As this year’s CV Show gets underway at the NEC, Birmingham (14—16 April 2015), Brian Tinham and John Challen pick out more of the highlights on display at the UK’s greatest transport event of the year

Mercedes-Benz

The New Vito, which on sale this month, is being displayed in panel van, crew van, Tourer PRO and Tourer Select form on from Mercedes-Benz's stand. While you're there, take a look Citan and Sprinter models, both on the stand and outside the exhibition hall.

With the company's truck range displays, a total of more than 40 Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles are on show. On the stand are trucks from the Actros, Atego, Econonic, Unimog and Canter ranges.

Also, ask about Mercedes-Benz's Fuel Challenger initiative. You can get a two-week vehicle trial designed to train and develop your drivers. Yoiu also get to see how a Mercedes-Benz Actros compares against other manufacturers' trucks, using Fleetboard to analyse the results. In the UK, 43 Fuel Challenger trials have completed, and Mercedes has won 38 of them.

Iveco

The Italian manufacturer is showing its Vision concept vehicle for the first time in the UK at the CV Show. Vision is being hailed as a platform for the development of technology solutions and future modes of transport.

Iveco says it represents the natural evolution of its Daily light commercial vehicle range, developed for low environmental impact mobility. The vehicle is based and a sophisticated dual-energy system which self-adapts to the most suitable traction mode.

Other LCVs on show include the new Daily range, while on the heavier-duty side, Iveco is displaying three trucks: a Stralis Hi-Way AS440S56TX/P 6x2 twin-steer tractor unit; a Stralis Hi-Road AT440S42T/P 4x2; and a 7.5-tonne Eurocargo 75E16 chassis.

DAF Trucks

The theme for DAF is bearing down on operating costs, under the banner new DAF Transport Efficiency – a programme of product features and services aimed at delivering cost savings.

Product developments making their UK show debut include: Eco Mode now as standard; Silent Mode (on CF and XF Silent models); Predictive Cruise Control; Predictive Shifting; Advanced Emergency Braking System; Lane Departure Warning System; MX engine brake; and Driver Performance Assistant.

Go to the stand to learn how these truck upgrades can boost both productivity and safety, but also ask about aftermarket products and services aimed at reducing whole-life fleet costs. DAFaid, DAF MultiSupport R&M packages, DAF Parts, Paccar Finance and DAF Telematics are key to this.

As for the trucks, you can see: a CF 440 FTG Space Cab with the new Paccar MX-11 at 440bhp; an XF 510 FTM Super Space Cab 150-tonne 8x4 tractor; a construction CF 440 FAD with Day Cab; and an LF 180 FA Day Cab 7.5-tonner with DAF's Aerobody.

Isuzu Truck

A Euro 6 12-tonne gvw Forward truck is making its debut on Isuzu Truck's stand at the CV Show. Featuring a compact overall footprint as well as a "class-leading carrying capacity" of 7952kg, the F120.240 4x2 rigid has a low chassis height, together making for a highly versatile vehicle.

Also launching on its stand is the Euro 6 Isuzu Urban N75.150(E) short wheelbase chassis, in this case featuring a Brit-Tipp all-steel tipper body that offers a payload of 3,780kg. This vehicle is part of a programme of pre-bodied Isuzu tippers that have full ECWVTA and are available off-the-shelf, for customers wanting tippers in a hurry.

A similar programme is also in place with Brit-Tipp on long wheelbase chassis with aluminium drop-side bodies. These ready to roll trucks offer a payload of 4,180kg.

Cartwright

On a stand double the size of last year, Cartwright is launching a record number of products at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show. Among its debut vehicles are a fleet curtainsider, an aerodynamic home delivery vehicle, a refrigerated trailer, and a welfare vehicle for the construction sector.

You'll find that the single-deck curtainsider has been engineered from the ground up with what Cartwright describes as revolutionary design and new specification. It also features an EN-XL rated body, aerodynamic front aerofoil and aerodynamic sloping roof.

Meanwhile, the new home delivery vehicle also boasts a new aerodynamic design with the advantage of an ultra-lightweight body. As for the welfare vehicle, this unit has been designed for a 6+1 or 7+1 configuration, and has a built-in toilet cubicle and field kitchen.

Intelligent Telematics

3G vehicle camera and tracking solutions provider Intelligent Telematics is launching a dual-camera system at the CV Show. It is being showcased alongside the company's range of camera solutions designed to help improve road safety, reduce insurance costs, enhance driver behaviour and boost operators' duty of care credentials.

Don-Bur

After six years, Don-Bur returns to the CV Show, bringing with it several innovations. Taking pride of place on the stand is a 13.6m long tri-axle lifting deck trailer that comfortably caters for 52 UK pallets. As we go to press, the firm is being coy about new features, simply pointing to a new coupling system, an aerodynamic system dubbed Aeris(said to reduce drag by up to 13.5% but not yet VCA approved) and stating that three of its innovations are undergoing patent applications.

Goodyear

Following last year's launch of its KMax and FuelMax tyres, Goodyear's stand is now a showcase for how the firm works with operators to help reduce total cost of ownership. KMax was originally developed to improve mileage performance, while not compromising other criteria such as fuel efficiency and traction. Meanwhile, FuelMax tyres are aimed at operators seeking to optimise fuel efficiency combined with good mileage. Ask for details on the stand.

