Purchasing heavy vehicles and heavy equipment is no small matter. It requires deep pockets, and a good knowledge of what is on the market.
Trade shows are a useful tool for customers to peruse and compare what is on the market. Nevertheless, vehicle shows in New Zealand are not a common thing. Distributors of light vehicles in NZ have a policy of not supporting local vehicle shows. The cost and lack of scale make it uneconomic to do so. Motorcycle distributors have a different view, and from time to time attend various motorcycle shows.
However, for NZ heavy-vehicle distributors, a vehicle show on a regular basis is an important event in our calendar. Since 2005, on a four-year cycle, a heavy vehicle expo (T.H.E. Expo) is held at Mystery Creek.
It is New Zealand’s only all-encompassing transport and heavy-equipment expo, showcasing for visitors the opportunity to engage with industry representatives and view the latest technologies in the sector.
T.H.E. Expo, unlike traditional trade shows elsewhere in NZ and overseas, is a distributor- and trade-led initiative. It is supported by the Motor Industry Association, the NZ Truck-Trailers Manufacturers Federation and the NZ Equipment Suppliers Association. Mystery Creek is the event manager.
It has not always been like this. Prior to 2005, truck shows in New Zealand were managed by an exhibition company, and held every two years. For various reasons, over a period of several shows distributors became dissatisfied with the event. Foremost among these reasons is that heavy vehicle models have a longer life than a biennial show. Consequently the show was too frequent, and distributors struggled to present new models every two years.
There was also a period of industry rationalisation which reduced the number of distributors, leading to a smaller show footprint. Combined with a smaller show footprint the costs involved, even over a two-year cycle, were too high. Rounding off these concerns was that the then venue was not favoured by many of the distributors.
Prior to the 2005 event, distributors reviewed several aspects of the show and arrived at a new formula which remains in place. The distributors, via the MIA, pushed out the frequency to four years for the benefit of costs and new-model product change. Additionally, and key to the current success of T.H.E Expo, other industry groups such as trailer builders, construction and equipment importers were added to the show to give it size and diversity, and to create interest for visitors due to the overlapping nature of the industry products on display.
The location was centralised and moved to the Mystery Creek Events Centre, as it has a wide range of quality exhibition options to suit a range of products and budgets. It is also a location well known to a broad range of customers, and has excellent facilities.
Mark your diaries, T.H.E. Expo is being held from March 2 to 4, and registrations will open on December 1. Those wanting to register can do this on line or by phone, and the first 500 people that register online will receive a branded trucker hat.
Given pending changes to the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule, there will be a range of new models at the show that will take advantage of these amendments.
Information on T.H.E. Expo for March 2–4, 2017, and registrations, can be found at theexpo.co.nz. Registrations by phone can be made on 0800 004 444.
