Representatives from across the Sandicliffe Motor Contracts team took to the road last week and headed to the NEC for the Commercial Vehicle Show which took place 24-26 April 2018.
The CV Show is the described as best attended, largest and the most comprehensive road transport and commercial vehicle event held in Britain, providing truck and van operators with far greater choice than can be found anywhere else in the UK.
Attracting close to 21,000 business visitors, and its central location at the NEC in Birmingham the CV show provides industry experts, operators and sector suppliers the ultimate platform to showcase products, services and network.
Paul Eastwood, Sandicliffe Motor Contracts Commercial Director commented, “The CV show is one of the biggest and best automotive events in the UK and its important that our team are at the forefront of new innovations within the commercial sector.
Through our own internal development of our people, we’re actively encouraging members of all levels to attend events like these to give a much greater level of understanding of the commercial vehicle marketplace to our customers.”
On show this year were impressive displays from the Ford Motor Company, Renault UK, Peugeot Citroen, Fiat Professional, LDV UK & Ireland, Toyota and Nissan of which Ford stole the show in terms of interest, size and presentation.
Highlights:
Ford announced its all new Fiesta Van, offering users a sporty and compact solution which they say is what their commercial customers have been asking for.
Ford also announced the new Ranger Wildtrack X Blue – “the most credible pick up truck in the marketplace” said Andy Barratt Chairman of Ford Motor Company. This new special edition of the Ford Ranger which is the highest-selling pickup truck in Europe, offers a fantastic selection of optional extras including full-leather interior, sports bar, roof rails, side steps, 18 inch alloys and Wildtrak decals, available with their 3.2-litre TDCI producing 197bhp – this is one pickup that wont leave you let you down.
Ford’s PHEV Transit was also on display and is currently on trial with Transport for London, which Ford say it is leading the market for cleaner commercial vehicles.
Isuzu’s award-winning D-Max Yukon Luxe Extended Cap was picked out by the CV Show as a favourite, featuring a red and black leather upgrade, 18” Black Shadow alloys and pro-lift tailgate assist. Looking for something more menacing? Then consider the D-Max Artic Trucks Stealth version as an option.
Toyota provided two launches, the first was the imposing Hilux AT35 pick-up. The AT part stands for Arctic Trucks – the Icelandic extremists well known for creating extreme off-road versions of pickup trucks – truly a magnificent beast.
The second was the Landcruiser Utility Commercial, which is a commercial variant of the 4×4 and is available in three or five doors, offering extremely good value for money for a practical SUV.
Nissan’s Navara AT32, in conjunction with Artic Trucks, looked super rugged and cool in starburst silver. According to Nissan “this is the first time a Navara has ever been developed with a partner brand for pan-European markets.”
One of our favourites for appearance, Fiat showcased the new Professional Sportivo range which is coming soon to the UK. The Sportivo trim brings a touch of luxury, Italian styling cues with a taste of Fiat’s sporting heritage that shines through with its energetic look.
Other highlights included some interesting futuristic tyre concepts on display by Hankook which were designed by the University of Cincinnati – perhaps offering us an insight into the future of tyre design?
The show offered an interesting mix of commercial vehicle launches, dynamic design solutions and future concepts, demonstrating many of the manufacturers future ambitions towards PHEV commercial vehicles.
Managing Director Alastair Houston concluded, “It’s great to see all the new and exciting innovations which are being introduced. It was particularly interesting to see the development which Ford continues to bring each year to the commercial vehicle marketplace.
With demand for specific commercial vehicles on the rise YTD in the form of pickups, up 5.3%, 4x4s up 50.5% and 2.0-2.5t vans up 2.1%*, it’s essential for us as a business to be able to provide information that is well-informed, so we advise our customers to make the best decisions when it comes to commercial vehicle leasing.”
*Source: smmt.co.uk
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