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.
One of five Actros semitrailer tractors with hydrogen drive, which have been tested at Daimler Trucks since 2021, was on display at the IAA. At the end of the decade, hydrogen-powered trucks are to go into series production at Daimler.
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.
This eActros tractor unit covered 15,000 kilometers from the North Cape to Portugal, with a semi-trailer of course. There were charging infrastructures all over Europe, but most of of the time the trailer had to be unhitched because the charging points were designed for cars.
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.
Municipal companies will probably be among the first to convert their fleets to electric drive systems. The eEconic is ready for the traffic turnaround, including consideration for cyclists.Ready for use without producing exhaust fumes: the eActros as a tractor unit with the new, aerodynamic Pro CabinAs a 6x2 truck without or with a trailer, the new Actros, here in the electric version, will soon be a common sight on the roads. If politicians now take care of subsidies and a functioning charging infrastructure for trucks, the much-vaunted traffic turnaround could one day succeed.
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.
One of the six vehicles exhibited at the Daimler stand had a diesel engine: the new Actros L. It was not easy to photograph it, as it was constantly surrounded by people
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.
This beautifully photographed MAN press photo shows the hTGX. The hydrogen-powered truck is to be produced in an initial small series of 200 vehicles as early as 2025.MAN had already presented the first heavy-duty truck with an alternative drive system, the battery-electric eTGX with a range of up to 800 kilometers, to much fanfare at the IAA 2022.Part of MAN's stand, seen from above, shows the eTGX tractor and its in-house produced battery packs, which were specially designed for the new electric trucks.The eTGS, i.e. the MAN with the narrower cab for distribution and construction vehicles, is now also available with a battery-electric drive.
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.
There was enough space on the spacious DAF stand to present all model series, with the diesel trucks painted red and the electric variants white.
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.
A uniform appearance across all model series is now a reality at DAF. The XB (top left) has also been given a new radiator grille, the design of which has been adapted to that of the medium and heavy-duty trucks.New for the XF, XG and XG+ series are the full side panels. They improve the aerodynamics and ensure a cool look.
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.
DAF's battery-electric series are similar to the diesel trucks except for the cyan blue ribs in the radiator grille and the “Electric” lettering under the windshield.The new generation of the DAF XD Electric for emission-free regional and urban distribution transport is powered by PACCAR EX-D1 and PACCAR EX-D2 permanent magnet electric motors with outputs ranging from 230 hp to 480 hp.
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.
DAF is also counting on hydrogen drives in the future. At the IAA, the Dutch company presented a motor built by Paccar with the option of equipping DAF commercial vehicles with it in the future.
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.
We are slowly getting used to the newly designed Volvo cab and are looking forward to seeing the first Aero on the road. The photo shows the variant with battery-electric drive as it was presented at the IAA.
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.
Instead of a body, white balloons piled up behind the cab of the fuel cell test vehicle on the Volvo stand. The radiator grille still had the previous “waterfall look”, but this was hardly noticeable behind the mighty impact protection grille.The front of the FE Electric, which was presented at the IAA as a skip loader, has been redesigned.The Volvo FM Low Entry is available with up to four axles and drive formulas from 4x2 to 8x4 are available. The range of the new electric truck is 200 kilometers.
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.
The brand new Volvo VNL, which is offered in the USA, was also presented at the IAA 2024.A press photo from the USA shows the VNL in all its glory and in spectacular scenery.
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.
Scania is breaking new ground and offering heavy-duty trucks with gas engines. With one tank of biomethane (CBG), ranges of up to 1400 kilometers are possible. Together with the Scania Opticruise transmission and new axles, the biogas engines enable fuel savings of 5 percent, according to Scania.
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.
Of course, Scania trucks were not only on display at the Scania stand. One particular example was this tractor unit from SenoPro from Japan with an S-cab and elegant paintwork. SenoPro is a truck tuning company that has already customized more than a hundred vehicles for customers throughout Japan. Further information is available at https://senoprotrucks.com
IVECO
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.
An IVECO eMoovy was not only on display at the IVECO stand, but also at the stand of German body manufacturer Spier. The new electric van celebrated its premiere at the IAA 2024.Here’s somebody in a hurry! The IVECO press photo shows the new S-eWay chassis with panel body at full speed on a narrow road. The battery-powered distribution vehicle has a range of 400 kilometers.
