Tag Archives: CVshow

CV Show 2018 photo hightlights – vans and racing trucks

Here’s my belated write-up from the CV Show 2018, which took place at the Birmingham NEC at the end of April. It was a bit of a quiet year for new van models, but there were a few highlights, including a couple of new models which made their UK debuts at the show.

We start with the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks Stealth. Based on the 2016 D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, only 10 examples of the Stealth will be made:

Only 10 examples of the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks Stealth will be made. Seen here @ CV Show 2018.

The changes over the standard D-Max include an extensive de-chrome pack with black roof bars, black side steps, black radiator grille, black front fog light surrounds, black rear bumper trim, black door mirrors, door handles, black front Isuzu badge and rear D-Max Arctic Trucks badges. You can see why they named it Stealth.

Moving on, Ford launched the latest addition to its popular Sport Van lineup, the Fiesta Sport Van:

The new Ford Fiesta Sport Van was unveiled at the CV Show 2018

This new model will be powered by a choice of 125PS, 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol or 1.5-litre TDCi diesel with 120PS.

The load compartment offers a length of “almost 1.3 metres” and a gross payload of about 500kg. A mesh bulkhead and sidewall trim are included, along with a rubber floor and four tie-down hooks.

Upfront, drivers will enjoy Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system as standard, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SYNC AppLink feature means that lots of apps from your phone can be accessed through the vehicle’s own much larger touchscreen.

Ford Fiesta Sport Van

Naturally the new version of Ford’s star Transit Custom van also made an appearance, seen here painted in ‘hard to ignore’ orange, with Sport Van stripes:

The new 2018 Ford Transit Custom at the CV Show

Meanwhile converter Cartwright showcased its lightweight Luton conversion, seen here in a fetching livery that riffs on the group’s own logo and emphasises its built-in-Britain credentials:

Converter Cartwright’s lightweight Luton body

One of the most memorable motorsports events I’ve been to over the years was a round of truck racing at Thruxton. Here’s one of today’s crop, the Giti Racing Truck:

The Giti Racing Truck at the CV Show

To be honest, this was probably one of the highlights of the show. Because there really wasn’t that much new in the van world this year. Virtually every van was a model I’d seen before, mostly at last year’s show.

One exception, I think, was this Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Van, which suggests that the Japanese firm hopes to continue dominating this small but useful niche – small vans with genuine off-road ability…

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Van – a vehicle with very few rivals.

… however, Japanese rival Toyota isn’t giving up without a fight. The latest version of the Landcruiser Commercial was on display. And for serious off-road use, the Landcruiser remains in league of its own:

The Toyota Landcruiser Commercial at the CV Show

To round things off with a vehicle that’s on-topic for a van hire website, here’s one of car-sharing firm Zipcar’s petrol-powered Volkswagen Transporters:

One of Zipcar’s petrol-powered Volkswagen Transporter vans. These are used in London.

That’s it for 2018! See you next year.

CV Show 2016 highlights – picture roundup

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It was a busy year at the CV Show. As usual we’ve got a round up of the main van and pickup highlights, plus a few other interesting and amusing models.

One of the most important new models at the show, in terms of likely sales, was the new Peugeot Expert/Citroen Dispatch mid-size van, which will also be sold badged as a Toyota Proace:

The new Citroen Dispatch at CV Show 2016

Here’s the new van in its Peugeot Expert guise

And finally it’s the new Toyota Proace!

Toyota helpfully stuck a pallet in the back of a Proace to illustrate how much space was available.

Other new vans in evidence included a new Volkswagen Crafter Tipper conversion:

Volkswagen’s new Crafter Tipper conversion was on display.

… along with a nice example of the new(ish) Volkswagen Transporter

Another highlight of the show was the long-awaited return of LDV vans. Now in Chinese hands, LDV were back in force with an updated version of the old Maxus the V80, plus the smaller G10 and an all-electric V80 with a promised range of 217 miles.

LDV’s flagship model is this all-electric V80 van. Payload is up to 1,250kg and LDV promises a range of up to 217 miles on a single charge.

The new LDV V80 is expected in the UK later this year and is an updated version of the old LDV Maxus.

LDV also showcased a smaller and newer model, the G10, which is also due to hit UK shores later in 2016.

Although Ford didn’t have any new vans at the show, the Blue Oval did have a good display of past and present models, including these gems:

A Ford Transit Mk. 1 on display outside the exhibition hall.

