Two of Fleet News’ biggest exhibitions will be brought together under the same roof at the Birmingham NEC in a move that better reflects the responsibilities of fleet decision makers.

Commercial Fleet Van & Truck will be merged into Fleet Management Live next year to create an ever bigger and better show – one that is targeted at fleet decision makers responsible for all types of vehicle: cars, vans and trucks.

Just two years after launch, Fleet Management Live has become the fleet sector’s biggest and most important event, bringing fleet managers, HR directors, finance directors and procurement together with manufacturers, leasing companies and fleet suppliers to network, share best practice and find out about new products and services.

This year, more than 1,200 visitors attended Fleet Management Live, with in excess of 100 exhibitors, up 30% on last year.

The event was the launch pad for a number of new vehicles, including the Audi A5 and Q2, Volvo S90 and V90, Honda Civic and Land Rover Discovery.

In addition, eight best practice sessions provided fresh thinking on a variety of topics, from compliance to remarketing and funding to risk management; ACFO ran its autumn seminar on the ‘drive for mobility’;while finance, procurement and HR managers benefited from tailored sessions and those new to fleet management attended the Breakfast for Beginners session run by the ICFM.

Commercial Fleet Van & Truck, previously the Commercial Fleet Summit, was held over two days at Millbrook Proving Ground this year. However, many of the delegates are responsible for all company vehicles – for example, 85% of Fleet News readers run vans as well as cars.

Fleet News/Commercial Fleet editor-in-chief Stephen Briers said: “This made the choice to bring together the two events an obvious one – it reflects the wide roles of many fleet decision makers.”

Fleet visitors and exhibitors at this year’s two events have welcomed the move.

“We’ve spoken to visitors and exhibitors and the feedback was resounding,” said Briers. “They told us they wanted a show that brought all vehicle sizes and all types of suppliers together. They wanted a comprehensive, must-attend show, and that’s what we’ll be looking to deliver.”

  • Fleet Management Live, incorporating Commercial Fleet Van & Truck, will take place on October 3-4, 2017.