From humble beginnings in 1968 as an event to connect manufacturers with customers, the Brisbane Truck Show has ballooned into the biggest and best industry showcase of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
This year’s four-day extravaganza at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), organised by peak body Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), will feature over 30,000 square metres of sold-out exhibition space for the best brands right across the trucking spectrum.
Centre stage again for the tens of thousands of road transport fans who will flock to the BCEC from 9am on Thursday, May 15, are all the latest high-tech big rigs, engines and trailers on the main floor. This year’s show is hosting 22 truck and engine brands, including the eagerly anticipated return of Scania after a six-year hiatus (see page 36).
The latest in parts and accessories will be on display in record numbers. Image: HVIAAt deadline for this issue, PACCAR was keeping a tight lid on its ‘big reveal’ for the hordes of Kenworth fans who make a beeline for the centre stage on the Foyer Level of Hall 4. What we do know at the time of writing is that attendees can look forward to the debut of several new models, such as DAF’s XG and XG+, Scania’s revised V8 range and new 13-litre six-cylinder ‘Super’ engine family, Volvo’s FH Aero range, Isuzu’s updated N Series, and Eurocold’s ‘Balanced’ range of refrigerated trucks.
Daimler Truck is also giving Mercedes-Benz Actros fans a first look at the ‘validation’ version of the all-new ProCabin, Mack takes the covers off a new Super-Liner and the MAN TGX Individual Lion S will be on display for the first time.
Freightliner, meanwhile, will mark the debut of an eye-catching Cascadia special edition celebrating Freightliner’s routes that go all the way back to 1942.
While the advancement in Euro 6 models is the main theme amongst the heavies this year, the show will also highlight advancements in zero-emission vehicles across a wide range of GVMs.
The many highlights include Scania unveiling its next-generation fully electric BEV trucks, while Hyundai will present its XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck. In amongst the truck manufacturers, a staggering array of 34 world-class trailer and body manufacturers jostle for attention, including the just-released Freez-R refrigerated trailer offering from Freighter Group (formerly Maxitrans) developed in collaboration with Schmitz Cargobull (see page 40).
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Brisbane Truck Show without the parts and accessories suppliers and technology providers, and this year they are out in record numbers, many of whom are profiled in this bumper liftout.
In line with the continued evolution and growth of the HVIA show – a record 42,855 fans came through the turnstiles last year – it’s also now part of a wider celebration, Truck Week 25 from May 12-18. The array of new launches includes the first-ever national Show ‘N’ Shine Championships (story page 10) and the Premier Boxing Series at the South Bank Piazza on the evenings of May 16 and 17.
Below are a few other Truck Week highlights, all within easy reach of the BCEC.
Heritage Truck Show
After returning to its inaugural home of the Rocklea Showgrounds – about 15 minutes’ drive from the BCEC – in 2021, the classic show from May 17-18 has grown in size and popularity.
The 1962 Mack is the only one of its kind in Australia. Image: HVIA“We got around 160 trucks last time, with around 2000 people through the gate, which is just huge,” said the Heritage Truck Association Australia (HTAA) President, Mark Plunkett.
“It is looking to be even bigger because we got so much positive feedback last time, with visitors coming from all over Australia and overseas.
“They came to the Brisbane Truck Show, but they could jump on a bus to come out and see our show too.”
According to Mark, the HTAA is growing with more than 500 members now and it’s showing no signs of slowing – proving there is a serious appetite for the classic trucks that once ruled the roads.
“It’s been growing fairly well for the last couple of years and while you do lose some people as the older guys drop out of the club or sell their trucks, new ones come through,” he says.
“We even have people who never really had trucks but they fall in love with them.”
A highlight for Mark is seeing the faces of children light up as they get to see, smell and hear the old bangers fire to life.
For the older fans, every truck on display has a fascinating story behind it and owners on hand only too happy to share its history.
One of the most popular this year is bound to be a 1962 Mack H673 ST, the only one of its kind in Australia. Another model was imported into Australia in 1962 for Anthill Ranger & Co, later Mayne Nickless, but after changing hands several times was finally scrapped and used for parts.
