CV Show 2025: 5 standout commercial vehicles

Peaky Blinders, pick-ups and the PV5, Birmingham drew in the motoring and logistics crowds for the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC. 

Blackcircles went down to the home of the Balti curry to see what else Birmingham had to offer. And, there were quite a few vehicles that caught our eye: but two stand-outs, namely Isuzu’s D-Max EV and Farizon’s SV — both enjoying their first public European debuts — seem set to shake up the commercial vehicle market. 

Kia: hello again, PV5

It’s always a treat to see the inimitable PV5 and this time we enjoyed an up close and personal experience — something that the overwhelming crowds at the Paris Motor Show didn’t allow. From the confines of the passenger and driver’s seat we were able to take in the interior: solid but soft. From the dash and the seats to the lining of the back doors, there was a slight give to the plastic finish, but that didn’t take away from the feeling of a sturdy, long-lasting design. We liked it. Now, enjoying its UK launch, in both Crew and Cargo models, other attendees also seemed intrigued.  

Renault and Flexis: a child of revolution, the Estafette

Renault and Flexis (the brainchild of Renault and Volvo) were both out in force at the CV Show. Both brands were showing off the electric Estafette, badged to start delivery in 2026. With its simple step-in rear doors, headroom for people up to 1.9 m height, and walk-through between the driver’s cockpit and the cargo area; we predict the Estafette will be turning quite a few heads — and gathering a long sign-up list. 

Farizon: the SV is a new EV

If you’ve not heard about Farizon, don’t worry, you’ve not been left behind. Farizon is new and this is its first public debut in Europe. The brand is the commercial division of China-based Geely Motor Company, aiming to carve a new path in electric vehicles. To say we were impressed would be putting it mildly — and judging by the crowds, we weren’t the only ones. Farizon vehicles are ‘born electric’ and in the brand’s striving for a forward-thinking technology, it hasn’t neglected the driving experience and interior details either. The price tag is a little daunting, but we’ll wait to see the impact that has on sales.  

Ford: Happy 60th, Transit

It would be tactless to have walked around the CV Show and not have clocked that it’s the Transit’s 60th anniversary. The Transit, which Ford celebrates as the ‘Backbone of Britain’ was having its heyday. Aficionados could take in the Transit Custom MSRT rally van and the best-selling Transit Custom, as well as the mid-engined madness of the Ford SuperVan. Or wander down memory lane, with treasures such as the first-ever Transit and the 1964 Taurius Transit on deliver — you could almost smell the nostalgia. 

Isuzu: the pick-up professionals

Isuzu put on a good display at the CV show, and we could have scooped up several, including the Huntsman and Isuzu’s new EV. Enjoying its European launch at the CV Show, the D-MAX EV was certainly turning heads: an electric pick-up. How? Why? And where? But as the initial head-scratchers dissipated, it was clear there was a market looking for a rugged vehicle for off-roading that could also meet the many burgeoning sustainability requirements. As Isuzu is one of the first brands to meet the demand, we’re intrigued to see if the D-MAX EV can plug the gap in the market. Looks-wise, it hasn’t deviated from its ICE cousins and with roughly 160 miles of range, we’ll be keeping an eye on it.

So that's the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 in a nutshell. Which vehicle stands out to you?