This fully specced up Ford Transit Custom was on the Ford stand. Who needs a car with vans like this?

Another firm flying the electric flag was Iveco, which gave visitors the chance to get a good look at the electric drivetrain used for the Iveco Daily Electric:

The electric drivetrain used for the Iveco Daily Electric

Iveco was also keen to remind visitors of the truly cavernous loadspace proportions offered by the current Euro 6 Daily:

Inside the current Euro 6 Iveco Daily panel van. Still the biggest panel van on the market?

On the pickup front there was also plenty of action. As promised Isuzu unveiled an all-new version of its D-Max pickup at the CV Show. The D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is designed for serious off-road use, with massive tyres and rims plus uprated suspension:

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 at CV Show 2016

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 was launched at the CV Show 2016

Also present was SsangYong’s wacky camouflage special edition of the excellent value Korando Sport pickup:

Finally, to finish off with here’s a shot of Iveco’s Dakar race truck, which was on display outside the hall:

Iveco’s mighty Dakar race truck, alongside the mighty Daily, naturally.

Extreme trucking with the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

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Isuzu promised pickup buyers an exciting new model for the CV Show, and here it is.

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a bit of a mouthful. It’s also the first collaboration between Artcic Trucks and Isuzu and the most extreme version of the D-Max ever to go on sale:

The new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

With a price tag which starts from £30,995, this isn’t the cheapest truck on the market. But it does offer something genuinely different to the usual blinged-up special edition models provided by most pickup manufacturers.

Arctic Trucks is a vehicle engineering specialist, developing and building 4×4 vehicles able to conquer the most challenging conditions for over 25 years. The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will be the first Arctic Trucks pick-up in the UK that can be ordered directly from a vehicle manufacturer’s dealer network.

The AT35 retains the D-Max’s standard 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and one-tonne payload. It’s also powered by the standard D-Max 2.5-litre, 163PS twin-turbo diesel. However, there are significant changes below the bodywork.

Suspension is re-engineered with Fox Performance Series shocks, which help deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.

Special all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres endow the AT35 with improved all-round grip in the most challenging, slippery conditions. These huge 35-inch tyres are specifically engineered for off-road surfaces, with the rubber fitted to 17”x10” wheels, considerably larger than the standard D-Max. The vehicle accommodates larger diameter tyres and boasts wider extended flares, giving the AT35 a securely planted and powerful look.

The combined effect of Arctic Trucks specialised suspension and larger tyres is a ride height 125mm higher than the equivalent standard 4×4 Isuzu D-Max. With the increased ground clearance comes greater approach, departure and break-over angles, capable of tackling the harsh Icelandic terrain or the steep slate slopes of Wales.

The AT35 is available in double-cab and extended-cab configurations. Inside the cab, occupants will benefit from a six-speaker audio package with an ‘Exciter’ speaker in the roof lining, plus iPod/USB/Bluetooth connectivity to provide high-quality sound. Comfort is assured thanks to heated and folding door mirrors (including side indicator repeaters) and a leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls provides additional safety and convenience.

The double-cab model also includes full leather upholstery for an even more luxurious interior, as well as automatic climate control air-conditioning. This is controlled by a large, circular Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) selector located on the cabin’s centre console, which allows occupants to control temperature and fan settings with a single dial.

Exterior standard features include projector headlamps, body-coloured front bumper, chrome door handles and chrome grille and chrome rear bumper, LED rear lights and a rear load liner. The double-cab model also adds roof bars and rear parking sensors for further increased practicality. A raft of optional extras are also available, including powerful LED work lights, skid plates.

T.O.M. helps Breezemount save cash with innovative MaxiQube van

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Choosing a van often involves a trade off between cubic capacity and payload. Sometimes standard 3.5t body shapes just aren’t big enough. This is an especially common problem for companies moving furniture, which tends to be relatively light for its size.

Furniture delivery specialist Breezemount UK has taken a step towards solving this problem by replacing its standard 3.5t panel vans with a fleet of 47 new Vauxhall Movano MaxiQube vans. These were designed by Maxi-Low and are new to the UK market.

These new vans were sourced and provided to Breezemount under contract hire by T.O.M. Vehicle Rental. Whereas removal firms often use jumbo luton designs, these aren’t efficient for pure furniture delivery, as the luton area cannot be used for heavy objects and causes a sharp rise in fuel consumption.

