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Sporting legend Nigel Mansell and TV’s Fiona Bruce to open the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014

 
Former F1 World Champion, and British motorsport royalty, Nigel Mansell, and renowned TV broadcaster Fiona Bruce, will officially open the Motorhome & Caravan Show on Tuesday 14th October at Birmingham’s NEC.

Famous for his love of racing, Nigel is also a passionate caravanner. Along with guest of The Caravan Club, Fiona Bruce, Nigel will be opening the event and he will be speaking in the Show’s Experts’ Theatre about his career and caravanning experiences – no doubt along with sharing his opinion on Lewis Hamilton’s chances of winning the current Formula One World Championship.

More than 400 exhibitors, including all the major UK and European manufacturers, will be at the Show from 14th – 19th October. Thousands of visitors will attend the event, and millions of pounds worth of sales are expected over the six days.

Nigel is the only driver in history to win both the Formula One and the Indy Car World Series in successive seasons, yet away from these exploits his family has enjoyed caravan holidays for more than 20 years.

Nigel says: “I have enjoyed caravan holidays for decades, and continue to do so. My family and I enjoy the freedom that comes with caravanning, and we’ve regularly visited Wales over the years to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“It’s amazing to see how far the industry has developed in recent years, there are some great looking vehicles out there that are more technologically advanced than ever. I’m delighted to open the show and will no doubt be browsing the new models myself!”

Visitors can also see journalist and presenter, Fiona Bruce, throughout the opening day, which is also Caravan Club Day, as following her joint Show opening she will be at The Caravan Club’s Lounge (20.79), hosting a set of forums and interactive sessions .

Well known for her love of the outdoors, The Camping and Caravanning Club President, Julia Bradbury, will be at the Show too, on ‘Friendly Friday’ - Friday 17th October, on stand (8.10).

The Motorhome & Caravan Show is the UK’s only national event for the motorhome and caravan industry where all the major manufacturers launch their exciting new 2015 models hot off the production line. The Show fills 11 giant halls at the NEC and in 2013 more than 100,000 people from across the UK visited.

This year hundreds of products will be on sale, many at Show only prices, for people to buy and browse, including caravans, motorhomes, campervans, trailer tents and folding caravans, luxury lodges and caravan holiday homes, not to mention thousands of outdoor accessories, gadgets and campsite and destination ideas.

Find out more about the show and win one of 20 pairs of tickets

World’s first electric campervan conversion to be unveiled at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014

•     Based on the new Nissan e-NV200 electric van
•     First commercially available vehicle of its kind
•     Converted by British experts Hillside Leisure
•     See it for the first time at the UK’s national, new product show

This year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show will see a world exhibition first with the grand unveiling of an electric, zero emission, campervan conversion from specialist British firm Hillside Leisure.

The Hillside Leisure campervan conversion is based on the Nissan e-NV200. With its van dimensions it can easily be used as a daily driver, yet once converted with an elevating roof and cargo area transformed into a luxurious living space it’s still perfect for those spontaneous weekend trips to the seaside, or days out in the Peak District.

The completed Hillside Leisure campervan has all the best equipment for camping and boasts many futuristic features, including:

•     Award winning zero-emission technology
•     40% lower servicing costs (no engine oil, belts, gearbox or clutch)
•     Up to four times cheaper to fuel than diesel vehicles
•     Vibration-free, emission-free, noise-free drivetrain
•     Practical 106 mile range, 76mph maximum speed
•     Multi-function display gives an economy read-out along with battery state of charge
•     Pre-heating control which can be remotely operated via a smartphone
•     Electric air conditioning system
•     Battery charge app for smartphones
•     2-ring hob, 39-litre fridge, on board water tank and low voltage LED lighting
•     Spinning passenger front seat
•     Rear seat that converts from seat to bed in just a few seconds
•     One to four berths

Mark Cross, director of Derby-based Hillside Leisure said: “We believe this conversion will be a first in the industry, indeed in the world, and the start of the electric revolution in our market. We went to great lengths to ensure delivery of the brand new Nissan e-NV200 electric van, which is the first one in the country, and we’ve used our in-house team of highly skilled craftsmen to create our unique campervan conversion. We can’t wait to unveil it at the Show, in Hall 11, and look forward to putting it into full production in 2015.

