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In the eleventh episode of the second season of the IAA TRANSPORTATION PODCAST, we welcome Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull.
Together, we discuss how Europe's leading trailer manufacturer is continuing to evolve in a transport industry shaped by transformation, digitalization, and economic challenges—and why the trailer is increasingly becoming part of a comprehensive ecosystem of vehicle technology, cooling, telematics, digital services, and data.
Andreas Schmitz offers exciting insights into the strategy of the family-owned business and explains what lies behind the core theme "Experience More Value." At the heart of it all is concrete added value for transport companies: longer-lasting vehicles, more efficient refrigeration technology, lower energy consumption, and digital solutions that enable customers to operate their fleets even more efficiently. At the same time, we discuss how Schmitz Cargobull aims to contribute to CO₂ reduction in transport—with technologies that combine sustainability with an economically attractive payback.
Special focus is placed on temperature-controlled transport. Andreas Schmitz explains how the ePTO can flexibly operate refrigerated trailers using power from the depot or an electric tractor unit, thereby providing investment security during the transition to electromobility. In addition, we discuss new multi-temp solutions for different temperature zones within a single trailer, as well as electrified cooling concepts for urban distribution transport.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence also play a central role. With around 175,000 active telematics units, Schmitz Cargobull already boasts a broad data foundation for digital fleet services. We talk about how data from the trailer, cooling unit, and other systems can be integrated into transport management systems and what new opportunities AI opens up for the efficiency of transport processes. Andreas Schmitz also introduces Dr. Cool—an AI-powered service assistant that supports technicians in troubleshooting using service, warranty, and diagnostic data, aiming to help get vehicles back on the road faster.
Furthermore, we explore new service concepts, international partnerships, and the question of how Schmitz Cargobull is expanding its expertise in refrigeration, insulation, and telematics beyond Europe. With mobile service vans, the workshop is increasingly coming directly to the customer—an approach that can cut downtime and relieve valuable driver resources, especially for larger fleets.
We also take a look ahead to IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 in Hanover. Schmitz Cargobull plans to demonstrate how their "More Value" proposition runs through the entire portfolio.
The IAA TRANSPORTATION Podcast is a production of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible and wherever else you get your podcasts.
