REVIEW

After a year absence, the 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show took place at the NEC, Birmingham, a few months later than its usual late Spring date. The letter ‘V’ within the CV Show title demonstrated the broad Van element of this year’s exhibition and at that, the primary examples were electrically propelled. Hence, an idea for next year’s event in that it should be renamed the eCV Show 2022!

Due to the low footfall on Day 1, many exhibitors and visitors wondered whether it should have gone ahead at all, with suggestions that it would be best to hold off until next year. The best proposal overheard was that the event should move to an Autumn date, run every two years, and fall in line with the biennial IAA Commercial Vehicles fair in Hannover, Germany. Maybe then too, the truck and trailer manufacturers would return to the big halls at the NEC. Day 2 & 3 were somewhat busier, much to the relief of the exhibitors. All in all, there was plenty of interesting launches and stories to be discovered by the dedicated trade press attending. Jarlath Sweeney and Sean Murtagh were there for Fleet Transport and Fleet Van & Utility.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Future proofing and meeting market trends is what Ford Commercial Vehicles is about these times. With the focus on electromobility, Ford is to the fore here, having introduced its award winning EcoBlue hybrid version in the Transit range, the next step is with the development of the fully electronic eTransit, showcased here. In line with an uptake on fleet management systems on vans, Ford’s Telematics Essentials are designed to increase productivity, which includes maintenance and real time vehicle health data.

VAUXHALL/OPEL (Stellantis)

Stellantis brand Vauxhall premiered the latest additions to its award-winning electric van range – the Combo-e and Movano-e, as well as the new Vivaro-e Hydrogen powered variant. The Movano-e delivers class-leading space, with a cargo volume of up to 17m3, while its zero-emission powertrain offers up to 225km of range (WLTP), while the Combo-e has a 50kWh battery providing a range of 273km (WLTP) combined with a load volume of 4.4m3. The new Vivaro-e Hydrogen will be available in LHD markets from the end of 2021 and in RHD from early 2023. The Hydrogen-powered van features a fuel cell system located in the engine bay for a 402km range and refuelling in as little as three minutes. It has an uncompromised cargo volume of up to 6.1m3.

MAXUS

Following the success of the LDV EV80 electric van, the Harris Group has not got one better but two better with the recent launch of the all new Maxus eDeliver3 and eDeliver9 electric medium to large LCV range, impressively displayed at the event. eDeliver3 has a payload capacity of over 1 tonne while the eDeliver9 is a full 3.5 tonne gross weight model. Both

27 PREVIEW | 27 Electric Vans in charge at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2021!

versions co-incidentally can be specified either in panel van, chassis-cab or platform. To ensure top class aftermarket back up, the Harris Group has invested in establishing a British base at Warrington.

TOYOTA MOTORS EUROPE

This Japanese brand’s move towards electrification continues within its light commercial vehicle range. Premiered at the NEC in Hall 4 was the new Corolla Commercial Hybrid EV van and the new Proace City Electric, sitting in silently along with the other members of the Proace family. Proace City Electric comes with a 50kW lithium-ion battery pack, which along with the 100kW electric motor delivers 134 bhp. Van payloads reach 800 kg and towing capacity is rated at 750 kg. WLTP range distance covers from 250-280 km. Corolla Commercial will be sold in Ireland in due course.

LEVC

In the flesh! Yes, it’s the all-new award winning LEVC VN5 electric light commercial. According to company CEO Joerg Hoffman, the VN5 demonstrates that now is the right time to switch to an electric van: “VN5 demonstrates that now is the right time to switch to an electric van. Thanks to its range-extender technology, VN5 makes no compromises, offering true zero-emissions capability and fee-free driving in city centres – all without range-anxiety. With a total flexible range of 304 miles and 60 miles pure EV range, operators can go anywhere with confidence.”

JAGUAR LAND ROVER

Mention Defender or Discovery and everyone knows they are from the Land Rover pedigree. Both new models come in commercial form; the Defender Hard Top & Discovery Commercial, to best suit any application, occupation or operation. Apart from good loadspace, they have a 3.5 tonne towing capacity to serve their masters ‘Above and Beyond’ the call of duty!

ISUZU This particular Japanese pick-up truck manufacturer enjoy a wide customer base from business users, utilities, farmers and outdoor pursuits enthusiasts. Show visitors were treated to numerous versions of the all-new Isuzu D-Max, including the awesome Arctic Trucks AT35 version. Not only that but they could also avail of the opportunity to ride and drive the new model range. Over the past two seasons Isuzu were the shirt sponsors to Rugby Wales.

INNOVATION AUTOMATION

The Chinese DFSK compact panel van, first introduced on these shores a few years ago, has received a new lease of life, thanks to Innovation Automation, which pledges to make the switch to electric vehicles accessible, simple and sustainable for business operators. To follow the DFSK EC31 is the larger Skyline range of EV LCVs. More details in the next edition.

