Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)

1. As Managing Director, how do you envision IAA Transportation 2026 shaping the next decade of global logistics and commercial mobility, particularly amid accelerating decarbonization pressures? 

IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 proved the industry's immense innovative power. This September, Hannover will again host numerous world premieres driving decarbonization. The solutions presented here are not mere visions; they are market-ready applications shaping the transport and logistics sector today. We bridge the gap between innovation and daily operations, turning sustainable technology into tangible business reality.

2. The transport sector is undergoing a structural shift toward sustainability. How is IAA evolving from a traditional exhibition into a platform that actively drives industry transformation? 

The focus is on the immediate experience: at IAA TRANSPORTATION, the climate-friendly future becomes physically tangible. A centerpiece is our Hall 11 concept, enabling test drives directly from the exhibitor stands. This is complemented by the Cargo Bike Parcours, demonstrating zero-emission logistics in real-world scenarios. Yet, the IAA is more than a test track; it is a knowledge hub. While the IAA Conference addresses strategic transformation, numerous world premieres set the technological pace for the coming years.

3. With rapid advancements in electrification, hydrogen, and digitalization, what key innovation themes will define this year’s edition, and how are exhibitors being encouraged to demonstrate real-world impact? 

Under the motto "WE DELIVER," IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 highlights the industry's drive toward climate neutrality through innovation and partnerships. We showcase the full spectrum of drive technologies—electric, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and advanced combustion—alongside software-driven logistics and autonomous vehicles. A key focus remains the global expansion of charging infrastructure. To demonstrate real-world utility, we move beyond static displays. Our Hall 11 concept enables test drives directly from stands, while the Cargo Bike Parcours shows immediate impact. In Hannover, the entire ecosystem connects to prove that sustainable supply chains are economically viable today. We deliver solutions, not visions.

4. How do you see the balance between battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and alternative fuels evolving across heavy-duty transport?   

In the heavy-duty transport sector, various technical options will play a role. While battery technology is currently beginning to establish itself in regional transport and predictable long-haul operations, hydrogen will demonstrate its strengths in areas where maximum flexibility, high payloads, and rapid turnaround times are required. At IAA TRANSPORTATION, the entire spectrum of these solutions will be on display. And companies will once again showcase innovations that set global benchmarks. The impressive innovative power and substantial investments of our industry are driving continuous technical progress: battery-electric trucks with ranges of up to 500 kilometers are now available, and the first hydrogen-powered vehicles are achieving ranges of 700 to 800 kilometers. In the long term, the market success of these technologies will be determined primarily by their Total Cost of Ownership. In this regard, the decisive levers are not merely vehicle purchase prices, but—above all—the respective energy costs and the availability of infrastructure. It is therefore all the more critical that Berlin and Brussels take action now. Among other measures, the expansion of electricity grids across Europe must be urgently accelerated, and the charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure for commercial vehicles must be established. Furthermore, the contribution that hydrogen and renewable fuels can make to heavy-duty transport must be given greater consideration. 

5. Given ongoing global supply chain disruptions, what role does IAA Transportation play in fostering resilient, technology-enabled logistics ecosystems? 

IAA TRANSPORTATION positions itself as a central platform where OEMs, suppliers, logistics providers, infrastructure specialists, technology companies, and policymakers come together to present, discuss, and develop solutions. This applies equally to the topic of resilient supply chains. Particularly in light of global challenges, digital connectivity, data-driven transparency, AI-supported management, and alternative propulsion technologies are coming into sharper focus. The event brings together international stakeholders from across the entire value chain to accelerate the practical implementation of innovations and to foster partnerships for resilient logistics ecosystems. In doing so—through its diverse networking, conference, experience, and, of course, exhibition formats—IAA TRANSPORTATION makes a significant contribution to the transformation toward more efficient, sustainable, and crisis-resilient transport and supply networks.

6. How are emerging technologies such as AI-driven fleet management and real-time data platforms influencing the conversations and collaborations expected at the event?  

