The show will once more occupy three halls and Sockl said the two largest (halls 4 and 5) are already full with hall 3 filling up fast.
Sockl believes the fact that the CV Show gained International accreditation following the 2012 exhibition has led to an increase in applications this year.
“For us it’s a recognition of quality in the eyes of our peers,” he said.
There are, however, some notable names missing from the list of LVC manufacturers going to the show with Renault and Vauxhall declining to attend and VW to be absent for the second year running. The brand has not exhibited in Birmingham since its former UK LCV boss Simon Elliott moved to take up a position in Ireland.
Sockl described Vauxhall’s decision to miss the event as a “great shame” because the brand was one of its founders in 2000.
He expects economical and environmental themes to once more dominate exhibitors’ stands.
“Everybody is looking to reduce fuel consumption,” he said – whether through alternative fuels, low friction tyres, improved lubricants or better route planning through the use of telematics software.
The Workshop will once more take up residence in Hall 4 to showcase aftermarket and diagnostic equipment and the Cool Pavilion will return to highlight refrigerated transport.
