SPOTLIGHT
This year’s Commercial Vehicle Show (29 April-1 May, NEC Birmingham) will be jam-packed with stands offering a vast range of products and services designed to boost fleet efficiency and business profitability. Here are 14 exhibitors we’ve specially selected.
Access Hire is part of the Kelling Group and a major provider of van-mounted Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, generally referred to as MEWPs. It has them available for hire across England, Scotland and Wales, with working heights of up to 17m. Vehicles in its 1,300-plus fleet are rented out to a variety of customers, from public utilities to telecommunications companies, and users tackle everything from installing CCTV systems to tree surgery. Typical of what it has to offer is a MEWP mounted on a 3.5-tonne Ford Transit with a maximum working height of 13.5m, a maximum outreach of 7.3m, and offering a non-continuous rotation of 360 degrees. Access Hire can also supply mobile pole erection units.
ACCESS HIRE (Stand 5B40)
AQUARIUS IT (Stand 5B85)
Aquarius IT will be explaining how its digital packages can help operators manage their driver and vehicle compliance responsibilities with an integrated approach to tachograph analysis and fleet maintenance. They can aid firms aiming to opt for Earned Recognition. On display will be the newly-updated Aquarius App. Designed with drivers in mind, and fully-compatible with the company’s other solutions, it allows users to communicate, interact and record data on a single device. It supports daily driver defect reporting, incident reporting, document management, eSIGN (infringement reporting, in other words) and two new features launched over the last few months – Clandestine Check and Driver Welfare Check.
BOTT
(Stand 5D10)
Bott, one of the UK’s leading vehicle conversion specialists, will be showing that it can offer much more than the van load area racking systems for which it is best-known. As well as spotlighting its electrical installations it will be hosting a daily vehicle wrapping demonstration. Visitors will be able to watch as graphics are applied, emphasising their ability to transform vehicles into a powerful means of promoting a company’s brand. Integrated into the vans on display will be roof storage packages from Van Guard and CCTV and safety systems from Motormax. Bott will also be promoting a digital handover tool which provides fleets with everything they need to know about the conversions they have commissioned and how they are progressing.
ETRUX (Stand 5A70)
Etrux specialises in light commercial vehicle conversions with an emphasis on zero emissions. Last year saw the company launch the temperature-controlled electric Ford E-Transit Trizone van at the CV Show with light-in-weight insulation panels and a GAH refrigeration system delivering chill capabilities down to 0 degrees C. Etrux has also developed a welfare van based on E-Transit which can be used by utilities and construction companies and is able to accommodate up to eight workers. Kitchen facilities include a sink with a mixer tap, a water boiler, a microwave oven and a hand cleansing station. Part of the JANS Group, the company offers a consultancy service under the EVolve banner to businesses planning to make the transition from diesel to electric vehicles.
FARIZON (Stand 5C114)
Farizon, a show newcomer, will be using the event as the UK launchpad for its electric SV 3.5-tonne van. About to go on sale at the time of writing, it comes with load area volumes of from 6.9cu m to 13cu m, payload capacities of from 1.1 to 1.3 tonnes and a maximum towing capacity of 2.0 tonnes. With a WLTP combined range of from 205 to 225 miles, it can be specified with either a 67kWh or an 83kWh battery, with a 106kWh battery available for the largest model. A 170kW motor is standard. Farizon is the van, truck and bus division of Chinese automotive giant Geely which owns the LEVC van and taxi factory in Coventry as well as car makers Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. The SV is being sold in Britain by global car and light commercial distributor Jameel Motors and represents Jameel’s first foray into the UK. Prices start at £45,000 on-the-road plus VAT and excluding the plug-in van grant.
