Major commercial vehicles manufacturers are gearing up to launch new models at the region’s only dedicated commercial vehicles exhibition, Commercial Vehicles Middle East, which begins in Dubai next week.

Taking place from March 9 to 11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Commercial Vehicles Middle East expo will attract fleet engineers, transport, fleet and logistic managers and senior representatives from every sector of the region’s road transport business.

UAE-based Al Futtaim Motors – Hino and Western Auto are among several exhibitors to launch new vehicles and technology at the event.

Al Futtaim Motors - Hino is set to roll out a new range of buses, which can be used to transport school children, company employees and construction workers.

Paul Henning, general manager at Al Futtaim Motors – Hino said: “We will present a large 60-seater bus and a small 34-seater bus at the exhibition. The new buses will meet the transportation requirements of schools, hotels, rental companies and contractors,” he explained.

Western Auto, the sole distributor in the UAE for China’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Foton, will launch ‘Conqueror,’ a premium double cabin pick-up.

AJ Kamal, senior general manager, Western Group, dubbed Conqueror as a powerful and fuel efficient pick-up, with a stylish appearance.

"The exhibition will provide a platform for us to present the Foton range to municipalities; public transport departments; educational institutions; contracting, construction, oil and gas companies; health and pharmaceutical distributors. Visitors can book test drives for Conqueror at our exhibition stand, or in our showrooms,” he stated.

The expo has already attracted an international line-up of exhibitors including French automotive giant Renault, Temsa Global from Turkey, Bas Trucks from The Netherlands and US truck and engine manufacturer, Navistar.

It has also gained the support of UAE government departments including the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality and Emirates Transport, who are attending the event to source vehicles and promote current transport initiatives.

Muhammad Abdullah Al-Jerman, general manager of Emirates Transport, said the strength of the UAE’s economy depends on its ability to create a safe, efficient, economically viable and practical transportation model and Emirates Transport plays a pivotal role in the nation’s responsibility to provide excellent transportation services.

"We provide our country with the means and know-how of transportation. We participate in social development through our specialised school transportation center and have more than ten commercial centers assisting both private and government sectors with services including rent, leasing, maintenance, taxi and limousine hire," Al Jerman observed.

"Furthermore, Emirates Transport has more than 8,500 vehicles and over 10,000 staff. We are attending Commercial Vehicles Middle East to promote our extensive range of services and strengthen our relationship with new and existing partners," he added.

Running alongside the exhibition, the Commercial Vehicles Conference from 9-10 March will highlight ways for commercial vehicles operators to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

The key themes include managing the safety and environmental impact of fleets, fuel management, ownership and financial best practice and technological advances.

The two day conference will be followed by specialised industry seminars and a series of certified, technical workshops organised with the support of international professional groups and regional government departments.-TradeArabia News Service