Showstopper: IRTE
Look out for the launch of the irtec light technician licensing scheme on the IRTE stand at the NEC. The IRTE says its new irtec light accreditation is similar to the Inspection Technician standard, but redesigned for engineers working on LCVs between 3.5—7.5 tonnes. core competencies and technical knowledge, but has been adapted for technicians working on the growing numbers of lighter vehicles.
This accreditation allows fleet and workshop managers responsible for inspecting and maintaining LCVs the opportunity to prove their technicians’ standards of currency and competence, with independent validation.
For the IRTE, it is also aimed at improving standards throughout the increasingly important LCV sector – with pilot schemes by UPS and the North East Ambulance Service providing excellent feedback.
Showstopper: Iveco
The only truck manufacturer to grace the CV Show is making the most of it, bringing more than 20 vehicles – it’s biggest evr push. Iveco is displaying a Stralis Hi-Way tractor unit, New Eurocargo and Daily models, as well as a rally-spec Iveco Trakker from Petronas Team De Rooy Iveco.
Iveco’s outdoor display majors on its Hi-SCR (selective catalytic conversion) aftertreatment technology for Euro 6 heavy-duty diesel engines. An 18-tonne New Eurocargo, another Stralis Hi-Way and Trakker 8x4 rigid provide the backdrop.
Meanwhile, its Daily line-up highlights the breadth of the 3.5—7.2 tonne gvw range – including panel vans, chassis cabs, a 4x4 and a minibus powered by the latest Iveco diesel technology.
Iveco also promises an international premiere at the CV Show, and is debuting its latest generation Daily Electric van.
Showstopper: Tyres
There is no shortage of tyre manufacturers at the CV Show, many offering products to cut costs and reduce maintenance. Giti Tire is debuting its expanded GT Radial GSR225 Combi Road range, while promoting its GT REE Tread and 3PMSF-certified programmes.
There are three new 19.5in sizes in the GSR225 Combi Road multi-use steer axle range – 245/70, 265/70 and 285/70 – and a new 315/70R22.5 targeting UK fleet operators wanting to maximise ppk (price per kilometre).
Elsewhere, Pirelli returns to the CV Show with the latest generation of its :01 Series truck tyres. This includes the FR:01 II and TR:01 II, the ST:01 Base, designed for trailers, as well as Europe’s first double ‘A’ rated trailer tyre, the ST:01 Neverending. Also, look out for the Novateck TR:01 in 295/80R22.5, a cold retreaded tyre made using a high-pressure press and multi segment mould.
More retread technology comes courtesy of Vacu-Lug, with the presentation of its Logistik drive and trailer tyres. You can also see a selection of its Duramold tyres, designed for a range of heavy and light truck operations.
Showstopper: Don-Bur
Don-Bur is launching innovative aerodynamic trailer technology dubbed Plasma Actuators. The system is said to replace tail fins normally required for rear end boat-tails, generating fuel savings claimed at up to 7%.
Current boat-tail designs use large folding fins angled in at the rear to combat the negative pressure pocket associated with bluff rear faces. While there is significant research to prove the effectiveness of boat-tails, they can be prone to mechanical solutions.
Plasma Actuators harness an effect known as Single dielectric barrier discharge. Don-Bur says that, by placing a voltage across two strategically placed electrodes, air becomes ionised (plasma) – leading to a fast ‘active’ flow that can be directed to disrupt drag flows.
Showstopper: Vans
Citroën’s revised New Berlingo range makes its show debut. Available from May, the 2016 model range is offered with a choice of a Euro 6 VTi 95 petrol engine and BlueHDi 75, 100 and 120 diesel engines. This all-new engine line-up will is claimed to deliver improved fuel economy, increased efficiency and even better on-road drivability.
While full details have not been announced at press time, the CV Show will also mark the global launch of the new Dispatch – as well as sister vehicle, the Peugeot Partner.
Elsewhere, Renault’s stand is showcasing 11 vehicles that illustrate the diversity of the its LCV range. Models include the Master LHL35 RWD and the innovative Twizy Cargo and Kangoo ZE electric van. Representing the brand’s official conversions will be the popular Master-based Welbus, while the new 3.5-tonne Master Passenger makes first public appearance.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen is exhibiting its latest Transporter and Caddy vans alongside conversions; Toyota is returning to the CV Show a new LCV line-up; Mitsubishi is showcasing its L200 pick-up; and the LDV name re-emerges with the new Chinese-built V80 panel van.
Bowmonk
Portable brake test equipment supplier Bowmonk is displaying BrakeCheck, the DVSA-approved portable decelerometer, with visitors invited to see how easy it is to use. BrakeCheck is approved not only for interim safety brake tests, but also for the three-monthly ‘voluntary’ brake test. For MOT testing, BrakeCheck is approved as a back-up to a rolling road.
Bowmonk’s In-CarPC division also brings a range of rugged, compact in-vehicle computers and routers. These are versatile multi-function devices that can be used for CCTV, communications and tracking, on-board stock control, navigation, and Wi-Fi.
Tiger Trailers
To demonstrate the versatility of its vehicles, Tiger Trailers is exhibiting a mega straight frame chassis with a curtainside body. This trailer has a full-length lifting deck with a lifting roof that allows 100% load fill for both top and bottom decks.
A 20% load fill increase is claimed over a traditional step frame lifting deck design, and this chassis uses Tiger’s fully galvanised construction that comes with an ieght-year anti corrosion warranty. SAF axles with high-lift air bags and Knorr Bremse braking complete the picture.
