IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 draws more than 140,000 visitors to Hanover
IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 brought more than 140,000 visitors to Hanover from September 15 to 20, showcasing more than 150 world premieres and new products. The event also highlighted the commercial vehicle industry's call for faster development of charging and hydrogen infrastructure.
The international commercial vehicle, transport and logistics exhibition attracted 1,589 exhibitors from 46 countries, setting a new record for international participation.
More than 113,000 industry professionals attended the event on weekdays, slightly more than at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024. International visitors accounted for a record 40 percent of trade visitors, compared with 34 percent two years ago. The Netherlands, China and Poland were the most strongly represented countries among international trade visitors.
Overall attendance exceeded 140,000 visitors.
More than 150 premieres and new products
More than 150 world premieres and other new products were presented during the six-day event. Electrification, alternative powertrains, digitalisation and new solutions for road freight transport were among the major themes.
According to Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the exhibition demonstrated that manufacturers and suppliers are delivering technologies for climate-neutral and digital road freight transport.
Müller also called on policymakers in Berlin and Brussels to accelerate the development of the infrastructure needed for alternative powertrains.
“Successfully scaling up alternative powertrains requires vehicles, infrastructure, and competitive energy prices to work together,” Müller said.
According to the VDA, the rollout of charging infrastructure and hydrogen refuelling stations needs to accelerate significantly. Müller also argued that CO₂ targets should be linked to measurable progress in infrastructure deployment and actual market developments for zero-emission vehicles.
8,500 test drives during the event
Test drives reached a new record at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026. Visitors were able to try 84 vehicles from 17 exhibitors, compared with 60 vehicles in 2024.
A total of 8,500 test drives took place during the event, an increase of 32.5 percent from 2024. MAN Truck & Bus and Volvo Trucks were also able to offer test drives directly from their stands under the exhibition's new hall concept.
One of the demonstrations attracting attention was Milence's Megawatt Charging System (MCS) fast-charging demonstration. Vehicles from Daimler Truck, MAN Truck & Bus and Scania were used to demonstrate how electric heavy trucks can be charged during statutory driver rest periods of 30 to 45 minutes.
Strong share of decision-makers
According to the organisers, visitor satisfaction reached 92 percent. Some 77 percent of trade visitors said they influence purchasing and procurement decisions at their companies, up from 71 percent in 2024.
More than half of trade visitors, 52 percent, said they plan to invest in commercial vehicles within the next six to 12 months, while another 17 percent are considering investments.
The event also attracted nearly 1,400 journalists from 50 countries, half of them from outside Germany. Exhibitors held more than 110 press conferences during the exhibition.
The Drivers and Family Weekend on September 19–20 concluded the public programme, with activities aimed at professional drivers, truck enthusiasts and families.
The next IAA TRANSPORTATION will take place in Hanover from September 19 to 24, 2028, with the press day scheduled for September 18.
