it all in to one day.

The organisers have also made a conscious decision to mix the exhibitors throughout the various halls so that the visitor gets a better feel and an appreciation of the variety of the exhibitors at the show. Exhibitors have been mixed at random so that visitors have a far greater chance of seeing a wide range of exhibits.

Repeat business is always a good barometer on which to judge performance. To that end the show's organisers carry out visitor satisfaction surveys every year. Over the last five years the surveys have shown an extremely high satisfaction rating.

In that vein some 95 percent of those surveyed in 2004 said they intended to return to the event this year. Consequently the organisers have pulled out all the stops to ensure a bigger, brighter and different show this time round.
Numerous new products and new product innovations will be launched at this year's show. All the 'old reliables' will be there in force, while there will also be a fair smattering of manufacturers, making their debut at the show.
Travelling to and from an event is an integral part of the experience. To that end the Commercial Vehicle Show, at the NEC in Birmingham is located at the heart of Britain's transport network and offers excellent access by road, rail, sea and air.

By road
Birmininham is at the hub of the UK motorway network, enabling visitors to travel directly from the M6, M1, M40 and M42. The NEC has its own on-site car parks, while the city-centre venues are served by a car park at the NIA and others in the immediate vicinity.
Visitors to the CV Show will be glad to hear that there are 22,000 car parking spaces adjacent to the NEC. Access from the northern car parks to the halls is fast, the closest being a two-minute walk away. All car parks are serviced by a regular shuttle bus service, which offers a frequent and comfortable service to all entrances.

By rail
By rail the NEC and the NEC Arena are served by Birminingham international train station, connected by a covered bridge link. The NIA, the ICC and Symphony Hall are minutes from Birmingham New Street, Britain's largest interchange station.

By air
More than 20 international airlines serve Birmingham International Airport, which is conveniently situated beside the NEC and the NEC Arena. On arrival at Birminingham International Airport, visitors are only a five-minute cab-ride from the venue.
For those who wish to arrive in style, transport can be arranged with the NEC Group in advance. If you wish to be chauffeured to the door by luxury car or coach, or take a taxi to a restaurant after your day out, you should check out the NEC website www.necgroup.co.uk.

Accommodation
Similarly, the NEC website is jam-packed with accommodation. Ranging from budget, to middle of the road to five star accommodation, the NEC Group website has literally dozens of listings to choose from.
As the CV Show is one of the biggest attractions of the year at the NEC, booking accommodation in advance is definitely recommended.
If you intend visiting a commercial vehicle show this year, the NEC in Birmingham is definitely the place to go. Before departing you should check out the website www.cvshow.com. Both the website and the show are well worth a visit.Useful websites: www.cvshow.com
www.necgroup.co.ukShow Jottings

New Ranger tipper from Ford
CV Show visitors will see the new Ranger Tipper concept on Ford's stand 9-620. Planned as an extension to the Transit 'One-Stop' range of ready-for-work conversions, Ford says the new Ranger Tipper should suit urban building firms or off-road forestry and agricultural operators, meeting operator machinery directive rules and giving buyers peace of mind in this increasingly complex legislative environment. Ford's Ranger smashed all its sales records in 2004 with an increase of nearly 40 % to 7,539. There will also be Ranger Thunder Double and four-door Super Cab pickups on show. Ford says that if load bed space is important, the Super Cab has 14.5 per cent more load space than the Double Cab.

Electronic Trailer Braking System
Wabco, producer of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission systems, will show a range of new technologies for heavy trucks at this year's CV show. Highlights include a demonstration of the latest Trailer Electronic Braking System on its stand 17-308. The system features roll stability support, lift axle control, traction assist, a wear indicator and an active safety circuit.

UK debut for new GPS system
First time exhibitor Geotab will show its Fleet Management System on stand 8-410. The firm says Eirwave, its new GPS system, is the only one to accurately show distance while optimising memory. Accurate recordings of place, time and distance allow fleet managers to control their fleet and people to meet with the Working Time Directive. The new system also gives second-by-second accident black-box data recording. Following success in North America, South Africa and Australia, the system will be available in the UK for the first time.

Quicksilver Truck Liners debut at CV Show
QuickSilver Truck Liners debuts on stand 17-037. The company says it is a world leader in polymer engineering. Launched in the UK in 2003, QuickSilver tipper truck liners are made from one of the toughest polymers known to man. They can handle hot asphalt up to 180oC, having dual advantages of keeping the load hotter for longer and ensuring easy release from the truck.

Need an oil change?
Not with Impala!
Impala Business Solutions Ltd will have an oil dialysis machine on its stand 12-105. The firm's managing director, David White says this revolutionary piece of kit 'means you need never buy new oil again. The dialysis machine sucks out the old oil, cleans it up, adds new additives and pumps the cleaned oil back in. Oil need only be thrown away periodically, saving on both oil and disposal costs. Impala will also exhibit itsrange of fuel and engine treatments, oil range for cars, aircon products and Eezee Fit CV boots. New to the range is a vehicle fogging system that deodorises and sanitises transport interiors. White says, 'Impala will also be looking for new sales agents or distributors for both the UK and overseas markets.

