The seminar programme proved to be an extremely important aspect of this year’s event and organiser Ross Durkin explained that the emphasis at next year’s show would continue to be shared by the educational aspect of the seminars, hands-on driving experience on the track and face-to-face meetings with fleet suppliers.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Paul Nieuwenhuis from the Centre for Automotive Industry Research back to speak at next year’s Fleet Show. Paul and his team have been involved in the ENEVATE (European Network of electric Vehicles and Transferring Expertise) and will be reporting on the key findings of the project.

‘He will be followed on the stage by speakers from CENEX who will explain how some of the technology they are currently testing will impact on fleets in the years to come. We are also fortunate to have Professor Kevin Kendall from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research who will explain how fuel cell hybrids are poised to play a key role in the development of low-emission fleet mobility.

‘We’ll be making a further announcement in the new year on one more seminar presenter, as well as a sponsored debate taking place after the seminar programme,’ added Mr Durkin.

The Fleet World Fleet Show takes place on Wednesday 24^th April at Silverstone Circuit and combines a seminar programme, test driving on the International and Stow circuits, plus an indoor exhibition area.

‘Our aim is to provide visitors with a number of very good reasons for taking a day out to visit the show,’ added Mr Durkin. ‘The seminar programme and the debating session that followed it we really well attended this year – testament that fleet decision makers will take time out if the quality of the presentations is high enough. The track driving sessions will allow visitors to experience what is available on the market today. The seminars will give them an idea of what they might be driving tomorrow.’