CV Show Preview – Part 2

The Commercial Vehicle Show takes place later this month at the NEC in Birmingham. In this second preview round-up, we outline the live theatre programme and look at some of the exhibitors.

TruTac

TruTac will present a range of new modules and features within its fleet management and compliance control software. The company will share a stand with parent company Microlise Group. New features for TruFleet users will include upgrades to workshop settings, to allow customers to create bespoke templates for inspections, repairs, servicing and MOTs.

Customers can also view the Microlise tracking system within the TruControl tachograph analysis and reporting software. This includes vehicle location and associated information, putting all fleet data in one single source. Also on display will be TruDocuments Premium, a tool that allows companies to make policies, handbooks, certificates and other literature directly available to divers through the TruTac app.

Teletrac Navman

Telematic supplier Teletrac Navman will be looking at the migration from internal combustion to battery electric power in the LCV market. The firm’s EV Readiness Tool uses AI and smart algorithms to assess trip data across the fleet, to determine whether vehicles are suitable to switch to EV. It also provides operators with a cost-effective conversion plan, with insights into ownership costs, tax breaks, fuel savings, locations for chargers and environmental impact.

“For most fleets, the transition from ICE to EV will happen over multiple years and operators have told us they need help in overcoming the challenges presented by switching,” said Barney Goffer, UK product manager.

“We will be rolling out some new products in the coming months that will address these issues and give fleet operators even greater guidance. Those with the available capex are investing heavily and getting good insight into how to effectively incorporate EVs into their operations, but there’s equally a lot of fleets who need a bit of a helping hand on where to start.”

CATrak

US firm CATrak Technologies will launch a catalytic converter theft prevention system at this year’s event. Incorporating a 140dB alarm and real-time GPS location, the CATrak module is installed on the vehicle along with a separate alarm and custom cut-detect module. In the event of an attempted theft of the catalytic converter, if the device, wiring loom or converter is cut, the alarm is activated and the owner notified that a theft is in progress.

Commercial vehicle operators have become a major target for thieves and CATrak has been developed to meet the needs of fleet operators. Traditional protection for catalytic converters consists of passive anti-theft devices, relying on physical barriers such as plates, cages and straps. These devices slow thieves down but do not prevent them, as they are increasingly proficient at removing barriers and using saws that cut directly through them.

“We decided to launch in the UK, as thefts are reported to be 10 times higher than in North America,” said COO John Rollins.

“Criminal gangs are targeting vehicle depots and that’s why we’ve developed a system that allows each device with vehicle ID to be paired with the mobile app. Should a theft be attempted, any designated person can immediately see which vehicle is being tampered with, where it’s located, and take immediate action to prevent it.”

Jaama

Jaama will be launching its Key2 QuickStart fleet software, for fleets with less than 100 vehicles. This includes a vehicle module with service scheduling and a V5 look-up, while the driver management module includes accident management and risk profiling. The company will also show a Maintenance Exchange systems, that can help commercial vehicle fleets control maintenance through the supply chain.

Ecobat Battery

Battery provider Ecobat will be exhibiting at the show this year, with a range of affordable solutions to provide extended battery life. With many commercial vehicles operating on double or even triple driver shifts, it is not surprising that original equipment starting, lighting and ignition batteries are struggling to keep up. The Ecobat team will be available throughout the show to talk through specific battery requirements.

Fleet Operations

Mobility management specialist Fleet Operations will demonstrate its driver companion app at the show. The latest addition to the firm’s MOVE software platform, the driver app puts a set of risk management tools, online safety assessments, coaching and e-learning in the palm of the driver’s hand. Drivers can access policy documents, vehicle leasing information, MOT and insurance details and show attendees will be able to carry out mock defect inspections on a van, to see how the results are updated in the platform for management and maintenance teams.

Theatre Line-Up

This year’s CV Show will have two live theatres running – the Road Ahead Theatre and the Workshop Theatre. These are the respective speakers.

Tuesday 18th April

Road Ahead Theatre-Hall 5, Stand 5A46

• 10:30-10:55: Progress and pitfalls on the path to a decarbonised CV industry. Mike Hawes, CEO, SMMT.

• 11:30-12:00: Energising infrastructure: a plan for zero-emission HGV charging and refuelling. Sukky Choongh, Environmental Manager-Air Quality and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles, SMMT.

• 13:30-13:55: Overcoming barriers to LCV EV Adoption. Mike Cutts, Director, Light Vehicle Business, Iveco.

• 14:30-14:55: Hydrogen’s role in decarbonising transport, an insight into the future of commercial refuelling. Robin Futcher, Managing Director, Commercial Fuel Solutions.

• 15:30-15:55: Navigating the cost of business squeeze with interconnected fleet technology. Richard Parker, Webfleet EV Lead UKI & Mark Simmance, Webfleet Senior Channel Manager UKI, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

Workshop Theatre-Hall 4, Stand 4F16

• 10:00-10:25: TBC

• 11:00-11:25: Batteries-it’s not you, it’s me. Ken Clarke, Managing Director, Rotronics.

• 13:00-13:25: Advanced lead acid batteries; select and maintain the correct technology to save your fleet time and money. Vince Ward, Technical Sales & Training, Varta.

• 14:00-14:25: Importance of certified repairs. Thomas Hudd, National Technical Manager, VBRA.

Wednesday 19th April

Road Ahead Theatre-Hall 5, Stand 5A46

• 10:30-10:55: Creating a community dedicated to fight van crime. Laura Moran, Managing Director, TVL Group.

• 11:30-11:55: Reducing fleet risk and improving driver safety. Jessica Chapman Corporate Sales Director/Steven Kirwan Director of Insurance Operations, LeasePlan UK.

• 13:30-13:55: The Road to Net Zero. Rod MacKenzie, Executive Director of Communications, RHA.

• 14:30-14:55: Smart Tacho Version 2 -What will the arrival of this new technology mean for operators? Marc Caplin, Compliance Advisor, Aquarius IT.

Workshop Theatre-Hall 4, Stand 4F16

• 10:00-10:25: Importance of certified repairs. Thomas Hudd, National Technical Manager, VBRA.

• 11:00-11:25: Batteries-it’s not you, it’s me. Ken Clarke, Managing Director, Rotronics.

• 13:00-13:25: Advanced lead acid batteries; select and maintain the correct technology to save your fleet time and money. Vince Ward, Technical Sales & Training, Varta.

• 14:00-14:25: Calibrating driver assistance systems (DAS).
Simon Wallace, Customer Engineering Trainer & Support, Knorr-Bremse

Thursday 20th April

Road Ahead Theatre-Hall 5, Stand 5A46

• 10:30-10:55: Direct Vision Standard. James Ashford, Head of UK Connected Services, Brigade Electronics UK.

• 11:30-11:55: Transforming the World of Vehicle Telematics with Video. Charles Morriston, Head of Professional Services, VisionTrack.

• 13:30-13:55: De-risking the ageing fleet. David Bushnell, Director of Strategy & Consultancy, Fleet Operations.

• 14:30-14:55: Unchained Maintenance: How Better Fleet Maintenance Relieves Supply Chain Headaches. Richard Clark, Product Manager, Chevin Fleet Solutions.

Workshop Theatre-Hall 4, Stand 4F16

• 10:00-10:25: Calibrating driver assistance systems (DAS). Simon Wallace, Customer Engineering Trainer & Support, Knorr-Bremse.

• 11:00-11:25: Lubricant demand: now and in future (trucks and buses). Andrew Gibson, Commercial Fleet Sector Manager, Shell.

• 13:00-13:25: TBC