Demand for exhibition space at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2008 has hit a record high, setting the event on target to become the largest dedicated road transport show in Europe.

With more than six months to go until the exhibition opens its doors on 15 April 2008, 82 per cent of the available stand space has already been sold and the event looks likely to exceed previous exhibitor numbers. The growth coincides with the CV Show's relocation to Halls 17 to 20 and 6 to 12 at the NEC, covering a total of more than 90,000m².

"The demand for space is at a real premium, and as a result next year's CV Show is going to be bigger and better than ever before," says David Sedgley, CV Show chairman. "We've got record numbers of exhibitors choosing to increase the size of their stands, coupled with a healthy pipeline of companies booked to exhibit for the first time."

Amongst the new exhibitors will be the lubricants division of Shell UK, van fittings and accessories specialist Edstrom, commercial vehicle bodybuilder Trumac Group and municipal operator WCR Vehicle Hire.

Exhibitors quick to boost their presence at next year's CV Show include Michelin and Lakeland Tankers, which have both doubled their allotted stand space, together with sizeable increases from Fruehauf, Land Rover, LDV, RVL and Smith Electric Vehicles.

"We're expecting over 600 exhibitors for the ninth year of the show, including every truck and van manufacturer, coupled with the leading trailer manufacturers and bodybuilders. In total the CV Show – which incorporates Cool 2008, Municipal 2008 and Workshop 2008 – will cover more than 100 product categories, with suppliers of everything from accessories to wiper blades," adds Sedgley.

The CV Show is the fastest growing and most successful business to business event of its type in Europe, with free entry available across the three day exhibition. The event is owned by the CV Show Partnership, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers), a professional sector of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). Crystal Communications handles stand space sales and marketing for the Partnership.