IAA Experience: More Test Drives Than Ever at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 – Record Demand

Giving visitors the opportunity to experience commercial vehicles firsthand – that is once again the promise behind the Experience Offerings at IAA TRANSPORTATION. Both the range of vehicles on display and the level of interest from our exhibitors are greater than ever before. The world’s leading platform for logistics, commercial vehicles and transportation will take place in Hannover from September 15 to 20, with Press Day on September 14. A total of 84 vehicles from 17 exhibitors will be available for Test Drives this year. Compared with 2024, when 60 vehicles were on offer, that represents a 40 percent increase in the vehicle lineup and a new record.

Industry Showcases Its Strength and Capacity for Innovation and Delivers Climate-Neutral ProductsThe majority of the commercial vehicles available for Test Drives will be fully electric, but visitors can also test hydrogen vehicles and the latest low-emission diesel models. The format's strong appeal is reflected in exhibitor demand as well: all available Test Drive capacity is fully booked. Once again, the Test Drives offer a unique look at the industry's technological progress and make the transformation of road freight transport tangible.

"The Test Drives give visitors to IAA TRANSPORTATION a direct experience of just how innovative and capable the commercial vehicle industry already is today. The sheer breadth of vehicles makes an impressive case: manufacturers and suppliers have done their homework and are putting the technologies for climate-neutral, digital mobility on the road," said Jürgen Mindel, Managing Director of the VDA.

At the same time, he noted, it is becoming increasingly clear that not all of the conditions needed to get these vehicles on the road are in place: "It is now up to policymakers to create the right conditions for scaling up the market for battery-electric and hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. That includes high-capacity power grids, a comprehensive charging and hydrogen refueling network, and a swift revision of the CO₂ fleet regulation for heavy-duty vehicles. Technological progress is there, but the underlying conditions are not keeping pace and are slowing the transformation down," Mindel warns.

Three Departure Points Across the Exhibition Grounds for the First Time
To accommodate the high level of interest in the Test Drives, IAA TRANSPORTATION will feature three departure points across the exhibition grounds for the first time. Manufacturers MAN Truck & Bus and Volvo Trucks are using a new in-hall concept to offer Test Drives directly from their booths. Visitors can test vehicles, including Volvo’s FH Aero with a hydrogen internal combustion engine and the all-electric FH Aero Electric, which offers a range of up to 700 kilometers. In Halls 14/15, a large indoor departure terminal will serve a total of 14 exhibitors, with vehicles including a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter equipped with the BE-Combi system and DAF’s XG Electric. For test drives outside the exhibition grounds, Daimler Truck has set up dedicated departure points in Halls 19/20.

The following exhibitors will offer test drives during regular opening hours: DAF, Daimler Truck AG, Ford, Ford Trucks, Junge Fahrzeugbau, KIA, Maxus, MAN Truck & Bus, Phinia, SANY Truck, Renault Trucks, Scania, Superpanther, Tesla, Volkswagen, Volta Trucks, and Volvo Trucks.

Automated and Autonomous Driving Form a Second Major Pillar of the Test Drives
Interest in the ADAS & Telematics demonstrations has also risen sharply compared with IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024. Five exhibitors – Aptiv, Brightskies, MicroVision, Neolix, and Stellantis – will showcase six vehicles in total, more than doubling the number of demonstration vehicles available. Along Expo Allee, visitors can get a look at the latest developments in automated driving features. Robo vans without a driver's cab will also be presented for the first time. The demonstrations provide a striking illustration of how far automated driving has advanced in the commercial vehicle sector.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the technologies up close from the passenger seat. Those interested can request their preferred demonstration directly at the exhibitors’ booths. Booth staff will then escort them to the respective vehicles.

Shuttle Buses Make Getting Around IAA TRANSPORTATION Even More Convenient
Daimler Buses, MAN Truck & Bus, and BYD will make getting around the exhibition grounds even more convenient. With a total of six new vehicle models, the manufacturers will offer a free shuttle service for exhibitors and visitors. Throughout the event, the shuttles will operate on a loop connecting all halls and the outdoor exhibition area, providing convenient and largely barrier-free access throughout the venue.

More information about the IAA Experience formats will be available in the official IAA TRANSPORTATION app in the coming weeks.