Lorries and other commercial vehicles are on the way toward “digital transformation”, according to the organisers of the IAA event.
Now in its 66th year, the IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition is regarded as one of the the most important trade fairs for mobility, transport and logistics.
Some 2,000 exhibitors are expected to showcase their products at the event, due to be held in Hannover, Germany.
Matthias Wissmann, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), which organizes the IAA, says this year’s slogan is “Driven by ideas”. He says it points to the huge drive for innovation in the companies exhibiting at the event.
Wissman says: “The 66 IAA Commercial Vehicles will open its doors in Hannover on September 22. There has never been more future at the IAA. Numerous models with alternative powertrains will be on display. City buses, vans and distribution trucks are increasingly using electric power. The entire sector is undergoing a digital transformation – the commercial vehicles of the future will be connected, and automated driving will soon be a reality.”
Preparations for the IAA are running at top speed, says Wissman, adding: “We have sold more stand space than we did at the last IAA Commercial Vehicles. Once again we have a great many exhibitors, at around 2,000. The IAA is becoming ever more international, with the proportion of foreign exhibitors way over the 50 percent mark. Most of the foreign exhibitors come from Italy, China or Turkey.
“This year again it is impressive to see the major truck, trailer and body manufacturers at the IAA. To add to this, there are more suppliers from all over the world than at any other automotive trade fair.”