RTX 2025: Diverse transport innovation showcase
RTX 2025: Diverse transport innovation showcase
The Road Transport Expo (RTX) 2025, held at the NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, once again proved why it is one of the premier gatherings for the UKโs commercial vehicle (CV) sector.
With over 200 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the event offered a comprehensive look at the evolving road transport landscape โ from cutting-edge truck technology to the future of alternative fuels and fleet management.
This yearโs show was far from a one-brand spectacle. A wide array of manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers were on hand, bringing with them a mix of new product reveals, hands-on experiences, and interactive demonstrations that catered to both seasoned industry professionals and newcomers alike.
Powerful presence with a nod to the future
Volvo Trucks UK stood out with an impressive outdoor display featuring no fewer than 25 vehicles. Among the highlights was the formidable FH16 780 XXL, boasting Europeโs most powerful diesel engine. Alongside it, the electric FM and LNG-powered FH units served to underline Volvoโs multi-energy approach, bridging traditional muscle with clean propulsion.
Also noteworthy was the Globetrotter XXL cab โ a comfortable, extended cab design aimed at improving driver welfare on long hauls. This commitment to both performance and sustainability gave Volvo one of the most talked-about presences at RTX.
Focus on electric
Renault Trucks continued its pivot toward low-emission transport with a clear focus on electric vehicles (EVs). Its stand was dedicated entirely to zero-emission options, including the 26-t E-Tech D Wide 6×2 and an E-Tech Master 3.1-t van. There was also an EV ride-and-drive opportunity, allowing visitors to experience the trucks in action.
What made Renaultโs display distinctive was its strong messaging around readiness. These were not concept vehicles โ they were production-ready, on-the-road electric trucks designed to slot into existing fleets.
A special edition
DAF Trucks UK pulled the covers off the UK30 Special Edition XG+ 530 โ and it was a proper showstopper.
Finished in an exclusive metallic green with bold Union Flag accents, this limited-edition truck marked three decades of DAF leading the UK truck market. Only 30 are being built, making it a rare collectorโs piece. The upper bunk in the cab features a bold Union Flag graphic, which looks absolutely fantastic.
Inside, it offers top-tier comfort, with features like bespoke Xtra leather air seats and premium interior trim. It is available in four configurations: FTS 6×2 with twin-wheeled tag axle, FTG 6×2 twin-steer/pusher, FTN 6×2 rear-steer, and FT 4×2.
Hand-built at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, this truck wasnโt just a nod to heritage โ it was a celebration of British engineering at its best. Happy 30th birthday, DAF, what a way to celebrate!
Real-world focus
Isuzu UK returned with a practical and relatable stand featuring the N75 and Grafter ranges. Emphasis was placed on its vehicles’ adaptability across various urban and regional applications, including tippers and refrigerated units. A strong presence from the dealer network created a welcoming, solution-oriented atmosphere.
Isuzuโs โno-nonsenseโ branding โ vehicles that do what they say on the tin โ resonated with many fleet operators dealing with the demands of payload, access, and reliability.
Sustainability, driver comfort, and heritage
Scania brought a blend of heritage and future-forward thinking. The stand featured both traditional diesel vehicles and new Bio-LNG options. Scania also chose RTX for the world debut of its brand-new 11-litre Super engine, which is a game-changer for weight-critical operations. Sitting perfectly between the 9- and 13-litre engines, the new 11-litre delivers up to 7% better fuel economy and is 85kg lighter than the 13-litre.
Battery power and construction capability
MAN took the opportunity to present its eTGX tractor unit and TGS construction trucks. Its stand was grounded in real-world deployment scenarios, with the eTGX positioned not just as a low-emissions option, but as a workhorse with credible payload and range.
The combination of construction-spec models and e-mobility highlighted MANโs ambition to support fleets across multiple operational areas.
Celebrating heritage and innovation
Iveco came to RTX 2025 fresh from celebrating its 50th anniversary, and its stand reflected a mix of nostalgia and innovation. The brandโs S-Way range formed the backbone of the display, with multiple configurations showcasing adaptability for both long-haul and regional operations.
The highlight of the stand was a 44-t Iveco S-Way 500 CNG 6×2. Dressed in hand-painted green and black, this head-turner wasnโt just a pretty face. With 500hp under the bonnet, eight CNG tanks, and over 500km of clean-running range, it’s built to go the distance โ and look good doing it.
Inside? Alcantara, custom stitching, and creature comforts galore. Outside? MirrorCams, predictive cruise, and serious aerodynamic flair. The reg plate said it all: X8 CNG. Clean, clever, and โ as we said โ seriously cool.
Multi-energy strategy
Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK arrived with a well-rounded offering that balanced diesel mainstays like the Actros L with new zero-emission entrants such as the eActros and eEconic.
Also featured was the Actros Edition 3, a premium cab with bespoke interior and exterior styling aimed at the owner-driver segment. Staff at the stand noted an uptick in interest from fleet managers exploring how to phase in electric options without overhauling their entire infrastructure.
Trailers galore
Krone used its outdoor stand to demonstrate how trailer design is evolving alongside tractors. Its new generation Profi Liner featured improvements in weight, aerodynamics, and smart connectivity. Also on display was Kroneโs telematics solution, which integrates tyre pressure monitoring, load detection, and GPS tracking โ clearly responding to operatorsโ growing demand for real-time data.
