Brisbane is back on the destination list for New Zealanders with an interest in new trucks, classics and heavy machinery.

The biennial Brisbane Truck Show went ahead in 2021 but Covid travel restrictions made it a difficult trip for Kiwi enthusiasts. In 2023 the event  returns to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, running from Thursday 18 May to Sunday 21 May.

The Brisbane show is recognised among the world’s leading industry business events. It is owned and run by national industry association, Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), who have produced the Brisbane Truck Show, on behalf of members and the broader industry, for over 50 years.

The event promises the biggest line-up of trucks, trailers, components, equipment and technology in the Southern Hemisphere.

A final list of major reveals and new model introductions has yet to be published but among the exhibitors is PACCAR with the opportunity to showcase the new Kenworth K220 range, Western Star with its new 47X, 48X and 49X models and MAN’s new generation TGL, TGM, TGS and TGX .

Buoyed by record demand for new trucks in the lead up, key brands represented in Brisbane will include Mack, UD, Hino, Isuzu, DAF and Freightliner.

New electric trucks will also be on display, including Volvo’s all-new Volvo FL and FE Electric medium-duty models, SEA Electric’s 300 and 500 Series, and potentially the Mercedes-Benz’s eActros, which is set to begin local trials in early 2023. 

Confirmation of a Hyzon stand suggests its fuel cell electric truck – due on New Zealand roads later this year – will be on show.

The Brisbane show also puts the skills and innovations of Australian trailer manufacturers on display along the latest products and services from industry suppliers in segments such as lighting, driveline components, wheels and tyres and lubricants. The dedicated Merchandise Alley is another popular feature of the show.

The drawcards extend beyond the show at the Convention Centre.

Running concurrently in the Parklands precinct - with the support of Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane City Council and South Bank Corporation - is the South Bank Truck Festival.

Little Stanley St and Stanley St Plaza will be closed to traffic for an exciting showcase of innovative trucks and trailers along with free family entertainment.

Nearby at the Rocklea Showgrounds the Heritage Truck Association Australia hosts its big annual classic truck show. The HTAA show is on May 20-21 with gates open from 8am on both days.

HTAA’s Michelle Wilkie says the association is hoping to once again see the showground at capacity, filled with all different makes and models of trucks, tractors, cars, utes and machines. The showgrounds are just 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

Another event running in conjunction with the Truck Show is the 2023 Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show.

Previously the Civil Construction Field Days, the new and improved show will be presented by Civil Contractors Federation Queensland (CCF QLD) at the Royal International Convention Centre and Showgrounds (Brisbane Showgrounds) from May 18-21.

More info, tickets etc: www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au