RTX 2026: A Unique Show That Embraces the British Spirit

Every year, attending the Road Transport Expo is an event I look forward to. Not only to discover the latest innovations from manufacturers, but because this show always offers a genuine change of scenery. Just a few hours after crossing the English Channel, everything feels different. British trucks have an identity of their own, the custom builds are different, the configurations are different, and that is precisely what makes this visit so enjoyable. Even when the brands are the same as those found across mainland Europe, you genuinely feel like you are discovering a completely different world.

Set in the beautiful green surroundings of the NAEC Stoneleigh, in Warwickshire, the RTX is unlike any other European trade show. Here, exhibitors set up their stands on perfectly maintained lawns, visitors stroll around in an atmosphere that almost feels like a traditional British garden party, and everything reflects friendliness and hospitality. Far from huge exhibition halls, the show focuses on personal interaction, close access to the vehicles and a particularly relaxed atmosphere.

Year after year, the Road Transport Expo continues to grow. The number of exhibitors increases every year, confirming that the event has now become a benchmark for the entire road transport industry across the United Kingdom.

Manufacturers, bodybuilders, equipment suppliers, tyre specialists, crane manufacturers, alternative energy providers and connected mobility solution companies are all represented. This continuous growth demonstrates the attractiveness of a show that has firmly established itself on the European transport calendar.

Much of this success is thanks to the work carried out by the organisers. Our colleagues at Commercial Motor magazine have successfully developed the RTX into the UK’s leading event for the commercial vehicle industry.

Everything is designed with transport professionals in mind: easily accessible vehicles, numerous live demonstrations, a large test drive area, technical conferences and networking opportunities throughout the industry. The result is a dynamic exhibition where visitors come not only to discover the latest products but also to meet and exchange ideas with transport operators.

This is probably what I enjoy most every time I attend RTX. British trucks have retained a unique personality. Their configurations are often different from those we are familiar with on the continent, the accessories are specific to the UK market, and the custom builds reflect a truck culture that remains incredibly strong.

That is also why every visit feels like a real change of scenery. You find familiar manufacturers, but the vehicles on display showcase a completely different approach to road transport.

Feel free to visit our TruckStop application and head to the “Videos” section, where you will find a complete recap of this RTX 2026 edition. As a reminder, the application is completely free to download and gives you access to all of our articles, videos and now our podcasts.

Once again, this edition confirms that the Road Transport Expo fully deserves its excellent reputation. I am already looking forward to returning next year, as it is always a pleasure to walk through the aisles of this exhibition with such a unique atmosphere.

In the meantime, I invite you to discover the TruckStop photo gallery. I genuinely enjoyed bringing back as many pictures as possible to share with you everything that makes this event so unique.

Text and photos: Fabien Calvet