The streamlined and large capacity body of the MaxiQube offers improved payload and cubic capacity, with an internal load length of 4200mm and internal load height of 1951mm. Breezemount makes more than 1 million home deliveries each year. The firm believes that greater volume and payload of the new vans will mean a reduction in road miles. This should cut costs and help reduce the firm’s environmental impact.

The service from T.O.M offers Breezemount a fleet-focussed, fixed cost, risk managed solution on the exact vehicle types their business needs with additional features including lightweight rear container-style barn doors, LED rear lights and reversing camera with integrated rear light to reduce collision and damage incidents and recessed D –load rings for securing loads as well as a mix of single and dual passenger seats to suit different operations.

The contract hire offering from T.O.M includes repairs, servicing, maintenance, tax, worn tyre replacement and replacement vehicles to keep Breezemount moving. The vans will also be fitted with Lytx DriveCam cameras as part of a drive to improve driver standards and safety.

Anyone interested in viewing one of the vehicles or discussing its improved payload can visit the T.O.M Vehicle Rental/MaxiLow stand 5C40 at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the Birmingham NEC on 26-28^thApril where the new MaxiQube will be officially launched and a completed Breezemount vehicle will be on display.

All-new Peugeot Dispatch and Citroën Expert unveiled

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The new Peugeot Dispatch and Citroën Expert vans will make their global debut at the CV Show 2016 in Birmingham, on 26 April.

Both firms are part of France’s PSA Group and the two vans will be very similar to each other. The new Dispatch and Expert vans will be based on PSA’s EMP2 platform, which is also used for the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C4 cars.

Toyota has also opted to use the Dispatch/Expert as the basis for the new Toyota Proace, which will be unveiled as part of Toyota’s comeback appearance at the CV Show.

The new Dispatch/Expert van will be available in three lengths, ranging from 4.6m to 5.3m. Maximum payload will be 1,400kg, while a roof height of 1.9m, should mean that most height-restricted car parks are accessible.

In addition to the standard panel van model, crew van and minibus models will be available. All The standard van will continue to have three seats in the front, while maximum seating capacity for the Combi (minibus) model will be nine people. There will also be a platform cab model, opening the door to a wide range of potential bodywork conversions.

Diesel engines will all be Euro 6 and will offer a choice of power options from 95hp up to 180hp. Manual and automatic gearboxes will be available. A number of new safety and convenience features will be on offer, including hands-free sliding doors and Active Safety Brake, which is an automatic emergency braking system designed to prevent rear-end collisions.

The MPV version of this van has already achieved a 5-star score in the Euro NCAP safety tests, so this model should continue to raise the safety bar for vans, improving occupant and pedestrian safety.

Renault lines up major display for CV Show 2016

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The all-new Renault Trafic will be manufactured at Renault’s Sandouville plant, in Normandy, northern France.

The CV Show 2016 is set to be one of the best-attended commercial vehicle events in the UK for a number of years.

Volkswagen and Toyota are making long-awaited returns and regulars Renault are planning a major display that will include 11 vans, alongside other promotional displays.

Renault will occupy a prominent position in Hall 5 at the show and will use the themes of Design, Technology and Conversions to demonstrate the many attributes of its LCV range.

The stand will showcase 11 vehicles that illustrate the diversity and versatility of the extensive Renault LCV range. Models on display will include the Master LHL35 RWD with a massive 17m³ of load space and the innovative Twizy Cargo and Kangoo Z.E. electric vehicles.

Representing the brand’s many official conversions will be the increasingly popular Master-based Wellbus and the public debut of the brand new 3.5 tonne Master Passenger that can be driven on a normal driving licence. As with all Renault LCV models,the vehicles on display will come with Renault’s four-year, 100,000-mile warranty with roadside assistance.

Renault’s plans for Euro 6 compliance will be demonstrated with engine exhibits and a Euro 6-compliant Kangoo Panel Van.

James Boyer, Marketing Director, Groupe Renault UK and Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted to once again have a strong presence at the Commercial Vehicle Show and it comes at an incredibly exciting time for everyone with an interest in Renault LCV models as our range is more popular and versatile than it’s ever been.