Weight saving wheels from Alcoa
Alcoa, on stand 6-548 at the CV Show says its forged aluminium truck wheels are some 23 kg lighter than steel wheels. UK sales manager Keith Arrowsmith says on a multi-axle artic this can save up to 300 kg. The firm will also show its full UK range of forged wheels together with cleaning kit and accessories.

European debut for Isuzu truck cab and gearbox
Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd says it will show four trucks on its stand 8-350 at the CV Show. Three are sold and in customer's liveries. These three include a 7.5 tonne NQR-based car-transporter for Guy Salmon, a further 7.5 tonne NQR with fridge box body for Reynolds Catering and a 3.5 tonne NKR-W, making its exhibition debut at the CV Show. This truck has an aluminium tipper body and is due to go to work in South Wales immediately after the show. The fourth vehicle is another 7.5 tonne NQR but fitted with a restyled cab and new, automated gearbox. Both developments make their European debut at the CV Show.

Crossland CV Show Presence
Crossland Tankers will have a strong presence at the CV Shoe this year on stand 210, Hall 17.
The tankers on the stand will include an aluminium artic vacuum waste tanker for major operator Gregory Distribution. This is one of a batch from Gregory’s first ever order for vacuum waste tanks as the West Country Group enters this new market.

Also on display in an 8x2 steer rigid ex-farm milk collection tanker for Dairy Farmers of Britain. The tank has a 20,500 litre capacity, a high speed double pumping system and low level manway for ground level inspection and access.
The third exhibit is a 19,000 litre ADR artric tanker for UK and European Operator Groupe Samat. With top fill and top discharge facility, the tank is designed to operate at 44 tonnes.

Crossland Tankers design, manufacture and refurbish road tankers for the food, milk, bitumen, chemical and waste markets. With excellent purpose built facilities in Burnley, Lancashire and in Northern Ireland and a skilled workforce of over 100 people, Crossland supply class leading tankers and back-up service.
Please contact Bryn, Mark or Mike on stand or call 028 79 401 555 or 01282 770077 or visit our website www.crosslandtankers.com

NEW AT THE CV SHOW FROM TRACE SYSTEMS
Separate management modules from Trace Systems reduce purchase costs.
Now the Trace System is available in even more economic business specific modules. Launched at the CV Show on Stand 18-115 each stand alone module is also an integral part of the full Trace System, so addition modules can be added at any time. Available modules are for : Fleet Management, Workshops, Stores, Bodyshop, Contract Hire, Maintenance, Plant Hire, Accident Log, Bar Coding, Time Allocation and Fuel Data. These modules are in use with and designed for private, commercial and public sector users. Each module has been developed with users to ensure it meets their needs.

Contact Bill Davies, Trace Systems
Tel: 024 7622 0226
Website: www.tracesystems.co.uk
Email: sales@tracesystems.co.uk
Naked Vehicle - lost opportunity Signs Express at CV Show
Stand 9-401

The UK & Ireland’s largest sign company, Signs Express is exhibiting on stand 9-401 at this year’s CV Show 5th-7th April at the NEC, Birmingham. The show will be the first opportunity for many to see the infamous ‘harlequin style painted lady’ which is being used by Signs Express as part of its new corporate identity.
Signs Express will be showcasing its vehicle livery design and application service with regular vehicle graphics demonstrations made on stand throughout the show showing the different effects and finishes available; and Signs Express national accounts team will be on hand to discuss individual signage requirements.
On stand there will be also be the chance to enter a competition to win £500 worth of vehicle graphics at the location of your choice, visitors benefiting from Signs Express national coverage of over 75 centres.

Industry leaders in vehicle livery manufacture and application, Signs Express will also have a female model on stand, painted in the Signs Express harlequin colours, who will be able to help with any visitors requests.
National Accounts Manager, Justin Pearce said: “Vehicle livery is a highly effective communication medium with research showing that a busy vehicle can be seen by upwards of 3,000 people every hour during the working day. As the market leader, we hope our demonstrations and presence at the show will illustrate how effective vehicle graphics can be and how they are a necessity for most businesses”.

Marketing Manager Kelly Smith said: “The launch of our new corporate identity and branding follows the introduction of our new website on www.signsexpress.co.uk . The image was first launched through our vehicle graphics and is now followed through all of our promotional goods. Having a real life ‘harlequin’ on stand is certain to cause a stir with visitors”.

Signs Express has received recognition for its vehicle graphics four years running, being presented with the Sign Industry Award for vehicle graphics in 2002, a highly commended award in the same ceremony in 2003. The company is also twice winners of the Institute of Transport Management Vehicle Graphics company of the year award in 2000 and 2001.

