The IAA Transportation took place from September 17 to 22, 2024 under the motto “People and Goods on the Move”. The “leading platform for logistics, commercial vehicles and transportation” invited the world to Hanover and presented a “huge selection of innovations”, for example with regard to the transport transition. With 1,650 exhibitors from 41 countries, participation was 20 percent higher than two years ago. The internationality of 73 percent marked a record number of exhibitors from abroad. The high participation of Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturers was particularly striking.
The International Motor Show has a long history, dating back to 1897 in Berlin. The first trade fair under the name IAA took place in Frankfurt am Main in 1951. Initially, both passenger cars and commercial vehicles were exhibited at the same event every two years. The first German motor show without passenger cars took place in Hanover in 1992. Since then, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has organized the IAA Commercial Vehicles every two years, which was renamed the IAA Transportation in 2022.
The following texts and photos will attempt to comprehensively present the diversity of the IAA Transportation 2024, although there is much more to say about this complex topic.
Daimler Trucks
Anyone entering the exhibition grounds via the North Main Entrance first came to the Daimler Trucks exhibition area, where four electric trucks, a hydrogen test vehicle and a diesel-powered tractor unit were on display. Almost all of them had the new cab called ProCabin, only the fuel cell truck was an Actros with the previous cab. It and its four counterparts have been in test operation since 2021, and hydrogen trucks with a range of 1000 kilometers per tank of fuel are to roll off the production line at the end of the decade, explained a Daimler employee.
The company is already further along with electric trucks. Around 2000 pre-orders have already been placed for the eActros 600. A tractor unit with a slightly dusty chassis that had already driven 15,000 kilometers across Europe was on display at the trade fair. From Norway to Portugal, there were charging stations that supplied enough electricity to recharge the batteries for the next leg of the journey. The driver himself was on hand at the trade fair to answer questions about the details of the test drive. It was a success, although the charging infrastructure for trucks in Europe is not yet very well developed, with major differences between the individual countries.
The Europe driver had the Mobility+ app from EnBW on his smartphone to find the nearest available charging station. The app can also be used to plan routes and charging stations throughout Europe in advance using a route check. This is particularly useful for cars, but also for large commercial vehicles. The eActros 600 needs charging stations with at least 150 kilowatts to fill its batteries. The higher the value, the faster it goes. The driver reported that there were sufficient charging stations throughout the tour and used the example of Norway on his smartphone to show how far the charging infrastructure has already progressed. As is well known, Norway is a European pioneer when it comes to electromobility. There are already more than 24,000 charging stations there and from 2025, no more combustion engines are to be sold.
Things look different in Spain, for example. The app reveals that only very few charging stations with sufficient capacity are available there. The 15,000-kilometer tour through 22 countries was apparently planned on the basis of charging stations, which is perfectly legitimate for a test drive. The eActros 600, with its range of 500 kilometers, successfully mastered the long journey, even if refueling was sometimes a little awkward, because eighty percent of the time it had to be unhitched, as many charging stations are designed for cars. Technically, this was not a problem, as the CCS plug always fitted.
And time is not standing still. By 2027, the company Milence wants to set up around 1700 charging parks with 300 to 400 kW for electric trucks across Europe. As soon as the megawatt charging system with outputs of up to 1000 kW is introduced, long-distance trucks can be fully charged there in just 30 to 45 minutes.
Daimler Trucks also presented the new Actros L with the new ProCabin as a diesel vehicle at the IAA 2024. Around a year ago, it looked as if the new cab was only intended for electric trucks, but it quickly became clear that the Actros is on the verge of a general generation change. The aerodynamic design promises a three percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor.
There were those who did not like the look of the new cab. Others were enthusiastic about the clear lines. Anyone who looked at the new vehicles from all sides at the trade fair and imagined that they would soon be part of the street scene could certainly make friends with the modern design.
On the first day of the IAA, MAN Truck & Bus won the “Truck Innovation Award 2025”. The award goes to the hydrogen-powered truck with the designation hTGX. It is powered by the 16.8-liter H45 hydrogen engine, which is based on the tried-and-tested D38 diesel engine. A 700-bar hydrogen pressure tank with a capacity of 56 kilograms enables a range of around 600 kilometers. The hTGX is another zero-emission vehicle that complements MAN's battery-electric portfolio. According to a press release, MAN will be the first European truck manufacturer to launch a small series of 200 heavy-duty trucks with hydrogen combustion engines in 2025. The vehicles with 6x2 and 6x4 drive are particularly suitable for transport tasks in the heavy-duty sector.
MAN is also proud of the new D30 Powerlion powertrain with the new D30 engine and the new TipMatic 14 gearbox. Together with additional aerodynamic measures, the new units promise a reduction in fuel consumption of up to four percent. Many other innovations are expected for the 2025 model year, such as new disc brakes, optimized aerodynamics and improvements to the interior. More details can be found at https://www.man.eu
Renault Trucks
The Big Seven of the European truck industry were once again not complete, as the French component did not appear. As in 2022, Renault Trucks was conspicuous by its absence; no reason was given, no matter where you asked. The press officer of another commercial vehicle brand had heard a rumor that there were disagreements between Renault and Volvo. No further details are known, nor whether there could be any connection to the French abstention from the IAA Transportation 2022 and 2024.