FISCHER PANDA UK
(Stand 5E106)
Fischer Panda UK, the onboard power and cooling specialist, will be busy explaining the advantages of the new EFOY fuel cell generator it offers, and how it can be used to help distribute power throughout a vehicle. Sourced from Fuel Cell Systems, it can be used to run equipment in a van without the need to start the engine, and without producing emissions. Visitors to the stand will also be able to learn more about the Clayton lithium power unit which appeared at last year’s show. Equipped with a lithium ion battery, it too can be used to power onboard systems, again without the risk of producing unwanted emissions. On show too will be Autoclima and Eberspacher air-conditioning and heating units – and while Fischer Panda is increasingly focusing on green power, it still offers its own diesel generators.
FLEXIS
(Stand 5D90)
Flexis is yet another new name for the CV Show. A joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM, it is busy developing a new generation of three electric light commercials for urban distribution work using a skateboard-style platform. Volume production should start in mid-2026 with a line-up that includes the walk-thru Step-in Van, the Cargo Van, in effect a modular chassis cab which can be bodied for refrigerated work among other activities, and the Panel Van. The stand will focus on the Step-in Van and the Panel Van, but visitors will only be able to enter the Step-In if they book in advance. Should you wish to do so contact Sultana Rahman, UK marketing and PR lead (sultana.rahman@flexis-mobility.com).
GEOTAB
Geotab, a major global player in commercial vehicle telematics, will be discussing two new products it has recently launched aimed at UK fleet operators. Driver Risk Insights uses AI to assess with greater precision the level of accident risk drivers present, with operators able to deliver driver coaching with the aim of boosting safety using the Geotab Drive App. New too is Work Order Management which Geotab says will allow fleets to manage vehicle maintenance and reduce downtime more effectively. It gives them the ability to track service and repair activities from a single, central location, convert maintenance requests into work orders, chart a vehicle’s progress through the workshop, schedule preventative maintenance, and analyse costs and the amount of downtime the fleet is shouldering.
ISUZU (UK), (Stand 5D60)
Isuzu (UK), a CV Show stalwart for many years, will be putting the limited-run Isuzu D-Max STEEL Edition double-cab 4x4 pick-up on public display for the first time. Just 250 will be produced. Distinguished by a steel-grey mica finish, and with neat features such as distinctive bodyside graphics and branded embossed seat headrests, it is nonetheless capable of tackling a hard day’s work, says the manufacturer. Practical features include a 1.0-tonne payload capacity, the ability to tow 3.5 tonnes, and an 800mm wading depth. Safety is not neglected, with the newcomer garnering a maximum five-star Euro NCAP test rating. D-Max has recently been revised, and Isuzu has already announced that a battery-electric Isuzu double-cab 4x4 pick-up will appear during the first quarter of 2026. Wouldn’t be too surprising if more details were revealed at this year’s show.
KIA (Stand 5C95)
Kia will be giving the electric PV5 Cargo van its UK debut. With a load area of up to 5.1cu m, it forms part of Kia’s PBV line-up which also encompasses a chassis cab, the five- or seven seater PV5 Passenger, and the wheelchair-accessible PV5 WAV. Using a skateboard-style platform, PV5 will be produced with a choice of three different battery packs – 43.5kWh, 51.5kWh, or 72.1kWh – although they may not all be offered in the UK. Claimed range is up to 248 miles between recharges. Power comes courtesy of a 120kW motor and van customers will be offered a choice of three different body types. Built in South Korea, PV5 goes on sale later this year.
RENAULT GROUP
(Stand5F48)
Renault will be emphasising the advantages of its zero-emission light commercials, with a line-up that includes electric versions of Kangoo, Trafic and Master. Much of the focus is sure to be on the latest, award-winning, battery-powered Master E-Tech. Distinguished by aggressive-looking front-end styling, it is available with an 87kWh battery offering a claimed range of over 285 miles between recharges. The manufacturer will be on Stand 5F48.
