The organiser of the biennial Commercial Vehicle Show (CVS) says the event is back on track for 2011 after the ‘successful’ launch of its similarly-themed biennial exhibition, the Commercial Vehicle Operators Show (CVOS) this year.

The 2009 CVS was cancelled due to the recession, according to organiser LLP, which consists of the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the trading company of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).

Show organiser and CEO of Crystal Communications, contracted by LLP to run the show, Bob Sockl says: “We took a pragmatic approach and cancelled the 2009 CVS; however, we have every intention to go ahead with the 2011 CVS exhibition as long as there is a demand for the offering.

The 2010 CVOS specialised in vehicle maintenance equipment, replacement parts, logistics and fleet management systems.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt says: "There have been strong calls from companies within the sector for the CVS partnership to run a new-style event in 2010. The CVOS will meet this demand while setting the scene for the return of the CVS in 2011."

The 2011 CVS is due to be held at the National Exhibition Centre from 12 to 14 April. MD Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, Ian Jones, says: “If the CV Show returns in 2011, so will we, and we plan to return to the NEC with a full range of products and services. The organisers of this year’s Commercial Vehicle Operators Show have stated their intent to reinstate the show proper next year, and it’s important that there is strong support to that initiative.”

“If there is another economic downturn we will obviously need to review the decision, and the CV Show will only be viable if other manufacturers join us in committing to the exhibition.  A lot clearly depends on the health of the British economy in the next 12 months of course, but it is our clear intent to return to the CV Show in 2011,” he adds.