Marked by a noteworthy climate of newfound optimism, the 2021 edition of SOLUTRANS, hosted by the French Bodywork Federation FFC, closed its doors at the EurExpo in Lyon, on an extremely positive note.
Over the space of five days (from 16 to 20 November 2021), the exhibition welcomed more than 1,000 exhibitors and brands and recorded nearly 50,000 visits. This attendance was satisfactory compared with the 2019 edition, given the current exceptional circumstances.
The French Minister Delegate for Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, who came to visit the show on Friday 19 November, reiterated his support for the industry and announced the launch of two schemes to develop electric LCVs and HGVs.
1,200 guests congregated in Hall 2.2 to witness the prize-giving ceremonies of the Truck of The Year and Van of the Year Awards, the International Pick Up Award and the Truck Innovation Award for 2022.
With 1,000 exhibitors and represented brands, the 2021 edition of SOLUTRANS proved to be an all-out success, the result of substantive work undertaken over the past several years by the FFC (French Bodywork Federation). Its new organisation, helping exhibitors to stand out and offering professionals a memorable visiting experience, was acclaimed by all. The new Hall 1, rechristened SOLUTRANS 4.0 “The future starts here”, presented innovation and new players in the sector in all fields, from engineering to training via industry. The test track, extended and redesigned in response to demand from visitors and HGV and LCV manufacturers, enabled exhibitors to present their new energy vehicles (gas, hybrid, electric, fuel cell, etc.) in real life conditions to a great many professionals.
To illustrate the business climate and its stature as appreciated by governmental bodies, it is also worth highlighting the announcement made at the show by Jean-Baptiste DJEBBARI, Minister Delegate for Transport. Hauliers are set to receive €65 million of additional aid as part of a call for projects for “electric heavy vehicles”. This call for projects aims to increase the amount of subsidy per vehicle and finance up to 60% of the installation of charging terminals suited to the needs of hauliers. This aid will be made available at the beginning of 2022 to all the market players contributing to the deployment of electric transport and mobility, in particular logistics professionals. The conversion of combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (retrofit) is also eligible.
Finally, the FFC also held a large round table debate on the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) with industry stakeholders. Vehicle manufacturers, PSA, Greater Lyon Authority, CSIAM and hauliers were all invited to express their vision of LEZs which might respect the constraints of each of them, while also helping to reduce the carbon footprint.
As at each edition, SOLUTRANS 2021 shone a light on the innovations in industry with special awards events:
- The I-nnovation AWARDS, organised by the FFC in a revisited format and with a new visual identity, honoured the following:
- Body Builders category – Gold award winner: CVIM – Silver award winner: Forez-Bennes – Bronze award winner: Chereau – “Joseph LIBNER” special award : Le Capitaine.
- Equipment Suppliers category – Gold award winner: DYN’ACCESS – Silver award winner: Allison Transmission – Bronze award winner: Sofrigam – “Joseph LIBNER” special award ” : Bosch.
- Digital AWARD : “Connectivity solutions”: Lamberet – “Software publishing” : Ekolis – Judges’ special award: IDrive
- The International Awards were announced and presented at the Gala evening: Truck of the Year : DAF XF/XG and XG+ ; Truck Innovation Award : DAF XF Hydrogen ; International Van of The Year : Renault Kangoo Van and Mercedes Benz Citan ; International Pick up Award : Toyota Hilux.
- The presentation of the 2020 Industry Personality of the Year Award distinguished the chairmen of the three haulage federations FNTR, OTRE and TLF, for the initiatives conducted to support their professions at the height of the Covid crisis.