RENAULT TRUCKS (Stand 5A40)
Renault Trucks will be displaying a T-High Customised 13-litre T480 6x2 tractor unit with a turbo compound six-cylinder in-line diesel engine said to be capable of delivering a fuel saving of up to 10% with an associated CO2 reduction. Finished in what the manufacturer describes as red bright orange paint, distinctive features include door mirror shells colour-matched to the body and twin air horns. The truck maker markets Renault Trafic and Master light commercials, including electric models, and will be stressing how dealer workshops with extended opening hours can benefit van customers. While not ignoring the continued importance of diesels, Renault Trucks is at the forefront of promoting the benefits of electric heavy trucks and has steadily widened its zero-emission range. Recent additions to the line-up include the E-Tech T tractor unit, said to be capable of travelling for up to 600km on a single charge.
VAN GUARD ACCESSORIES (Stand 5D81)
Van Guard Accessories is well-known for its ability to supply systems that make it easier for van owners to transport items on the roofs of their vehicles, and will be exhibiting products from its extensive range. That range encompasses ULTILoader, which enables ladders to be unloaded from a van’s roof, and put back after use, without the need for the user to leave the ground and risk a fall. The vehicle’s load area is not neglected by the company, which can supply light-in-weight aluminium racking for do-it-yourself installation. Good to see that it can also supply a lockable steel tool store which can be fixed to the interior of a van with the aim of preventing valuable equipment tradespeople rely on from being stolen.
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PV5 pre-production model shown with optional features. Features, colours, materials and specifications may vary from actual production model depending on the country. UK specifications may vary. All information is correct at the time of issue and may be subject to change.
SUSTAINABILITY-ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT-FUELS
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10:00 - 10:10 Keynote opening Mike Hawes (CEO, SMMT)
11:00 - 11:30 Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Programme
SPEAKERS: Steffan Eldred (Innovation Lead ‘ Zero Emission Vehicles, Innovate UK)
11:45 - 12:15 Improving Heavy Vehicle Workshop Standards
CHAIRPERSON: Will Reeves (Commercial Vehicle and Bus, Coach & Minibus Section Manager, SMMT)
SPEAKERS: Matteo Novati (Consulting Manager & Programme Lead, BSI), Neil Barlow (Head of Vehicle Policy & Engineering , DVSA), Leo Hubbard (Technical Product Manager, Society of Operations Engineers)
12:30 - 13:00 Future Commercial Vehicle Technologies
SPEAKERS: Justin Burns (Transport Engineer, Mark Allen Group), Nick Kershaw (Berkeley Coachworks), Eman Martin Vignerte (Bosch), John Granby (Chief Commercial Officer - OurNet.Energy)
13:30 - 14:00 Decarbonisation - don’t waste the next decade
CHAIRPERSON: Sukky Choongh (Environmental Policy Manager, SMMT)
SPEAKERS: Mandy Dean (Director Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Britain and Ireland), Amy Stokes (Head of e-Mobility, Volvo Trucks), Margarita Vigrande-Ashe (Head of Road Freight Decarbonisation and Hydrogen, Department for Transport)
TUESDAY
SPONSORED BY HOSTED BY
29TH APRIL
14:15 - 14:45 Vehicles are getting smart - self driving technologies
SPEAKERS: David Wong (Head of Technology and Innovation’, SMMT), Jamie Hodgson (OXA), Chris Gall (Group Engineering Director - Alexander Dennis)
