CV SHOW REVIEW 2019
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CV SHOW 2019 SOLD OUT FOR 5TH SUCCESSIVE YEAR The Commercial Vehicle Show at the Birmingham NEC was sold out for the 5th successive year and with more than 20,000 delegates attending, it remains the largest truck and van show in the UK. It was another record-breaking year with manufacturers expanding their presence by taking demonstrably larger stands than ever before. The success of the show underlines the health of the UK commercial vehicle market and highlights the confidence of both UK manufacturers and customers abroad. The figures released at the CV Show media day revealed that in 2018, and in the first quarter of 2019, there has been sustained growth in the market with rises in both demand and production. The first quarter of 2019 showed a 10.6% year on year demand increase (UK LCV) according to latest figures from the SMMT, this being the sectors best ever monthly performance. Rob Skelton, CV Show Director, said, “The sold-out 2019 CV Show was a
great indicator of the ongoing strength of the UK commercial vehicle industry. “In times of potential uncertainty in other UK market sectors, the road transport industry and all that surrounds it continues to show clear signs of confidence. Road transport forms the backbone of the British economy; we continue to feature the cutting-edge developments taking place across the market that will keep interest high. The growth in exhibitors of eco-tech, pedestrian safety and fleet optimisation technology indicated that, while the UK market is strong, it continues to evolve and look ever-further to the future.” This year’s show played host to no fewer than ten major product launches from global manufacturers, which highlight
industry knowledge and offer insight into the current and future trends. These included the unveiling of the new Britishbuilt Vauxhall Vivaro, which has secured 1,250 jobs at the brand’s Luton plant, two new variants of the award-winning Isuzu D-Max pick-up, the high performance Ford Ranger Raptor and a raft of new electric models such as MAN’s CitE 15-tonne urban delivery truck and vans like the LDV EV30, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay. Rob Skelton added, “We have continued our commitment to ensure that the CV Show maintains its position as the UK’s premier commercial vehicle event and one that reflects not just the current market position, but also continues to look towards the future market trends, not just for the UK, but globally.” Over the next number of pages, the team at Export & Freight look back at some of the show highlights…
Impressive Range from MAN Truck & Bus UK MAN Truck & Bus UK showcased a range of vehicles, from the 5 tonne TGE Minibus and the 3.5 tonne TGE flatframe chassis cowl, through to the 6x2 TGX XLION Flagship tractor and a TGX 41.640 8x4/4 BBS Heavy Haulage prime mover. The New XLION equipment packages are available across the MAN truck range with versions for long-haul, construction and distribution vehicles. With optional XLION livery the Commercial Vehicle show TGX 26.500 6x2/2 BLS XLION Tractor unit was powered by the MAN D26 12.4 litre, 6 cylinder engine capable of producing 500 hp (368 kW) and 2500 Nm. This powerful, tractable and efficient engine is married to the MAN Tipmatic® 12 speed automated Transmission. Sitting above the three axle chassis
is the MAN XLX High roof sleeper cab which affords drivers a true home from home, lap of luxury working and living environment. The Show also witnessed the unveiling of the new MAN TGE Flatframe chassis cowl chassis. Sitting a full 190 mm lower than the standard frame TGE chassis cab and specially designed with ease of use and bespoke body build in mind, the walk-through nature of the chassis cowl cab design makes this vehicle the ideal base for conversion into low height luton and box bodies, campervan or motorhome.
Powered by the efficient and reliable 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine, capable of producing 340 Nm, the Commercial Vehicle Show TGE flatframe chassis cowl was based on the 4490 mm wheelbase variant, it uses a 6-speed manual gearbox and is front wheel drive.
Heavy Haulage The Heavy Haulage tractor on show was a MAN 41.640 8x4/4 BBS, powered by the range topping MAN D38, 15.2 litre, 6 cylinder, 640 hp engine, capable of delivering 3000 Nm from 900 rpm.
Featuring the range topping XXL High Roof sleeper cab and the much acclaimed MAN Tipmatic® 12 speed with converter and retarder transmission, the 41.640 8x4/4 BBS featured Hub Reduction drive axles and a 3.5” pin fifth wheel. Individually designed and built to suit both the heavy haulage and abnormal load sector, whilst meeting individual customer operational needs, MAN Heavy Haulage tractors receive a personalised touch from start of production to customer delivery. Once they arrive in the UK a dedicated team of experts both handover the vehicle and look after it throughout its life.
Engine Debut Meanwhile, the New MAN D15 engine, as a standalone exhibit, made its UK debut at the Show. The D15, newly added in 2018, offers many advantages, one of these being its weight saving attributes, it is an impressive 230 kg lighter than its predecessor the D20. Using SCR only technology, the 6 cylinder 9 litre D15 offers three power variants: 325 hp (243 kW) 355 hp (265 kW) and 395 hp (294 kW) 1,600, 1,700 and 1,800 Nm respectively The New D15 engine, found in the TGS and TGX ranges, is a direct replacement for the outgoing MAN D20 engine.
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