Commercial Vehicle Show 2018

The 2018 Commercial Vehicle Show took place from 24-26 April and showcased many new debuts from manufacturers, as well as the official launch of the DVSA’s Earned Recognition Scheme

The doors opened to the 2018 Commercial Vehicle Show with the launch of SMMT research, which showed the extent of the UK’s reliance on commercial vehicles.

Almost nine in 10 people (88 per cent) said they believed their life would be negatively impacted if their use of at least one CV‑driven service, such as rubbish collection, bus services and online deliveries, was restricted.

The survey shows that 46 per cent of respondents directly benefitted from a commercial vehicle in the last 24 hours. Receiving post and online deliveries were the most popular daily uses, while 79 per cent said they benefit from CVs at least once a week, with rubbish collection the most commonly recognised weekly use. Regularly travelling by bus or minibus and taking a taxi were other popular ways to use commercial vehicles.

The DVSA launched its widely anticipated Earned Recognition Scheme at the CV Show, which allows commercial vehicle operators to prove they meet driver and vehicle standards. It will allow them to regularly share performance information with DVSA and in return, their vehicles are less likely to be stopped for roadside inspections.

Dave Wood, DVSA’s enforcement policy manager, said: “Earned recognition marks a shift in approach from DVSA. It’s about rewarding operators who are serious about road safety and having a relationship where we work with them. By doing that, we can free up time and resources to focus on the dangerous drivers and vehicles that put other road users at risk.”

To aid those looking to join the scheme, the The Freight Transport Association (FTA) used the CV Show to launch the Earned Recognition Data Hub. It will bring together both vehicle maintenance and driver data from multiple sources and has been designed to be a low-cost, not‑for‑profit solution to help the industry.

The vehicles

Ford’s new Transit Custom was on display at the 2018 Commercial Vehicle Show. Powered by Ford’s EcoBlue 2.0-litre diesel engine, the new Transit Custom has been re-engineered to offer new features and capabilities including a new ECOnetic van variant, delivering improved fuel efficiency and 148g/km CO2 emissions.

It has a newly designed front-end with three-bar Transit grille. Ford’s one-tonne van has a completely new cabin that offers best-in-class stowage, improved comfort and ergonomics, and easy connectivity with SYNC 3 or MyFord Dock options. It also includes Intelligent Speed Assist for the first time.

Electric mobility

Renault Pro+ Commercial Vehicles headlined its stand with the soon-to-be-launched Renault Master Z.E. With a real-world range of 74 miles, the Master Z.E. is suited to urban last mile deliveries, offering a balance between range, payload and charging time. Orders are due to open later in 2018 with deliveries following in the winter.

Renault Pro+ Commercial Vehicles had 13 vehicles on display in total, including the Tech Parcel delivery conversion for the Master which was developed with delivery firm UPS. It features an innovative walk-through bulkhead, which means the operator can access cargo without getting out of the van.

Business focused

Mitsubishi debuted its new Shogun Sport Commercial and the limited edition Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian SVP II, which are exclusive to the UK market.

The Shogun Sport Commercial is a business‑focused conversion which includes a six-inch bulkhead and a completely flat floor. Security is enhanced with opaque rear side windows, with steel versions available as an option. It has a load area of around 1,500 litres and the ability to tow up to 3,100kgs (braked).

It is powered by an all-aluminium 2.4‑litre turbodiesel engine, which is matched to an all-new, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian SVP II is the second limited edition model to be produced by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s Special Vehicle Projects (SVP) division. It is powered by an all-aluminium 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine and the 4WD system can be combined with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

What’s more, Mitsubishi had its Outlander PHEV Commercial on show with CO2 emissions of only 41g/km, average weighted fuel consumption of 166mpg and an all-electric range of 33 miles – and a rear load area that can accommodate a maximum payload of 495kg.

New pick-ups

Nissan launched its Navara Off-Roader AT32 pickup for the European market. Billed as the ‘most capable Navara ever’, it includes bespoke suspension that increases ride height by 20mm, full protection of key underbody components and larger off-road tyres. For more performance, optional extras include a snorkel to improve wading depth and a front differential locker. The vehicle is engineered by Icelandic company Arctic Trucks, which specialises in building 4WD vehicles to take on the world’s harshest terrains.