IAA 2026 - Part 2: Trucks from China

The Manufacturers in Review

Chinese truck manufacturers were more prominent than ever at IAA Transportation 2026. At least 16 brands presented heavy electric trucks, hydrogen vehicles, autonomous concepts and new platforms. Many appeared in Hanover for the first time – and several are already building sales, service or even production structures in Europe.

With 1,589 exhibitors from 46 countries, IAA Transportation 2026 reached a new high in international participation. More than 140,000 visitors came to Hanover, including over 113,000 trade visitors on weekdays. Forty percent of trade visitors traveled from abroad. China was particularly well represented among both visitors and exhibitors. More than 150 world premieres and other new products were presented during the show.

The number of Chinese truck brands was particularly striking. Following the first part of our show review, covering vehicles from Europe and around the world, this second part presents 16 Chinese truck manufacturers that displayed their products at IAA 2026 in Hanover. More than two-thirds of them did not feature in our 2024 IAA review. The exhibits spanned battery-electric long-haul trucks, hydrogen and range-extender concepts, and Level 4 vehicles for autonomous transportation. Level 4 is a degree of automation in which a vehicle performs all driving tasks itself within defined operating conditions, such as on specific routes or within designated operating areas. A person does not have to continuously monitor the system or intervene when needed within those conditions; if problems arise, it must reach a safe state on its own, for example by stopping.

Established manufacturers joined young startups in Hanover. Sinotruk, FAW/Jiefang, Dongfeng, Shacman, and Foton represented some of China's largest and longest-established commercial vehicle manufacturers. At the same time, new brands such as DeepWay and RYGG show how quickly China's commercial vehicle industry is changing. Another notable development is how many manufacturers now want to do more than export vehicles: parts warehouses, service networks, European development work, and even local production are increasingly part of their strategies.

BYD

BYD used IAA 2026 to make a much stronger push into the European heavy truck market. The centerpiece was the new ETT 44, a tractor developed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, with a 651-kWh Blade Battery. BYD quotes a range of up to 600 kilometers, output of up to 750 kW, or approximately 1,000 metric horsepower, and megawatt-level charging power. Charging the battery from 20 to 80 percent is expected to take about 20 minutes.

The ETT 44 was not alone, however. BYD also displayed new 4×2 and 6×2 rigid trucks, bringing its European commercial vehicle offering to weight classes from 3.5 to 44 metric tons. Particularly interesting is that BYD intends to sell more than vehicles. Its concept also includes charging infrastructure, stationary energy storage, energy management, service, and financing. The group is thus seeking to offer fleet customers a complete system built around the electric truck. The heavy truck product line is scheduled to enter the European market from 2027.

More information is available on the BYD website.

With the ETT 44, BYD is targeting heavy long-haul transportation in Europe. The tractor, developed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, has a 651-kWh Blade Battery; the manufacturer quotes a range of up to 600 kilometers. When it enters the market from 2027 as planned, the offering is intended to extend beyond the truck to include charging infrastructure, energy management, and service.
The three-axle BYD ETH 28 was presented here as a chassis without bodywork. The electric rigid truck can be equipped for various transportation tasks and complements the manufacturer's heavy tractors. BYD is thus displaying not only complete vehicles for specific applications but also the technical platform for customized bodies.
BYD also exhibited the EYT 2.0, a terminal tractor for moving semitrailers around industrial sites and terminals. Its raised cab and short two-axle chassis identify it as a vehicle tailored to yard operations. The show lineup thus also covered transportation within logistics facilities.
Another BYD from the manufacturer's portfolio could be seen at refrigeration unit manufacturer Thermo King's booth. The electric ETM6 carried a refrigerated body by Carfran with a Thermo King unit. This combination demonstrates a practical application in temperature-controlled distribution and complements BYD's new heavy trucks with a compact delivery vehicle.
The compact T 35 sits at the lower end of BYD's commercial vehicle product line, shown here with a refuse collection body. It demonstrates that the electric offering also includes smaller municipal vehicles. This application complemented the heavy rigid trucks and tractors on BYD's booth.

C&C Trucks

C&C Trucks is the heavy truck brand of Chery Commercial Vehicle. Two versions of the new Phoenix tractor were displayed in Hanover: a fully battery-electric BEV and a REEV with a range extender. C&C is responsible for the group's heavy truck business.