Rival manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull presented its own intelligent trailer solutions. A highlight was the S.KO COOL Smart refrigerated trailer, which includes an electric reefer unit and extensive telematics for cold chain
logistics. Staff offered live demonstrations of Schmitz’s Cargobull Telematics app, showing how fleets can improve efficiency and compliance monitoring via mobile integration.
Tiger Trailers showcased both skeletal and box trailers at its stand, underlining their adaptability across multiple transport applications. Its team highlighted the growing demand for custom trailer design and assembly โ a core strength of the Cheshire-based manufacturer.
The company also highlighted its apprenticeship programmes and recent factory investments, reinforcing its commitment to building UK manufacturing capabilities.
Lifting the standard
Palfingerโs stand attracted considerable attention thanks to its live crane demonstrations. Whether truck-mounted cranes or hookloaders, the focus was on automation, safety, and ease of operation.
Visitors were able to try out control systems via simulators, adding an engaging element to what could otherwise be dry equipment reviews. Palfinger also showcased advances in hybrid lifting systems โ an increasingly relevant area for urban operators.
Smarter drivetrains
ZF made its RTX debut with a stand that focused on intelligent driveline technology. The company presented its modular electrified axle platforms, plus predictive maintenance systems driven by real-time data.
The standโs centrepiece was an interactive cutaway of ZFโs electric axle integrated with suspension and braking systems โ a compelling look at the future of drivetrains in both the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and light commercial vehicle (LCV) segments.
All about the ecosystem and infrastructure
Ford Pro presented an ecosystem of electric CVs and integrated software solutions. On display was the new E-Transit Custom and Ranger plug-in hybrid. Fordโs telematics offerings were demonstrated live, showing how software, charging, and service can be centralised for fleet operators. The stand included hands-on experiences with Fordโs charging solutions, providing practical insight into depot and public charging infrastructure.
Speaking of charging, BP Pulse returned to RTX with a larger footprint, this time showcasing end-to-end solutions for depot electrification. From site surveys to scalable charging infrastructure, BP Pulseโs approach is firmly rooted in enabling real-world adoption of electric fleets. Its team also offered advice on grant eligibility and transition planning โ an increasingly pressing topic.
Beyond the big stands
While the major truck OEMs predictably drew large crowds, RTX 2025 excelled in its diversity of exhibitors. Companies like Thermo King (refrigeration), Michelin (tyres), and Brigade Electronics (safety systems) added depth to the conversation around total fleet operation.
Sustainability was another consistent theme across many smaller exhibitors. Whether it was lightweight bodywork, AI-driven route planning, or green fuels, the overarching message was clear: transformation in the transport industry is underway โ and accelerating.
The Driver Welfare Zone, meanwhile, remained a key attraction. This year it featured health checks, mental health resources, and advice on diet and sleep โ all presented in a welcoming, professional setting. It was a subtle but important reminder that technology alone doesnโt keep fleets moving; people do.
Preventing bridge strikes: a key concern
At RTX, one of the key real-world challenges addressed by exhibitors was HGVs colliding with low bridges, a persistent problem in the UKโs road transport network. This issue, often referred to as โbridge strikesโ, results in significant delays, safety risks, and damage to infrastructure and vehicles.
Several exhibitors tackled this head-on with technological solutions and driver safety systems. For instance, VisionTrack showcased its AI-powered video telematics solutions, which help fleet operators reduce risk by using real-time video and data analysis.ย
While not exclusively focused on bridge strikes, its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and driver behaviour analytics offer a proactive approach to preventing incidents involving low bridges by alerting drivers to potential hazards before they occur.
Known for its vehicle safety systems, Brigade Electronics highlighted solutions such as ultrasonic obstacle detection, driver alert systems, and 360-degree camera monitoring. These technologies assist drivers in navigating tight urban environments where low-clearance bridges are common. While its core products arenโt bridge-specific, the companyโs emphasis on enhanced driver awareness indirectly supports bridge strike reduction.
Aptiv, meanwhile, presented cutting-edge connectivity and navigation tech aimed at creating smarter routing for CVs. Its innovations point towards bridge-aware GPS routing systems, which could prevent incidents by directing high-sided vehicles away from low-clearance routes.
Stoneridge, on the other hand, exhibited intelligent tachograph and driver information systems. These can be integrated with route management software that warns drivers of low bridges along their route, supporting compliance and incident reduction.
These stands demonstrated how the bridge strike problem is being approached from various angles โ from driver training and behavioural insight to AI navigation and real-time alerts. While there wasnโt a single stand dedicated solely to low-bridge avoidance, the combined innovations across the exhibition made it clear that the industry is actively working to tackle this costly and dangerous problem.
Collaboration and innovation to the fore
RTX 2025 was not just a showcase of machines and tech; it was a barometer of the CV industryโs current momentum and future direction. From electric tractors and data-driven trailers to in-depth conversations about policy, skills, and infrastructure, RTX delivered a holistic and meaningful experience. As the industry steers through regulatory changes, energy transition, and digital transformation, RTX showed that collaboration and innovation remain the driving forces behind its success.ย
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