As specialists in vehicle graphics design and application each Signs Express centre has its own climate controlled drive-in livery bay to provide the best conditions for application. Graphics can be applied to all vehicle surfaces; from bodywork to windows and screens, suiting all types of commercial vehicle. In addition to standard vinyl images logos and lettering, special effects can be achieved by applying photographs, reflective materials and intricate designs
Signs Express is the UK and Ireland’s largest sign company with over 80 centres nationwide. The company is a member of the British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA) and the International Sign Association (ISA).

For further information log on www.signsexpress.co.uk or call 0800 7312255.
IVECO PLANS COMPREHENSIVE CV SHOW LINE-UP
CV Show, Stand No. 7-040, Hall 7
Iveco is planning to display a full range of vans and trucks together with exhibits from Seddon Atkinson, Irisbus and Iveco Motors at the forthcoming CV Show. With exhibition space totalling 1,000m2, Iveco is proud to show itself as a global company marketing a full range of trucks, vans, buses, engines and special products with the core values to its customers of environment, safety and productivity.

Taking centre-stage on the stand will be Iveco’s new range topping limited edition Stralis Executive Space tractor unit (ES440S54TX/P), which is being unveiled in the UK for the first time. Based on the Active Space (AS) cab, the ES benefits from a high-specification interior and eye-catching exterior and is targeted at the premium long haul tractor market.

The vehicle on show, in Metallic Blue with a sliver grille and door handle trim, will have leather seats and leather steering wheel, a stay clean microfibre carpet, roof mounted air horns, alloy fuel tanks, a full set of spot and fog lamps, climate control and an in-cab refrigerator as standard.
Also making its debut in the UK will be a Trakker (AD34OT44) - Iveco’s new state of the art on/off road chassis targeted at the construction industry and for heavy-duty on/off road work. This 8x4 benefits from a new Stralis-based cab offering the same degree of comfort for construction work as is typical of Iveco’s on road models.

The third heavy truck on display, a Stalis Active Time tractor unit (AT440S43T/P) finished in Maranello Red, is the ideal choice for distribution and fleet operation roles, as well as medium to long-haul domestic missions.
Also in Maranello Red, and representing Iveco’s Eurocargo range of medium trucks will be the popular Eurocargo 75E17S, which in 2004 was once again market leader of the all-important 7.5 tonne market. This vehicle is the most popular truck on British roads and just one example of the 3,000 configurations possible from the 300 basic Eurocargo models.

Additional new product on display at the CV show is Iveco’s revised range of Daily light commercial vehicles, each benefiting from new styling to further improve its appeal. The Daily line-up comprises three panel vans, with load space volumes of 12, 15 and 17m3, and performance outputs of 116, 136 and 166hp. Joining the vans will be one chassis cab model, fitted with an Ingimex tipper body.

The three largest models on show (a 35C14 chassis cab, 35C14 van and 50C17 van) will incorporate Iveco’s all new 3.0 litre common rail direct injection engine, which is capable of injection pressures of up to 1,800 bar which, together with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, ensures optimum performance.

The fourth Daily, a 35S12 AGile van, will be fitted with the proven 2.3 litre HPI engine and produces up to 116hp. For the first time, this model also sees the introduction of a factory fitted six-speed automatic transmission into the Daily offering the choice between completely automatic mode and manual sequential gear selection, using a lever on the dashboard.

This is an intelligent system and the transmission adapts automatically to the driving style, offering levels of driving comfort normally only associated with a car. It is ideally suited for urban distribution, blue light and minibus applications.
The Iveco stand will also feature and Irisbus Daily minibus, finished in striking Metallic Sliver, together with a display by Iveco Motors - the world’s largest manufacturer of diesel engines over 70hp.

Heil to exhibit at the CV Show
Heil Europe, the world’s largest refuse collection vehicle manufacturer will be exhibiting at this year’s CV Show on stand 230, Hall 18.
On the Heil stand will be a Heil Front End Loader. The automatic levelling and dumping of containers reduces the risk of spillage and damage to the containers while programmable logic control offers simplified handling, reliable operation and system condition monitoring. The operator can also get operational information from a text display inside the cabin.

Also on the stand will be Heil Powerlink, which provides flexibility to any RCV fleet, with its full-cycle compaction mechanism. Additionally, a leak-free hydraulic system, and CanBus electric’s offers unique and unparalleled performance. Heil offers a variety of options for body sizes on the Powerlink with cubic capacities of 14 to 26m.

The final exhibit on the stand will be a Eurocycler, which has a body length of 7.7 metres and a capacity of 25.3m, which is split 11.6m in the top compartment, and 13.7m in the bottom. A split container on both sides of the body allows the simultaneous seperation and dumping of recyclables into the body chambers from either side. This unit will see the world premier of the new comb lift which can be fitted as an option to give complete versatility of operation.

Cushioned cylinders ensure a smoother, quieter operation while other benefits include Heil’s unique dual swing link action packing mechanism, which gives minimal glass breakage.