Last week's Commercial Vehicle Operator Show, held at Birmingham's NEC from 13-15 April, was considered to be a rip-roaring success; by exhibitors, visitors and the organisers.
"The positive response from exhibitors has been overwhelming," said Road Haulage Association Chief Executive Geoff Dunning, representing the Show Partnership.
"And with over 300 exhibitors, covering every aspect of the UK transport and logistics industry, there was certainly plenty for operators to see and consider for future use."
Renault was particularly pleased with the success of its stand at the CV Operator Show and presented three van debuts. Speaking on the final day of the show, Renault UK's Brand Communications Manager, Mark Waller, said, "Even though this year's event is on a smaller scale than usual due to the economic downturn, we've been pleasantly surprised by the volume and consistently high quality of the customer enquiries we've received over the three days. The new Kangoo Van Maxi and Master models have obviously been good draws to our stand and overall we're expecting interest in all the new models to be high in the coming months after the show."
"There were some doubts concerning the impact of an industry show at what is still a critical time in economic terms," Geoff Dunning continued. "I am delighted that last week proved, without a shadow of doubt, that there is still the need and the enthusiasm to showcase transport and logistics; the most important player in the recovery and future success of the UKeconomy."
The Show's positive feeling was shared by many other exhibitors. Truckrax launched its new Toploader ladder loading system at the Show. Truckrax's Scott
Finding said, "The levels of interest in the new system far exceeded our expectations and we have lots of good leads to follow up from high-quality visitors."
The Commercial Vehicle Operator Show is owned by the CV Show LLP, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). Crystal Communications managed the Show organisation, stand sales and marketing.