Vehicle manufacturers that have already signed up include Citroen, DFSK, Fiat Professional, Ford, Great Wall, Hyundai, Isuzu UK, Isuzu Truck, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Tata and Vauxhall. Other exhibitors include Ashwoods Automotive, Bott, Bri-Stor, DEL tail lifts, Handistep, Ingimex, Penny Hydraulics, QI Van Systems, Sortimo, Supertrucks, Tevo, TomTom Business Solutions and Webasto.

‘The commercial vehicle industry has bounced back from recession with vigour, a fact spelled out by the early enthusiasm for the 2012 Show,’ said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. ‘The number of exhibitors already signed up demonstrates the sector’s commitment to drive through economic uncertainty, delivering even more efficient and capable vehicles, products and services to the UK’s CV buyers.’

Commenting on the prospects of the show, Steve Clary, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: ‘2012 is a very important year for Ford’s commercial vehicle operations and the expanded stand we will have at the CV Show reflects this. The UK LCV market is extremely important to us and as the market leader for the past 46 years, the UK-based show gives us the perfect platform to get closer to existing and potential customers.’

For 2012, the CV Show – which will again incorporate the Workshop Show, Workshop 2012 – will take up four halls at the NEC near Birmingham between 24 and 26 April.