The UK’s commercial vehicle sector came together in strength at the NEC Birmingham last week, as more than 13,000 visitors and over 250 exhibitors convened for the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025. As the industry tackles the critical challenge of decarbonisation, this year’s event marked a pivotal moment both for the show itself and the future of commercial transport.
Held in partnership with SMMT and RHA, this year’s show debuted under new ownership following its acquisition by Nineteen Group. The announcement set a fresh direction for the show, aiming to strengthen its role as a hub for innovation, real-world solutions, and cross-sector collaboration.
Decarbonisation was the core theme throughout, from the return of the Destination Net Zero zone to headline reveals from leading OEMs. Major OEMs unveiled headline vehicles, including the International Truck of the Year–winning Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, the latest DAF XF Electric, and UK premieres from Electra, FR8 Volta, Terberg, Zenith, Renault Trucks, CoolKit, and Daimler demonstrating real-world advances in electrification, range, and operational viability.
The Decarbonisation Hub, powered by GreenFleet, convened industry leaders to address the challenges of fleet electrification. Panels with experts from DAF Trucks, SMMT, Farizon Auto, and Athlon UK explored topics such as infrastructure, workforce readiness, and the shift to low-emission fleets. Niall Riddell of Paua and Jamie Sands of Welch’s Transport spotlighted smart charging strategies and heavy-duty deployment solutions. The focus remained firmly on collaboration and actionable progress toward the sector’s environmental targets.
Adjacent to the main floor, the EV Café Village provided a vibrant forum for dialogue across the transport and energy ecosystem. Organisations including National Grid, DRAX Electric Vehicles, and local authorities shared transition strategies and practical insights, creating a dynamic space for networking and knowledge exchange.
Skills also took the spotlight. South & City College Birmingham presented live training demos on EV maintenance, hydrogen systems, and ADAS calibration backed by IMI and Enginius to support workforce readiness for the net zero transition.
Manufacturers including Ford, Renault, Isuzu, Kia and Farizon reaffirmed their commitments. Ford UK announced a milestone: 25% of its vans will be electric by 2026, Renault spotlighted its new Flexis platform to support fleet electrification as well as Kia launching its first fully electric van.
While momentum is building with increased investment in product development and charging infrastructure challenges remain. Electric vans accounted for just 6.3% of new registrations in 2024, and HGV electrification is still in its early stages. The CV Show reinforced the need for sustained, collaborative efforts among policymakers, manufacturers, operators, and infrastructure providers.
Mike Costain, CV Show Event Director, said: “This year’s show proved the power of bringing the sector together not just to showcase innovation, but to shape the path to net zero. Under new leadership, the CV Show is entering an exciting new phase.”
With new direction and growing momentum, the CV Show remains the UK’s key platform for driving the future of clean, connected commercial transport.
The next instalment of Commercial Vehicle Show takes place on 21-23 April 2026 For more information, visit www.cvshow.com
Source: Tyretradenews
