IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026: What we can expect from Friday, Septeber 18, 2026

Connected Vehicles and Intelligent Logistics

The program on the Industry Stage in Hall 13 kicks off at 9:30 AM with a McKinsey Morning Talk. Zheren Ma, founder and CEO of Inceptio Technology, joins Thomas Fang from McKinsey & Company to discuss current developments in the commercial vehicle industry.

Starting at 10:00 AM, the spotlight shifts to Vehicle-to-Everything communication (V2X). Representatives from the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), Daimler Truck, and the Autobahn GmbH des Bundes will show how vehicles, infrastructure, road users, and cloud services are integrating into a connected ecosystem. By sharing real-time data on traffic conditions, hazards, and infrastructure status, V2X can improve road safety and traffic efficiency. The technology also serves as a critical foundation for highly automated and autonomous driving.

At 11:00 AM, ZF and logistics provider Walter Schmitt will discuss how tractor units and trailers can be linked even more intelligently in the future, highlighting new solutions for more efficient, secure, and digitized transport operations.

National Cargo Bike Logistics Conference on the Last Mile

At 12:30 PM, the Industry Stage becomes the gathering place for Germany's cargo bike logistics industry. Under the banner "Crossing Borders – Crossing Vehicles," the National Cargo Bike Logistics Conference explores how cargo bikes and bicycle logistics can become an integral part of modern, multimodal last-mile delivery.

Companies, municipalities, industry associations, research institutions, and policymakers will discuss international developments, new business models, and practical applications. A keynote by Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg will shed light on the economic viability of commercial cargo bikes. Representatives from French cargo bike manufacturer Kleuster will then share insights from practical use cases in France and their collaboration with local authorities.

To close out the event, the German Cargo Bike Logistics Association (RLVD), the VDA, and the Federal Association of Courier-Express-Post Services (BdKEP) will discuss how to better connect different modes of transport and create suitable interfaces for sustainable urban logistics.

Startup Pitches on the prototype.club Stage

On the prototype.club Stage in Hall 12, Friday morning once again belongs to young companies and their ideas. From 10:00 AM to 12:50 PM, startups will present their solutions for the transport and logistics sector.

These pitches offer professional visitors the opportunity to discover new technologies and business models while connecting directly with founders. As the IAA Conference draws to a close, the stage reinforces its strong focus on innovation and collaboration between startups and established companies.

Hazardous Goods Day 2026

From 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and the VDA are hosting the Hazardous Goods Day 2026 at the Convention Center. The event focuses on current updates in dangerous goods law and the future of safe hazardous materials transportation.

The agenda provides an overview of international regulatory changes scheduled for 2027, including updates to ADR vehicle approvals. Other topics include ongoing discussions within international dangerous goods committees, new research findings, and updates from the Federal/State Advisory Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

The digitization of transport documents will also play a central role. Starting in 2027, European regulations on Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) must be implemented. Hazardous Goods Day will highlight what these new requirements mean for businesses and regulatory authorities.

Catch Megawatt Charging Live—Three Sessions

Professional visitors in Hall 14/15 can once again experience live megawatt charging demonstrations on Friday. Daimler Truck and Milence kick things off from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. MAN Truck & Bus and Milence showcase the technology from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by Scania and Milence wrapping up the demonstrations from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Future Technologies on Guided Tours

Two Networking Tours offer deeper insights into key technology areas. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the "Battery Technology & Charging Infrastructure" tour visits stops including 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. Professional visitors will learn how software, data, connectivity, and new vehicle architectures are transforming the commercial vehicle industry.

Test Drives, Model Vehicles, and Historic Trucks

From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, professional visitors can take the wheel themselves and test out a wide range of commercial vehicles. Test Drive starting points are located at Halls 11, 14/15, and 19/20.

In Hall 14/15, the Automania model car collector fair invites guests into the world of highly detailed miniature vehicles. Alongside model cars and trucks across various scales, vendor stalls will feature construction equipment, slot cars, pins, automobilia, and specialized literature.

Along the Show Truck Mile outside Hall 26, more than 20 historic commercial vehicles remain on display. This journey through time is complemented by a special exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Truck of the Year in Hall 22, where 20 award-winning vehicles spanning five decades document the evolution of the modern truck.