What you can expect on Day 2, September 16

Software and AI on the Main Stage

The schedule on the Main Stage in Hall 18 kicks off at 10:00 AM with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, CEO of FORVIA HELLA. He will demonstrate how electrification, automated driving, software-defined vehicle architectures, driver comfort, and safety are transforming automotive electronics.

Starting at 10:30 AM, WirelessCar and HERE Technologies will explain how connected trucks, location data, and artificial intelligence can drive more efficient logistics processes. Following at 11:15 AM, Bosch will showcase how combining intelligent software with efficient powertrains can reduce the total cost of ownership and improve fleet uptime.

At 11:30 AM, representatives from BCG, Google Cloud, Schmitz Cargobull, IG Metall, and MAN Truck & Bus will discuss how initial AI pilot projects can deliver measurable business value. The panel will cover applications in R&D, production, sales, customer service, and operations, as well as the impact of AI on jobs and skills.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to competitiveness, infrastructure, and future powertrains. At 1:15 PM, Deloitte and the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) will examine how the truck industry's business model is evolving due to electrification, software, volatile energy markets, and new competitors. The National Center for Charging Infrastructure will then share insights on establishing a high-capacity charging network for heavy commercial vehicles.

Additional panel discussions will address the role of shippers in scaling up zero-emission trucks, the future of truck manufacturing in Germany, and the impact of fluctuating energy prices on the powertrain portfolio through 2035. Concluding the day at 5:00 PM, a session will highlight the outlook for hydrogen trucks in long-haul transport and the role of bio-LNG in the future powertrain mix.

Electrification and Autonomous Driving on the Industry Stage

The Industry Stage in Hall 13 gets underway at 9:30 AM with a McKinsey Morning Talk on fuel cell technology. Beginning at 10:00 AM, Milence, Kaufland, and Einride will discuss how electric road freight transport can become a reality on a European scale, focusing on daily fleet operations, the economic viability of electric trucks, and building a reliable charging network along key transport corridors.

How logistics companies can plan their depot and charging infrastructure for the long term will be explored in another session. Additional panels will address digital vehicle technologies, connected trailers, and how artificial intelligence will reshape the commercial vehicle industry.

To wrap up the day, Breathe Battery Technologies will show at 5:00 PM how lower battery costs, extended service life, and intelligent battery software can provide total cost of ownership advantages for electric truck manufacturers.

Startup Day on the prototype.club Stage

Wednesday is also dedicated to Startup Day. On the prototype.club Stage in Hall 12, young tech companies, established industry leaders, investors, and research institutions will come together.

The program opens with the presentation of the Truck Service Innovation Hub, a European collaborative platform for the future of commercial vehicle services. Next, MAN Truck & Bus, Manex AI, and prototype.club will demonstrate how open innovation can complement traditional R&D. Further sessions will address testing new solutions for critical infrastructure, opportunities in quantum technology, and developing scalable business models.

Starting at 1:00 PM, Electreon, DENSO, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, and Daimler Truck will debate how to implement large-scale commercial fleet charging. Toll Collect will then present a live demonstration of TollNow, its new toll app.

The afternoon features two consecutive award ceremonies: at 3:30 PM, the inaugural Open Innovation Award honors successful collaborations between established enterprises and startups. At 4:00 PM, the IAA Startup Award powered by Plug and Play recognizes highly innovative young companies and their transport and logistics solutions.

A high-profile panel featuring Volvo Group Venture Capital, Allison Transmission, MAN Truck & Bus, and Hyperdrives will then examine what works in startup-corporate collaborations and where hurdles remain. Starting at 6:00 PM, Startup Day concludes with an open startup party hosted by Rethink Ventures.

Experience Test Drives and Live Megawatt Charging

From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, professional visitors can test drive numerous commercial vehicles firsthand. Departure points are located at Halls 11, 14/15, and 19/20. Participating manufacturers include MAN, Volvo Trucks, Daimler Truck, DAF, Ford Trucks, KIA, Renault Trucks, Scania, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Two networking tours offer deeper insights into key technologies of the future. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the “Battery Technology & Charging Infrastructure” tour visits companies such as AUMOVIO, Electreon, E4YOU, Milence, Renault Trucks, and Shell Business Recharge Solutions. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the “Software Defined Vehicles” tour highlights solutions from AUMOVIO, HERE Technologies, Neusoft, Turntide Technologies, Valtech Mobility, and ZF.

Two live demonstrations in Hall 14/15 will show how fast heavy electric trucks can be charged in the future. Daimler Truck and Milence will present megawatt charging from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by Scania and Milence from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

International Collaboration and Secure AI

International dialogue also plays a central role on day two. At the IAA China Day from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, representatives from the Chinese and German commercial vehicle industries, academia, and policy-making will gather. Discussions will focus on new energies, smart technologies, and further cooperation across transport, logistics, and passenger mobility.

From 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Convention Center, the Safe AI Engineering research project will demonstrate how AI features can be safely integrated into automated driving functions. Presentations, current research findings, and an exhibition and demo area will offer insights into methods and standards for the safe deployment of artificial intelligence.

Further program highlights include the specialized event “TRANSFRIGOROUTE” and a special exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Truck of the Year. In Hall 22, professional visitors can explore 20 award-winning trucks spanning five decades.

Day two of IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 thus connects strategic future questions with concrete practical applications: from AI and software to charging infrastructure, alternative powertrains, and new partnerships between industry leaders and startups.