Giti Tire

This year, Giti Tyre is launching its latest GT Radial next-generation drive-axle tyre. The GDR638 is billed as a high-performance tyre designed for medium-sized trucks and buses. A new pattern based on four longitudinal grooves provides for traction and braking, while also helping to improve vehicle stability and driver comfort, according to the firm. Meanwhile, a new casing and footprint design deliver good regular wear with high-mileage potential.

The new tyre is available now in 245/70R17.5 and 235/75R17.5 guises, with seven further 17.5in and 19.5in sizes due before the end of the year.

BPW

Hidromas, a manufacturer of hydraulic tipper components, is the latest company to sign up to BPW's distribution range. BPW is now able to offer a diverse product range that allows operators, bodybuilders and workshops to select from high-end components from one source.

BPW's ranges for commercial trailers includes wheels, composite air tanks, landing legs, telematics, body superstructures, lighting and now hydraulics.

Parts-4-Tail Lifts

Visit Parts-4-Tail Lifts to learn about benefits of using genuine parts, and the company's technical support. Parts-4-Tail Lifts is highlighting how choosing quality parts contributes towards keeping tail lifts and shutter doors in peak working condition – in turn reducing the risk of breakdowns and accidents.

Having run its own tail lift and shutter door service department for 25 years, Parts-4-Tail Lifts says it has the product and industry knowledge to offer its customers an "unrivalled level of technical support and customer care".

Wilcomatic

A wide range of commercial vehicle wash equipment is on Wilcomatic's stand, jointly manned with sister companies Working Water, Wickham Gensol and newly acquired Archway TCS.

Top of the range are the Christ Magnum C5000 rollover brush washes for cabs and other regularly shaped vehicles. These can be coupled with the firm's Jet Stream unit, which uses high-pressure water to clean any awkward shapes on vehicles.

Tachodisc

Tachodisc is showing its range of tachograph analysis and digital systems at this year's CV Show. Look out for its instant analysis software, which has recently been rebranded Clockwatcher.

New for 2015 is TachoLive – previously known as TachoMax – which uses advanced communications technology to send real-time information on a driver's hours direct to a traffic manager via a live feed.

Stertil Koni

Vehicle lift manufacturer Stertil Koni is featuring two new products on its stand. First, and with colour touchscreen consoles, the eBright smart control system has been designed to simplify operation of Stertil Koni's range of wireless mobile column lifts.

Second, the DiamondLift in-ground lift is available in both steel cassette and frame versions to match different installation environments. Stertil Koni says this flexibility is complemented by a choice of length and travel positions to accommodate a wide range of commercial vehicles.

Valeo

Valeo Service UK is using the CV Show to launch several aftermarket products and services. The stand features: clutch kits for various Euro 6 trucks; LED driving lamps; a new signalling range for various DAF, MAN, Scania, Iveco, Renault and Volvo models; and a Ford Transit parts catalogue with 10 product ranges, including a four-piece clutch conversion kit, braking, wiping and filter units.

Michelin

Michelin's stand is highlighting tyres from its all-new X Multi range. On display are three multi-position and three drive pattern tyres. Each is claimed to be safer, more fuel-efficient, quieter and longer-lasting than the 10 year old XDE2 tyres they replace. This new range is purpose-designed for small and medium trucks from 7.5 to 16 tonnes, as well as midi-coaches.

Full-depth sipes are designed to ensure good handling from day one, while the new tyre 'architecture' delivers an average 5dB reduction in noise. This makes the new fitments around 50% quieter than the previous generation – enhancing their suitability for out of hours delivery vehicles, as well as passenger transport.

Parma Industries is launching the Zafety Lug Lock at this year's CV Show. The device fits to two adjacent wheel nuts to minimise the risk of them becoming loose.

A wide range of products is being displayed by Stoneridge, including the latest version of its digital tachograph, the SE5000 Exakt Duo2, which in recent trials has proven to reduce driver infringements by 60%.

With expert transport training, specialist products and skilled tachograph analysis, Novadata is covering three aspects of compliance for transport managers, all in one multi-disciplined location at this year's CV Show.

Working with insurance underwriters and fleet operators, vehicle telematics specialist CMS SupaTrak has developed a combined video and telematics system, which delivers real-time crash reconstructions.

Check out a new portable auto repair/service workshop system, suitable for tyre, lube, glass, electrical and paintwork, being introduced by Dawsonrentals at the 2015 CV Show.

Bridgestone is majoring on its new service network at the NEC. The world's largest tyre manufacturer is officially launching Bridgestone Partner, which it stresses is "more than a re-branding of its Truck Point network".

Head to the Lawrence David stand to see its double-deck trailer, an 18-tonne rigid body and an efficient home delivery vehicle. The commercial vehicle body manufacturer says its products represent some of the biggest names in the industry and is keen to add more to the list.

Search Impex is presenting a variety of new truck models reflecting some of the latest offerings from the manufacturers. Customised in operators'' corporate colours, these model vehicles serve as durable, timeless and collectable advertisements.

Haweka UK is showing a new calibration tool for ACC and EBA systems. Axis 200 is a leading CV alignment system, taking less than 10 minutes to accurately measure every angle on a truck in the as-driven position.

Continental Tyres is displaying several new products and services, including: the ContiRe CityService retreaded tyre; Hybrid 22.5 drive and trailer tyres; and the ContiPressureCheck TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system).

Vehicle Weighing Solutions (VWS) returns to the CV Show with a raft of new and improved products, including a solar-powered version of its drive-on portable wheel weigh pad – the Apollo PT300.

Related content