IAA Transportation prepares for a changing world

August 24, 2026

Europe’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry is confronting decarbonisation, infrastructure shortages, protectionism and rising costs, while accelerating investment in electric, hydrogen, connected and software-defined transport technologies.GIANENRICO GRIFFINI speaks to Jürgen Mindel, managing director of the VDA, the German Association of the Automotive Industry, about IAA Transportation and the challenges facing the sector.

As Europe’s automotive industry prepares to showcase its latest products at IAA Transportation in Hanover, it faces major challenges, but also significant opportunities. The continuing energy transition, uncertainty over the pace of implementation and the practical feasibility of the European Green Deal – the European Commission’s plan to achieve climate neutrality – are causing concern among commercial and industrial vehicle manufacturers.

Added to this are growing protectionism, restrictions on exports of strategic raw materials, geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures. On the other hand, manufacturers are pursuing some important technological developments, such as the electrification of transport. This includes long-haul operations, software-defined vehicles and value-added services enabled by connectivity. These issues were discussed with the VDA, which organises IAA Transportation.

Gianenrico Griffini: What can we expect from the upcoming IAA Transportation in terms of innovation and technological breakthroughs? Will there be more electric trucks, autonomous vehicles and software-defined vehicles? What else can visitors expect?

Jürgen Mindel: Hanover will provide an ideal stage for our highly innovative industry. In this context, the slogan for the 2026 edition – “We deliver” – could not be more appropriate. At IAA Transportation, visitors will be able to experience first-hand what the logistics sector is capable of. We will see the achievements of an automotive industry that does not simply talk about targets, but takes concrete steps towards achieving them.

Jürgen Mindel, managing director of the VDA, notes that the European transport sector offers enormous potential for decarbonisation.

By providing digital solutions and green innovations across different vehicle types, the industry is demonstrating the role it can play in shaping the future of transport and logistics in Germany and throughout Europe. We will see progress in alternative powertrains, connected and autonomous vehicles, software-based logistics solutions and charging infrastructure.

Software-defined vehicles will be one of the central themes at this year’s show. They will feature prominently on exhibitors’ stands and will also play an important role in the conference programme.

Griffini: What is the mood among automotive companies weeks before the show opens? Is uncertainty affecting the sector and companies’ strategic decisions?

Mindel: It is certainly no surprise that geopolitical tensions and protectionist trends represent some of the biggest challenges facing the global automotive industry. Whether we are talking about tariffs imposed by the United States, the broader return of protectionism or China’s restrictions on exports of critical raw materials, there is no doubt that the international division of labour has come under pressure.

At the same time, Europe’s competitiveness as a location for industrial investment has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Berlin, representing Germany, and Brussels, representing the European Union (EU), urgently need to improve conditions for industry. This means reducing bureaucracy and energy costs, expanding trade agreements and maintaining an open approach to technology.

European policymakers have also neglected important responsibilities relating to CO₂ fleet regulations for heavy-duty CVs. The necessary framework must be created if these targets are to be achieved. In particular, Europe lacks adequate charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, as well as the necessary expansion of electricity networks. Corrective action has therefore become increasingly urgent.

Potential fines under heavy-duty CV fleet regulations also need to be reconsidered. The current threat of penalties risks undermining the transition towards climate-neutral mobility, Europe’s position as an industrial centre and the viability of many companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. In other words, we urgently need a reality check, followed by adjustments based on what that assessment reveals.

Griffini: The EU has a clear roadmap for reducing CO₂ emissions. But what about the conditions required to make decarbonisation possible? Do we need more charging infrastructure, greater hydrogen production and more flexibility regarding the timeline?

Mindel: Particularly in the heavy-duty sector, every available technological option will have an important role to play. Battery-electric vehicles are increasingly finding a place in regional and long-haul transport. At the same time, hydrogen-powered vehicles will have a role in operations involving longer distances and demanding duty cycles.

We therefore need a policy framework that supports an EU-wide hydrogen refuelling network as well as the consistent expansion of electric mobility infrastructure. In Italy, for example, there are only 16 charging stations for trucks weighing more than 16 tonnes, compared with 54 in Germany and 94 in France. There is clearly still a great deal for policymakers to do.

Griffini: Could rising prices for conventional fuels accelerate the energy transition?

Mindel: From our perspective, the success of electric mobility in transport depends on total cost of ownership (TCO). This includes not only the vehicle’s purchase price but, above all, energy costs, the availability of adequate infrastructure and aftersales support.

To achieve the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement, we need a mix of all available technologies, including battery-electric powertrains, synthetic fuels and hydrogen, whether used in fuel cells or internal combustion engines.

Griffini: What level of participation do you expect from international exhibitors at this year’s IAA Transportation? Will it be stronger than in previous years?

Mindel: IAA Transportation remains one of the transport sector’s most important events. Exhibition space is practically fully booked. Major industry players including Renault Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans have returned to Hanover.

International exhibitors account for around 70% of the total, with particularly strong participation from Chinese, Turkish and Italian companies. Leading industry players from around the world will be present, underlining the international importance of the event for the CV industry.

Griffini: In China, a significant proportion of newly registered trucks are already electric. This is not the case in Europe. How can Europe achieve its decarbonisation targets?

Mindel: In Europe, around 30% of road transport CO₂ emissions are attributable to heavy goods transport. This means we are dealing with a sector that offers enormous potential for decarbonisation. That is why we believe all available technologies – battery-electric vehicles, synthetic fuels and hydrogen – will be essential if the Paris Agreement targets are to be met.

A visit to this year’s IAA Transportation will once again demonstrate how much progress the industry itself has already made. The challenge now is to ensure that the regulatory framework and supporting infrastructure develop at a similar pace.