NEWS ANALYSIS: All set for the CV Show

Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2018

As the annual showcase returns, we pick out some of the expected highlights from the big names in the light commercial vehicle industry.

The biggest event in the UK commercial vehicle calendar takes place later this month. The CV Show returns to the NEC in Birmingham from 24-26 April.

The show, organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), is on track for a full take-up of the available space by exhibitors.

Entry for visitors is free, and having had more than 20,000 attend last year the SMMT is expecting another bumper turn-out this time.

Alongside the regular stands, special features will include the Workshop zone, focusing on maintenance, the Cool zone geared towards transporting temperature-controlled goods, and the Innovation Hub, which will feature experts speaking on emerging tech.

On the following pages, we pick out what some of the major exhibitors will have in store for showgoers.

VW

The CV Show will see Volkswagen debuting Business Edition packs. Available to specify on Caddy, Transporter and Crafter panel van models, VW says these bundle together options commonly specified by business customers for a cheaper price.

The packs on the Caddy and Transporter, available for £950 and £975 respectively with Startline trim, add an alarm, rear parking sensors and aircon.

The pack for the Crafter, available for £1,250 with Startline and Trendline trims, adds the same plus two remote folding keys with the alarm and an overhead storage compartment in the cab.

VW will also be offering information on its mobile service clinics, 10 of which are now on the road with at least 10 more due by the end of 2018.

Showgoers will also see a demo of the augmented reality headsets Volkswagen is trialling for its technicians. Experts at the firm’s head office can see what the technician sees through the headsets and guide them through the job both verbally and by displaying images and information in front of the technician.

Toyota

Taking centre stage on the Toyota stand will be the Hilux pick-up. The manufacturer will be giving a European premiere to a new top-of-the-range version of the model, featuring a redesigned front end and interior improvements.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Hilux, and Toyota will be marking this with a special edition model, which is also set to appear on the stand. Limited to 150 examples in the UK, this will be available with auto transmission only.

Also appearing will be the new Land Cruiser Commercial, which marks the first time Toyota has entered the UK commercial SUV market.

Available in three- and five-door guises, Toyota says the model will “enhance and complement” its CV line-up alongside the Hilux and Proace and its bespoke conversion programme announced last year.



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