FORS
FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) is using the CV Show to reaffirm its credentials as the nationwide accreditation programme for operator best practice, alongside CLOCS (Construction Logistics Cycle Safety).
“The perception,” says FORS concession director, John Hix, “has been that FORS applies only to trucks operating within the M25. In fact, two-thirds of our 3,600 members are based outside the London Orbital, and we’re seeing increasing uptake right across the country.”
Voith Turbo
A compressor for the retrofit truck market is the highlight on Voith Turbo’s CV Show stand. Its public launch follows the compressor’s success on buses, which have a much heavier duty cycle – because they are employed to open and close bus doors.
In mainland Europe, the Voith lightweight LP490 two-cylinder Euro 6 compliant compressor has been fitted as OE to Mercedes Benz Actros, Antos and Arocs trucks for three years.
BPW
BPW is highlighting its disc and drum brake axles with Eco Air Compact suspension and the new ECO Plus 3 hub. This latter applies the Formula 1 principle, allowing simple removal of the entire wheel, so reducing service times.
BPW Group has expanded its portfolio and now offers a range of products to support trailer builders. Alongside landing legs, Ermax lighting systems and Hestal components are being showcased. These include the EN12642XL rated pillars, which can be moved anywhere along the trailer side.
Gemco
On workshop equipment supplier, and design and build specialist Gemco’s stand you will find its premium range of Sherpa and BM commercial vehicle roller brake testers and ATF test equipment. The company’s vehicle lift range is also on show, including mobile column lifts, an Autop in-ground lift and the new Stenhoj baseless two-post lift, which boasts a 6.5-tonne lifting capacity.
Eberspächer
Taking pride of place on Eberspächer’s stand include its Breezeonic 3000 – a 240V roof-mounted heating and air conditioning unit for generator-driven mobile applications – and the Cooltronic G2 24V range for truck roof hatch-mounted air conditioning, including engine-off parked cooling.
Several of Eberspächer’s bodybuilder and converter customers are showing vehicles fitted with its air conditioning and climate control systems – with eight vehicles, including an ambulance, minibus, pick-up truck, tipper truck and welfare coach.
SDC Trailers
SDC Trailers is introducing an innovative fuel-saving 13.6 metre KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) curtainsider on its stand – alongside six of its trailer offerings.
The KERS curtainsider is claimed to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%. Its hybrid system consists of high-power ultra-capacitors and an electrically-driven axle, together capturing braking energy and re-powering the vehicle.
During regenerative braking, the motor becomes a generator, storing kinetic energy in the ultra-capacitors. The technology is controlled by an intelligent management system that tracks driver input to control the electric motor boost.
r2cOnline
Workshop management system specialist r2c Online has re-vamped its range and is unveiling its i2i (issue to invoice) module, described as a revolutionary system for pricing and authorising service, maintenance and repair work. The system is an e-commerce platform that automates much of what are traditionally manual processes, driving new efficiencies and accuracy into fleet and workshop operations.
Paneltex
Paneltex is celebrating its Silver Jubilee year with its biggest ever display in the Cool Pavilion. Six vehicles on its stand include examples from all four of its UK truck, trailer and van manufacturing sites.
The stand includes a Mercedes-Benz MWB Sprinter as a Paneltex Somers refrigerated panel van conversion, an 11 metre refrigerated trailer, two refrigerated rigid box bodied trucks and a Paneltex Transload-bodied Luton van.
Terberg
The DT183 specialist distribution tractor takes pride of place on Terberg’s stand, alongside the company’s latest forklift truck.
The tractor features an array of industry specific features, and is powered by the new Cummins Tier 4 Final diesel engine mated to an Allison automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, the Kinglifter M-type is its flagship forklift, with all-round capabilities claimed to match most applications.
Vision Techniques
Vehicle safety specialist Vision Techniques is showing visitors how to prevent truck runaways, with an interactive demo. Its VT BrakeSafe is a safety system that automatically applies the truck handbrake if a driver forgets when leaving the vehicle.
Runaway accidents continue to effect freight, construction and waste vehicles across the UK, and existing technology only sounds an alarm. VT BrakeSafe activates even when the vehicle’s ignition is switched off. It is claimed to be suitable for new truck installs or as a retrofit option.
VBG
Drawbar coupling and underrun protection equipment producer VBG is displaying several solutions – including in-house developed kits that cover drawbar couplings, approved chassis mounting kits and rear underrun kits.
VBG says its kit reduces type approval documents, cuts cost and also – since all equipment is designed to work together – ensures a right-first-time and long trouble-free service life.
Show Shorts
Anyone looking to save tyre costs, reduce Co2 and improve driver safety should visit the Pro-Align stand to see Hunter’s commercial aligner. It is claimed to be the only simultaneous live three-axle (six-wheel) alignment system (single roll compensation) – measuring in four minutes.
Tyre Equipment Company returns to the NEC with a range of tools on the stand, all designed to assist with tyre servicing. Products include torque wrenches, bead seating tools and lifting equipment.
VWS is co-demonstrating its tow hitch safety loading system with Hope Technical Developments. The companies have teamed up to create an all-in-one van and tow overload protection system.
As well as its CV laser wheel alignment equipment, Haweka is showcasing its new calibration rig for ACC and EBA systems. Go to the Tecalemit stand.
Head to Sigmavision to witness the launch of what the company is calling ‘the world’s first 3D tyre measurement hand-held scanner’, dubbed TreadReader.