The energy concept is particularly unusual. The electric Phoenix tractor has a battery of approximately 431 kWh. A second energy storage unit of the same size can also be installed in the semitrailer, providing a total of around 860 kWh. The driver can switch between the two energy sources during operation. The electric drivetrain delivers peak output of 400 kW; C&C quotes a range of up to 500 kilometers for the BEV version.

The REEV version adds a 3.0-liter diesel engine acting as a generator and a 200-liter fuel tank. The combustion engine generates electricity rather than driving the wheels directly. Chery is thus demonstrating two different approaches to electric long-haul trucks, especially for areas where high-power charging infrastructure is not yet widely available.

More information is available on the Chery Commercial Vehicle website.

The white C&C Phoenix REEV supplements its electric drivetrain with a range extender. A 3.0-liter diesel engine generates electricity but does not drive the wheels directly. Together with a 200-liter fuel tank, this solution is intended to enable electric transportation in areas where high-power charging stations are still insufficiently available.
The green Phoenix tractor is the fully battery-electric version from C&C Trucks, Chery Commercial Vehicle's heavy truck brand. In addition to the vehicle's approximately 431-kWh battery, another energy storage unit of the same size can be installed in the semitrailer. The concept thus incorporates both parts of the tractor-trailer combination into the energy supply.

DeepWay

DeepWay made its European debut in Hanover. Founded in 2020, the company focuses on heavy battery-electric trucks and closely integrates its vehicles with digital and automated driving functions. DeepWay announced a heavy truck specifically developed for Europe for 2027. Rather than simply transferring a model from its Chinese product line, it plans to adapt the vehicle to European regulations, road conditions, charging infrastructure, and fleet requirements.

The company sees the electric truck as only the first step. Its development path extends from driver assistance and connected fleets to fully autonomous freight vehicles. DeepWay's long-term vision centers on “Freight Robots,” with a clear progression toward Level 4. Electrification and automated driving are considered together from the outset.

More information is available on the DeepWay website.

With its steeply raked windshield and smooth surfaces, the electric DeepWay Star 513 looks distinctly different from a conventional long-haul truck. The two-axle vehicle formed part of the young manufacturer's European debut. A heavy truck specifically adapted to European regulations, charging infrastructure, and fleet requirements has been announced for 2027.
The three-axle DeepWay Star 600 presents the distinctive cab concept in another vehicle configuration. For the manufacturer, electric propulsion, connectivity, and automated driving are closely linked. Its long-term goal is for “Freight Robots” to handle transportation independently within defined operating areas; the truck on display illustrates the vehicle side of this development for now.

Dongfeng

Dongfeng is one of China's largest and longest-established commercial vehicle manufacturers. At IAA 2026, the group staged its first major independent presence at the show, focusing almost entirely on hydrogen.

Three hydrogen-powered vehicles were displayed for different applications: long-haul transportation, raw materials and bulk cargo, and refrigerated and distribution operations. An in-house-developed 400-kW fuel cell system also made its world debut. The vehicles are based on the new T1 platform, which integrates the fuel cell, hydrogen storage, battery, electric drivetrain, controls, and thermal management into a complete system.

This set Dongfeng clearly apart from many Chinese competitors, whose displays in Hanover focused on battery-electric vehicles. The manufacturer continues to pursue several powertrain approaches and sees opportunities for hydrogen particularly in heavy long-haul transportation and energy-intensive applications.

More information is available on the Dongfeng website.

The curved cab shape defines this Dongfeng for heavy long-haul transportation. The manufacturer focused on hydrogen at the show and also introduced its own 400-kW fuel cell system. The new T1 platform combines the fuel cell, hydrogen storage, battery, electric drivetrain, and thermal management in a unified vehicle concept.
Dongfeng also displayed its hydrogen concept with a refrigerated body. Alongside heavy long-haul transportation, this brought temperature-controlled distribution into the manufacturer's presentation. The more compact truck illustrates the breadth of the display, in which three vehicles for different transportation tasks shared the same basic technical concept.
The three-axle Dongfeng tractor with a tall cab complements the hydrogen product line for heavy transportation. The H₂ marking on its side identifies the energy source from the outside. Dongfeng sees opportunities particularly in energy-intensive transportation, giving it a different emphasis from the many battery-electric vehicles at the show.