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.
Nice and grim: Iveco S-Way in Metallica outfit on the outdoor area of the IAA 2024There were also plenty of other elaborately designed S-Way tractor units on display - both indoors and outdoorsVariants of the X-Way were also shown on the open-air siteAt the IAA 2022, a vehicle of this type could still be seen with Nikola lettering. The European joint venture with Nikola was terminated in summer 2023, since when IVECO has been producing and marketing hydrogen fuel cell trucks under its own name.This trade fair model without a cab was constantly surrounded. The heavy-duty hybrid truck with electric axle and Cursor 9 H2 engine is an innovation from FTP Industrial, a brand of the IVECO Group.
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
Ready for series production: Another variant of the recently presented Ford F-LINE, now with battery-electric drive. (Photo: Richard Stanier)Particularly attractive styling: A second-generation F-MAX on the Ford stand
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.
It was not only Ford itself that scored points with the Ford trucks of Turkish origin. The truck styling accessory dealer HS Schoch also exhibited a Ford F-LINE in the outdoor area. Further information can be found at https://www.hs-schoch.deAnother interestingly styled Ford - an F-MAX - was on display at the Gauzy stand. Gauzy is an international company that manufactures switchable “Light Control Glass”. Further information can be found at https://www.gauzy.com
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.
Of the many electric vans that were on display at the IAA, we show this quartet as representatives: top left the Turkish BIG.e from Anadolu Isuzu with a payload of one ton, top right the EVUM with electric all-wheel drive from EVUM Motors in Munich, bottom left the L City, also from Munich, and bottom right the KIA PV 5 from South Korea, which is due to be launched at the end of 2025.Small vans were produced in Germany under the name Framo from 1927 to 1957, and in the GDR this became the Barkas. In 2014 Framo Ltd. revived the name. The company from Löbichau, Saxony, produces electrically powered trucks with a total weight of up to 44 tons, whose cabs are based on MAN models. A new addition is a cooperation with FES (Fahrzeug-Entwicklung Sachsen), a development service provider for the automotive industry with around 850 employees. Founded in 1992, the company specializes in fuel cell drives and builds fuel cell trucks in the former Trabant factories in Zwickau, Saxony. The FEScell 180/280/120 was presented for the first time at the IAA 2024. Further information can be found at https://www.framo-eway.com/de and also at https://fes-aes.de (Photo: FES)The Tesla Semi, which is already in use in the USA and is soon to be adapted to European conditions and marketed, was on show in Germany for the first time. Three electric motors on the rear axles deliver 1,020 hp and are designed to accelerate the futuristically styled truck from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 20 seconds. Further information can be found at https://www.tesla.com/semiHabas, or HAS for short, is a Turkish conglomerate that has been in existence for 68 years and manufactures buses, among other products. A new addition is a tractor unit in the striking design of the Chinese JAC Demate with the model name Steel Power. Powered by a Voith electric motor, the vehicle is equipped with all kinds of electronics such as lane departure warning, automatic distance control and an emergency braking system. Further information can be found at https://www.habas.com.trThe Romanian truck brand Roman, which had to file for insolvency in 2015 and has only produced spare parts for its vehicles since then, is well known. In contrast, the ATP Group, based in Baia Mare, Romania, is relatively new. Founded in 1995, the automotive company launched its first truck called Truston 8x4 with 430 hp in 2019. ATP now builds heavy-duty tractor units and construction vehicles, both with a different cab design, but with the common model name Truston.The diesel engines of the ATP trucks with outputs of 430 to 550 hp are supplied by Chinese manufacturer Weichai, while the bodies are manufactured at the company's own plant in Baia Mare. The cabs are visually based on Volvo, but have an independent appearance. Further information can be found at https://atp-trucks.comZepp Solutions is a Dutch company that specializes in fuel cell drives. An Actros chassis was chosen for the X150 fuel cell system, which was converted by Ginaf Trucks. With the Europa H2 FCET (Fuel Cell Electric Truck), Zepp aims to offer a class-leading range of 700 km thanks to the storage capacity of 58.8 kg of hydrogen. Further information can be found at https://zepp.solutions/enThe Citypower 1633 from Enginius, based on the Merc Atego, is available as a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) with a range of up to 300 kilometers and as a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) with a range of up to 600 kilometers. The synchronous engine of both variants delivers around 338 hp on the road, while the batteries and hydrogen tanks are housed in the vehicle frame to save space. The 16-tonner will be available from the end of 