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16th April 2009, Page 42
16th April 2009
Page 42
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While the recession has claimed the scalps of Europe's biggest truck shows, Truckfest Peterborough has proved it has real staying power. CM previews what the 2009 shindig has to offer.

Words: Idriari Weaillertey It says something for the stamina of Truckfest Peterborough that in the face of a recession that's seen the cancellation of the Birmingham CV Show and the European Road Transport Show at the RAI in Holland, the May Bank Holiday extravaganza at the East of England Showground continues undiminished.

This year sees a silver anniversary for Commercial Motor's sister magazine Truck & Driver, which celebrates its 25th year as Britain's biggest-selling road transport title. The largest-ever T&D stand at Peterborough will be packed with eye-catching exhibits, although there's no mistaking what will be holding centre stage. A special T&D 25th anniversary-liveried Mercedes-Benz Actros, which is the prize in a unique competition in the magazine that will see the winner have the use of the unique 2546 MegaSpace tractor for 12 months.

Not only does the 6x2 'Evolution' tractor, provided by T&D's anniversary partners Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Commercials, have an instantly recognisable livery, but its interior is equally stunning and boasts such goodies as black and yellow leather-trimmed seats, a fridge, a top-locker-mounted microwave, European sat-nay with low-bridge and speed camera alerts, a flatscreen TV and a DVD player. And to give it that extra bit of class, it also sports alloy wheels and a pair of Kelsa light bars This 25th Anniversary Actros isn't just for show — T&D will be giving it away for one lucky reader to use. Entry forms will be in the June edition of T&D — available on the stand.

A trio of TV trucks

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Actros will also be three rather 'unusual' trucks — the Scania P Series, ERF EC and the big Renault Magnum driven by Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond in the recent (and, for some, controversial) edition of BBC TV's Top Gear. They may not be the smartest trucks on show (not surprising, considering they have been driven through various obstacles), but they're sure to grab a lot attention! Other activities on the stand include the launch of the T&D and lveco Stralis Driver Choice Awards your chance to say what's good about the UK road transport industry, from the best place for breakfast to the best overnight stop with many other categories in between.

The popular free health check service for visitors returns, with a trained nurse on hand to do blood-sugar and blood-pressure checks. And last but not least, Ice Road Trucker's Rick Yemm will be among the many celebrities in attendance. Visitors will be able to buy an autographed DVD of series two of the popular TV show.

Manufacturers on show

With the demise of the 2009 CV Show, a number of the truck-makers will be using Truckfest to keep their name in operators' minds It will be a 'close-run thing' as to whether or not Volvo will have its new FH16.700 at Peterborough. because the main production run doesn't start until June! But it won't be shy in talking about the `world's most powerful series production truck' and its stand will feature new and used trucks, as well as merchandise.

Market leader DA F will display a selection of its popular truck range, including new and used vehicles There's also a strong rumour that the Dutch manufacturer is looking to unveil a special edition XF105 not least in celebration of the fact that the DAF XF Super Space was a contender in the T&D poll of all-time top trucks.

Mercedes-Benz will be out in force with its latest third-generation Actros, complete with the new PowerShift 2 auto box, and also the special edition Axor X' high-roof sleeper tractor (CM 19 February).The new lightweight Actros tractor with I7.5in mid-lift axle tractor is also on display. Merc is also sponsoring Tfuckfest FM this year.

!veep's stand will show a Stralis 560, the latest Trakker eight-wheeler with lightweight aggregate body, and a host of other attractions. You'll find voting forms on the 7'&D Choice Awards sponsored by Iveco on the stand.

If there's anyone left in the industry who still doesn't know about the Driver CPC, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will be on hand to raise awareness of the E,U directive, which kicks in for HGV drivers in September.

Meanwhile, Truckfest co-director Bob Limming reports: "There are a lot of new exhibitors this year who've taken the opportunity to join us after the cancellation of other events, which makes visitingiluckfest even more worthwhile."

Limming adds other attractions include: "A large used vehicle section featuring many advertisers from CM's classified pages and truck entries to the main competitions arc pouring in. Even with the current economic recession. we're aiming to top last year's record number.

This year there's also a new "Best of the Best" by invitation only competition category which will be showcased on the T&D stand. •


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