Farizon

Farizon, the commercial vehicle brand of China's Geely Group, made its IAA debut in 2026. The centerpiece was the fully electric Homtruck, presented with a European focus for the first time. Farizon positions it for heavy transportation and long-haul operations, although the company has not yet announced a firm European sales launch date.

The infrastructure already taking shape is at least as interesting as the vehicle. Farizon is systematically expanding its European presence, including offices in Germany and France. A spare parts warehouse has also been established in Gaggenau, Germany. Geely is thus already creating service and supply structures, even though the heavy Homtruck series is not yet routinely offered on the European market.

More information is available on the Farizon website.

The Farizon Homtruck in the outdoor display area: Geely's commercial vehicle brand presented its electric heavy truck with a European focus for the first time. The company has not yet given a firm sales launch date. However, European offices and a parts warehouse in Gaggenau, Germany, are already establishing the infrastructure for sales, service, and parts supply.

FAW Trucks

FAW Trucks provided a particularly vivid link between past and future in Hanover. The Chinese manufacturer brought five complete vehicles and nine key powertrain and technology modules. Exhibits included the new CORTRON CS series for the European market and the futuristic TL.X Concept Truck, intended as a look ahead to 2036.

FAW is pursuing a broad powertrain strategy with CORTRON. Alongside diesel versions, it displayed the CS 925 battery-electric tractor. Across its overall product line, FAW lists diesel, natural gas, hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen powertrains. The company therefore does not intend to commit to a single technology, but to offer different solutions for different applications.

FAW is one of China's major traditional truck manufacturers. Appropriately, its booth also featured a historic Jiefang CA 10 from 1956, the vehicle that marked the beginning of industrial automobile production in the People's Republic of China. Right beside it, the new CORTRON models and the TL.X demonstrated how far China's commercial vehicle industry has developed in 70 years.

More information is available on the FAW Trucks website.

FAW's TL.X Concept Truck was constantly surrounded by visitors during the show. This unobstructed view of the vehicle was only possible in the evening, when visiting hours had effectively ended. The study looks ahead to 2036; smooth surfaces and largely enclosed vehicle sides define the appearance of the futuristic tractor.
The FAW CORTRON CS 600 belongs to the new heavy truck series for the European market. Its cab is the same height as that of the battery-electric CS 925 displayed beside it. FAW is pursuing several powertrain options: its overall product line includes natural gas, hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen models as well as diesel.
The blue CORTRON CS 925 EV is the battery-electric tractor in FAW's lineup. Its cab height and shared front-end styling give it a close visual connection to the CS 600. FAW thus integrates electric propulsion into a model family designed to offer different powertrain types for various transportation tasks.
The white CORTRON CS 600 XXL complements the versions of FAW's new series on display. Its cab shape, grille, and vertical lights show the close styling relationship with the CS 600 and the blue CS 925 EV. Together, they represent the current heavy truck product line alongside the forward-looking TL.X concept.
The Jiefang CA 10 marks the beginning of China's automobile industry. In 1956, it rolled off FAW's assembly line in Changchun, China, as the first motor vehicle to be mass-produced in the People's Republic of China. Its design was based on the Soviet ZIS-150, whose roots in turn can be traced to the American International Harvester KR-11. Two years later, FAW also built China's first passenger car, the Dongfeng CA 71.

Foton

Foton used IAA 2026 for the international premiere of the new CAVAN BEACON and to present a broader European strategy. The futuristic heavy truck is more than a design study: it forms part of a new modular platform for battery-electric and hydrogen powertrains.

For the battery-electric version, Foton quotes a range of more than 600 kilometers and charging power extending into the megawatt class. A fuel cell version with a significantly longer range is also planned. CAVAN is therefore intended to cover both battery-electric and hydrogen-powered long-haul transportation.

Foton already has a European presence with lighter and medium-duty commercial vehicles and continues to expand its infrastructure. A key element is the European parts center that has now opened in Unna, Germany. The group emphasizes that Europe should be more than an export market: it intends to build local sales and service structures and, in the longer term, production operations as well.

More information is available on the Foton website.

