The Media Summit kicked off the evening before with a high-profile panel discussion featuring:Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck Holding AG, Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, Dr. Roger Busch, Corporate Executive Vice President of Sales & Engineering at MAHLE, Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and host Simon Schütz Head of the Communications, Events, and Marketing Department at the VDA

The discussion centered on the challenges and opportunities tied to transforming road freight transport. Panelists agreed that climate-neutral transport technology is already commercially viable across many areas today. At the same time, they emphasized that a successful transition hinges directly on the speed of expanding charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructures, alongside stable political guidelines. Highlighting the vital role of zero-emission drivetrains for the future of road freight, the speakers pointed to the growing market readiness of battery-electric solutions. They noted that the commercial vehicle industry can now provide zero-emission vehicles for virtually any application, demonstrating how modern component and drivetrain technologies are driving further gains in efficiency and sustainability. The conversation also touched upon the critical importance of competitiveness, investment security, and technology-neutral political frameworks.

To open the second day of the event, VDA President Hildegard Müller put the current market situation into economic perspective. She stated: "The commercial vehicle industry is undergoing a profound transformation that demands massive efforts from manufacturers, suppliers, engineering services providers, and trailer and body manufacturers. It is truly impressive how our industry delivers during these challenging times, keeping Germany and Europe moving every single day. Also at IAA TRANSPORTATION, our companies will once again demonstrate how they are driving transformation and taking responsibility through climate-neutral and digital products. Or, as reflected in the claim of IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026: ‘We deliver’.”

However, the political framework remains the ultimate deciding factor for whether these innovations make it onto the road. "Too often, innovation is held back by excessive regulation and insufficient framework conditions. Yet the potential in heavy-duty transport is enormous: nearly 30 percent of CO₂ emissions from road transport in Europe are generated by heavy-duty vehicles. That is why we need an early review of the CO₂ regulations for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The focus must be on greater flexibility in compliance pathways and a much faster expansion of charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Climate protection, competitiveness, and investment certainty must be addressed together. Only then can the transformation succeed”, Müller added.

Next, Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, presented the manufacturer’s strategy for the coming years. The core focus is a technology-neutral approach that brings together battery-electric, hydrogen-based, and highly efficient conventional drivetrains.

Among the most notable reveals was the new eActros Lowliner, specifically engineered for high-volume transport, which expands their battery-electric long-haul portfolio. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Trucks announced plans to deploy the first 100 units of its fuel-cell-powered NextGenH2 Truck into customer operations starting in late 2026.

At the same time, Puchert highlighted the success of the eActros 600, which is rapidly establishing itself as a benchmark model for battery-electric long-haul transport. The company announced a collaboration with influencer Tobias Wagner, known as "Elektrotucker," who plans to kick off an around-the-world journey in an eActros 600 right from the IAA TRANSPORTATION floor. The portfolio is rounded out by new safety and assistance systems alongside further efficiency upgrades for conventional drivetrains.

Dr. Andree Hohm, Director of the Aurora Program at AUMOVIO, shared insights into the development of autonomous trucking solutions. In partnership with the U.S. company Aurora, AUMOVIO is working to industrialize highly automated and, looking ahead, driverless commercial vehicles.

The presentation focused heavily on the potential of autonomous transport to solve driver shortages, increase vehicle utilization, and lower operating costs. The featured partnership encompasses both the development of sensor technology and the creation of a scalable hardware and service ecosystem for self-driving trucks.

The long-term vision is to gradually scale driverless hub-to-hub transport starting as early as 2027, making a vital contribution to boosting efficiency in freight logistics.

Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull, introduced innovative trailer and refrigeration solutions tailored for the global transport market. The spotlight was on smart telematics systems, data-driven logistics solutions, and new cooling technologies for temperature-controlled transport.

With more than 175,000 active telematics units, the company aims to make logistics processes more transparent and efficient. Simultaneously, Schmitz Cargobull showcased new cooling units compatible with both electric and diesel-powered vehicles, offering maximum flexibility for mixed fleets.

The "City Trailer" concept also generated significant buzz. Designed specifically for urban delivery routes, it allows for higher payloads paired with vastly improved maneuverability.

Friedrich Baumann, Chief Sales Officer of MAN Truck & Bus, outlined the company’s strategy as a full-range provider of both conventional and electric commercial vehicles.

MAN now boasts an electric lineup stretching from the eTGL, eTGM, and eTGS to the eTGX, covering applications ranging from 12 to 50 metric tons. Concurrently, the new D30 PowerLion diesel engine remains a critical cornerstone for applications where zero-emission solutions currently hit operational limits.

Furthermore, Baumann introduced new heavy-duty vehicles designed for gross combination weights of up to 250 metric tons, while emphasizing the value of consulting services, charging infrastructure partnerships, and holistic fleet solutions. MAN will, among other highlights, debut the new TGX at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026.

With its appearance at the IAA Media Summit, Erhan Eren, Director of Plattform of Beyond Vehicle (PBV) at Kia Europe, provided a preview of how its Platform-Beyond-Vehicle (PBV) strategy will transform the commercial vehicle sector. To demonstrate the platform's versatility for diverse business needs at IAA TRANSPORTATION, Kia will showcase a wide array of flexible body variants. This includes the high-roof and short versions of the PV5 Cargo van (L2H2 and L1H1), the PV5 Chassis Cab, the 7-seat PV5 Passenger minibus, the wheelchair-accessible PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), and a PV5 Food Truck. Kia is taking a comprehensive approach that integrates the vehicle, software, and an overarching ecosystem, aiming to give businesses the freedom to build tailor-made mobility solutions across different sectors.

Maximilian von Löbbecke, Managing Director of Renault Trucks Germany, presented the company’s multi-energy strategy. Under the guiding principle "Deliver Both Answers," Renault Trucks emphasized that differing transport challenges require distinct technological solutions.

The company pointed to more than 122 million kilometers (approx. 75.8 million miles) driven electronically by customer vehicles, as well as a growing fleet of over 3,200 battery-electric commercial vehicles in daily operations. Meanwhile, Renault Trucks is actively developing solutions for long-haul applications capable of covering over 600 kilometers (approx. 373 miles) on a single charge with a full payload.

As part of a masterclass session, Dr. Manuel Kallweit, Head of the Economic Intelligence & Economics Department at the VDA, delivered up-to-date market analyses of global commercial vehicle sectors. Jan Heckmann, Head of the IAA Department at the VDA, provided a brief look at the core figures shaping IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026. Demand from exhibitors is booming: almost all available halls are already completely booked. Over 70 percent of exhibitors are international, and 26 percent are joining the event for the first time as newcomers.

The IAA Media Summit wrapped up with the "Media & Mingle Experience Tour." International journalists had the opportunity to experience standout innovations from AUMOVIO, Daimler Truck, KIA, MAN Truck & Bus, and Renault Trucks firsthand.

Featured highlights included the Peterbilt 579 semi-truck by AUMOVIO and KIA's PV5 Chassis Cab equipped with a platform, tarpaulin, and bows. Set against an impressive backdrop, the tour provided an excellent environment for deep discussions and targeted networking.

The IAA TRANSPORTATION will take place from September 15 to 20, 2026, in Hannover.