The Second Day of IAA Media Summit 2026
The IAA Media Summit marks a successful kickoff for IAA TRANSPORTATION. The commercial vehicle industry is driving transformation with intensive efforts and major investments. Lack of charging and hydrogen infrastructure remains a key bottleneck slowing the rollout of climate-friendly commercial vehicles
The morning of Tuesday, June 9, the second day of the IAA Media Summit 2026, opened by building on the momentum of the previous day’s discussions. A clear signal was sent to European lawmakers: there is an urgent need for forward-thinking legislative initiatives, particularly regarding CO2 emissions, a breakthrough in energy supply for the industry, and a streamlining of Brussels’ excessive bureaucracy.
The Voice of VDA
VDA President Hildegard Müller stated: “The commercial vehicle industry is undergoing a profound transformation that demands massive efforts from manufacturers, suppliers, engineering services providers, and trailer and body manufacturers. It is truly impressive how our industry delivers during these challenging times, keeping Germany and Europe moving every single day. Also at IAA TRANSPORTATION, our companies will once again demonstrate how they are driving transformation and taking responsibility through climate – neutral and digital products. Or, as reflected in the claim of IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026: ‘We deliver ’ ”
And What and How ‘We Deliver’?
“Too often, innovation is held back by excessive regulation and insufficient framework conditions. Yet the potential in heavy-duty transport is enormous: nearly 30 percent of CO₂ emissions from road transport in Europe are generated by heavy-duty vehicles. That is why we need an early review of the CO₂ regulations for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The focus must be on greater flexibility in compliance pathways and a much faster expansion of charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Climate protection, competitiveness, and investment certainty must be addressed together. Only then can the transformation succeed”, Müller added.
Among the previews we will discuss in detail are the new safety devices introduced by Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Additionally, Andree Hohm, Director at AUMOVIO, presented the AUMOVIO Peterbilt 579 semi-truck, focusing on the numerous benefits of autonomous driving. Erhan Eren, Director at KIA Europe, highlighted the PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle)—for which the Korean manufacturer plans to develop forty variants by 2030—as well as the e-GMP electric platform. Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull, emphasized the specific weight of AI, which actively contributes to logistics efficiency. A prime example is ‘Dr Cool’, an AI-driven virtual assistant that serves as an encyclopedia, having ‘digested’ all manual documentation for Schmitz Cargobull products and capable of communicating in 27 languages.
IAA Head Speaks to the Media
In closing, Jan Heckmann, Head of IAA, reeled off some of the figures that add excitement to the anticipation of the Hanover event. More than 70 percent of exhibitors are international, and 26 percent are newcomers debuting at the event. Additionally, 27 percent of the total area is occupied by companies from the Far East. The top five exhibiting countries reflect the historical footprint of the IAA: China, Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Visitors will find many more test drives, featuring 65 vehicles split across three areas: MAN’s, Mercedes’, and the IAA’s own tracks at halls 14 and 15. Heckmann welcomed back Mercedes-Benz Vans and Renault Trucks, the latter being represented at the IAA Media Summit 2026 by Maximilian von Löbbecke, Managing Director of Renault Trucks Deutschland.
