IAA 2022: the focus is on transport
After a four-year hiatus, the Internationale Automobilausstellung – more commonly known as the IAA in trucking circles – is back. Instead of being called IAA Commercial Vehicles, it is called IAA Transportation. The world’s media gathered for the International Press Workshop in Frankfurt last week to learn all about the new-look show – and we were there.
During the event, we were treated to addresses by the leaders of Daimler Truck, FAUN, Iveco Magirus, Krone, MAN, Neste, Quantron, RYTLE and Schmitz Cargobull (more about this in weeks to come).
However, Jan Heckmann, Head of IAA Transportation, gave an overview of the new-look event – and that is the focus of this article. As he pointed out, the IAA is no longer just showing vehicles and wheels. “Transport is much more than that. We are showing transport as a whole,” he said. Here are the 10 most important things you need to know about the new-look event:
1. While the venue has remained unchanged, the actual event is shorter
IAA Transportation takes place at the Hannover exhibition centre between September 20 and 25. It is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm each day. There’s also a press day on September 19 – so the first IAA news should break then. The show is organised by the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), or the Association of the German Automotive Industry.
2. There’s a new theme this year: "People and Goods on the move"
Be it passenger transport, technological change, charging infrastructure, last-mile transport or the path to climate neutrality, never before has the IAA Transportation been as diverse in terms of content as it is this year. Visitors will be able to discover the latest in fossil-free and digital logistics.
3. Lots of stands have been relocated
The main OEMs (Daimler, Iveco, MAN etc) have been moved to halls 19 to 24. The bus sector is being relocated to Halls 22 and 23.
4. There are lots of new practical experiences
IAA Experiences is being described as “a transport adventure playground made real”. The latest trends won’t only be visible on the booths but can also be experienced in Hall 11, where test drives take place. There is a test track on the fairgrounds where 60 vehicles can be test driven. Visitors can also test the vehicles on public roads. There’s a new IAA Bus Area where shuttles and test drives are being offered.
5. There are lots of new exhibitors too
Newcomers like Hyzon Motors, Quantron AG, Nikola Corporation, HyMove, AirProducts & Chemicals, Linde, and Tevva will be joining big names like Shell, Swedish e-car pioneer Volta Trucks, and Chinese truck and engine manufacturer Weichai. In addition to the international newcomers, IAA Transportation is also welcoming numerous established exhibitors such as BYD, DAF, Daimler Truck, Ford, Ford Trucks, Iveco, MAN, Renault, SAIC, Scania, Siemens, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Volvo, and numerous manufacturers of trailers.
6. Exhibitors can be carbon neutral
For the first time, the IAA is offering exhibitors the opportunity to have a carbon-neutral stand. All the companies will be able to be certified that their stands are carbon neutral. Expert support will be provided by the climate experts from myclimate, the leading provider of CO2 offsetting and climate protection consulting. Participation in the project is voluntary for exhibitors.
7. There’s a new IAA Plug and Play Campus
The IAA Plug and Play Campus – located in Hall 11 – will put infrastructure topics such as charging networks and 5G connectivity in the spotlight. It is directly connected to the newly designed indoor departure terminal.
8. There’s a new IAA Last Mile Area
A stage for presenting climate-neutral logistics, new solutions for deliveries in cities will be presented here. It will be situated in Hall 13.
9. The IAA Cargo Bike Parcours is also new
This is where visitors can see – and experience – the latest cargo bikes. Test drives will be offered throughout the exhibition.
10. The industry’s major awards will be presented at the IAA
For many years, the IAA has become synonymous with the presentation of the most important awards in the transport industry and this year’s show is no different. Significant awards that will be announced at the fair include the International Truck of the Year, Truck Innovation Award, International Van of the Year and International Cargo Bike of the Year.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will provide information on what to expect at the exhibition. So, stay tuned!
