The Commercial Vehicle Show is taking place at the NEC from 29 April to 1 May and there will be plenty to see. Here’s a brief look at what to expect from the light CV sector.
Farizon
Chinese commercial vehicle producer Farizon will make its first appearance at the Commercial Vehicle Show in 2025, giving the SV (for Super Van) range its UK public debut. The van will be available in three lengths and with three roof heights, offering five models at launch. Load volume will span 6.95m3 to 13.0m3.
All SV models will be battery electric – there’s no internal combustion engine option. Most versions will have the choice of 67kWh or 83kWh batteries, while the L3H3 SV will also be offered with a 106kWh battery. Farizon quotes a WLTP combined range of up to 247 miles. All models will be powered by a front-mounted motor driving the front wheels. As a result, Farizon quotes a loading height of 550mm for all the vans, helped by adopting ‘cell-to-pack’ battery design, giving a low overall height for the batteries.
The Farizon SV will be equipped with a drive-by-wire system as standard. This means that the steering wheel has no direct connection to the front wheels and the brake pedal has no direct connection to the brakes. The advantage is safety, since the braking system can apply more braking force more quickly in an emergency than a human, reducing emergency braking distances. Steer-by-wire permits greater manoeuvrability at low speeds making parking easier in tight spaces. Having driven early examples of the van, we can say that we couldn’t distinguish between the drive by wire system and conventional steering and brakes.
Kia
Kia has established itself as a manufacturer of impressive and innovative cars and will make its CV Show debut to launch its PBV van range in the UK, with the first UK public showing of its PV5 model, before going on sale later this year.
PV5 will be available as a van, chassis-cab and passenger-carrying variant. All PV5s will be built using Kia’s ‘E-GMP.S’ (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service) platform, which is said to allow for flexible combinations of a variety of vehicle bodies. The model will be produced in a dedicated plant and Kia has plans for a conversion centre too. E-GMP.S is a variant of the company’s existing GMP platform, redesigned for commercial vehicle use. The skateboard concept allows for a range of upper body designs to be built on the flat base, which will also enable other larger and smaller models to be built on the same platform.
Besides the variants already mentioned, Kia is planning crew cab, dropside, box van, refrigerated box, advanced passenger models and a camper conversion. Meanwhile, the Korean manufacturer has adopted Google’s widely-used open source Android Automotive Operating System for the PBV infotainment systems. This will provide a wide range of app services for customers.
PV5 Passenger vans will feature three rows of seats and a tailgate. Kia says it can be optimised for luggage or camping scenarios and has been developed with ride-hailing use in mind. The third row of seats, for example, can be folded away to provide increased luggage space.
High-roof PV5s will offer up to 5.1m3 load capacity and will be able to accommodate two Euro pallets. Standard, long and high-roof models will be available. High-roof models will be available as walkthrough versions, with a two-seat cabin, featuring a sinking passenger seat and bulkhead with sliding door.
Renault
Renault will display the three electric vans that it unveiled recently, as well as showing the new Master on its stand at the CV Show. The three models – Estafette, Goelette and a new Trafic – will launch in 2026. All three vans are the result of a collaborative venture with Flexis, an independent company formed as a joint venture between Renault Group, Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group.
Trafic E-Tech Electric features a short front overhang and maximised wheelbase, with a turning circle equivalent to a Renault Clio car. Renault has not said if it uses four-wheel steering, similar to that featured on the Rafale passenger model. Height is said to be less than 1.90m, enabling it to access multi-storey car parks.
Goelette revives a name used by Renault for a van in the mid 1950s. It will be available as a chassis-cab, box van and tipper, with other conversions expected. The rear section has been designed for a wide range of fittings and features to suit user requirements.
Estafette revives another old Renault van name and the design is said to have been inspired by the Renault Estafette concept seen at the Hanover CV Show last year. The model stands 2.60m-high, providing standing headroom of 1.90m, while the overall length of 5.27m and width of 1.92m deliver compact dimensions for city streets. Features include a large three-piece windscreen, sliding side door with invisible integrated track for smooth opening, running boards both sides to ease entry and a roller shutter rear door.
Ford
Ford will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Ford Transit in 1965 and the stand will feature the world’s fastest van, Supervan 4.2, alongside the fastest production van, the MSRT-E-Transit Custom, and the oldest-known Transit still in existence, Ford’s black and yellow GEC liveried 1965 Transit.
The recently announced Ranger plug-in hybrid will also feature on the stand. This model plays an important role in Ford’s partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
This year is also the first one where the entire Transit line-up has been available with electrified models. Expect to find E-Transit Courier, Transit Connect PHEV, Transit E-Custom and PHEV and E-Transit all on the Ford stand.
Etesia UK
Central to Etesia’s display will be the ET Lander, an electric utility vehicle. Whether navigating urban environments or tackling rural terrain, the ET Lander offers performance, durability and eco-conscious design.
The ET Lander measures 3.72m in length and features a short turning radius of 4.40m, making it highly manoeuvrable. It offers 360° visibility, power steering and all-terrain tyres. Equipped with a two-seater cab and a versatile three-way tipper bed, the ET Lander can carry payloads up to 940kg and tow 750kg.
It features integrated loading ramps, which double as side panels for the tipper body. Additionally, the vehicle can power portable battery-operated equipment and run 230V electrical devices. Etesia UK will be on stand 5A16.
Ineos
Ineos will display the Grenadier Quartermaster and Grenadier Commercial models.
Grenadier Commercial was first revealed last summer and features a steel mesh full-height bulkhead and full-length flat load floor which can accommodate a Euro pallet. A towing capacity of 3,500kg and winching capacity of 5,500kg adds to its impressive off-road capabilities.
Isuzu
Isuzu is promising an exclusive announcement on its stand on day one of the CV Show. Could this be the promised electric pickup?
The D-Max Steel Edition pickup will be unveiled for the first time at the show and only 250 will be available. The model is finished in Steel Grey Mica, offering enhanced exterior styling and interior upgrades.
It will offer a 3,500kg towing capacity, rough terrain mode and advanced driver assistance systems.
Renault Trucks
Renault Trucks will attend the CV Show for the first time in 12 years and the stand will feature the new Master Red Edition.
The company has already taken over 3,000 orders for the new van and deliveries have begun. Renault Trucks also promises special editions of the new Master and Trafic.
Part of the Volvo Group, the firm is also involved in the Flexis joint venture.
Motormax
Motormax, a leader in fleet safety, will showcase its latest innovations at the CV Show 2025, including the MaxConnex platform.
Visitors can explore AI-powered dashcams, Safetymax alerts, sensors, DVRs and Rapid Fit wiring looms.
MaxConnex offers real-time driver monitoring, AI analytics, and automated reports to enhance safety and efficiency. Rapid Fit simplifies safety equipment installation, reducing downtime. Safetymax integrates cameras, sensors, and alerts for better driver awareness. OnSight uses AI cameras and lights to create a 360° safety zone. The AI Driver Safety Monitor detects fatigue and distraction, sending real-time alerts for improved driver training.
