HANNOVER, Germany—The message from a record-setting international trade fair devoted to commercial vehicles and innovation in transportation was loud and clear: It’s time for policymakers to put their money where their ambitious, clean mobility goals are.
“IAA Transportation has powerfully demonstrated that our industry is actively driving the shift toward climate-neutral solutions through investment and innovation. We have already developed and brought to market climate-neutral and digital solutions to address the industry's various challenges,” VDA President Hildegard Müller, the biennial event organizer, emphasized. “The biggest obstacle to a swift, successful, and widespread adoption of climate-neutral drives is the necessary infrastructure—especially in terms of charging stations and forward-thinking grid expansion, as well as hydrogen refueling stations.
“All relevant stakeholders must now be held accountable, with a clear roadmap, regular monitoring, and opportunities for adjustments. To make significant progress here, Berlin and Brussels need to establish an infrastructure initiative and implement it as quickly as possible.”
And, needless to say, those on this side of the Atlantic can add Washington, D.C., and Ottawa to the legislative capitals that need to heed the message.
See also: Mahle CEO calls for options, choice in transportation transition
By the numbers
As the leading global platform for the commercial vehicle, logistics, and transport sectors, IAA Transportation 2024 attracted nearly 1,700 exhibitors from 41 countries—a 21% increase compared to 2022
- International participation reached a record-breaking 72%, with more than 145 world and European product introductions
- Visitors totaled approximately 145,000, about a 10% increase over 2022
- Some 1,400 journalists from 52 countries were on hand for more than 80 press conferences
- Manufacturers provided more than 6,300 test drives in 60 vehicles.
Featured in the slideshow above are just a few of the trucks and tractors on display at IAA this year, including some very familiar names with vehicles unfamiliar to North America, along with some names and vehicles that, most likely, will never make it to these shores.
