With the road transport sector undergoing a rapid and complex Net Zero transition, the CV Show is returning to NEC Birmingham in April 2024 in expanded form to help operators prepare their businesses for growth against a complex and ever-changing backdrop of new regulations and technology.
With the EU expected to implement new emissions standards for conventional truck and van engines from 2027, the UK ending the sale of new non-zero emission vans and trucks under 26 tonnes by 2035 – with heavier HGVs to follow in 2040 – and a national shortage of truck technicians, the commercial vehicle industry is undergoing the most radical changes in its history. For operators, manufacturers and technicians looking to futureproof their fleets and skills, the most essential fixture in the commercial vehicle calendar – now in its 23rd edition – will for the very first time include an essential conference covering decarbonisation, including electrification and hydrogen, skills and recruitment, and technical updates.
Last year’s edition of the show welcomed almost 12,000 C-suite executives, transport managers, engineers, procurement professionals and directors from across the public and private sector – all planning to renew their fleets, upgrade their operational management and find new ways to grow their business. With 98% of visitors holding purchasing authority for vehicles, the event is Britain’s business centre for truck, van, trailer and other commercial vehicle technologies that are set to shape the sector over the next decade.
With an audience that faces significant challenges and opportunities over the next few years, more than 300 manufacturers and suppliers are expected to showcase their tech and expertise to the entirety of the sector, from major public sector bodies looking to make long-term large investments in fleets, to owner-operators keen to learn how to adapt their operations against a backdrop of growing emissions legislation.
Laura Moran, Managing Director, TVL Group, a vehicle security products supplier, said: “The Commercial Vehicle Show remains such an important event for our industry. Every year, it is one of the first dates we pencil in the diary, allowing us to plan our key product and new initiative launches.”
Mark Cartwright, Head of Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention at National Highways, which sets highway standards for all four UK nations, said: “The CV Show is a really powerful way for National Highways and our Driving for Better Business campaign to engage with commercial vehicle operators and industry suppliers. We are always busy on our stand with visitors and find the opportunities to receive feedback and engage with road users very worthwhile.”
Developed by the industry for the industry, the CV Show drives business forward for vehicle manufacturers, operators and technicians, represented by the three stakeholders – the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The commercial vehicle sector plays a pivotal role in the UK economy, with manufacturers investing billions to deliver ever greener, safer and more cost-effective vehicles and equipment. With the sector in such a period of complex change, operators’ need for expert insight into the latest technologies and regulation has never been greater. In these uncertain times, the CV Show is an unmissable opportunity, providing the most authoritative platform for manufacturers to demonstrate how they can help businesses across Britain navigate the road ahead.”
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “The CV Show is a vital fixture in the commercial road vehicle sector promoting the very best innovations to help businesses operate responsibly and efficiently. It’s also an opportunity for people to connect, learn and join in conversations about the future of our industry, especially on the journey to net zero. We are proud to be a partner in our industry’s biggest trade exhibition in the UK.”
John Eastman, President, IRTE, said: “The CV Show plays an important and vital role in the total scene of road transport not only in the display of new vehicles, but the development of initiatives that allow the operators of trucks, the owners of trucks and the providers of maintenance, to look ahead to achieving efficiency, reducing emissions and improvement in safety in an arena that reflects the importance of road transport to the nation. Large or small, road transport vehicles are an integral part of the economy. The CV Show allows all associated with transport a window to look into the future, and how best to be safe and compliant.”