New technologies—such as AI-powered fleet management, predictive analytics, and real-time data platforms—will significantly shape the discussions. They will play an important role at numerous specialist events, at exhibitor booths, and within the many vehicles available for on-site test drives. At the heart of this lies the question of how data can be utilized more intelligently across the entire transport and logistics chain to enhance efficiency, transparency, and resilience. The event provides a framework in which OEMs, logistics companies, technology providers, and start-ups can discuss and further develop concrete use cases, partnerships, and interoperable platform solutions. This makes IAA TRANSPORTATION a central hub for the industry's digital transformation—spanning everything from AI and telematics to software-defined vehicles and connected logistics ecosystems.  

7. How does IAA serve as a bridge between regulatory frameworks and industry execution? 

At IAA TRANSPORTATION, the capabilities of our industry become tangible and experiential. In Hannover, we once again demonstrate that our industry has done its homework. Among the many visitors, one will naturally find industry professionals, as well as families and political representatives. On-site, they not only experience impressive products firsthand. Through numerous personal conversations with companies and during panels and discussions, they also learn where the challenges are and where policymakers need to take action. This exchange is highly valuable for both sides. 

8. Which regulatory or policy developments do you expect will most significantly shape stakeholder discussions during the event? 

We are living through turbulent times. Global uncertainties, volatile energy and fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and new trade barriers present the industry with major challenges. These factors are having an impact on supply chains and logistics. Added to this, of course, is the transition toward climate-neutral and digitally networked transport services, as well as megatrends such as autonomous and automated driving. This technology is playing an increasingly significant role in the commercial vehicle sector as well. All these topics and trends will feature prominently in Hannover—which is precisely why the trip is well worth it! 

9. With a diverse audience ranging from OEMs to logistics providers and policymakers, how are you curating an experience that delivers tangible business value across segments? 

We deliver business value by integrating strategy and practice for all stakeholders. While OEMs and suppliers leverage our interactive concept for world premieres and lead generation, logistics providers find tangible fleet solutions—from charging infrastructure to AI systems. Simultaneously, the IAA provides policymakers with a vital reality check through direct industry dialogue. As a curated ecosystem, we connect key players to drive deals and partnerships.  

10. As a global platform hosted in Hannover, how does IAA Transportation differentiate itself from other international mobility and logistics events?  

IAA TRANSPORTATION differentiates itself through its unique combination of global industry reach, experience-driven formats, and cross-sector collaboration. Unlike many other mobility events, it brings together the entire transport and logistics ecosystem in one place—from OEMs and suppliers to energy providers, digital tech companies, policymakers, and start-ups. Hannover becomes a living showcase where mobility innovations are not only presented, but experienced directly through test drives and live demonstrations. Combined with a high-level conference format and strong international participation, IAA TRANSPORTATION turns Hannover into a global meeting point where ideas, technologies, and partnerships drive the future of transport and logistics forward.

11. What strategies are in place to enhance cross-industry collaboration—particularly between automotive, energy, infrastructure, and digital technology stakeholders? 

The IAA Conference acts as a catalyst for breaking down industry silos. We facilitate exchange beyond the stage through targeted networking tours and smart connectivity via the IAA App. These formats actively unite decision-makers across sectors to unlock synergies throughout the entire value chain. By bridging the gap between automotive, energy, and tech, IAA TRANSPORTATION serves as a high-efficiency marketplace for cross-industry partnerships and actionable business growth. 

12. Looking beyond 2026, how do you see the role of large-scale industry events like IAA evolving in a world increasingly driven by digital interactions and year-round engagement platforms? 

We engage our community year-round through digital channels, but IAA TRANSPORTATION remains our central lighthouse. It offers what digital platforms cannot: the tactile experience of complex technologies and the cultivation of resilient, personal relationships. The event serves as a physical validation point for digital innovations and creates a space for trust-based partnerships that endure far beyond the screen. By merging year-round interaction with this physical touchpoint, we ensure long-term industry cohesion.