15:00 - 15:30 How to decarbonise your HGV Fleet
CHAIRPERSON: Tom Parke (Senior Associate, Green Finance Institute)
SPEAKERS: Sam Clarke (Chief Vehicle Officer, Gridserve Sustainable Energy), Adam Bennett (EV & Sustainability Manager, DAF Trucks UK), Ian Macaulay (Decarbonisation Programme Manager, DHL Supply Chain)
15:30 - 16:00 How to decarbonise your LCV Fleet
CHAIRPERSON: Paul Kirby (Director, The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Andrew Fiddy (Senior Manager, Fleet Portfolio & Sustainability, BT Openreach), Seb Brechon (Head of Commercial Vehicles & Pro+ Brand, Renault Group)
WEDNESDAY 30TH APRIL
10:00 - 10:10 Keynote: State of the nation
CHAIRPERSON: Paul Kirby (Director, The Café)
SPEAKERS: Richard Smith (Managing Director, RHA)
10:10 - 10:30 Driving Towards Net Zero: Insights from the Commercial Vehicle Market
SPEAKERS: Chris Ashley (Head of Policy - Environment & Regulation’, RHA)
HOSTED BY
10:30 - 10:50 Powering the Future: Mapping the UK’s Commercial Vehicle Charging Network
SPEAKERS: Alistair Barnes ( Senior Programme Manager - Land & Maritime Transport, Innovate UK)
11:10 - 11:30 Advancing Compliance and Standards in Commercial Vehicle Maintenance
CHAIRPERSON: Aaron Peters (Head of Technical, Engineering and Policy, RHA)
SPEAKERS: Kevin Rooney (Traffic Commissioner for the West of England, OTC), Nick Elliott (Specialist Transport Consultant and Chairman of the IRTE, IRTE SOE), Andrew Donald (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency - DVSA), James Reed (Dealer Systems, Programmes and Process Specialist, Daimler Truck UK)
11:50 - 12:10 Safeguarding Your Business and Fleet from Freight and Vehicle Crime
SPEAKERS: Mike Dawber (Police Officer, National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service), Ashton Cull (Senior Public Affairs Lead, RHA)
12:30 - 12:50 Building a workforce for the future: How companies can attract and keep the best talent
SPEAKERS: Jennifer Swain (Road to Logistics)
THURSDAY
1ST MAY
10:00 - 10:40 Vehicles don’t crash, People Do
SPEAKERS: Mark Cartwright (Head of Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention, National Highways)
10:50 - 11:30 Transitioning an Operational LCV Fleet to Electric
SPEAKERS: Matt Dale (Director, TZConsulting Ltd)
11:40 - 12:10 Future-Proofing Your Workforce: Career Mapping for Road Transport Engineers
SPEAKERS: Emma Thompson (Executive Director, Society of Engineers (SOE))
13:10 - 13:40 The Future of HGV
Electrification: Pathways to Zero Emissions
SPEAKERS: Carlos Oliveira Rodrigues (Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland)
14:00 - 14:20 Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Fleet from Emerging Threats
SPEAKERS: Paul Abbott (Transport Specialist Advisor, Previously Knights of Old Group Director)
14:40 - 15:00 ESG | Achieving Profitability and Sustainability: Accelerating Your Net Zero Journey
SPEAKERS: Paul White (Carbon, Cost and Procurement Specialist, Auditel)
15:20 - 15:40 Leveraging AI for Learning, Development, and CRM in Commercial Vehicle Fleets
SPEAKERS: Tom Newton (Owner and MD, Nucleus Learning Ltd)
15:40 - 16:00 Session sponsored by Samsara
12:15 - 12:45 Resilience in Action: Lessons from the Battlefield to Business
SPEAKERS: Timothy Bradshaw (Co-Founder, Sandstone Communications)
13:00 - 13:45 Bridging the Talent Gap in the Automotive and Logistics Sectors
