Five takeaways from the IAA Transportation show you need to know

It’s arguably the biggest commercial vehicle show in Europe, covering every possible development across the sector. So, if you couldn’t make it to this year’s IAA Transportation show in Hannover, Germany here are five of the biggest takeaways from the event…

1) It’s all in the cloud for ZF

As the transportation industry evolves, software solutions are becoming increasingly critical in managing complex logistic systems. By integrating ZF’s vehicle systems expertise into the development of its software solutions, ZF’s AI-powered orchestration platform SCALAR can help fleet managers optimize their fleet operations through predictive diagnostics and avoid unplanned downtime of their vehicles.

2) Scania’s betting on everything

The commercial vehicle manufacturer’s stand at IAA was full with three different ways of reducing CO₂ emissions through modularised solutions: biodiesel, biogas or electrification.

From its all-electric 4x2 tractor with a 728kWh battery onboard, to its R 460 truck with a biogas engine with the compressed biogas tank installation on one side and liquefied biogas on the other. The truck can fill up at any fuel station intended for trucks in Europe.

3) Keeping it rolling at Conti

Sustainability is key to Conti’s Urban NXT – a new original equipment tire designed for city transport. It combines a high proportion of sustainable materials with energy efficiency, making it ideal for electrified city buses and delivery vehicles.

With up to 59% renewable, recycled and ISCC PLUS mass balance-certified materials the Conti Urban NXT is apparently far more sustainable than previous tyres. Up to 25% more than the average share of renewable and recycled materials used in Continental’s typical commercial-vehicle tyres.

4) MAN is betting on electrification

The firm unveiled its MAN. The electrically powered 12-tonne truck rounds off the MAN electric truck portfolio for light distribution transport. With a range of up to 235km, fast charging in around 30 minutes and a payload of up to 6,600kg, depending on the body. It’s perhaps best suited to deliver quiet and locally CO₂-free transport in urban goods logistics for food chains, retailers or the catering industry. 

5) Ford’s helping fleets with telematics

Ford continues to expand connected services with new logbook features in Ford Pro Telematics and enhanced uptime through FORDLiive. So, what’s changed? 

Owners can receive vehicle health alerts through Ford Pro Telematics or the FordPass smartphone app 14 as part of the FORDLiive connected uptime system. When combined with Mobile Servicing and FORDLiive Centres, helping keep vehicles on the road. 

Update also include E-Switch Assist, a free online tool to quickly show customers the EV-readiness of their fleet. If the customer is already connected to the Ford Pro ecosystem, E-Switch Assist can use their driving data to provide more detailed vehicle-by-vehicle results, including daily charging needs.