Next week we will be gathering in Birmingham for the Commercial Vehicle Show, showcasing to the latest technology in the commercial vehicle sector, with the SMMT proud to have been a partner of the show for past quarter of century.
With thousands of fleet directors, buyers, managers and engineers due to attend, this year the show is acting as a launch pad for new vehicles and technologies with a number of vehicle and product launches taking place on Tuesday providing visitors with a plethora exciting new things to see. We will see a number of new entrants to the UK vehicle market and vehicle manufacturers diversifying into the light commercial vehicle market.
As vehicles evolve, so will workshops, and next week the new Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme will be launched at the CV Show, providing an opportunities for operators to see how heavy vehicles workshops compare on a rating scheme based on their equipment and technician qualifications. SMMT has been involved in the Steering Group for the scheme and after two years of planning and trials at some HGV workshops, it will be good to see the scheme come to fruition.
Building on the success of last year’s CV Show, there will be a three day seminar programme in three different theatres. SMMT have been tasked with producing the first day’s programme in the Main Seminar Theatre. Kicking off with a State of the Nation setting the scene from SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes, we will also have various industry panels chaired by SMMT experts. Decarbonisation will feature throughout the day, along with other future technologies and automated vehicles. Providing guidance to vehicle operators on how to decarbonise their fleets is a regular topic at events like these, and several workshops will be held over the three days to provide helpful tips to eager listeners.
This year there will also be an awards ceremony taking place during the show with the Motor Trader Commercial Industry Awards taking place on Tuesday 29th April, promoting outstanding businesses that have demonstrated innovation, excellence and dedication to the commercial vehicle sector.
As the deadline for the end of sale for vehicles below 26 tonnes is now less than a decade away the CV Show provides a vital platform for operators to see the latest vehicle technology available right now for operators to futureproof their business.
I wish everyone attending next week’s CV Show a successful three days. Don’t forget to register if you haven’t already done so, and I look forward to catching up with you there!
