IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 Highlights Infrastructure Needs for Zero-Emission Transport

IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 was officially opened by German Federal Minister of Transport Steffen Bilger, Lower Saxony Minister-President Olaf Lies, Hannover Mayor Belit Onay and VDA President Hildegard Müller.

The event focuses on technologies shaping the future of transport and logistics, including electrification, hydrogen, autonomous driving, software-defined vehicles and artificial intelligence. Economic resilience and the transformation of the transport and logistics industry are also among the key topics of the conference program. More than 150 world premieres and new products are being presented during the event.

Industry Calls for Faster Infrastructure Rollout

VDA President Hildegard Müller said the commercial vehicle industry has developed climate-friendly technologies that are ready for use, but the infrastructure required for large-scale deployment remains insufficient. Charging infrastructure, hydrogen refueling stations and supporting energy grids need to be expanded more rapidly across Germany and Europe.

Müller also called for an earlier review of the EU’s CO₂ fleet regulations for commercial vehicles, greater flexibility and more realistic conditions for the industry’s transition toward climate-neutral transport.

German Federal Minister for Digital and Transport Steffen Bilger: "IAA TRANSPORTATION is a showcase for technology and innovation, as well as for openness and inspiration. That is precisely what the commercial vehicle industry and the logistics sector stand for. A central priority is decarbonizing road freight transport. More than 120,000 electric commercial vehicles are already in daily operation for transport companies across Germany, including over 14,000 medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. As the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, we are supporting this transition by ensuring that electric vehicles can be reliably charged in everyday operations. We are building out a fast-charging network along the autobahns for electric trucks and launching the concrete rollout phase at 124 unmanaged rest areas. However, we are not relying solely on a single powertrain technology. Through our funding, we will deploy at least 35 hydrogen refueling stations and support the procurement of around 500 commercial vehicles. This strengthens Germany's competitiveness as a logistics hub and accelerates the transition of road freight transport toward climate-friendly drive technologies."

Lower Saxony Minister-President Olaf Lies emphasized: "The German commercial vehicle industry faces major challenges: International competition is intensifying, markets are changing, and the transition to climate-friendly powertrains requires substantial investment. The German commercial vehicle industry remains an important player and a key driver of innovation in climate-friendly mobility and modern logistics. This makes it even more important that we can rely on the innovative capabilities of our companies and their employees."

"Lower Saxony is one of Europe's leading centers for commercial vehicles. IAA TRANSPORTATION provides an impressive demonstration of how future technologies are being developed here, with the potential to secure value creation, competitiveness, and good jobs for years to come. Today, more than ever, we need to consider industrial value creation, good jobs, and climate protection together. The IAA is a showroom for these efforts and an international showcase for Germany as a business location", Lies added.

Belit Onay, Mayor of Hanover, said: "The automotive industry is going through a difficult period, and efforts from many sides are needed to overcome the challenges. IAA TRANSPORTATION comes at the right time, both as a showcase for the industry's capabilities and as a forum that brings key players together for dialogue. The event highlights opportunities and ways forward, and we are pleased that Hanover is once again the starting point."

Record international participation

With 1,589 exhibitors from 46 countries, this year's IAA TRANSPORTATION is setting a new record for international participation. The number of countries represented has risen from 41 at the 2024 event to 46. Companies from China, Turkey, and Italy are particularly well represented among international exhibitors this year.

This high level of international participation underscores the importance of IAA TRANSPORTATION as the leading global platform for transport and logistics and a central meeting place for companies, innovators, and decision-makers from around the world.

Record Test Drive offering

This year, visitors have more opportunities than ever to test these new technologies and vehicles. The Test Drive offering has reached a new record, giving visitors even more ways to experience IAA TRANSPORTATION firsthand. With 84 vehicles available, there are 40 percent more Test Drive options than at the 2024 event.