1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202 
BIG AND SMALL
Page 54
Page 55
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Improvement was the name of the game as truckmakers unveiled their new offerings in Birmingham...
Flagships and new lightweight trucks appeared to be the theme of proceedings at the truck makers stands this year as the builders endeavour to address driver and operational issues at both ends of the spectrum.New top of the range machines were flying the flag on the ERF, Iveco, Mercedes, MAN and Renault stands and generating plenty of interest when CM dropped by.
Renault had the highest profile big truck launch at the show with its new Magnum wowing visitors. Renault had set up a walkthrough of the cab at the show, though we were surprised the French builder wasn't making more of the new Volvo group driveline fitted to the truck.
Iveco displayed the UK's first Trakker whose payload will provide a talking point. Complete with alloy wheels, heavy duty single reduction rear bogie, parabolic suspension. and a steel cross-brace at the rear of the chassis eliminating the sub frame, the magic figure on the windscreen boasted 9.160k g.The vehicle on the stand was fitted with the 440hp Cursor 13 engine and EuroTronic 12-speed transmission and the new Stralis-styled Active Day cab. Also debuting was the Stralis 'bells and whistles' Executive Space cab. Climate control, CD player, fridge, two-tone interior and a choice of six metallic colours are just part of the package.
The 600hp-plus Black Actros special edition tractor was first shown at the Hanover Show Aismiikt year and made a UK appearance at Birmingham. In addition Mercedes was also receiving plenty of attention for its new Axor and Atego models, which were making their UK show debuts.
ERF's Olympic was unveiled at last year's show and while sales figures have yet to take flight for the model,the big cab gives ERF a lighting chance in the sector. Of an even higher spec from the MAN-ERF family is the 5 Star TGA from sister brand MAN, the high-power output engine coupled to luxury cab trim package meant the TGA was on the shortlist of trucks to see at the show.
The new lightweight TGL from MAN was arguably the star of this year's show on the truck front and while details of the new truck were a little sketchy for some visitors the new range received plenty of interest.
Stand location is key to attracting the crowds at the NEC and being next to an entrance ensured Isuzu's modest stand was overflowing with visitors. Its new N Series was being previewed at the show ahead of an autumn launch. Launched first with new Euro-3 compliant engines at 150 and 175hp. Euro-4 versions will be on offer next year. The cab, receivingjust a new grille with the current makeover, will be replaced by an all-new version in two years.
Mitsubishi took the wraps off its new Canter at the show and while we were surprised to find the stand quieter than some other makers', the improvements to the range should ensure it attracts plenty of attention in the coming months.
Volvo took the brave step of majoring on hospitality, not trucks, at last year's show and continued the theme this year with good effect.The stand was busy every time CM visited during the three days and a Volvo spokesman reported that of the many thousands who had visited Volvo's stand only 44 people had dropped by to see the outdoor truck exhibits!
Diversity was the key word among the van makers at this year's CV Show with nearly all the main players having a derivative — or three — based on established models. Of course there was also the small matter of the LDV Maxus making its full British debut and it drew plenty of attention, showing that some things really are worth waiting for. Saying that, the company has been quick on the draw when it came to expanding the product range a high-roof version and crew-cab model were on display.
Nissan also had the public gripped, for five minutes anyway, as the dancing girls traipsed on in advance of the new Navarra being unveiled. And rather nice it was too: it comes with class-leading load space due to tucked away rear wheelarches and a rather fetching 173hp to back it up.
There were the usual suspects at Ford, but with a twist.There was a Ranger tipper for those that need something a bit more rugged -available in the shops by the end of the year. Out this summer is the Transit Connect crew-cab, seen here in 1 .8-litre TDCi guise, complete with decent rear legroom. And in what is A Vauxhall Movano crew-cab claimed to be a first there was a TUV approved Transit one-way tipper, built in line with current EU machinery laws.
Variety was also on the menu at Vauxhall with a Movano double-cab out on display, available with either a 2.5 or 3.0-litre unit:it seats six and it's out in the summer. Vivaro also got the treatment with a dropside version complete with secure lockers located at the side and rear, where an 8ft ladder can be accommodated. And though (unfortunately) it will not be making production, the Astravan "Ibrbo is also worth a mention, if only for the 239hp it has available under its bonnet.
Renault's selection was diverse with its 'off the shelf' factory conversion range including a Master 35dCi 120 MWB dropside complete with twin-cab option. Also on display was a vast Luton box van conversion with a voluminous 20m3 ofload space. In contrast to the brand-spanking new Navarra .Mitsubishi's current L200 survives until 2007 but it has undergone a makeover and looks better for it. The Animal version overtakes the Warrior as top dog and gets a power hike to 138hp.Also on the pickup trail, the new Hilux from Toyota is scheduled for launch in May at the Barcelona show, although the MWB Dyna three way factory build tipper was on display. A LDV double-cab There was renewed sense of purpose to Iveco's Daily range with the 35S12 Agile sixspeed auto' box in 2.3-litre 116hp mode and a 35C14 with the new threelitre 136hp unit in tipper format.
And let's not forget Mercedes with its current Van of the Year, the Vito, out on display and with a new 1111 CDI chiller version.
Volkswagen unveiled its new Transporter 3.5 tonne chassis-cab developed in conjunction withAL-KO. It has an extended flat frame and comes with ABS and auto transmission as standard. •