The CAVAN BEACON was one of Foton's key new products. The heavy tractor belongs to a modular platform for battery-electric and fuel cell powertrains. For the battery-electric version, the manufacturer quotes a range of more than 600 kilometers and megawatt-level charging power; a hydrogen version is planned to complement the product line.
The Foton Galaxus R9 in front of the new CAVAN. The blue Galaxus is defined by its curved front and lights positioned at the sides. The white CAVAN behind it uses broad, uncluttered surfaces with rounded transitions and a distinctive grille in the lower section of the front end. Together, the vehicles present two different designs for heavy tractors.
With the DAYSTAR, Foton also displayed a compact chassis for distribution work. Presented without a body, the two-axle vehicle reveals the division between the short cab and the usable chassis frame. It complements the heavy tractor display with the lighter vehicle classes in which Foton already has a presence in some European countries.
The Foton sweeper adds a municipal street-cleaning vehicle to the show lineup. The complete vehicle on display illustrates another application alongside the chassis and long-haul tractors. Foton is thus targeting its European offering at different customer groups, from transportation companies to municipal service providers.

GAC / Pony.ai

GAC Commercial Vehicle and Pony.ai jointly displayed the T9 Robotruck. The vehicle is based on GAC's battery-electric T9 heavy truck platform; Pony.ai supplies the fourth-generation autonomous driving system. The 6×4 truck has a 402-kWh battery, a stated range of 330 kilometers, and a gross combination weight of 49 metric tons.

Its Level 4 system uses 13 cameras, nine LiDAR sensors, and three radars. Four Orin-X computers provide a combined computing capacity of 1,016 TOPS.

Notably, the T9 was not presented merely as a long-term study. Pony.ai announced the start of series production before the end of 2026. Initial applications are intended to include long-haul transportation, fixed logistics routes, and port operations, where routes and operating procedures are relatively easy to control.

More information is available on the Pony.ai website.

GAC's electric T9 platform forms the basis of the Robotruck jointly developed with Pony.ai. The 6×4 has a 402-kWh battery; its stated range is 330 kilometers at a gross combination weight of 49 metric tons. GAC provides the vehicle platform, while Pony.ai contributes the autonomous driving system.
The T9 Robotruck combines GAC's electric vehicle platform with Pony.ai's autonomous driving system. The system uses a total of 13 cameras, nine LiDAR sensors, and three radars. Fixed logistics routes and port operations are the initial intended applications; Pony.ai announced the start of series production before the end of 2026.

JAC Motors

Following its 2024 appearance, JAC participated in IAA Transportation for the second time. The manufacturer exhibited four vehicles expressly developed for the European market. The battery-electric N 42 EV and N 90 EV were particularly relevant to the truck sector, joined by the eSUNRAY PRO electric van and the T9 PHEV plug-in hybrid pickup.

JAC stands out less for spectacular long-haul concepts than for its relatively down-to-earth focus on light distribution vehicles and products already adapted for Europe. It thus occupies a different segment from many Chinese suppliers, whose Hanover presentations concentrated on 40-metric-ton tractors.

More information is available on the JAC Motors website.

The JAC N 90 EV electric refuse collection vehicle illustrates a municipal application of the European truck product line. In Hanover, JAC focused on vehicles already developed for this market. Alongside the N 90 EV, the show lineup included the smaller N 42 EV, an electric van, and a plug-in hybrid pickup.
The compact JAC N 42 EV with a box body is intended for local delivery work. It is one of the manufacturer's vehicles expressly developed for Europe. While many Chinese competitors put heavy long-haul tractors center stage, JAC used this two-axle truck to present a practical option for goods distribution.

Maxus

In Europe, Maxus had mainly been associated with vans and pickups. At IAA 2026, however, the brand belonging to China's SAIC Group extended its product line substantially into higher weight classes.

With the eDELIVER 75, Maxus displayed an electric chassis in the 7.5-metric-ton class. The new eDELIVER 420 L is considerably larger: a fully electric 42-metric-ton tractor for heavy long-haul transportation. It is based on the modular AILink architecture and has a 615-kWh battery from CATL. Charging from 20 to 80 percent is expected to take around 25 minutes. Maxus had not yet provided a firm range figure at the show.

Maxus is thus entering weight classes in Europe where the brand has previously had virtually no presence. A van also displayed at the show will be covered in our third part, devoted to light commercial vehicles.

More information is available on the Maxus website.

