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Vans and van equipment centre stage at today’s CV Show

As the CV Show opens its doors today (26 April 2016) at the NEC, Birmingham, manufacturers of vans and LCVs and associated equipment are going large, with world debuts and high-profile innovations.

Fiat Professional is majoring on its all-new Fullback 4x4 pick-up truck – its first in the medium-duty segment – which goes on sale in June in double cab body style, offering a payload up to 1,045kg.

The new pick-up is powered by a 2.4-litre, all-aluminium, turbo diesel engine available in 150and 180bhp versions, and with a new six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission with sports mode.

Prices and specifications are yet to be announced but the Fullback will be available in the UK with two trim levels.

Elsewhere, Mitsubishi’s highlight is the commercial version of its Outlander plug-in hybrid, the PHEV, which is on show alongside Mitsubishi’s new L200 Series 5 and both short- and long-wheelbase versions of the Shogun.

“The recent launch of the L200 Series 5 has been extremely well received by both retail and fleet operators,” sates Clive Messenger, head of corporate sales and used cars at Mitsubishi Motors.

Mitsubishi is also showing examples of conversions from its Specialist Vehicle Operations.

Head over to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ stand and you’ll find a new wheelchair-accessible Caddy conversion alongside a sixth-generation Transporter panel van with bespoke office interior.

There’s also a highly-speced Caravelle and an Amarok pick-up, along with a Crafter mounted with atipper conversion and a T2 heritage ice cream van – all set in what VW is calling a homely, welcoming setting. .

Meanwhile, Cartwright Group’s van conversions division Cartwright Conversions is making its CV Show debut, with the launch of its Mini and Mobile racking products, as well as a restyled welfare van conversion built on a Peugeot Boxer, featuring lighter construction and more load space.

The racking – shown in a Peugeot Bipper – is designed for small vans, with shelves that pull out by up to 50% of the van’s load length to ease access to contents from a standing position outside.

As for associated equipment, a smart walk over to Trailer Vision’s stand will reward you with a view of its new 360° camera specifically for vans.

This is a smaller, 12-volt version of its 360° look-down camera system, originally developed for HGVs. Drivers get a complete view around their vehicles, ensuring no blind spots, according to the company. Prices start at £495, fully installed.

And in a related vein, Thinkware is showing new dashcams, which include features such as night vision and time lapse photography for use with parking mode, driving assistance systems.

These dashcams are designed not only to assure the driver’s safety but also to survey the vehicle when parked, and to provide information on verified speed/red–light camera locations and mobile speed traps.

Also, built-in WiFi on some models enables control and management of the dashcam settings via iOS or Android smart phones, allowing users to view recordings, download, access or delete recorded videos.

There’s a lot more, but, among other CV Show debut-makers is collision avoidance technology for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and autonomous driving systems.

Mobileye systems perform real-time interpretations of road conditions and hazards, detecting and classifying objects ranging from other vehicles to pedestrians, cyclists, lane markings and lights.

The company says its technology can be retrofitted to existing vehicles, providing warnings around pedestrians and cyclists, etc.

To register or for more information go to: www.cvshow.com

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