DAF Trucks
The Dutch brand DAF had an extensive program to offer at the IAA. All model series were on display, although DAF was probably the winner in terms of the number of exhibits. And the proportion of vehicles with diesel engines was higher on the DAF stand than elsewhere - a concept that was based on reality. In addition, DAF was the only major European manufacturer still handing out paper brochures, which is nice from a traditionalist's point of view.
All DAF series are now equipped with the appearance of the new generation, even the “small” XB has the new face, as the modernized radiator grille shows, although the cab has remained unchanged on the outside.
The XG FT Low Deck is a new addition to the DAF portfolio. The tractor unit can be specified with a fifth wheel height of just 91 cm. Together with its low chassis height, specially developed fuel tanks and smaller tires, the XG FT Low Deck is particularly suitable for large-volume trailers.
At the trade fair, the diesel vehicles were painted red and the electric versions white. The long-haul models XF, XG and the flagship XG+ had new side panels. The XD for distribution transport, the XB for inner-city use and the XDC and XFC construction vehicles had a uniform appearance, with the construction vehicles standing out with black radiator grilles, while the other diesel models had silver ribs.
A new hydrogen engine from Paccar shone bluish in the spotlight. DAF was already honored with the “Truck Innovation Award” in 2022, when the new generation of the XF with hydrogen combustion engine was presented. The sustainability of battery electric vehicles is generally questioned. Many experts are of the opinion that a meaningful turnaround in transportation can only succeed with hydrogen.
The focus was on the new Volvo FH Aero. The new version of the FH cab was already known from the media, but the Aero was not yet available to touch. At the IAA test site, interested visitors were able to test drive the electric version of the Aero with semi-trailer as well as the electrically powered FM Low Entry, FMX and FE models.
The Volvo FH16 Aero was presented with the brand new, highly efficient 17-liter D17 diesel engine, which increases performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The truck is certified for HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and B100 biodiesel.
In addition to diesel vehicles, Volvo also exhibited electric and gas-powered trucks as well as a hydrogen test vehicle. According to Volvo, hydrogen is the next step for the powertrains of the future. Hydrogen for fuel cell applications and hydrogen for combustion engines are being developed in parallel. If all goes according to plan, both technologies will be available towards the end of the decade.
Volvo's determination to decarbonize transport is also evident in the new FM Low Entry, which is available exclusively with electric drive. This measure makes sense for refuse collection vehicles, which have a limited operating radius and can be charged on site, provided the necessary charging equipment is available there. Volvo also presented solutions to the problem of charging infrastructure at the trade fair.
For the first time in Europe, Volvo also presented the brand new US truck VNL at the IAA 2024. According to the press release, the conventional truck, which has been extensively upgraded with chrome parts, scores points with its pioneering autonomous technologies, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and safety. Whether on the highway or in the city, the Volvo Active Driver Assistant (VADA) protects the driver and their surroundings with collision avoidance technology as standard. The system is equipped with functions such as lane departure warning, lane centering and side pedestrian detection. In the event of a rollover or airbag deployment, the industry's first emergency call system uses available cellular coverage to make an automatic call and relay location information to an emergency responder.
On the Internet, Volvo has published an informative guide on the subject of “Alternative fuels”, which explains eleven different fuels from HVO to DME in detail. Here is the link to the pdf.
Scania
Scania naturally also had alternative drive concepts on display at the IAA. These included battery electric vehicles as well as gas and HVO-powered trucks. Even the diesel engine of the Scania 660 S Highline can be operated with HVO or other biofuels, which enables a CO2 reduction of up to 90 percent. And the 12.7-liter gas in-line six-cylinder engine with up to 460 hp can run on bio-CNG or bio-LNG, which ensures virtually climate-neutral transport.
The new battery-electric trucks and tractor units from Scania are available with R- or S-series cabs. The range depends on weight, use, weather and driving behavior, whereby “a 27-ton tractor unit with six batteries has a range of up to 350 kilometers between charges,” says Scania. And further: “One hour of charging gives a range of 270 kilometers. What's more, you don't need the highest available charging station with 350 kW to achieve relevant charging times. A 130 kW charger gives a truck with a consumption of 1.3 kWh per kilometer a range of 100 kilometers after one hour of charging”. Sounds logical. But there is still no solution in sight for long-distance use until politicians decide to provide subsidies and actively prioritize the development of the necessary charging infrastructure throughout Europe. After all, this urgent task cannot be left to the vehicle manufacturers.
Under the motto “Drive the Road of change”, IVECO is driving forward its decarbonization strategy with a multi-drive concept that includes the further development of biomethane, battery and fuel cell technology.
