Taking the pulse of the market: how the CV Show sets the stage for 2019

The headlines from this year’s CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham were what you’d expect:

• It remains Britain’s biggest largest road transport and commercial vehicle event
• It’s also the best attended, with over 20,000 business visitors
• Once there you’ll find a host of new innovations being presented by leading suppliers

But as the dust settles on another hectic show (30 April to 2 May), it’s interesting to look back and recognize how our theme – ‘future proofing our customers’ operations with solutions powered by electricity, data, and clean technology’ – really hit the mark.

So here’s a quick review at exactly what we got up to – and the big talking points at the show.

The big push for sustainability

Judging by the conversations in and around our stand, the ‘electric option’ is fast gaining momentum with fleet owners and vehicle manufacturers. To ensure Thermo King remains central to these discussions, we were on hand to:

• Premiere in the UK the all-electric E-200 unit for both electric and engine-powered vans and trucks below 3,5 tonnes
• Promote the 25 electric products in our portfolio that we’ve designed to make clean technology a reality 
• Highlight how more than 20,000 trucks and trailers are already on the road with our electrified transport refrigeration units
• Explore our concept of Thermotopia, and how we see the future of refrigerated transport unfolding

Showcasing our latest prototype

To demonstrate innovation in action, we jointly presented with Castell Howell Foods (one of the UK’s leading independent food wholesalers) the new prototype UT-Series Hybrid unit. This was the global debut for this under-mount unit for trucks, drawbar trailers, and highloaders – which promises significant performance benefits:

• The UT-Series Hybrid builds on the proven SLXi Hybrid trailer system 
• Frigoblock alternator and inverter-drive technology allows the unit to switch power between diesel and electric mode when necessary
• This allows trucks to operate in inner cities, residential areas, and low emission zones

The data powered cold chain

If electric was one of the key buzzwords at the event, then another was certainly data. More specifically, putting data to work in delivering smarter operations. The important point here being that better decisions can be made when Fleet Managers have access to performance data.

All of which fitted nicely with our Thermotopia vision, as well as our message around Connected Solutions – and how telematics capabilities are built into Thermo King units. Plus there was the noise we made around the new Trailer Assist solution, and how this helps fleet managers monitor day-to-day trailer conditions to:

• Boost vehicle uptime through proactive maintenance
• Optimize transport routes by analyzing weight information
• Extend the life-span of tyres, and reduce fuel consumption

Bringing the show to life

Other major activities and announcements at the show included:

• Confirmation that all our truck, trailer, and diesel engine refrigerated units portfolio is compliant with European Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Stage V legislation – which came into force earlier this year
• A virtual reality adventure for delegates to participate in, which featured ‘Bob the trucker’ as he attempts to deliver a load of ice cream through a busy city center to a school
• The highly anticipated Thermo King party that was open to all delegates to meet with us and share their stories in a more relaxed environment

Set your stage for a bright 2019

As events like the CV Show demonstrate, buyers of transport refrigeration technologies continue to evolve their selection criteria, based on changing operational concerns, customer expectations, and compliance legislation.

That’s why Thermo King attends these events, to help ensure we’re part of the conversation and to generate excitement at the range of capabilities we offer organizations. For dealers, the task is to build on the interest generated and continue delighting your customers!