CV Show 2011 is alive, kicking and set to be full fat 08 October 2010

The CV Show is set to return next year at the NEC, from April 12 to 14, in full force – building on last year's interim CV Operator Show – and the organisers say stand space booked is already beyond 42,000m2.

The Commercial Vehicle Show 2011 is due to take place back in the NEC's larger Halls 4 and 5, instead of 2008's small halls. And although the organisers concede that bookings to date are not contractually binding, they remain very confident of a full fat CV 2011 show next year.

Nick Jones, chief executive of the SOE/IRTE (one of the triumvirate of organisers that also includes the RHA (Road Haulage Association) and SMMT (Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders)), says: "We're back to the full CV show, subject to continued support. We're already beyond 50% of budget and well ahead of bookings for last year's CV Operator Show – and that includes support from the main truck and van manufacturers."

Indeed, only four of the major van manufacturers are yet to sign up, with bookings already firm from Fiat, Ford, Isuzu UK, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault UK and Vauxhall.

Bob Sockl, show organiser, comments that manufacturers such as Vauxhall – which last year launched the new Movano at the CV Operator Show – is taking two and a half times the floor space, with Nissan, Renault and others following suit and booking more floor space.

They're doing so, because last year's event worked very well for them. "Bear in mind that around 50% of the visitors to the CV show historically operate light vans, either solely or as part of a mixed fleet," he explains.

Geoff Dunning, chief executive of the RHA, believes the indicators are very promising, referring to RHA stats from virtually all industries in haulage that are showing growth. "There's no doubt that some vehicles were parked up, so they're ready to use, as markets return. But most operators need to buy trucks, trailers, vans and so on, to respond to that growth."

And he adds: "The CV Show is the only commercial vehicle event for the industry by the industry," pointing out that it will be the only serious CV event for 2011 in the UK and internationally – with IAA and RAI not due again until 2012.

Dunning also suggests that the CV show 2011 will again cover vehicle OEMs of all kinds, maintenance, services, workshop and bodyshop suppliers, aftermarket firms etc, all in one place. "There will be something for everyone, from managing directors of logistics companies to transport engineers, fleet managers, owner drivers and indeed employed drivers," he comments.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, agrees: "The CV show is one of the few opportunities where the industry can rally and demonstrate its scope and scale to government and the other interested parties.

His only note of caution: "The CV Show is what people like and what they want, but we will be flexible and respond to market conditions as they change. Of course we have to do that: commercial considerations mean that different people have different priorities at different times."

Author
Brian Tinham

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