Software and AI on the Main Stage

The day kicked off on the Main Stage with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, CEO of FORVIA HELLA. He highlighted how electrification, automated driving, software-defined vehicle architectures, driver comfort, and safety are transforming automotive electronics.

WirelessCar and HERE Technologies explained how connected trucks, location data, and artificial intelligence can streamline logistics processes. Bosch followed, showing how pairing smart software with efficient powertrains helps lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and boost fleet uptime.

A panel featuring representatives from BCG, Google Cloud, Schmitz Cargobull, IG Metall, and MAN Truck & Bus discussed turning early AI pilots into measurable business value. They covered applications in R&D, production, sales, customer service, and operations, while examining the impact of AI on jobs and skill sets.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to competitiveness, infrastructure, and future powertrains. Deloitte and the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) explored how electrification, software, volatile energy markets, and new competitors are reshaping the commercial vehicle business model. The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure then shared insights on scaling up a high-performance charging network for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

Further panel discussions tackled the role of shippers in driving the adoption of zero-emission trucks, the future of truck manufacturing in Germany, and the impact of fluctuating energy prices on powertrain portfolios through 2035. Wrapping up the Main Stage program, speakers weighed the long-haul outlook for hydrogen trucks and the role of bio-LNG in the future energy mix.

Electrification and Autonomous Driving on the Industry Stage

The Industry Stage in Hall 13 opened with a McKinsey Morning Talk on fuel cell technology. Next, Milence, Kaufland, and Einride discussed making electric road freight transport a reality across Europe, focusing on daily fleet operations, the commercial viability of electric trucks, and building a reliable charging network along key transport corridors.

Another session guided logistics providers on long-term planning for depot and charging infrastructure. Additional panels covered digital vehicle technologies, connected trailers, and how artificial intelligence will reshape the commercial vehicle industry.

Closing out the stage, Breathe Battery Technologies demonstrated how lower battery costs, extended lifespan, and smart battery software can give EV truck manufacturers a TCO edge.

Startup Day on the prototype.club Stage

Wednesday was also dedicated to Startup Day. The prototype.club Stage in Hall 12 served as a meeting point for tech startups, established industry leaders, investors, and research institutions.

The schedule began with the unveiling of the Truck Service Innovation Hub, a European collaboration platform for the future of commercial vehicle services. MAN Truck & Bus, Manex AI, and prototype.club then demonstrated how open innovation complements traditional R&D. Other sessions explored testing new solutions for critical infrastructure, leveraging quantum technology, and building scalable business models.

Electreon, DENSO, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, and Daimler Truck debated ways to deploy commercial fleet charging at scale. Later, Toll Collect ran a live demo of its new toll app, TollNow.

The afternoon featured back-to-back award presentations: the inaugural Open Innovation Award recognized successful collaborations between corporations and startups, followed at 4:00 PM by the IAA Startup Award powered by Plug and Play, which honored standout young companies and their transport and logistics solutions.

A top-tier panel with Volvo Group Venture Capital, Allison Transmission, MAN Truck & Bus, and Hyperdrives explored what makes corporate-startup partnerships work and where hurdles remain. Startup Day concluded with an open networking party hosted by Rethink Ventures.

International Collaboration and Safe AI

Global dialogue was another key theme of day two. At IAA China Day, representatives from Chinese and German commercial vehicle companies, academia, and policy sectors convened to discuss new energy, smart tech, and future cooperation across transport, logistics, and passenger mobility.

Meanwhile, the Safe AI Engineering research project at the Convention Center demonstrated how to securely integrate AI into automated driving systems. Keynotes, fresh research findings, and a dedicated expo and demo area provided insights into safety standards and methodologies for AI implementation.

Additional Industry Events

Several other specialized events took place throughout the day. At the TRANSFRIGOROUTE event, professional visitors gained comprehensive insights into challenges and solutions for zero-emission, high-efficiency refrigerated transport. Meanwhile, the "Safe AI Engineering Midterm" event focused on the secure deployment of AI in automated driving.