May saw over 11,000 aftermarket professionals streaming to Birmingham’s NEC to catch up on the latest product and service developments at the 2022 Commercial Vehicle Show. CVW was there.
This spring and summer are shaping up in back-to-back exhibitions (CV Show, UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, Road Transport Expo, Automechanika etc) just proving that the ‘new normal’ of hiding at home and avoiding face-to-face contact hasn’t truly come to pass. It was always unlikely in this sector anyway where, for most, WFH is an impossibility, and the current crop of shows reflects this ‘old normal’.
May saw the staging of the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC and the show –backed by IRTE Services, the RHA and the SMMT – brought together 230 exhibitors with a host of good news stories to tell.
Expert speakers at the show’s two theatres tackled some of the most challenging topics currently facing the industry and The Road Ahead Theatre in Hall 5 and the Workshop Theatre in Hall 4, delivered in association with CVW, provided a professional forum to address burning topics of the day. These presentations and panel discussions proved a resounding success with greater audience attendance and participation than ever before. Many presentations were standing-room only as visitors gathered to find out more.
CVW has pulled together some of the big – and small – new developments on display at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2022 to give you a reminder if you were there, or a flavour if you intend to go next year. One of the biggest launches at the show – both in terms of size and fanfare – was the TK-BM65 from Totalkare. Described as a unique all-in-one packaged solution for operators and repair specialists alike, the TK-BM65 is a plug-and-play galvanised steel inspection pit that comes preassembled and includes a brake tester, wheel play detector, lighting, hydraulic inspection floor, integrated sump tank, side entrance stairs, safety rails, and optional heating and hydraulic aluminium cover (for use outdoors). Measuring 4.27m by 2.18m and 1.8m deep, it can be installed directly on a sand base without the need for concreting, making it a suitable for a wide range of locations and/ or relocation.
A brand-new technology that helps fleets avoid a common problem – bridge strikes – was on show from the Vue Group. The Low Bridge Alerting System takes the driver out of the equation. The driver is not required to input any information when entering a vehicle, which is done automatically after the initial install of the hardware. The driver is then alerted in-cab when they are at risk of hitting a low bridge during their journey. These alerts are stored on the VUEconnected platform for reporting purposes and can also be set up to be sent to specified email addresses.
Also being demonstrated was the ClearQuote app. The app makes vehicle inspections simple, efficient and accurate using smartphone image and AI. Using the app, a condition report can be generated in less than a minute by capturing images or videos. It can automatically identify and assess damages on the vehicle from the images and especially identify fresh damage.
In the world of wheels and tyres, Air- Seal Products previewed its new online shop that allows customers to purchase its puncture preventative solutions direct.
Ensuring the integrity and traceability of critical fasteners to prevent wheel loss, while helping fleets to maximise workshop efficiency, is an industry safety critical need and Atlas Copco demonstrated its latest generation of battery nutrunners. Powered by Lithium-Ion 36V technology with charging and battery health indicators, its SRB HA has a torque rating of up to 4000Nm and an internal torque transducer for maximum control and reliability.
Similarly, WheelSentry exhibited what it claims to be the only combined wheel nut indicator and retainer system range in the marketplace, a system that requires no special tools to apply and is quick and easy to fit, making checking and maintenance a simple hassle-free operation.
Cubo (formerly NIBC) celebrated its 20th year in business with a rebrand and by expanding its integrated telematics solutions with new launches. The company’s solutions, via a single sign on, allows access to up to 8 channel live camera footage, remote driver and vehicle tacho downloads, live driver decision support, and exception reports by fleet.
Chevin Fleet Solutions launched FleetWave Lite, a new edition in its fleet management software. Designed to simplify the fundamentals of fleet management, FleetWave Lite is said to help organisations move away from spreadsheets by consolidating key fleet data in one place. As a result, FleetWave Lite gives more control over compliance for vehicles and drivers, and more visibility into running costs.
More software and solutions were available from Trackm8 and TruVan. TrackM8 demonstrated its newly-launched C430-S telematics device, a self-fit solution that can be moved from vehicle to vehicle, providing operators with a seam of data-led insights into driver behaviour and vehicle status.
It also displayed its Connectedcare solution utilising a live vehicle instrument cluster to show how fault codes on a vehicle are recorded within the company’s fleet management software Insight, highlighting how the system can help monitor for faults across a vehicle fleet, ultimately minimising the risk of costly, unplanned downtime.
TruTac showcased its new TruVan – an app and web-based ‘back-office’ management system enabling compliance with DVSA best practice and operating guidelines for all van fleets. TruVan modules include clocking for hours and timesheet control, GPS location-tagged app, walkaround checks with DVSA templates, fully configurable templates with accident reporting, compliance best practice, driver licence DVLA checks, and vehicle maintenance and planning.
And after a hard day slogging round the show, a brew was in order and Truckman’s ARB kitchen-in-a- drawer for pick-ups seemed like just the answer. Shown fitted to an Isuzu D-Max, the drawer system features a slide out fridge and swing out kitchen with a gas hob, including a sink. That said, it doesn’t appear to be available in the UK yet (at least, we couldn’t find it), yet it’s bound to be as popular on site as it would be camping at Camber or Grange-over-Sands when it goes on sale.
