With an unplanned extra year to prepare, no thanks to Covid-19, the Transfleet Trailers/Allied Petroleum Bombay Truck Show is ready to return even bigger and brighter as the first big road transport event of the new year. 

With over 400 trucks entered for display, 60 trade stands and a new Careers Zone added to the event, the second running of the show is at the Bombay Rugby Club grounds on Saturday January 21.

The show provides an early chance for the industry to showcase new models and the latest builds for 2023.

Show coordinator Marieka Morcombe says the anticipation is building not only in the industry, but also in the local community.

“The show committee and the whole community is really excited about the show. There is a real buzz building and I hear people talking about it at the rugby club, school pick-ups and in online chatter,” says Marieka.

“With it being such a huge build up – three years – it’s a huge amount of time between shows. The public that came to the first event can’t wait to come back. Exhibitors are putting plans together and organising giveaways on their stands and truck drivers are polishing.”

The UDC Show & Shine is a keenly contested element of the Bombay Show.

 “To join our own 68 trophies, we have also been entrusted with an old trophy, the A&A Transport Cup. This was donated by Allan & Adrienne James in 1992 for The Best Presented Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicle.

“From the limited information we have, it was awarded at a few different North Island truck shows from 1992 to 2000. It then sat somewhere for 19 years before being awarded to Pukekohe Carriers in 2019. We look forward to seeing it continue in circulation and awarding it at the next Transfleet Trailers/Allied Petroleum Bombay Truck Show.”

Marieka says the history of the trophy isn’t clear.

“If anyone has history to share with us on this trophy’s travels, I’d love to hear about it.”

Other attractions include food trucks, live music and a free Kidzone entertainment area.

While the truck show has a commercial and entertainment format it’s primary goal is to raise funds for charity and community groups.

“Having already donated $37,500 to charity in advance of the show, we look forward to handing over the balance and we know our charities look forward to receiving it,” says Marieka.

The three groups - Franklin Hospice, Blood Cancer & Leukaemia Foundation and the Bombay Rugby Club - will all have a presence on the day.

“Take a moment to speak to them to find out what they do to help so many people around the country. Drop another coin in their buckets. It all helps!”