Closing the 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles trade show in Hanover, Germany, on 29 September, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Matthias Wissman, thanked the automotive industry for continuing to make the event a success through its innovation, creativity and pioneering spirit.
“The slogan of this IAA – ‘Driven by ideas’ – is really being put into practice at this, the world’s most important trade show for transport, logistics and mobility. Here in Hanover the future is becoming visible reality,” he said.
Wissman noted that three major themes had emerged during the course of the show: digitalisation, electric mobility and urban logistics, indicative of the ways the industry is using technology to develop innovative solutions to safety, efficiency and comfort.
Increased connectivity and automation in commercial vehicles, driven by digitalisation, could be seen in various applications across the show. Wissman pointed to the benefits of electronically networked trucks connecting digitally to major freeways and long-distance road – or ‘platooning’. Not only can they reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by platooning, reaction times are improved and drivers can even use the network to reserve a free parking space.
In terms of electric mobility, Wissman foresees quieter urban spaces with cleaner air, thanks to high numbers electric and hybrid buses, vans and trucks soon to be arriving on the road.
Delivery drones demonstrated to the show’s visitors the potential for direct and immediate delivery. “For towns and cities this is still a vision, but it is already conceivable for destinations in rural areas or in the mountains,” Wissman commented.
“The classic boundaries between suppliers and manufacturers are shifting with the advent of digitalisation and new business models.”
The VDA President noted that the 245,000 exhibitors and visitors to this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles represented more decision-makers, investors and foreign trade visitors than ever before.
“The IAA Commercial Vehicles has developed even more strongly into a professional decision-makers trade fair,” Wissman said.
“This IAA is also a large, international mobility congress with an exciting programme of action, and an efficient communication platform.”
The 67th IAA Commercial Vehicles will take place 27 September – 4 October, 2018 in Hanover.