IAA Transportation 2026: 150 Debuts and Pressure on Policymakers

IAA Transportation 2026 aims to further expand its role as the leading international trade show for commercial vehicles, transportation, and logistics. From September 15 to 20, manufacturers, suppliers, bodybuilders, and logistics companies will gather in Hanover. More than 150 world premieres and new products are set to be unveiled there for the first time. Under the motto “We Deliver,” the trade show will focus on battery-electric and hydrogen-based powertrains, digital services, and automated and autonomous driving. More than 70 percent of the exhibitors come from abroad, and about one-third are participating for the first time. IAA Transportation thus remains a global platform for the transformation of road freight transport.

At the opening press conference, VDA President Hildegard Müller emphasized the fundamental importance of the industry: “The logistics industry delivers every day and keeps Germany and Europe running.” It brings food to the markets, components to production, and goods to the people. Road freight transport is thus far more than just a downstream service provider: in 2024, road transport accounted for around 84 percent of Germany’s total transport volume. According to VDA figures, the commercial vehicle industry directly employs around 140,000 people.

Müller’s message to policymakers, however, is clear. The industry has delivered on climate-friendly vehicles; now Berlin and Brussels must create the necessary conditions. Battery-electric trucks with ranges of more than 500 kilometers are available, and hydrogen trucks can travel around 700 to 800 kilometers. “We have taken the lead with commitment and significant upfront investments,” said Müller. However, charging and refueling infrastructure, grid connections, competitive electricity prices, and security of supply have not kept pace.
The gap is significant: By 2030, at least 35,000 publicly accessible MCS fast-charging points for heavy-duty commercial vehicles will be needed across Europe, and up to 50,000 truck-compatible charging points in total. For Germany, the VDA estimates a need for about 4,000 MCS charging points. Currently, the rollout is far from complete: As of the end of July, only 355 charging points at 88 locations were available for heavy-duty commercial vehicles nationwide.

Hydrogen also remains a problem area. Across Europe, around 2,000 truck-compatible refueling stations are to be built by 2030. Müller therefore warns against CO₂ fleet regulations, whose penalties could have an existential impact on companies as long as the necessary political infrastructure is lacking.“Brussels and Berlin have a duty to drive forward the framework conditions for infrastructure expansion with determination and ambition. Yet the necessary infrastructure is not in place; grid connections are lacking, permits take years to obtain, and at the same time, the economic conditions for freight forwarders are becoming increasingly difficult. All of this shows that policymakers have not yet done their part sufficiently. The automotive industry has delivered, but the set goals are unachievable under the current conditions,” said Müller. 
 
Müller emphasized: “The transformation will only be a success story if it brings together prosperity, growth, and employment. To achieve this, policymakers in Brussels and Berlin must finally do everything in their power to address the international competitiveness of Germany and Europe as business locations. A strong business location is the best response to increasing international competition.”

The figures presented at the press conference make it clear: IAA Transportation remains true to its international aspirations. More than 70 percent of exhibitors come from abroad. At the same time, a high number of new exhibitors is creating additional momentum. About one-third of the exhibitors will be participating in the trade show for the first time in 2026. “The high level of international participation and the large number of first-time exhibitors demonstrate how attractive IAA Transportation is as a global platform for the commercial vehicle, logistics, and transportation industries,” said Jürgen Mindel, Managing Director of the VDA. 
 
Once again, supplier companies and bodybuilders form the backbone of the trade show. With over 766 exhibitors, suppliers continue to form the backbone of the event. Nearly half of all exhibitors come from this sector. Bodybuilders are the second-largest group, with 240 participants. The program is rounded out by 84 test vehicles from 17 exhibitors, which visitors with the appropriate driver’s license can experience on the fairgrounds and on public roads. (aum)