With the eDELIVER 420 L, Maxus is moving into heavy long-haul transportation. The electric 42-metric-ton tractor is based on the AILink architecture and has a 615-kWh CATL battery. According to the manufacturer, charging from 20 to 80 percent is expected to take around 25 minutes; a firm range figure was still pending at the show.
The Maxus eDELIVER 75 with a box body extends the product line into the 7.5-metric-ton class. The SAIC brand, previously known mainly for vans and pickups, is thus also entering electric truck distribution operations. Together with the heavy eDELIVER 420 L tractor, it marks the expansion into higher weight classes.

RYGG

RYGG is a special case. The brand was created specifically for the European market and belongs to Chinese fuel cell manufacturer REFIRE. The Nova F-L shown in Hanover is based on the Ford F-Max, combining its cab and base vehicle with a Chinese fuel cell powertrain.

The 44-metric-ton tractor already has European type approval. RYGG is conducting tests and roadshows in countries including Germany and the Netherlands. Additional variants, including lowliner and ADR versions, have been announced.
This sets RYGG apart from both conventional Chinese export trucks and vehicles developed entirely in Europe: a Turkish-European base vehicle is combined with Chinese hydrogen technology to create a new European product.

More information is available on the RYGG website.

The cab reveals its origins: the RYGG Nova F-L is based on the Ford F-Max. Fuel cell manufacturer REFIRE's brand combines the base vehicle with Chinese hydrogen technology. The 44-metric-ton tractor already has European type approval and is being evaluated in tests and roadshows in countries including Germany and the Netherlands.

SANY

In 2026, SANY demonstrated how quickly a single show vehicle can grow into a complete market presence. An electric SANY concrete mixer had already appeared at IAA in 2024, at the time in association with Putzmeister and ETC Miettrucks. Two years later, SANY appeared with its own eTruck brand and a complete European electric truck product line.

Five models cover construction, logistics, distribution, and municipal applications: from the e435 8×4 for concrete mixers and dump trucks through the e263 S 4×2 tractor and the e345/e360 6×2 chassis to the e363 for swap bodies and heavier logistics applications, and the e263 R for mail and parcel operations. The e363 has a 636-kWh battery and is expected to achieve a range of up to 500 kilometers.

Putzmeister plays an important role in this effort. The German company has been part of SANY since 2012 and contributes development expertise as well as sales and service experience to the European truck initiative. SANY also works with around 650 Alltrucks workshops in Europe and offers 24/7 roadside assistance.

SANY itself is far from being a small newcomer. According to the company, more than 50,000 electric SANY trucks are in operation in China. The progression from a single electric mixer in 2024 to a complete European product line in 2026 clearly shows the direction the manufacturer has taken.

More information is available on the SANY website.

The four-axle SANY e435 with a concrete mixer body represents electric construction-site applications. An electric SANY mixer had already appeared at IAA in 2024 in association with Putzmeister and ETC Miettrucks. The 8×4 shown here now belongs to a much broader European eTruck product line with vehicles for construction, logistics, and municipal duties.
An electric SANY tractor with a dump semitrailer during a test drive. The ETC Miettrucks branding points to the provider that was already involved in the European appearance of a SANY concrete mixer at IAA 2024. The combination complements the indoor exhibits with an impression of the vehicle in operation at the show.
The SANY e363 chassis is intended for swap bodies and other heavy logistics applications. For this series, the manufacturer quotes a 636-kWh battery and a range of up to 500 kilometers. Displayed without a body, the vehicle is one of the three-axle rigid trucks with which SANY is extending its European offering beyond mixers and tractors.
Displayed without a semitrailer, the SANY e263 S presents the electric 4×2 solution for tractor-trailer operations. It complements the rigid truck chassis for construction, distribution, and municipal duties. For its European market entry, SANY draws on resources including the development and service experience of its Putzmeister subsidiary and cooperation with the Alltrucks workshop network.
The SANY e263 R with a box body targets customers including mail and parcel services. Within the new European product line, it represents distribution operations, while other series are intended for concrete transportation, swap bodies, or tractor-trailer combinations. SANY thus presented several practical applications under one brand at the show.

Shacmoto / Shacman

Shacmoto, generally known internationally as Shacman, was already represented at IAA in 2024. Behind the brand is Shaanxi Automobile Group, one of China's major heavy truck manufacturers.