As a world premiere, IVECO presented the eMoovy van developed jointly with Hyundai at the IAA 2024. As the first electric chassis in the mid-range segment of 2.5 to 3.5 tons in Europe, it offers a load volume of up to ten cubic meters and a payload of up to one and a half tons, depending on the body. The press release states: “The cab built by Hyundai sets new standards for everyday work and offers unique comfort and functionalities just like in a passenger car. The eMoovy “drives like a car, works like a truck”. With a charging capacity of up to 350 kW, the van achieves a range of up to 100 kilometers in a maximum of ten minutes. With a new charger recommended by IVECO, charging is possible both on the road and at the depot. The eMoovy can be ordered from October and will be delivered from the first quarter of next year.
A great deal has also happened in the heavy-duty electric truck sector. In addition to the S-eWay 4x2 tractor unit, which has been rolling off the production line at the Ulm plant since summer 2024, IVECO is expanding its portfolio of heavy-duty electric vehicles with the S-eWay chassis for urban and regional transport. The vehicle has a range of up to 400 kilometers and offers fast charging options that enable an additional range of 200 kilometers in less than 45 minutes. The S-eWay is equipped with an electric axle from FPT Industrial and offers a total battery capacity of up to 490 kWh, making it ideal for urban and regional applications. The new range has been developed to provide a universal base for distribution transport and construction through to municipal and special applications. Customers can choose between a 4x2 and 6x2 version as well as different suspensions, cabs and wheelbases to configure the vehicle according to their requirements. The S-eWay chassis is also suitable for trailer operation with a gross vehicle weight of up to 44 tons, subject to local regulations.
IVECO also showed a prototype of the S-eWay with a special XCursor 13 hydrogen combustion engine, a multi-fuel engine optimized to run on different fuels: diesel, methane and hydrogen. Also on display was the concept for a heavy-duty hybrid truck with an electric axle and the Cursor 9 H2 engine for range extension, a solution without CO2 emissions. These powertrains were developed by FPT Industrial, the Iveco Group brand that specializes in the development and production of environmentally friendly powertrains.
Driving on Europe's highways, you will see more and more trucks with the Ford emblem. An outsider a few years ago, Ford Trucks is now clearly on its way to becoming a Euro player. This is also reflected in the size of the Ford stand at the IAA. In 2018, the Turkish truck manufacturer Ford Otosan presented itself with two newly developed F-MAX tractor units. The trade visitors were somewhat astonished, but were secretly convinced that Turkish trucks would hardly stand a chance on the European market. The next IAA was canceled due to the pandemic, and Ford Trucks was back in 2022 with a larger stand and new exhibits, including an electric prototype. In the meantime, Ford Trucks had established a German subsidiary in Crailsheim near Stuttgart. In 2024, the stand area at the IAA was almost doubled again and Ford Trucks now has almost 70 service centers in Germany alone
Ford presented a cross-section of its current vehicle range at the stand. New was a battery-electric vehicle from the recently introduced F-LINE series with box body and 6x2 drive formula in the color Digital Aqua Blue. The tried-and-tested F-MAX series was represented with an F-MAX Gen2, an F-MAX Living and a tractor unit with the limited edition F-MAX Select. An F-LINE 1845 T tractor unit and an F-LINE 4145 D construction vehicle with 8x4 drive formula and Meiller body rounded off the 2024 presentation.
However, Ford trucks were not only on display at the Ford stand. Customer stands were also adorned with trucks from the Turkish manufacturer. And an F-LINE from construction machinery supplier and truck styling accessory dealer HS Schoch was on display on the open-air site.
In addition to the big players, smaller companies were also represented at the IAA, exhibiting trucks and, above all, a large number of electric vans in all sizes. We may publish a separate report on the subject of small electric vans on truckinfocus.com in due course. In this IAA report we only show a small selection on this topic.
We will also be showing the nine vintage trucks that were exhibited at the trade fair in a separate article that will soon appear on truckinfocus.com.
China on its way to Europe
Moving on through Hall 19/20 at the North Main Entrance, which began with Daimler Trucks, we encountered the first Chinese trucks before DAF followed in the next hall and later the other European manufacturers. Chinese truck brands were represented in practically all halls, more than ever before at the IAA. Moreover, especially on September 16, the non-public press day, one could not help but get the impression that the audience consisted more of Chinese than Europeans. Some commercial vehicle enthusiasts from the Far East were out and about in groups or individually with small cameras and smartphones to photograph details of the vehicles on display. They also adopted uncomfortable postures to document a chassis detail from below, for example.
However, it was not only the photographers from China who attracted attention. Above all, Chinese trucks, vans and buses that had never been seen in Europe, but some of which were quite appealingly styled, attracted attention. It remains to be seen whether they will one day be seen again as mail vans in let’s say Hildesheim or as articulated trucks on German freeways. But the International Motor Show IAA Transportation thrives on visitors from all over the world and is probably an exciting springboard for new suppliers from distant countries.
Some information on Chinese manufacturers and truck models can be found in the captions of the following photos.
The photos in this report, which are marked with a link symbol at the bottom right, can be clicked to obtain a larger view with some information about the photo.