The remaining ‘Cherry Picker’ – so named due to the distinctive 2.7m cab height – was purchased by Frank Fleming & Sons in Brisbane and converted to right-hand drive for use hauling earthmoving and allied equipment. It was retired in the mid-1980s and underwent a much-deserved restoration.
The B-Model Mack drag truck from the ‘70s has been meticulously restored by owner Bernie Tobin. Image: HVIAThe truck was eventually put on display at the Queensland Transport Museum in Gatton before being purchased in 2015 by Rodney and Janette Sims, who are now the owners of this one-of-a kind showpiece.
Another recent restoration that’s bound to capture plenty of attention is the iconic Mean Machine B-Model Mack drag truck from the ‘70s, which has been meticulously restored by owner Bernie Tobin.
The truck is powered by a 8V71 supercharged Detroit, producing over 600 horsepower, with a nitrous oxide kit boosting this by another 350hp, and running through a 13-speed Roadranger overdrive gearbox.
Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show
Yet another free bonus for truck show attendees, the Heavy Vehicle Equipment and Machinery Show (HEMS) drew record crowds in 2023 and organisers are tipping the follow-up from May 15-17 to be even bigger.
The event at the nearby Brisbane Showgrounds – free shuttles run between the BCEC with reciprocal entry ticket rights – will feature a record 101 exhibitor sites, with a range of displays and experiences for operators, families and, of course, the little ones.
The show has become one of the nation’s largest displays of all-things earthmoving, held in conjunction with the Truck Show from May 15-17 at the nearby Brisbane Showgrounds, offering something for everyone – from diggers to dozers, and of course plenty of giveaways.
“We have been holding this event, originally called the Civil Construction Field Days, since 2019 and we are thrilled with the growth in such a short time,” said Damian Long, CEO of organiser, Civil Contractors Federation Queensland (CCF QLD).
“The 2023 event really cemented the show’s popularity with 5500 people coming from all across Australia to check out the latest and greatest from the heavy equipment and machinery world.
“It’s phenomenal to see how far it has come, considering that we had just 900 people join us for the first show in 2019! This year we anticipate we will get more than 7000 people based on past growth.”
The Depot
A new innovation right across the road from the main BCEC entrance on the lawns of the TAFE Queensland South Bank campus, organisers say The Depot is more than just a free sideshow – it’s a dynamic hub designed to inspire, educate and connect.
Aimed primarily at young people, The Depot’s interactive displays bring to life more than 30 potential roles in the heavy vehicle industry, from manufacturing and maintenance to operations and support.
Visitors can also get behind the wheel of one of the Brisbane Truck School and Commercial Simulators which offers a full motion rig and a giant wrap-around screen and a Roadranger gearbox.
The new activation includes the Scania Dunk Trunk which features a half-size basketball court. Image: HVIAAlso on show will be the Scania Dunk Truck which features a half-size basketball court that aims to promote the teamwork necessary in the transition from school to work.
For older attendees, The Depot is also the perfect place to unwind, de-brief and connect in the licensed beer garden.
Ready to rumble
Boxing fans will be in for a treat at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, with organisers teaming up with Australia’s leading fight promoter Ace Boxing.
The boxing will be staged across two nights at the South Bank Piazza. Image: HVIAIts Premier Boxing Series (PBS) will be staged across two nights at the South Bank Piazza, on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17.
Established in 2001 by Angelo Di Carlo, over the past 23 years Ace Boxing has become known for its exciting 50/50 match-ups and crowd-pleasing action.
Ace Boxing Group launched PBS in 2024, alongside its weekly panel show, Beyond the Ropes (BTR). In partnership with Channel 7, the deal sees boxing content return to free-to-air television weekly between March and December.
Boasting a variety of national and regional champions under its banner, each night Premier Boxing expects to feature six professional bouts, with a healthy undercard of elite amateur boxers.
The main event for each night will contest Australia’s elite athletes for title bouts.
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