The two battery-electric models H 6000 E and X 6000 E were displayed in 2026. At the same time, Shacman continues to develop its entire heavy truck product line and expand its international presence. The brand now also occupies the upper end of the power scale with conventional vehicles; the X 6000 product line offers engine outputs of up to 720 metric horsepower.

The display thus presented more than individual electric vehicles: it showed a manufacturer increasingly orienting its heavy truck series toward international markets.

More information is available on the Shacman website.

The battery-electric Shacmoto H 6000 E with a dump semitrailer at the EVRT booth. EVRT, short for “Electric Vehicles Road Train,” is a CIMC Vehicles concept for coordinated electric tractors and semitrailers, including the associated operating infrastructure. The three-axle tractor with a dump trailer shown here represents heavy bulk-material transportation.
The battery-electric Shacmoto X 6000 E was coupled to a platform semitrailer. Together with the H 6000 E, it illustrates the variety of tractor-trailer combinations on display. Both carry EVRT styling, but differ clearly in cab shape and front-end design.

Sinotruk / Sitrak

Sinotruk is one of China's leading heavy truck manufacturers and was the market leader in the country's heavy-duty segment for the fourth consecutive year in 2025. At IAA, the group's presence centered on the Sitrak brand.

Five vehicles were displayed, along with powertrain, charging, and energy solutions. The centerpiece was a new battery-electric 4×2 tractor with 800-V technology and a battery system in the 600-kWh class. Sinotruk quotes a range of up to 500 kilometers at a gross combination weight of 44 metric tons. The manufacturer sees electrification as more than a vehicle issue, combining trucks, energy supply, charging, battery swapping, and fleet operations into a complete system.

Production in Austria is particularly relevant to Europe. Since March 2026, Sinotruk has had diesel and electric trucks assembled by Steyr Automotive. Production initially uses the SKD process; greater local value creation is planned later, extending to CKD assembly, cab production, and painting.

Steyr Automotive also builds vehicles for SuperPanther at the same site. Steyr, Austria, is thus increasingly developing into a European production base for Chinese truck projects.

More information is available on the Sinotruk website.

With this Sitrak tractor, Sinotruk emphasized automated driving functions. The windshield lettering advertised highway navigation with autopilot and referred to vehicles already sold. However, this information alone does not establish a specific level of automation.
The four-axle Sitrak dump truck represents heavy construction and bulk-material transportation. On the windshield, the manufacturer quotes a range of more than 300 kilometers and refers to over one million kilometers of testing. The exhibit complements the long-haul tractors with an electric truck for construction-site operations.
According to its show lettering, the blue Sitrak tractor is designed for combinations with a gross weight of 64 metric tons. The manufacturer also quotes a range of more than 400 kilometers. Alongside this version, Sinotruk presented another electric tractor with a stated range of more than 500 kilometers.
Another electric Sitrak tractor with a different weight specification: on the vehicle, Sinotruk advertised a curb weight of ten metric tons, a charging time of 30 minutes, and a range of more than 500 kilometers. The variants on display showed how the manufacturer differentiates its electric offering by transportation task, combination weight, and required range.
Sitrak also covered distribution operations. The electric box truck complements the heavy tractors and construction vehicles with a compact rigid truck for deliveries. The show lettering quotes a range of more than 350 kilometers and a charging time of 20 minutes; Sinotruk thus also focused on range and charging stops with this exhibit.

Skyworth

Skyworth Auto made its IAA debut in Hanover with five electrified commercial vehicles. The centerpiece was the world premiere of the Z9, a heavy electric 6×4 tractor. The vehicle was designed from the outset for Level 4 autonomous driving.

The Z9 produces 610 kW and has a 400-kWh LFP battery. Five LiDAR sensors, five millimeter-wave radars, and ten HD cameras provide 360-degree perception of its surroundings. Initial applications are intended to be clearly defined operating environments such as ports, steel mills, rail yards, and fixed logistics corridors.

Skyworth also displayed the G 18 refuse collection vehicle, likewise developed for Level 4, the autonomous Urban Elf Robobus, and electric van and chassis solutions. The manufacturer explicitly describes its development as a transition from a traditional vehicle maker to a technology-oriented provider combining alternative powertrains, AI, autonomous driving, and customized vehicles.

More information is available on the Skyworth website.

