Bigger CV show extends to more specialist exhibitors
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• by Corm Barnett Next week's Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC looks likely to be the biggest yet, with 13 chassis manufacturers and about 250 specialist exhibitors expected to attend.
The three-day Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders-organised show will include more specialised areas this year, The con trolled-temperature transport area, Cool '99, is much enlarged while the IT Village and Recovery '99, with its working demonstration area, are new features.
On the large vehicle front, MAN's Evolution range, including a new M2000 26.284 6x4 and an F2000 with the Eaton AutoShift transmission, will be making its UK debut. The second phase of Mercedes-Benz' Atego line-up, the models from 18-26 tonnes, will also be exhibited for the first time. lveco Ford will have a EuroTech Cursor, while its colleagues at Seddon Atkinson will be showing the new EuroMover municipal vehicle.
At the lighter end of the market, Ford's Ranger pickup will be showr for the first time in its final UK spec. Ford will also have a new Transit variant combining a long wheelbase with a standard low roof and a "concept" Courier 50 with factory-supplied fridge equipment.
Staying cool, LDV will also be introducing a factory-built fridge, based on the 3.5tonne Convoy Hi-Loader. Iveco Ford will have the Daily CNG and in the power-van stakes. Mercedes has its new Vito 112 CDI; Volkwagen will show the latest 130hp version of the LT 2.8Th.
A new UK distributor for Chereau controlled-temperature trailers, an extra-light demountable body from the Ray Smith Group and a new low-cost, high-security Freightlock system from Maple are just a small sample of what can be found away from the chassis makers.
The show runs from Tuesday 23 March to Thursday 25 March between 09:00hrs and 17:00hrs, with late night opening until 20:00hrs on Wednesday.