Exhibition vehicles subject to limited supply in 2022?
Exhibition vehicles are going to be subject to supply shortages throughout the year but even more so during the first quarter.
The general shortage in the availability of new vehicles is likely to create a ‘perfect storm’ for those planning roadshow activities during 2022 by Scott Walker
Exhibition vehicles
Whilst there are many exhibition vehicles around the country based on bus conversions, eponymous vehicles such as the H van or unique vehicle conversions the vast majority are in fact based on van conversions and chassis cab conversions. Most of these vehicles being plated at 3500 kgs to enable virtually anyone with a standard driving licence to undertake the driving.
Rather worrying is the fact that it is these very classes of vehicle that are currently on exceptionally long lead times from manufacturers. A shortage which has been caused by the unfortunate coming together of numerous factors which is reflected across all brands and all manufacturing plants, wherever they may be located in the world.
For a little more information you can easily search the web and find useful articles such as
What’s it mean for new exhibition vehicle construction and conversion?
Well, it’s quite common for many companies, certainly most of the international ones, to hold off approving marketing budgets until the very start of the New Year, which means many marketing executives are only now having funds released to place orders for their roadshow activities. For these folk the chances of finding a suitable new vehicle available now for the commencement of promotional activities in say April / May time are frankly very slim.
For those particularly interested in the option for electric vehicles then the outlook is even more depressing as many brands are quoting end of this year and even into 2023 for any orders being placed this month.
And of course the rather well-worn economist’s bible of “supply and demand” comes into play meaning that as vehicles become harder to find the price goes up. So anyone who diligently prepared their budget even just 6 months ago may well find they are now looking at the need for significant over runs.
Is there an alternative solution to get the roadshow on the road?
The good news is yes, and certainly more so if you already have a vehicle that you had planned to replace this year. For you our advice would be to forget about replacement and extend the life of your existing vehicle. This approach will make your life so much easier.
That said your current exhibition vehicle may appear to be unsuitable for this years’ activities or perhaps mechanically a bit unreliable. If either of these apply, please don’t worry.
At Multi Vehicle Technology we can undertake a wide range of mechanical repairs and servicing whilst also transforming the external appearance (even shape) and of course rebuilding the interior.
Just a few of the transformations we can undertake
We can take any existing vehicle and give it a complete make over even changing its appearance and application by making changes such as:
- Adding swing out display panels and banner boards and shaping them if need be.
- Adding or even filling in windows.
- Enlarge or generally transform entrances.
- Creating platforms with handrails and new steps.
- We can enable older exhibition vehicles to become more compliant with DDA legislation via access ramps, hearing loops for the hard of hearing and fixtures and fitting suitable for the visually impaired.
- All furniture fixtures and fitting can be removed and replaced to satisfy your new promotional needs.
- And we can of course transform the overall appearance with a respray or full vinyl graphic wrap.
It’s really amazing what can be done to add years to your existing vehicle just take a look at our page covering refurbishments at https://www.multivehicletechnology.co.uk/services/refurbishment/
The second hand option
If you don’t already own an exhibition vehicle and have been planning on buying new for an early 2022 campaign then you may find that your only option to get the show on the road is to look at converting an existing vehicle. There are second hand models available and we have some for sale on our for sale page https://www.multivehicletechnology.co.uk/for-sale/
Alternatively we can take existing commercial goods carrying vehicles and transform them from exterior to interior.
That’s the good news. The bad news being that supply and demand is also pushing up prices on commercial vehicles in general so the earlier you can take decisions or find a vehicle to convert or upgrade the easier it will be on your budget.
We can assist you in any search.
Creative design
If you’re struggling to know what can or cannot be done we have our own in house creative team who can take a brief and present you with visuals (and even animations) for your proposed vehicle conversion or refurbishment.
Starting your roadshow planning now is NOT too early
For more information about the wide range of mechanical and refurbishment services we provide to those operating promotional and sampling roadshows please call us today on 0116 326 0989 to discuss your project and ask for Steve Stones. Alternatively write to him at stevestones@multivehicletechnology.co.uk