2025. Further information can be found at https://www.enginius.deIrizar, based in the Basque Country, has been in existence since 1889 and has been one of Spain's leading bus manufacturers since 1927. Irizar began specializing in battery-electric buses back in 2014. Since 2018, a battery-powered truck has also been offered under the name ie truck, which is particularly suitable for waste disposal vehicles with an entry and floor height of just 37 centimetres. Irizar presented the latest model of the ie truck at the IAA 2024. Further information is available at https://www.irizar.com and for Germany at https://irizar-emobility.com/de/fahrzeuge/irizar-ie-truckIn contrast to other electric trucks, the Next Generation eCanter is compatible with the more cost-effective AC charging technology (alternating current) and does not necessarily require an expensive high-performance charging station with direct current. The charging power when charging with alternating current is 11 or 22 kW, depending on the battery capacity. The matching Siemens wallbox can be ordered directly from the FUSO dealer. Further information can be found at https://www.fuso-trucks.de/produkte/ecanterTraditionally, the German army is also represented with a stand at the IAA. This year, it presented, among other things, an all-wheel-drive fire-fighting equipment vehicle on a MAN chassis with a Ziegler body.At the Paul Commercial Vehicles stand, a Hyundai XCient Fuel Cell was on display, which was equipped by Paul with a free-standing hydrogen tank system. The advantage of this design is the greater flexibility in the choice of bodies, as Hyundai's tanks are usually attached to the bodies, which rules out swap body or container transportation, for example. Further information can be found at https://paul-nutzfahrzeuge.deThe first series-produced hydrogen trucks registered in Germany are already in use. The rental company Hylane has added the Xcient Fuel Cell from Hyundai to its fleet and supplied it to first customers. At the trade fair stand, Hylane showed a Hyundai XCient Fuel Cell with the cab tilted forward so that the hydrogen tanks were visible. Further information is available at https://www.hylane.deThe Magna Engineering Center Steyr presented its products from the field of engineering in commercial vehicle construction, from electrified drive solutions and active aerodynamics to new material innovations, using a fire engine from Austrian manufacturer Rosenbauer as an example. The vehicle on display was an electrically powered RT (Revolutionary Technology) equipment truck. Further information is available at https://www.magna.com/iaa2024 sand also at https://www.rosenbauer.comOne of the most futuristic prototypes at the IAA 2024 was “The Enabler”. Its creator is Superpanther, a Chinese company from Yangzhou, which also has an address near Stuttgart. Superpanther specializes in innovative components such as electric axles, thermal management systems, high-voltage platforms and chassis domain controllers. All four technologies were awarded the prestigious title of “World Innovation” at the IAA. They are installed in the exhibited skateboard chassis, which is designed for autonomous driving, but is also conceivable with a manned driver's cab. Further information can be found at https://www.superpanther.euSuperPanther and the Austrian contract manufacturer Steyr Automotive from Steyr presented the battery-electric eTopas 600 tractor unit at the IAA Transportation. From the side view, certain similarities with Volvo cannot be overlooked. The start of series production at Steyr Automotive is planned for the end of 2025. Further information can be found at https://steyr-automotive.com/ (Photo: Karl Kolensky).Another Superpanther was on display at the Steyr Automotive stand, the Black Diamond, without the Steyr logo but with the Superpanther emblem on the front. The two tractor units were similar except for the front design. (Photo: Karl Kolensky)
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.
With an annual production of around half a million vehicles, Sinotruk is the leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in China. Founded in 1930 and based in Jinan, a city south of Beijing, the group markets its trucks under the names Sinotruk, Sitrak, Howo, Bolden and CNHTC with the same logo. Sinotruk made its first appearance at the IAA this year and presented five different models, two of them with fuel cells, the others with electric drive. The picture shows the Yellow River Hicev model with hydrogen drive and a range of 800 kilometers.Two other Sinotruk vehicles were the hydrogen-powered Sitrak FCEV with a range of up to 1250 kilometers and the lightweight Howo LD EV with a battery-electric rear axle. Further information can be found at https://en.sinotruk.comShacmoto, a Chinese commercial vehicle group founded in 1968 and also known as Shaanxi, Shacman and Xinshanqi with the same logo, has equipped its trucks with Steyr and MAN cabs in the past. The company was represented at the IAA 2024 with five different trucks. The picture above shows the “X 6000 Extreme Power Edition” model, a tractor unit with a diesel drive that complies with the Euro 6 standard and boasts a peak output of 840 hp. This output is currently unmatched by any other diesel engine in Europe.
