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Coach & Bus Live exhibitors turn their attention to 2010
With less than four months remaining till Coach & Bus Live taking place on 7-8 October 2009 at the NEC, Birmingham, the show’s organisers are experiencing a flurry in sales activity as exhibitors make a scramble for the last remaining stands. It would seem that many suppliers have taken the view if they remain active this year and continue to promote their products and services they will be better placed to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead in 2010 and beyond when the economy starts to recover.
Show Director Mark Griffin is keen to point out that Coach & Bus Live 2009 is the last opportunity for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to exhibit at a dedicated UK bus and coach show until November 2010 when Euro Bus Expo takes place. A recent announcement by the SMMT to reformat the old Commercial Vehicle Show for next year appears to have caused confusion in the marketplace and Griffin wishes to make it clear there will be no dedicated bus or coach content at the CV Operator Show next April.
Griffin comments: "It’s unfortunate that the CV Show Partnership’s recent press release referred to bus and coach content for April 2010. We work hard with the NEC and all of our partners to ensure that there is no overlap between our shows and those organised by the CV Partnership. Next year is no different so those companies wishing to attract visitors from the bus and coach market should participate at either CBL 2009 or the much larger Euro Bus Expo 2010."
Mr Griffin goes on to say: "Everyone recognises the considerable financial challenges that manufacturers, suppliers and dealers have been facing. That’s why it’s particularly gratifying as their marketing budgets get freed up so many of them have pledged their support for this year’s show. What’s more we know our exhibitors have some fantastic products for visitors to come along and see. Some of these we know about already, others are still to be announced over the coming months."
He adds: "Indications from the market would suggest that this autumn is the ideal time for companies to exhibit at CBL. This is a real opportunity to meet with new prospects and build a decent sales pipeline for 2010."
This is a view shared by a number of major vehicle manufacturers exhibiting later this year. For example, Steve Dewhurst, Managing Director at Volvo who states: "We’re looking forward to participating at Coach & Bus Live 2009. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet with our customers, especially those who might be looking to update their existing fleets as they start to plan ahead for next year."
In addition to their sponsorship of the "Skills Test" driving course, Volvo will have two vehicles on their stand: a 9700 Coach and a London Diesel DD with Wrights Bodywork.
Vince Welsh, Managing Director at MAN and another keen supporter of the show agrees: “We have been particularly encouraged by the level of interest for our bus and coach products this year. Despite the difficulties posed in the current economic climate, operators are seriously interested in what MAN has to offer. For us, the show timing couldn’t be better. We aim to meet with as many of our customers as possible over the two days in Birmingham where will be showcasing a MAN R37 6x2 coach chassis fitted with the new Plaxton Elite body and an MAN 12.0 mtr ADL E 300 citybus".
The organisers are reporting over 130 companies now on board for 2009 and 90% of all available stands taken. Amongst the major vehicle manufacturers participating this year are Alexander Dennis, Arriva, Autosan, BASE, BMC, Dawson Rentals, Esker, Evo Bus, King Long, MAN, MCV, Mistral, Moseley, Optare, Plaxton, Volvo and the Wright Group. Those interested in the last remaining stands should hurry and contact the Coach & Bus Live sales team on tel: 01926 833052, Email: info@coachandbuslive.com or via the website at: www.coachandbuslive.com
Notes for editors:
- Coach and Bus Live 2009 will take place on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October 2009 at the Birmingham NEC
- Visitor registration will go live in Summer 2009
- A copy of this release with library photos can be found by visiting www.coachandbuslive.com
- All PR for this show is being handled by Marcus Hall, Marketing & PR Consultant to Expo Management at: marcus.hall@expom.co.uk or on mobile number: 0781 2983239.
- Coach and Bus Live 2007 and Transport Innovations 2007 were co located last time around and attracted over 6,500 industry professionals from all over the UK(ABC audited 5,776 at CBL and 733 at Transport Innovations)
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