Electric 7.5 tonne Isuzu 4x2 rigid chassis cab with Paneltex refrigerated body

This Electric 7.5 tonne Isuzu 4x2 rigid chassis cab with refrigerated body is one of five vans on display at the CV Show from bodybuilder Paneltex

Author: Matt Morton

THIS year’s CV Show at NEC (April 24 – 26) is building up to a major show as it draws in more and more exhibitors in what promises to be a vibrant showcase for the best in business vans and business van management.

If proof was needed, bodybuilder Paneltex is returning to this year’s CV Show after a three-year absence to celebrate its 21st year of operation with an impressive line-up of products from the individual operations within the Group.

From the Somers Refrigeration Division will be two vehicles both of which feature refrigerated van conversions built to ATP Class C specification.

There’s a medium wheelbase Somers converted high roof Euro5 VW Crafter for dual temperature applications, which features aSomers’ patented direct air system and a movable bulkhead. Refrigeration is provided by a GAH Super Rapier SR351F direct drive system. Other unique body features include the Somers Superfreeze fold back sliding load door on the nearside, as well as Superfreeze modular rear doors.

In addition to the Crafter conversion, there will also be a long wheelbase Somers Mercedes Vito with a single compartment body converted by Somers to ATP Class C standards and featuring a GAH Rapier R300 F refrigeration system and the Somers’ sliding freezer side door.

There will also be two commercial vehicles from the Paneltex stable. The first is a Mercedes Sprinter chassis cab specified with a dual compartment Paneltex refrigerated body for the company’s long-term customer Ocado.

As standard the van has a GAH direct drive refrigeration system, while the Paneltex insulated body has been custom built for Ocado’s home delivery operation, with access doors on both sides of the body for ease of unloading at customer drops. There’s also full width rear doors to facilitate goods loading prior to the delivery journey.

Alongside the converted Sprinter will be an 18tonne DAF LF55 chassis cab specified with an 8.4m Paneltex dual compartment temperature controlled body. In the colours of customer Palmer & Harvey, the Paneltex body features a Frigoblok FK24 diesel overcab refrigeration system as standard as well as a three-piece movable internal bulkhead, an insulated rear shutter door and taillift.

Completing the five-vehicle line up of company vans will be a 7.5 tonne all electric vehicle from the company’s Zeroed division. The 7.5 tonne Isuzu 4×2 rigid chassis cab is specified with a 6.5m single compartment Paneltex refrigerated body, featuring a side access door on the nearside and double rear doors. This all-electric vehicle will have an electric refrigeration system, as well as lithium iron phosphate batteries and a 50mph speed limiter.

Chris Berridge, managing director at Paneltex commented on this business van news: “2012 is a big year for the Paneltex group of companies, a significant milestone in the company’s history and confirming our status as one of the UK’s leading specialist bodybuilders for the commercial vehicle industry. The product line-up chosen for the show gives visitors to the stand an interesting selection of vehicles from our group of companies, clearly showing our diverse manufacturing capabilities, as well as our specialist bodybuilding expertise.”

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