IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 Sets New Records and Delivers a Clear Message: The Industry Impresses with Market-Ready Innovative Products, Government Needs to Enable Progress Through Infrastructure Initiatives

145 world premieres demonstrate the impressive innovation of the industry – Visitors and exhibitors delighted and highly satisfied – IAA TRANSPORTATION is more international than ever – Record bookings for test drives – From talk to action: Policy makers must develop and implement a concrete action plan focusing on infrastructure 

IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, held from September 17-22 in Hannover, was a resounding success, captivating attendees and showcasing an industry setting new standards with investments and innovations. As the global leading platform for the commercial vehicle, logistics, and transport sectors, the event attracted nearly 1,700 exhibitors from 41 countries—a 21% increase compared to 2022. International participation reached a record-breaking 72%, with over 145 world and European premieres presented, proving that the future of mobility in this industry is already a reality. Visitor numbers reached approximately 145,000, marking round about 10 percent increase over 2022.

Hildegard Müller: "We Deliver. Our Industry Drives Transformation"
VDA President Hildegard Müller emphasized: “IAA TRANSPORTATION has powerfully demonstrated that our industry is actively driving the shift toward climate-neutral solutions through investment and innovation. We have already developed and brought to market climate-neutral and digital solutions to address the industry's various challenges.” At the same time, it became clear in Hannover: “The biggest obstacle to a swift, successful, and widespread adoption of climate-neutral drives is the necessary infrastructure—especially in terms of charging stations and forward-thinking grid expansion, as well as hydrogen refueling stations. All relevant stakeholders must now be held accountable, with a clear roadmap, regular monitoring, and opportunities for adjustments. To make significant progress here, Berlin and Brussels need to establish an infrastructure initiative and implement it as quickly as possible.”

Impressive Presence and High International Attention
IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 garnered exceptional media attention. Over 1,400 journalists from 52 countries attended to report on the latest developments and innovations at the event. Half of the journalists came from abroad. Exhibitors held over 80 press conferences, with the majority of coverage—76%—focused on international media outlets from 116 countries. In addition to strong coverage in Germany, the USA, China, and Turkey were among the countries with the most intense reporting.

High International Resonance and Over 90% Satisfaction
This year’s event achieved an outstanding satisfaction rate of over 90%. The share of international trade visitors rose significantly to over 45%, with the Netherlands, China, and Sweden being the most represented countries. Overall, IAA impressed with exceptionally high satisfaction rates among trade visitors.

IAA TRANSPORTATION Strengthens Its Global Leadership Among Decision-Makers
The number of trade visitors in leadership positions increased by over 30% compared to 2022. More than half of all trade visitors held executive positions, with more than three-quarters being key decision-makers. Over 50% of trade visitors indicated plans to invest within the next six to twelve months, with more than half attending IAA TRANSPORTATION specifically to make those investment decisions.

Test Drives Excite Visitors
A special highlight of IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 was the Test Drives, where visitors had the opportunity to test the latest emission-free commercial vehicles both on the event grounds and on public roads. Renowned manufacturers offered test drives in 60 vehicles. In total, there were over 6,300 test drives, more than 2,200 on the cargo-bike course, and over 450 in the driving school. These numbers are nearly 15 percent above the previous IAA TRANSPORTATION record. Anyone who wanted to experience the new technologies had to act fast, as almost all slots were fully booked by early morning. The high demand for these test drives underscored the strong interest from both trade visitors and the public in the new technologies that will shape the future of transportation.

Successful Weekend Excites Drivers and Families
During the public weekend on September 21 and 22, IAA TRANSPORTATION opened its doors to the general public, offering a special program for the Driver and Family Weekend. In addition to the Test Drives, there was a vibrant lineup of music events, truck driving schools, and a truck racing show.