The Skyworth Z9 made its world debut in Hanover. The electric 6×4 tractor with a 400-kWh LFP battery was designed from the outset for Level 4 autonomous driving. The manufacturer names ports, steel mills, rail yards, and fixed logistics corridors as its first intended applications, where operating conditions can be clearly defined.
With the G 18, Skyworth applies its automation concept to refuse collection. Developed for Level 4, the vehicle is intended to drive autonomously within defined operating conditions. Its low-reaching cab with extensive glazing differs markedly from the Z9 tractor also on display and reflects its focus on municipal duties.

XCMG

XCMG is best known as one of China's major construction equipment manufacturers, but it also has its own commercial vehicle product line. A fully electric XCMG chassis with a concrete mixer body by Polish manufacturer FML (Fabryka Maszyn Leżajsk) was displayed at IAA. FML develops and manufactures these bodies at its own factory and combines them with chassis from various manufacturers. This is the XCMG vehicle we photographed.

However, the vehicle was not displayed on a separate booth clearly identifiable as XCMG's own. We could not locate a dedicated XCMG presence across the extensive showgrounds. The presence of an XCMG truck in Hanover is therefore confirmed; whether the manufacturer also had its own booth remains unclear.

More information is available on the XCMG website.

Chinese chassis, Polish body: this electric XCMG concrete mixer carries a mixer drum from FML in Leżajsk, Poland. The bodybuilder combines its products with chassis from various brands. The photographed vehicle confirms the presence of an XCMG truck at IAA 2026; we could not locate a separate booth for the brand at the showgrounds.

The text and photographs for this show review are by Steve St.Schmidt. Generative AI was used to assist with research, organization, and wording.

You might also be interested in:

The Manufacturers in Review

IAA 2026 - Part 1: Trucks from Around the World

IAA Transportation 2026 primarily showed where manufacturers intend to take heavy road freight transport in the coming years. Battery-electric long-haul trucks with ever-increasing ranges, hydrogen concepts and new market entrants shaped the show. On the road, however, diesel trucks continue to dominate. Part 1 of our review presents the most important heavy commercial vehicles and concepts outside the large Chinese exhibition block – from DAF and Ford Trucks to Tesla, SuperPanther and Volvo Trucks. The many other Chinese manufacturers will follow in Part 2 of our IAA review.

A First Look at the Most Important Truck Debuts

IAA Transportation 2026 Opens in Hannover

IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover: Mercedes-Benz Trucks, MAN, Volvo, Scania, DAF, Renault Trucks and Ford Trucks are presenting new trucks, electric drivetrains and technical developments. Key topics include electromobility, range, aerodynamics and efficiency. IVECO is absent from the show, while numerous Chinese truck manufacturers are making an increasingly visible appearance.

Hanover Is Going Electric

IAA Transportation 2026 Draws Closer

IAA Transportation 2026 opens to the press in Hanover on September 14. The truck innovations announced so far show that battery-electric commercial vehicles are increasingly ready for long-haul transport. Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Renault Trucks, and MAN are each pursuing different approaches. Hydrogen, efficient diesel engines, and automated driving also remain key topics—but the continued lack of adequate charging infrastructure threatens to slow progress on the road.

Commercial vehicle trade fair of records

The IAA Transportation 2024

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.

Got room in your garage?

Hillhead Exhibition, England, June 2024

The biannual Hillhead Quarrying, Construction and Recycling Show is a must-attend event for British fans of heavy construction equipment. Held in a working quarry in the picturesque area outside Buxton, Derbyshire, the show attracts most of the large excavator and wheel loader manufacturers, along with a wide selection of crushing machines, dump trucks and construction-related commercial vehicles.

In addition to over 600 exhibitors, a major attraction is the live demonstrations which are held throughout the day at the quarry face. Richard Stanier sent us this pictorial report on a few of the vehicles on display.

Most important date in the British calendar

Road Transport Expo 2024

Over the last three years, the Road Transport Expo at Stoneleigh Exhibition Centre in Warwickshire has become the most important fixture in the British commercial vehicle exhibition calendar, and this June’s event was no exception, with all of the major heavy truck builders in attendance with an impressive supporting cast of trailer and bodywork suppliers. Our freelancer Richard Stanier from Stoke-on-Trent took a look around and sent us his report with interesting photos.