IAA Transportation – Leading international trade fair for commercial vehicles, logistics, and urban mobility

Mobility in transition: IAA Transportation as a forward-looking industry platform

IAA Transportation in Hanover is one of the world's most important trade fairs for transport, logistics, and commercial vehicle technology. Organized by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), it is at the center of debates about the future of commercial mobility. Unlike IAA Mobility, which focuses more on individual and urban mobility, IAA Transportation addresses the industrial and commercial transport sector – from classic trucks, vans, and buses to digital logistics solutions and alternative drive concepts.

Every two years, the Deutsche Messe Hannover exhibition grounds become an international meeting place for manufacturers, suppliers, software providers, start-ups, transport planners, and political players. The focus is on technological developments, economic conditions, and strategic approaches for a sustainable transformation of the transport sector—a field that, like few others, operates at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and practice.

The transformation of the commercial transport sector

The IAA Transportation has undergone significant changes in recent years. What was once primarily a trade fair for heavy commercial vehicles and their technology is now a broad-based platform for modern logistics and mobility solutions. Electric mobility, hydrogen drives, automated driving, telematics systems, and urban delivery concepts have long been an integral part of the trade fair program. The increasing digitalization of all logistics chains and the pressure to enable climate-neutral transport are fundamentally changing the requirements for the entire industry. Anyone interested in other trade fairs related to industry, energy, and transportation will find a structured overview of the most important events in Hanover at Hannover Messe – from HANNOVER MESSE to EUROBLECH. A central theme of the IAA is “People and Goods on the Move.” The focus is not only on technology, but also on the social responsibility associated with modern mobility solutions. How can delivery traffic be made low-emission? How can urban areas be relieved with intelligent logistics? And what role do data streams play in the control of global transport chains?

Wide range of exhibitors and clear thematic structure

The trade fair is divided into various thematic areas, including “Commercial Vehicles,” “Infrastructure,” “Logistics,” and “Transportation Services.” This concept enables visitors to obtain targeted information and learn about new developments in their respective fields. Major commercial vehicle manufacturers such as MAN, Daimler Truck, Scania, and Iveco are attending the trade fair, as are smaller specialist suppliers, software companies, and suppliers from areas such as battery development, sensor technology, and charging infrastructure. The focus is not only on technology, but also on practical applications: test tracks for electric trucks, autonomous shuttle buses in trade fair traffic, realistic charging scenarios, and digital delivery concepts clearly illustrate how mobility and logistics are actually changing.

Focus on sustainability and new drive systems

A key topic at IAA Transportation is the transition to alternative drive systems. Pressure is growing on freight forwarders, fleet operators, and manufacturers to put zero-emission vehicles into regular service. At the same time, demands on charging and refueling infrastructure, grid capacities, and supply logistics are increasing. The trade fair will showcase concrete solutions: from electric trucks with fast-charging capabilities and hydrogen fuel cell systems to plug-and-play solutions for the last mile. Numerous exhibitors also emphasize sustainability along the entire value chain. CO₂ balances, ESG criteria, recycling systems for vehicle components, and the integration of renewable energies in logistics centers are now central aspects of corporate communications and will be openly discussed at the trade fair.

Political dialogue and international debates

The IAA Transportation sees itself not only as an industry trade fair, but also as a platform for dialogue between business, science, and politics. Ministers, EU commissioners, representatives of trade unions, and NGOs regularly take part in panels, keynotes, and expert dialogues. Topics such as CO₂ limits, infrastructure investments, digitalization, and supply chain resilience are openly discussed—often controversially, but always with the aim of finding solutions together. The international character of the trade fair is another factor in its success. Visitors from over 100 countries, around 1,400 exhibitors, and strong media coverage make the IAA a globally renowned industry gathering. This not only promotes economic networking, but also the transfer of knowledge across cultural and regulatory boundaries.

Impetus for education and securing skilled workers

Like many other leading trade fairs in Hanover, the IAA Transportation is also dedicated to promoting young talent. Young talents are given access to guided tours of the trade fair, career days, and exchange formats with exhibiting companies. At the same time, the issue of skilled labor shortages is openly addressed, particularly in areas such as IT, vehicle construction, and electrical engineering. Educational institutions and associations use the trade fair to present innovative training models and intensify dialogue between industry and the education sector. In this way, the IAA also contributes to making the transport sector fit for the future.

A place for orientation and exchange

The IAA Transportation offers much more than products and technologies. It reflects the challenges facing society and the economy in the context of mobility – and is a place where solutions become tangible and can be discussed. In its current form, the trade fair links strategic topics with concrete innovations, offers space for experimentation, and sees itself as a source of inspiration for an industry in transition.

Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.iaa-transportation.com