SPEAKERS: Lawrie Alford, (Skills Mentor - STEM Ambassador - DfE - Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools DfT - Principal - Technical Consultant - Fleet Engineer) James Cameron, (CEO - Mission Community) Generation Logistics Alumni
TUESDAY 29TH APRIL
SPONSORED BY
10:30 - 10:30 The Rules of the Road: Standards Driving EV Charging Forward
SPEAKERS: Steven Devine, (Head of Electric Transport Systems - BEAMA)
10:40 - 11:10 Leading Transformation in the UK & Ireland’s Largest and Most Complex Fleets: Tackling Common Challenges with Innovative Solutions
CHAIRPERSON: Aaron Jarvis (AVP Business Development EMEA, Geotab)
SPEAKERS: Oliver Temple (Channel Sales Leader EMEA, Lytx)
11:15 - 11:45 No time for downtime: The changing face of vehicle maintenance
SPEAKERS: Marc Caplin (Compliance Manager, Aquarius), Anthony Tattersall (Director and Founder, Darcica), Amanda Duffy (Director & Founder, Duffy Logistics)
12:45 - 13:15 Vehicle Electrification: Depot Charging Solutions that Save Money & Time
SPEAKERS: Ashley Hutchinson, (Chief Operating Officer - Sinewave)
14:00 - 14:30 Redefining Urban Logistics: Data-Driven Solutions for Efficient logistics
SPEAKERS: Matt Hawkins (Head of UK/IR Markets, Flexis), Pierre Sirolli (Head of Services & Solutions, Flexis)
14:45 - 15:15 Adapting to Change: Navigating the Shift from Diesel to Electric
SPEAKERS: Matt Cumming (Training Manager, EV Automotive Training, Pelican Engineering Group)
15:30 - 16:00 The New VDO Link Unleashing the Full Potential of Tachographs
SPEAKERS: Ben Klarich, (Head of Commercial / Special Vehicles Services UK - VDO) Daniel Osborne, (UK Partnerships Manager - VDO)
16:15 - 16:45 Session to be announced
WEDNESDAY 30TH APRIL
10:00 - 10:30 Expanding Europe’s largest public truck charging network to the UK
SPEAKERS: Tobias Prenzel (Head of International Business Development, Milence)
10:40 - 11:10 FORS in Action: Advancing Fleet Standards and Professional Training
SPEAKERS: Davies Geraint, (FORS Concession Director - Sopra Steria)
11:15 - 11:45 Right Here, Right Now: Future technologies - technical training sessions
SPEAKERS: Mark Francis (Chief Product Officer, Jaama)
12:00 - 12:30 Unlocking Customer Value: OEM and Telematics Solutions for Enhanced Fleet Operations
CHAIRPERSON: Adam Fletcher (Senior Business Development Manager, Geotab)
SPEAKERS: Christina Detzel (Senior Manager Connected Car Experience, Kia Connect), Jim Williams (Head of Operations, SIXT van & truck)
THURSDAY 1ST MAY
10:00 - 10:30 New Standards in Commercial Vehicle Engine Oil
SPEAKERS: David Wright (Director General, United Kingdom Lubricants Association)
10:40 - 11:10 Less weight, more gains: The Smart Way to Reduce Your Fleet’s Carbon Footprint
12:45 - 13:15 Fireside chat: Lyall Cresswell, Founder & CEO of TEG and Trustd, 25 years of tech innovation in road freight transport
SPEAKERS: Lyall Cresswell (Founder & CEO, TEG and Trustd), Sam Wilkinson (Chief Revenue Office, TEG and Trustd)
14:00 - 14:30 The power of smart data integration
SPEAKERS: Stephen de Launay, (Global Product Evangelist - Chevin Fleet Solutions)
14:45 - 15:15 Automate your Organisations Admin Tasks with AI
SPEAKERS: Trevor Cloak, (Director UK & IrelandMachines Like Me)
15:30 - 16:00 Heavy Duty Diesel vehicles, emissions and lubricant standards
SPEAKERS: David Wright, (Director General - United Kingdom Lubricants Association)
16:15 - 16:45 Predictive Maintenance Using AI - Saving Time, Cost, and Carbon
SPEAKERS: Tom Coker (Chief Operating Officer (UK & Europe), Intangles UK & Europe)
11:15 - 11:45 Delivering the Future: Optimising Last-Mile Fleets for Safety, Efficiency, and Customer Experience
