A Look Back at ITT Hub Exhibition

A LOOK BACK AT ITT HUB 2021

The Innovation and Technology in Transport show (ITT Hub 2021) was the largest show of its kind in 40 years, and went ahead as planned, complying with the latest COVID-19 restrictions, with over 160 exhibitors across indoor and outdoor displays taking part at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre.

Among those supporting this event, which was opened by British Astronaut Major Tim Peake CMG at the end of June, were commercial and passenger fleet operators, government agencies, and policy makers, all taking advantage of what was the first opportunity for more than a year for the industry to convene face-to-face. The venue successfully followed strict COVID-19 safety guidelines, to give visitors and exhibitors peace of mind when on site, as Kevin Green, Marketing & Communications Director at Logistics UK explained: “COVID19 safety was of the utmost importance and consideration for social distancing and sanitation measures were prioritised in every aspect of the event’s planning, with every possible step being taken to protect visitors to the show.” More than 150 of the UK’s most innovative manufacturers, including Volta Trucks, Fiat, Ford and DAF Trucks, as well as key government departments and agencies, showcased their cutting-edge services, products, strategies and ideas, while some 30 speakers took part in a Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference. Export & Freight’s Phil Eaglestone was also at the event, which focused strongly on sustainability and zero emissions technology, and here we look back at some of the show’s highlights.

British Astronaut Major Tim Peake who opened the show.

DAF TRUCKS

DAF Trucks, still buzzing after the hugely successful online launch of its New Generation DAF range a few short weeks ago, had a topof-the-range XG+ taking pride of place on its stand, being shown for the first time in the UK. It also presented two, zeroemissions LF Electric and CF Electric trucks, ready today for UK operators, underlining its commitment to the UK government’s decarbonisation programme..

RENAULT TRUCKS

Renault Trucks’ fully electric 3.1 – 26 tonne Z.E. range was made available to drive at the event’s Ride and Drive circuit. The manufacturer also showcased vehicles from its highly acclaimed long distance, construction, distribution and LCV ranges, as well as the UK debut of its Optifuel Lab 3 concept vehicle that has recorded a 12.5% reduction in fuel consumption on a tractor-trailer combination. One of the main attractions at Ride & Drive was a 100% electric 16 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E. which can cover up to 200km on a single charge.

WRIGHTBUS

Wrightbus, already leading the world with its pioneering hydrogen technology, unveiled the latest addition to its zeroemission arsenal - a rapidcharge electric double-deck. The StreetDeck Electroliner - the first ever EV from Wrightbus – utilises a French battery pack which delivers 454kw and a 200-mile range; it will recharge in two hours 45minutes and cope with all routes, whether urban or rural. Nor has the bus compromised on layout or capacity, with batteries efficiently stored around the bus to ensure passenger capacity comfort is not compromised.

VOLTA TRUCKS

Volta Trucks, the leading startup electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, revealed the first running prototype chassis of the Volta Zero – the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed specifically for inner city logistics. The first running Volta Zero prototype chassis has been designed and built using the proposed production specification frame and drivetrain components of the finished vehicle. This includes the high-voltage battery supplied by Proterra, and the compact eAxle – the integrated rear axle, electric motor and transmission unit, from Meritor.

HARRIS MAXUS

Harris MAXUS brought its latest range of MAXUS e DELIVER 9 and e DELIVER 3 commercial vehicles

on a large 500sqm outdoor display supported by a selection of vehicles for the ride and drive experience. The appearance by Harris MAXUS was the brand’s first opportunity to take part in a public-facing event following its rebrand from LDV and the virtual launch of the new platform e DELIVER 9 in June, last year. Visitors were able to talk to the team from MAXUS about the e DELIVER 9 or e DELIVER 3 which is getting many positive reviews and strong recommendations from those in the EV Van sector.

SCHMITZ CARGOBULL

Schmitz Cargobull’s UK and ROI team showcased four different trailers – two curtainsiders, a reefer and a tipper – which were used by vehicle manufacturers as part of an on-road truck demonstration. Managing Director of Schmitz Cargobull UK and ROI, Alan Hunt, said: “The ITT Hub concept is refreshing with its emphasis on technology and the future, and their launch event was the perfect opportunity for us to reconnect with customers and industry colleagues in person again.”

SMARTDRIVE SYSTEMS

Video-based safety programme provider SmartDrive Systems demonstrated to fleet operators how they can reduce road risk, protect their drivers and cut costs. SmartDrive took visitors on a journey, using one of its last mile delivery client’s vehicles, to demonstrate to operators how they can use its video safety programme to dramatically reduce road risk. SmartDrive footage is analysed by highly experienced professionals who equip the fleet manager with driver-specific coaching insights.

TYREWATCH

TyreWatch, the commercial vehicle tyre management experts, introduced a new version of their widely used VanSmart tyre monitoring system, to improve safety and reduce running costs for light commercial vehicle operators. VanSmart II uses bespoke wheel sensors designed for the light vehicle sector, to monitor and detect potential tyre issues during typical van use - such as urban and ‘last mile’ deliveries - while also keeping a watch on general tyre status and performance over longer journeys.

AQUARIUS IT

Aquarius IT exhibited its full range of fleet compliance and data management solutions, which all integrate to provide road transport operators with an efficient, and smarter way of managing both driver and vehicle data. Visitors could see how Aquarius IT’s ClockWatcher Elite enables operators, from one source, one dashboard, one log-in, to monitor and manage tachograph data, driver / vehicle defects, remote downloading, PODs, driver debriefs, employee’s time and attendance, plus lots more, including an electronic Document Management system.

LOGISTICS UK

Logistics UK, the business group representing the logistics industry, launched a brand-new eLearning course, Van Driver Safety Training with the aim of ensuring the four million vans currently on the UK’s roads are being driven safely, efficiently and in compliance with government legislation. The fully online course is available to Logistics UK members and non-members alike. The course provides van drivers with a comprehensive overview on how to operate a van safely, ranging from driver fatigue and the rules of the road, defensive driving to vehicle roadworthiness, and explains how to identify and report possible vehicle defects.