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T his year's CV Operator Show is all about improved efficiency
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and productivity, and sees the UK launch of a new generation of LCVs that take the breed significantly forward in the aforementioned areas, helping to further raise the industry's green credentials.
Together with the presence of the electric vehicIe (EV) manufacturers Smith Electric and Allied Electric, who will be flying the zero emissions flag, the event in April is set to have plenty of hardware to grab the attention of businesses and enthusiasts alike.
The show sees the UK launch of not one, not two, but three key players in the van sector. And this latest generation of vans aren't just rehashes of previous versions sporting new hubcaps and grill, hut a significant stride forward in terms of reduced emissions, increased productivity and functionality.
First up we have the current International Van of the Year, Nissan's brand spanking new NV200, the first van to be designed and produced in-house by the company,
Expertly packaged
Targeting the likes of Volkswagen's Caddy Maxi and Ford's Transit Connect LWB, the new Nissan is expertly packaged, combining a competitive load volume of 4.2111 cubed with a payload of 725kg. It comes in two grades, E arid SE, and is powered by a 1.5dCi engine producing 85hp and a 106hp, and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
And there's been particular attention paid to the cabin, with no less than 13 storage areas.
Nissan is hoping to build on the enthusiastic reaction so far to its new addition at the show.
Gloria Maydew, Nissan spokesperson, says: "The fantastic reaction we've received from our dealers, commercial press and fleet operators has surpassed our own expectations in the run up to the CV Operator Show, and we hope to build on this and gain more admirers in April." Looking elsewhere, Maydew believes the wider economy will be a major talking point at the NEC.
As we emerge from the recession the strength and pace of recovery will inevitably be subject of much discussion. I think the progress of the manufacturers in addressing the environmental challenge facing commercial vehicles and of course the unrelenting pressure to reduce whole life cost for operators and fleets is there for all to see."
Fiat Professional has one of the largest LCV ranges in the businesses, and its entire product range will be on display at the CV Operator show, however all eyes will be on its new groundbreaking Doblo Cargo van. Boasting class-leading payload and load volume with 1,000kg and 4.2m cubed respectively, it comes with second-generation Euro-5 Multi-jet engines, reduced servicing intervals and classleading standard equipment, including engine stop-start technology, which is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by a 15% during an urban delivery cycle.
Together with service intervals of 20,000 miles for the Euro-5 versions the new Fiat looks to significantly reduce operating costs.
And examples of its new addition in both van arid Corribi form on the stand will be joined by the company's Grande Punto, Fiorino, Scud° and Ducato vans, making the Fiat display a real pull come show time.
Class leading Fiat Professional director Gerry Clarke, says: "With the new Doblo Cargo being class leading in a number of key areas such as load capacity and payload, as well as being available with the latest generation Euro 5 Multi-jet diesel engines with Stop/Start technology and many other innovative features and benefits as well, we expect to achieve a lot of interest from both traditional SMEs as well as many of the larger fleet operators, several of which have already started to run other models from the Fiat Professional range."
Also vying for attention in the LCV sector is Vauxhall, and in particular its new Movai io van. Again boasting improved productivity and ownership credentials thanks to a 40% reduction in maintenance costs, together with a 10% improvement in fuel consumption, it's now available up to 4.51onnes GVW.
Together with the smaller Vivaro, Combi, Corsa Van and Astra Van, the Vauxhall stand should prove to be a popular destination.
But it's not just about the van manufacturers at the CV Operator Show, there'll also be vehicle convertors showing their latest wares, including Super Trucks, which will have its Citroen Relay based Space Van on display. Boasting a step height of just 370mm and a load deck height of only 550mm (optional air suspension further lowers deck height down to an impressive 480mm) it provides convenient walk in/walk out loading/unloading accessibility to its massive 20.5m cubed load area, or 223m cubed in LWB option.
The examples on display at the CV Operator Show include further modifications to the design incluchig revised cab-to-body collar and aluminium outriggers on the AL-K0 drop-frame, instead of steel, delivering a 16kg weight savings.
Peter Wright, Super Trucks chairman, says: "Our new Space Van is ideal for a wide range of low density/high volume dry freight applications. This model is designed to suit the requirements of furniture manufacturers, removal contractors etc."
Available with in either 120hp or 160hp guise the Space Van offers a payload up to 1,300kg depending on specification. •