This year’s IAA Transportation in Hanover attracted a large audience and had a strong focus on sustainability and innovative solutions for the transport sector.
New innovations are driving the transport industry forward
We asked Tobias Johansson, Vice President R&D at VBG Truck Equipment, about his impressions of IAA Transportation 2024. He highlighted the truck manufacturers’ focus on aerodynamics and different drive trains, where battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are now standard. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are now represented by all manufacturers and remain an important development area. Hydrogen is not only used in fuel cells (FCEVs) but also as fuel in internal combustion engines (ICE), which demonstrates a broader investment in the industry. Trailers with electric axle propulsion are another example of the ongoing climate adaptations being made in the transport sector.
One of the major trailer manufacturers showcased complete solutions for High Capacity Transport (HCT), such as 25.25 m configurations (truck + dolly + semitrailer) and A-double (tractor + semi + dolly + semi) in combination up to 34.5m. Previously, this was mainly seen in research projects such as Aeroflex and ZEFES, which aim to increase transport efficiency by means of longer and heavier vehicles.
“I noted that many other exhibitors lacked a clear sustainability message and had relatively little focus on issues such as sustainable materials or product design to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Johansson. “It’s something that should be more prominent in the future.”
Solutions that make your transport safer and more efficient
It is clear that our users’ demands for quality and safety continue to increase, and we are proud to be able to deliver solutions that meet these high expectations. Through rigorous physical testing, we ensure that our products meet the highest quality standards to help increase safety on our roads.
“Users express a great need for robust and reliable products that can handle today’s transport challenges,” says Per Mikkelsen, Regional Sales Director Nordics & UK. “That’s why it’s so fun to show how our products, such as VBG Driver Assist, contribute to increased safety and efficiency for the driver and fleet manager.”
Innovations that make your work easier
There would be no trade fair without new products and innovative solutions. During IAA Transportation, visitors to our stand were able to test and discuss VBG’s new smart solutions that can make your workday as a driver or transport manager both safer and more efficient.
Ranger coupling
The brand-new VBG coupling, in both 50 and 57 mm, has been specially designed and tested for ranging at max. 30km/h. This is something that has long been requested, and now the project is finally underway to meet the needs of users.
Smarter underrun protection
VBG’s updated extendible underrun protection is more flexible for more building options. It is also equipped with smart sensors that detect the inner and outer position of the protective beam. This means you can always be sure your vehicle meets the latest safety requirements (UNECER58 rev3). The new underrun protection will be launched in both a manual and hydraulic design.
HCT – for a sustainable transport sector
Driving heavier and longer truck combinations is an effective way to reduce the climate impact of the transport sector. However, to do this, specially designed equipment is required. VBG has developed a completely new system that is optimised for high capacity transport.
VBG Driver Assist – A driver-assist system for safety and maximised uptime
The VBG driver-assist system uses radar technology to warn the driver in the cab if the position of the drawbar is likely to lead to jackknifing. The system also provides guidance both vertically and horizontally when coupling, reducing the risk of damage and unnecessary costs. This contributes to increased safety and optimises vehicle uptime.
In summary, I would say that IAA Transportation 2024 showed a clear trend towards electrification and increased energy efficiency in the transport sector. At the same time, there is a need to further strengthen the overall sustainability work within the industry. What we take with us is the invaluable feedback we received from those of you who visited us. We thank you for helping us improve our products for the future.
Would you like to know more about how our products can make your transport more efficient?