Another Shacmoto model at the IAA was the “X 6000 L4 Intelligent Driving Edition” tractor unit (pictured left). Equipped with a 640 hp diesel engine, it has a range of intelligent driving functions that enable largely autonomous driving. With the same cab, there was also a version with a fuel cell and one with LNG gas. The picture on the right shows the “L 6000 Cargo Truck EV Edition” with electric rear-axle drive and a range of 300 kilometers. Unfortunately, it is not possible to find a current Shacmoto website.The BYD brand is already well-known in Europe for its electric cars. The Chinese company has been involved in the use of renewable energies for 30 years and produces photovoltaic modules, inverters, power storage units and electric vehicles, including buses and trucks. BYD (abbreviation for Bǐyàdí or “Build Your Dreams”) was represented at the IAA Transportation 2024 for the second time. On display were vans, light trucks, a terminal tractor and an ETH 8 truck with a total weight of 19 tons and a range of up to 250 kilometers (pictured above).The BYD ETM 6 (pictured left) is a 7.5-ton truck with a range of 200 kilometers. The Terminal Tractor EYT 2.0 is equipped with sliding doors and has a range of “up to 16 hours”. All BYD commercial vehicles are equipped with iron phosphate batteries produced in-house. This type of battery contains no heavy metals or toxic electrolytes and can be easily recycled. More information about BYD can be found at https://bydtrucks.comThis angular colossus with a total weight of 100 tons also comes from China. The manufacturer of the stainless steel four-axle vehicle is Kaiyun Energy. A three-axle tractor unit version is also on offer, as are smaller trucks and delivery vans. According to the catalog, all vehicles are produced with combustion engines (petrol or diesel) and with electric or hydrogen drive. The net prices are also listed. The most expensive vehicle is the four-axle vehicle with hydrogen drive - it costs 146,000 euros. The manufacturer's website is called kaiyunmotors.com. Unfortunately, the site is not accessible.The Hefei JAC automobile factory was founded in 1964, four years later the production of trucks began and in 2010 the two millionth vehicle rolled off the production line. The company exports to many countries and builds cars, SUVs and light trucks as well as heavy tractor units and construction vehicles. JAC presented its new series of light electric trucks for the first time at the IAA Transportation. On display were the N 42 EV and N 75 EV models, which are identical in design, as well as the T 9 EV electric pickup. JAC has an informative website: https://jacen.jac.com.cnWisdommotor is a Chinese company that manufactures buses and trucks. Its website also shows and describes a self-driving tractor unit. In Hanover, Wisdommotor presented two buses and two trucks, all of which are powered by hydrogen. Further information: https://wisdommotor.comThe Chinese company King Long, whose full name is Xiamen Jinlong United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. manufactures buses, tractor units, construction vehicles and vans. At the IAA 2024, King Long presented the 6x4 tractor unit Merry Haul with hydrogen drive, among other things. The vehicle is completely aerodynamically clad at the rear. Further information can be found at https://king-long.com.cnThis battery-powered Chinese Sany truck with Putzmeister ready-mixed concrete body can be rented for five years for 3650 euros per month. The company ETC Miettrucks.de exhibited the four-axle truck on the open-air grounds of the IAA. The iONTRON eMixer is a contribution to CO2 avoidance because, according to Putzmeister, the construction industry is responsible for almost 40 percent of global CO2 emissions. An alternative: drive and mix one hundred percent electrically. The battery charge is sufficient for a whole day of five to six trips in city traffic. However, the eMixer can also be recharged in between, thanks to the standard CCS Combo 2 plug. Since 2012, Putzmeister has been part of Sany, a Chinese group based in Changsha, Hunan. Sany produces hydraulic excavators, earthmoving machines, cranes and port equipment, wind turbines, photovoltaic panels and trucks. Further information can be found at https://www.putzmeister.com and also at https://www.sanyglobal.com
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.
