Communications Africa visited Hanover for the 66th annual IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2016
The show ran from the 22-29 and featured the biggest names in the commercial vehicle market. With world leading brands such as Volkswagen, Continental, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Hyundai and Michelin attending the event, it is not a surprise that the worlds technical press and component exhibitors were also there in full force.
There was an additional expansion of LNG technology as LIQVIS and Volvo, as well as others unveiled new products to drive the alternative fuel technology. In addition, urban security was another on-trend as ZF and WABCO look to increase the safety of Heavy Goods Vehicles and their other road users, drivers and pedestrians safety.
There are a number of new safety and technical products that have been launched at IAA 2016, such as TomTom and ZF. TomTom's Pro 2020 is a product that can be used through a standard PC and a 2.5 inch display in a truck or van and utilises their award winning WEBFLEET software to help manage and keep track of fleets to assist efficiency and safety. Meanwhile, ZF launched their range of intelligent drive assistance systems which contain a smart lane diversion programme which can slow down the vehicle if it deems it could become out of control.
In the closing statement by Matthias Wissman, president of the association of the automotive industry (VDA), he claimed that the 'world's leading fair [is] even more international.' In comparison to previous years, the shows length had decreased to seven days from nine, but actually had an overall larger attendance. With 332 world premiers, the show branched across many of the large trends including digitization, electric mobility and urban logistics.
The IAA 2016 show covered many products, innovations and market insights which are of interest to the African market, and African Review shall cover many of these over the coming weeks, with exclusive access to interviews with dealers, product releases and new press material insights.