Renault’s UK LCV sales reached their highest ever level in 2015 with 25,458 LCVs registered – up 40 per cent year-on-year and significantly outpaced the UK LCV market which grew by 16 per cent.

The Commercial Vehicle Show 2016 takes place from 26^th-28^thApril 2016 at the Birmingham NEC.

Citroën will debut new Berlingo and Relay models at CV Show 2016 (pics)

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Citroën has announced a number of updates and additions to its popular Berlingo and Relay Ready To Run ranges. The new models will be on show at this year’s CV Show, which is expected to be well attended.

Here’s a summary of the latest additions.

Relay ‘Ready To Run’

The Relay-based range of off-the-shelf conversions have proved popular with Citroën customers. The firm has now added three new models to the range:

A new ‘Plant & Go’ small plant carrier
A new car transporter
Two new Crew Vans

Plant Carrier & Car Transporter

The Plant & Go small plant carriers and the car transporter will both be converted for Citroën by KFS Special Vehicles. Both have been designed to offer class-leading payloads and to provide cost-effective solutions to what are often seen as expensive requirements.

The Citroen Relay Plant & Go small plant carrier can carry one large or two small pieces of plant.

The Plant & Go carrier has been specifically designed to eliminate the need for a trailer. As well as cutting costs, this also simplifies driver licensing requirements. Younger drivers no longer have full trailer entitlement as standard, meaning an additional B+E test is needed before they can tow.

The Plant & Go carrier takes advantage of the low chassis height available with the front-wheel drive Relay and the load area has a floor height just 530mm from the ground. Removable lightweight alloy sideboards double up as loading ramps and help the vehicle achieve an impressive 1,860kg payload.

The new Relay car transporter is aimed at vehicle logisitics and dealer stock movements.

A payload of 1,760kg is enough for the vast majority of cars. The transporter’s 3.5t rating means that operating costs will be low and drivers won’t need any additional licensing.

Crew van conversions

The two new crew van conversions are being produced by CoTrim for Citroën and are available in L1H1 and L3H2 configurations — short and long wheelbase with low or mid-height roofs.

They provide comfortable seating for a driver and five passengers plus load space. The short wheelbase model provides 1,500mm of load floor length, while the longer L3 model has a load length of 2,535mm. Additional space under the rear seats is available subject to height restrictions.

The Crew Vans’ rear seats have been designed and tested to comply with EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards. The integrated, moulded bulkhead has been tested to ISO 27956 for load restraint protection.

The Relay Ready to Run Enterprise L1H1 is competitively priced at £20,450 + VAT, while the larger L3H2 is available at £26,250 + VAT.

Berlingo update

Citroën’s small van remains a popular choice with SME customers and enjoyed a sector market share of 19% last year, making it the most popular van in its class.

The Berlingo range has been refreshed for 2016. The updated models will make their debut at the CV Show and will be available from May onwards.

From May 2016, all Citroen Berlingo vans will have Euro 6 engines.

Here’s a summary of the changes:

An all-Euro 6 engine lineup, including a new BlueHDi 75 engine
Two new, stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise models
A new, high-value Berlingo Enterprise option pack

The switch to Euro 6 is no surprise. From September, it will be a legal requirement. However, the engines sound promising and it’s good to see Citroën is continuing to provide a petrol model. The new engine range will comprise:

VTi 95 PS petrol engine
BlueHDi 75, 100 and 120 PS diesel engines

The firm will also launch two new Berlingo Enterprise model vans at the CV Show.

These new, range-topping Berlingo Enterprise models are based on the newly launched BlueHDi 75 manual L1 625 van and the BlueHDi 100 S&S manual L1 850 van. Additional equipment fitted to these stand-alone Berlingo Enterprise vans includes:

Air conditioning
Touchscreen audio pack
Anti-theft alarm
Rear parking sensors
Connecting Box (Bluetooth®/USB port)

In addition, Citroën is introducing a Berlingo Enterprise Pack, which available as an option for just £800 + VAT on any Berlingo LX van. The Berlingo Enterprise Pack includes the same equipment as above.

Volkswagen and Toyota make return to CV Show in 2016

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Given that new van registrations hit an all-time high in 2015, it’s not surprising that van manufacturers are queuing up to exhibit at the CV Show 2016.

