UK – After a period of austerity caused by declining freight levels hauliers are anticipating the return of the major manufacturers to what is a highlight of the events calendar for road cargo operators. We gave a rundown of what was expected in an article last month but a flurry of new exhibitors contains the leading lights of truck production.
Organisers of the 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show are particularly pleased to have firm bookings from DAF Trucks, MAN Truck and Bus UK, Mercedes-Benz UK and Hino. Iveco will also have a major presence under the banner of its West Midlands dealership, Guest Trucks. Geoff Dunning, Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), one of the CV Show Partner organisations, commented:
“The haulage industry has always been an accurate barometer for the economy and the decision to exhibit at this year’s Show is a positive development in difficult times. To have the support of these heavy truck manufacturers is tremendously encouraging. Despite the current strains being suffered by the economy, to have nearly 300 exhibitors on board is proof of the resilience and tenacity of the UK commercial vehicle market.”
The show will be held at the NEC, Birmingham between the 12th and 14th April and three of the new raft of exhibitors spoke up in support of the event. DAF Trucks MD, Ray Ashworth said his company had noted signs of improvement in the UK truck market calling the CV show “a core date in the industry’s calendar” and MD of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, Ian Jones said they would demonstrate the groups full range of products and services at the event. MAN Truck and Bus UK CEO, Des Evans, commented:
“We will be using the event to launch a number of new initiatives, one of which will focus on providing operators with an innovative total cost of ownership package utilising MAN’s unique EcoStyle Fleet Management System. We are really looking forward to engaging with our customers at the UK’s major road transport event.”