SPEAKERS: James Dale (Senior Partner Account Manager, Geotab), Gary Bryne (Head of Transport Development, EVRI), Ellie Goff (Sales & Commercial Director, CameraMatics)
12:00 - 12:30 Destination Net Zero: The transition to a more energy efficient landscape
TUESDAY
29TH APRIL
HOSTED BY
11:00 - 11:45 Keynote: OZEV
CHAIRPERSON: John Curtis (The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Anna Phillips (OZEV)
12:00 - 12:45 Power women leading the way
SPEAKERS: Sarah Armitage (Decarbonisation and Vehicle Strategy Manager, Network Rail), Naomi Jane Nye (Head of Sales, Drax Electric Vehicles), Elaine Pringle (Fleet Manager, Scottish Water), Lorna Mcatear (Head of Fleet, National Grid)
CHAIRPERSON: Sara Sloman (Paythru, Chief Strategy Officer)
12:45 - 13:45 Networking - women leading the charge
CHAIRPERSON: Sara Sloman (Paythru, Chief Strategy Officer)
13:45 - 14:30 Electrifying your fleet and the challenge of power
CHAIRPERSON: Paul Kirby (Director, The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Stuart Murphy (Head of Fleet Transformation and Integration, Royal Mail), Abby Chicken (Head of Sustainability, openreach), James Rooney (Head of Road Fleet, Network Rail)
14:45 - 15:30 Start Up Scale Up Transform
CHAIRPERSON: Paul Kirby (Director, The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Carla Detrieux (Director of Business Development, Volta Trucks)
WEDNESDAY
30TH APRIL
10:45 - 11:30 Truck Transition (Webfleet Case Study)
CHAIRPERSON: John Curtis (The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Sam Clarke (Chief Vehicle Officer, Gridserve Sustainable Energy), Chris Welch (Welch’s Transport)
12:00 - 12:45 Van Fleet TransitionDelivering the goods
CHAIRPERSON: Paul Kirby (Director, The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Stuart Murphy (Head of Fleet Transformation and Integration, Royal Mail), Olly Craughan (Head of Sustainability, DPD UK), Nigel Allsop (Fleet Account Director, BT)
12:45 - 13:45 Networking - Small businesses
CHAIRPERSON: John Curtis (The EV Café)
13:45 - 14:30 Public sector
CHAIRPERSON: Sara Sloman (Paythru, Chief Strategy Officer)
SPEAKERS: Tina Mould (Environmental Sustainability Team Lead - Oxford City Council), Chris Demetriou (Assistant Director of Corporate Fleet, Transport & Accessible Community Transport, London Borough of Islington), Matt Ling (Environment Strategy Programme Manager, Suffolk County Council)
14:45 - 15:30 Policy - The ZE Van plan
CHAIRPERSON: John Curtis (The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Thomas McLennan (Director of Policy and Public Affairs, BVRLA), Stephanie Haszczyn (Senior Policy ManagerDecarbonisation at Logistics UK)
15:45 - 16:30 Renewables and Micro Grids
- Solving the challenge of BIG Charging
SPEAKERS: John Fairlie (Managing Director, AWEnergy), Alex Rae (Chief Growth Officer, Vital EV), Robin James (Strategic Account Manager, Vital EV)
THURSDAY 1ST MAY
10:45 - 11:30 Collaboration in action
CHAIRPERSON: Paul Kirby (Director, The EV Café)
12:00 - 12:45 An audience with The EV Café
CHAIRPERSON: Paul Kirby (Director, The EV Café)
SPEAKERS: Sara Sloman (Paythru, Chief Strategy Officer), John Curtis (The EV Café), Jonny Berry (Novuna Vehicle Solutions, Head of Decarbonisation), Mike Costain (Event Director, CV Show)
12:45 - 13:45 Networking - power hour
IRTE / SOE | STAND 5C24
Wednesday 30th April
11:00 - 11:30 Passing the torch the role of mentorship in succession planning
SPEAKERS: Robin Bates MSOE MBE (Membership and Professional Standards Lead, Society of Operations Engineers)