The UK’s leading commercial vehicle show will take place at the Birmingham NEC from April 26-28. Expected to feature are key van manufacturers, including Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Isuzu, Iveco, LDV, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Among those making a return after a long absence are Volkswagen and Toyota. The Japanese manufactuerer hasn’t attended since 2008 but plans to exhibit the latest variants of its commercial range, including the PSA-based Toyota Proace.

Volkswagen’s appearance is perhaps no surprise — the group is fighting to repair the damage caused by the emissions scandal and will also be keen to promote its key Transporter and Caddy models against strong competition from the Mercedes Citan and new Vito and Ford’s Transit Custom and Transit Connect models.

Other highlights will include Mitsubishi, which will be showcasing the very latest L200 pick-up. The LDV name will also be making a return to the UK, with the new Chinese-built V80 panel van expected to make its UK debut.

The 2016 CV Show will also feature a massive range of racking and storage solutions for LCV’s from the likes of Bott, Bri-Stor, Rhino, Sortimo, System Edstrom, Tevo and many others, along with a range of goods from smaller suppliers designed to make the art of personalising a van or making it fit for a specific job much easier.

More than 19,500 visitors are expected at the three-day show, which is one of the flagship events for the commercial vehicle industry in the UK.

CV Show 2016 takes place in Halls 3a, 4 & 5 at the NEC in Birmingham from 26-28 April. Visitors can register for their free ticket at www.cvshow.com.

Renault promises new van debuts & a ‘surprise’ at CV Show

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The new 2014 Renault Trafic will make its world debut at the 2014 CV Show

Renault is promising to deliver one world debut, one UK debut, and a surprise in the heavy van category at this year’s CV Show, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC from 29 April to 1 May.

The firm’s sand in Hall 5 will occupy 800 square metres, and will include the world premiere of the all-new Renault Trafic, about which I reported a few days ago.

The new Trafic is due to launch in the UK later this year, and will break new ground for its class by downsizing from a 2.0-litre diesel engine to a 1.6-litre unit — unlike Ford and Volkswagen, for example which have chosen to persist with 2-litre units in the latest Transit Custom and Transporter models.

Renault is also hoping to trigger some new interest in the Twizy Cargo, on which I reported last summer.

The Renault Twizy Cargo

Order books are now open for this innovative and unusual urban single-seater electric delivery vehicle — although I’d hesitate to call it a van, I can certainly see how it could find a niche for itself in major European cities.

Indeed, the Twizy Cargo’s price tag of £6,241 +VAT makes it competitive with the cheapest of small vans — so perhaps pizza delivery firms, document couriers and other urban express delivery specialists will take it to heart?

Finally, Renault is promising a ‘heavy van surprise’ at the CV Show. Presumably this will relate to the firm’s Master model, which was last updated in 2012 — but beyond that, I’ve no idea.

Birmingham CV Show 2014 Is Not Merging With Multimodal 2014!

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The organisers of the Commercial Vehicle Show have put out a slightly odd announcement, confirming that the CV Show is not merging with Multimodal 2014, despite both events being held at the same time at the Birmingham NEC next year.

Here’s what the CV Show organisers had to say:

From 29 April-1 May 2014, Birmingham’s NEC will be the venue for the 2014 Commercial Vehicle Show and also Multimodal 2014.

This is essentially a ‘one off’. Despite both shows being held at the NEC, each will continue to have its own identity and ticket registration. The CV Show will occupy Halls 3a, 4 and 5 while Multimodal will be in Halls 6-8, a 10-15 minute walk away across the Skywalk.

There will be no combined events, no joint marketing programmes; even the opening hours will be different. So, for those who have assumed that two shows at the same time in the same place mean a merger of the two events, please be aware this is certainly not the case.

They’re not merging, then?

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Tag Archives: CVshow

CV Show 2018 photo hightlights – vans and racing trucks

CV Show 2016 highlights – picture roundup

Extreme trucking with the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

T.O.M. helps Breezemount save cash with innovative MaxiQube van

All-new Peugeot Dispatch and Citroën Expert unveiled

Renault lines up major display for CV Show 2016

Citroën will debut new Berlingo and Relay models at CV Show 2016 (pics)

Relay ‘Ready To Run’

Plant Carrier & Car Transporter

Crew van conversions

Berlingo update

Volkswagen and Toyota make return to CV Show in 2016

Renault promises new van debuts & a ‘surprise’ at CV Show

Birmingham CV Show 2014 Is Not Merging With Multimodal 2014!