CV Show 2017 sees a return of the HGVs
Heavy trucks will return to the CV Show this year, with DAF, MAN and Iveco (through Guest Trucks) joining more than 450 exhibitors at this major industry event (25—27 April, NEC, Birmingham).
DAF Trucks’ theme will be DAF Transport Efficiency, with the truck giant back at its location in Hall 5 – with LF, CF and XF ranges on show – adjacent to an additional, large outside exhibition area – the home of its new Showtrekker hospitality trailer.
DAF Transport Efficiency is the umbrella brand for a range of product enhancements, including its Silent Mode and Predictive Cruise Control.
It also covers DAF’s customer support services, such as DAFaid, DAF MultiSupport R&M packages, DAF Parts and Paccar Financial.
Meanwhile, MAN will be using the CV Show to debut of its new TGE van – designed to offer a range of light commercial vehicle from 3—5.5 tonnes – alongside the existing range of heavy trucks.
And Iveco will be represented by Guest Trucks, its largest heavy truck dealer group. More details are due to follow ahead of the show itself.
“We’re delighted to see DAF, MAN and Iveco, via Guest Trucks, returning to the CV Show,” states CV Show director, Rob Skelton.
“Heavy trucks are a vital part of the freight and logistics industry in the UK and their presence adds a real attraction.”
Michelin
As it embarks on the programme to replace its most popular heavy truck tyre range, Michelin will use this year’s CV Show to stage the international debut of its all-new X Multi tyre line-up. Official testing has shown these next-generation fitments deliver 15—20% more mileage than the current Michelin X MultiWay, so this should be interesting.
Designed to blend the lowest cost per km with “outstanding” grip in all weather conditions – “from the first millimetre of tread to the last” – the new tyres will initially be available from April in 315/70 R 22.5 all-position and drive fitments, alongside 385/55 R 22.5 steer and trailer tyres. Additional sizes are due to follow later this year.
Michelin’s stand will also feature its tyre range for van fleet operators, and the firm’s CrossClimate tyres, designed for car-derived vans. CrossClimate tyres have been proven to offer the benefits of a summer tyre for dry and wet braking, energy efficiency and total mileage, while also boasting the braking performance and traction of a winter tyre on snow-covered roads.
Texa
Texa will display an extensive range of products, including the Axone Nemo with its new IDC5 software and its air conditioning service stations. Staff will be demonstrating what are described as major internal improvements to IDC5, which include enabling faster communication with vehicles’ control units.
The graphic interface has also been designed to resemble latest consumer applications, so simplifying maintenance and repair procedures and creating a more intuitive work flow.
Meanwhile, the latest Axone Nemo diagnostic tablet range will also be available for visitor to try. Texa claims this is the first to be constructed using a robust, lightweight magnesium body, along with the fastest microprocessors, thanks to excellent heat dispersal.
Thermo King
Latest Thermo King and Frigoblock refrigeration systems are due to feature at CV Show 2017, with a full portfolio of diesel, hybrid and all-electric units to suit the wides range of refrigeration applications.
For the first time in the UK, Thermo King will also present its new SLXi platform of single- and multi-temperature trailer refrigeration units, as well as its new Hybrid Drive Trailer concept, which harnesses Frigoblock inverter technology.
SLXi is claimed to deliver up to 20% fuel savings not least through its intelligent telematics and communications technology. The company says it was developed with the assistance of “hundreds of customers and dealers”, which helped collect operational data from thousands of units operating throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Chereau
A patented electric rear door opening system is due to take pride of place on the Chereau’s CV Show stand. Features of its SmartOpen-C system include anti-trapping and anti-pinch, designed to ensure safety and reliability, as well as low noise for =might time operations. The device operates in 10 seconds and was developed for urban distribution applications involving frequent stops and door openings, involving multiple temperature zones.
SmartOpen–C – which is housed in a one-piece stainless steel frame – operates fast enough to allow door closure after each pallet, parcel or roll. The result, says Chereau, is better protection for goods carried – and hence also longer rounds, even during heatwaves.
Kwik Fit
Kwik Fit will be promoting two services at the CV Show – Mobile7 and its new Fleet Web Booking tyre facility.
In recent years Kwik Fit has increased its penetration of the light van sector, notably as a result of extending its reach into vehicle servicing and MoTs, as well as building on its reputation as a provider of fast-fit services.
Now, with the launch of Mobile7 and Fleet Web Bookings – both designed to minimise fleet and driver inconvenience and maximise vehicle uptime – Kwik Fit anticipates further light commercial vehicle demand for its services from the fleet sector.
VWS
Specialists in the design, manufacture, installation and service of vehicle weighing equipment, VWS (Vehicle Weighing Solutions) will be demonstrating its portfolio at the at the CV Show – including its VOPS2 (vehicle overload protection system), which has an in-cab display showing front and rear net, gross and axle weights. VOPS2 can be fitted to most commercial vehicles regardless of suspension type.
VWS has also developed a weighing system for tipper and tanker operators, which will be on show at the NEC. Loadweigh integrates with GPS and GPRS tracking and uses load cells built into the hydraulic tipper gear to provide front and rear axle weights. An inclinometer alerts drivers if the vehicle is unstable and an intelligent junction box keeps the driver informed as to how the load is dispersed.
RUD Chains
Arriving in Birmingham with a range of products for each vehicle type will be RUD Chains, which offers snow chains for vans, trucks, buses and emergency vehicles. One is Rotogrip – an automatic snow chain system designed for commercial and emergency vehicles. The snow and ice chain is deployed with a flip of a switch from the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion.
Also in the Rotocrip line-up will be the CS Compact system for vehicles with limited mounting space and ground clearance, such as buses. Improvements over the earlier version include an integrated and patented flexible piston rod, which increases the swivel area. It is claimed to be quick and easy to fit and requires minimal maintenance.