SSANGYONG

Founded in 1954, SsangYong is the longest running automotive brand. Regular exhibitors at trade and motor shows, the big news from its stand at

the NEC was the arrival of the refreshed Musso Pick-up range. Sporting a strong and dominant grille the standard Musso and Musso Grand stands out from the multi-purpose and off-road crowd. SsangYong is now supporting Gloucester Rugby.

HARRIS GROUP/CAS

The Harris Group has had a strong presence in the British market over any decades and more recently invested further with the establishment of its new headquarters in Warrington. Here, the successful Maxus range are distributed, along with a well-stocked parts centre. The company’s Commercial Autospares (CAS) division promoted this aspect of the business. Pictured on the stand were; from left to right: Zak Hollcroft, Sales Representative CAS;, Mariarosaria Frenna, XXL Marmitte Italia; John Davitt, Harris Group & Ben Wallin, CAS UK PDC Manager.

HANKOOK TYRES

Korean tyre producer Hankook exhibited a broad range of its truck, trailer and bus tyres. Within the truck range is the addition to the SmartWork series catering for regional on/off road construction/utility vehicles. Displayed alongside was a selection from its Laufeen budget brand tyre line up that has a quality second life through retreadability. Also on show was its Vantra multi performance van tyres. More details in the next edition.

LOCKS4VANS

Did you know that Locks4Vans supply security systems to HGVs and trailers as well as light commercials of all shapes and sizes. Among the applications for the heavy duty side includes roller shutters and narrow slats for buton van box bodies. With trailer security a big ongoing issue, Lock4Vans has the solution to the problem.

PETRONAS

Prominent in Formula 1, MotoGP and Cross-Country Truck Racing, Petronas, the global lubricants brand which has IVECO and the other Case New Holland companies within its OEM partners has a new range of Urania engine oils that boasts extended oil change intervals and is more environmentally friendly, reducing fuel consumption and related emissions.

TRAILAR

Having premiered at the recent ITT Hub event, Trailar exhibited four scaled down versions of its solar panel units for truck, trailer, van and bus models. Stand visitors were keen to see and feel how the solar system work and their capability. A full explanation by the well-informed personnel on duty with ongoing demonstrations provided.

SAILUN TYRE

Sailun Tyre Europe in conjunction with its UK truck tyre distributor, Kirkby Tyres, had a 125sqm stand in Hall 4. Attendees had a chance to view new products, patterns, and technology. Speaking prior to the event, Stephan Cimbal, Sailun Tyre European Marketing Director, said: “We view this as a very smart initiative – we are committed to advancing the current success of our partnership with Kirkby, and view the CV Show as an important element of increasing Sailun brand awareness, developing relationships, and

ultimately, improving our already-impressive tyre market share.”

DKV EUROSERVICE

Neil White, Ross Dunkley, Jessica Hill & Nick Holt were all on hand to inform visitors of the many service available for national and international road transport and fleet operators, covering all aspects of motoring. Covering truck, bus, van and car sectors, DKV provides programmes for refuelling and toll charges, among other services. Recently DKV signed up with two additional service station providers, in the Irish Republic and in Northern Ireland. More information soon.

SMARTWITNESS

Video telematics solutions provider SmartWitness showcased its latest camera technology with company Managing Director Fearghal MacGowan, and his team on stand to demonstrate and explain all to show visitors. With more than 400,000 devices deployed globally, the SmartWitness real time data capture provides vital and critical support to transport operators to reduce risk, improve driver and driving behaviour. SORTIMO

Interesting developments at Sortimo, the leading manufactures of van racking and commercial vehicle work place interior systems. The German company, renowned for its high quality and innovative designs and fittings are moving forward with future trends with electomobility becoming more to the fore in the industry. As the focus is on payload, Sortimo is coming up with lighter weight systems to compensate for the battery packs being carried on the vehicles, without, of course, compromising on safety.

TRUCKMAN

Truckman is the UK’s largest hardtop manufacturer for Pick-up trucks, for over 35 years. Catering for both leisure and commercial customers, Truckman hardtops are renowned for their robust, secure and stylish features, and the West Midlands firm is the OEM Approved accessory supplier for Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. At the Show, 8 essential Isuzu D-Max accessories were showcase as well as the unveiling of two new versions of its Classic and Utility hardtops. VB AIRSUSPENSION

Even though the light commercial vehicle may be within the permissible payload, the springs underneath could be under severe stress and be fully compressed. This can make the vehicle unstable and uncomfortable, according to Oliver Drinkwater, Managing Director, VB UK. The addition of a VB-Airsuspension System to the vehicle or fleet, can bring huge benefits, he said. Dutch headquartered VB is Europe’s largest manufacturer of suspension systems, serving the LCV and mobile leisure vehicle markets.

CARGOSTOP

Back in the 1970’s CargoStop set up in business hiring equipment and selling load control products. Over the years the company has become more specialised, and now 100% focussed on load securement products for road, rail, sea and air transport. the company is constantly developing new methods of restraint and safe loading. “We listen carefully and provide solutions to save time and money without compromising on quality, which infuses a sense of safety, confidence and protection, giving ‘peace of mind’ to all our customers,” explained Billy Napthine, Director, CargoStop.