“You’re probably thinking about the practicalities of having an electric vehicle as a campervan and will be curious about charging points. If you haven’t experienced an electric car then you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a fast growing network of charge points and technology already exists to help drivers find their next charging point.”

Zap-Map shows that there are over 7,000 places in the UK that drivers can stop and re-charge their electric vehicle, which takes less time than people might think thanks to quick charging technology.

A dedicated CHAdeMO quick charger can recharge the battery to 80% capacity in as little as 30 minutes – a perfect time to grab a snack on route to a campsite. More than 1,100 CHAdeMO quick chargers are already available to the public and have been installed across Europe, with 220 of those in the UK.

Quote: Originally posted by tparkes on 03/10/2014

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Hi, just wondered when the competition for free tickets will be drawn please - it says on the page that the closing date is 14th November......

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New product launches in the Experts’ Theatre

Hymer, Adria and Auto-Sleepers all debuting new products

For the first time, The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014 will feature live product launches taking place at the Experts’ Theatre, in Hall 9. Three fantastic debuts will happen exclusively at the Show, with manufacturers talking in person about their amazing innovations and taking questions from the audience.

Adria – on opening day the company launches its brand new Altea 362 LH Forth touring caravan. This addition to the Altea range is a compact caravan with four berths, a modern trendy interior, intelligent lighting and a kitchen more at home in a boutique hotel than a tourer. 
See the grand unveilings - Tuesday 14th 1.45pm, and Sunday 19th 1.15pm

Show visitors can even win a brand new Altea 362 LH Forth courtesy of a competition run by The Caravan Club. Enter by filling out a form at stands 20.15 – 20.17 during the Show.

Auto-Sleepers – launching its new ‘Wave’ based on the Mercedes Vito. This 2-berth model with a colour coded Reimo pop-top roof is designed to deliver the combination of everyday usability with the ability to go exploring, or pursue a sporting hobby, at the drop of a hat.
See the grand unveiling - Friday 17th 1.15pm

Hymer – will launch its exciting new low-profile motorhome, the T SL 568. This four-berth vehicle is a premium model with many upgraded features including a luxury gourmet, standard kitchen and new layouts as well as a huge amount of standard equipment. For visitors looking to buy a motorhome that can tour Europe, and be lived in for weeks at a time, this could be the one.
See the grand unveiling - Thursday 16th 1.15pm

Product demonstrations from two of the UK’s leading camper van conversion companies will also take place live in the Experts’ Theatre, including:

Bilbo’s  - demonstrating its bestselling and award winning Celex based on the Volkswagen Transporter T5. This campervan benefits from a double bed and a host of innovative storage options. It’s designed to be a multi-use vehicle, equally at home doing the school run or going on holiday to the Mediterranean.
See the demonstration - Wednesday 15th 1.15pm

Hillside Leisure – showcasing its Birchover compact campervan. This is an up-market campervan available as either two or four berth and with a choice of pop or hi-top. It’s built on the user-friendly Volkswagen Transporter T5 and can easily be used as a daily driver yet is equally at home on a weekend break with the family.
See the demonstration - Saturday 18th 1.15pm

One product launch / demonstration will take place each day of the Show and is a chance for the public to ‘meet the makers’. Who better to talk through a product than the manufacturers themselves? Each session will last 30 minutes in total, with 10 minutes dedicated to audience questions.

Andrew Whalley, NCC Events managing director said:  “We know that many people visit our Show to see what is new and exciting in the market, so this initiative in the Experts’ Theatre will undoubtedly resonate with our audience.

“We’ve got an exciting mix of products for the public to see for the first time and as well as witnessing these grand unveilings, visitors will also be able to ask the manufacturers the questions they really want to.”

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014 is at the Birmingham NEC from the 14 – 19 October and tickets are still on sale at special advance prices from just £7*. Booking in advance means beating the queues and saving money.