Hankook
Just one of the highlights on the Hankook stand will be new trailer tyre SmartFlex TH31, to be displayed in size 385/65 R22.5. SmartFlex TH31 is an all-year tyre for medium- to long-haul applications. It offers four main tread grooves, designed to optimise water displacement, as well as a chamfered profile block to prevent material splintering. It also boasts an extra-wide, closed shoulder area aimed at improving driving stability and wear.
New for 2017, the show stand will be featuring a wheel of fortune, which visitors can spin to win Hankook prizes, as well as free entry to a draw for two tickets to a Real Madrid home game, including flights and hotels.
Red Forge
On the Red Forge stand will be the company’s Omniweigh on-board weighing load cells, along with its Axalert Excel, Axalert Plus and Limitlite Plus system.
Limitlite Plus has been upgraded so that the display swaps to kg remaining when it reaches the final 10% of allowed weight. Axalert Excel is designed to give a simple one-screen display, while still providing all required information in an easy to read format.
All Red Forge machines offer features such as vehicle telemetry outputs for remote monitoring of overload conditions, while the Axalert Excel can be used on multi-axle vehicles.
Morris Lubricants
One lubricant manufacturer making a welcome return to the CV Show is Morris Lubricants. This year, the firm will showcase its Versimax brand – a range of OEM-approved heavy-duty diesel engine oils – and its latest Ecotrans gear and transmission oils.
Throughout the event, staff will be also on-hand to demonstrate its Whatoil? online lubricants selector tool. Technical experts will be available for face-to-face consultations, providing advice on issues such as grade consolidation and the latest fuel-efficient technology lubricants.
Bowmonk Tapley
Another returning exhibitor will be Bowmonk Tapley, which intends to demonstrate BrakeCheck – the DVSA-approved portable brake tester for recording and printing brake test results. BrakeCheck is now fully approved for interim safety inspections and for the three-monthly voluntary brake tests.
New for 2017 will be the T5 EDR (event data recorder), an on-line unit with a built-in accelerometer, GPS, digital inputs and connection to the CANbus. Capable of recording information at very high resolution, it then uploads to the cloud via its built-in modem.
Bowman Tapley will also be explaining how its on-board weighing division can now cater for all vehicle suspension types, not just air. Visitors will be able to see a live demonstration of an on-board weighing system, including a Bluetooth link to a nearby smartphone for single-man loading and electronic recording of weight data.
Hella
For advice, guidance and clarification on vehicle lighting, head to Hella’s stand at the CV Show. The company says its team will be on hand to discuss the legislation associated with fitments, as well as technical data and fitting instructions – including of its latest reversing lights.
Although Hella’s lights have a similar appearance to conventional fog or work lights, the company says they are designed to deliver an optimised light distribution. This, it says, improves visibility – so helping drivers performing challenging reversing manoeuvres in low light.
VB-Airsuspension
Having won the 2017 European Innovation Award for its VB-ActiveAir intelligent suspension and shock absorber system for LCVs, VB-Airsuspension says it will use the CV Show to demonstrate the advantages. The system is claimed to link suspension elements so as to adjust dynamically to road conditions, surface, driving style and vehicle load.
The result is not only increased comfort, but also all greater safety, it suggests. During braking manoeuvres, for example, the braking distance is reduced by up to 15% because the suspension responds optimally to unevenness in the road surface, crosswinds, bends, etc, in milliseconds.
Tyre Equipment Company
Another returning exhibitor, Tyre Equipment Company (TEC) says it will be majoring on commercial tyre changing tools and equipment from Ohio-headquartered Ken-Tool, which has been in the business for more than 90 years.
Its range – recently added to TEC’s offerings – includes products such as the Deluxe Blue Cobra Tubeless Truck Tyre Service Set. This includes a demount tool, a tubeless tyre iron and a double-end tyre spoon.
Fleetminder
Another product launching at the CV Show is Assetminder, a cloud-based fleet management, maintenance and compliance system, derived from the original Fleetminder suite. With both web and mobile systems on offer, these take the firm’s technology to the next level.
In addition to more adaptable and flexible maintenance planning, customisable workshop inspections, workshop management, and stock and purchasing management, Assetminder also now boasts new features. Its Vendor Management module, for example, enables outsourced fleet maintenance and inspection, while ensuring that internal fleet databases hold mandatory, up to date histories for each vehicle.
Show shorts
r2c Online
New from r2c Online at the NEC will be Exemplar, a maintenance management system claimed to maximise fleet performance while ensuring that businesses are properly protected in terms of compliance. Software modules include an online platform for scheduling, defect management and service documentation, digitised driver pre-use checks, compliance business intelligence and tacho importing.
Fleetcheck
An industry-first automated fleet policy writer is to be introduced by FleetCheck at CV Show 2017. The software – dubbed Policy Manager – guides operators through the creation of legally compliant and operationally effective frameworks for their fleets. Policy Manager will be free for users of FleetCheck’s fleet management software.
LowCVP
News of a study for the DfT by LowCVP (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) will be the main topic on this organisation’s stand. Its research suggests that dedicated gas commercial vehicles have the best potential to deliver significant greenhouse gas savings when a non-fossil, renewable or synthetic methane fuel blend is used.
TruTac
Compliance and tachograph specialist TruTac says it will launch a series of innovations at this year’s CV Show. It will also re-launch and re-brand its TruControl tachograph analysis system as TruAnalysis. New features include TruDocument for secure, online document management and storage.
Fleetsource
A provider of CPC courses and bespoke training, Fleet Source says it will be offering support and advice to operators wanting to discuss their fleet training requirements.