IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 is set to once again showcase a wide range of innovations in commercial vehicle technology, with its increasingly popular Test Drive programme taking centre stage. The initiative gives visitors the opportunity to experience the latest, most efficient and connected transportation solutions firsthand.
Building on the strong response received in previous editions, the Test Drive experience is being expanded significantly for IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026.
A major focus area will be Hall 11 at the Hannover exhibition grounds, where a new hall concept will provide exhibitors MAN Truck & Bus and Volvo Trucks with dedicated space to offer test drives directly from their respective booths. Each drive will begin straight from Hall 11, creating a more immersive and engaging visitor experience.
“With IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026, we want to put the visitor experience front and centre like never before. More experience, more interaction and a closer connection to the technology – that’s what we’re striving for. To give visitors and exhibitors even more flexibility and to further highlight Hall 11, we’re also opening the South Entrance to the exhibition grounds,” said Jürgen Mindel, Managing Director of the VDA.
MAN Truck & Bus and Volvo Trucks elevate the driving experience
“Whether it’s an alternative or conventional powertrain, driving a MAN is always a special experience. We are thrilled to offer visitors at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 this opportunity directly at our booth in Hall 11. This new interactive driving concept makes visiting the IAA even more engaging. We invite business owners, drivers and transport industry enthusiasts to Hall 11 to experience MAN’s latest technologies for the drive transition firsthand,” said Sascha Jennewein, Vice President – Marketing & Communications and Head of Experience at MAN Truck & Bus.
“Real transformation comes from real experience. IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026 gives our customers in Hall 11 the opportunity to interact directly with Volvo Trucks’ products and innovations. Test drives from our booth will bring our latest alternative drivetrain vehicles to life and offer a clear glimpse into how Volvo Trucks is shaping the transportation of tomorrow,” said Markus Weckesser, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Germany.
Further details about the Test Drive programme will be available through the IAA TRANSPORTATION App.
A valid driving licence for the relevant vehicle category will be required to participate in the test drives. Information regarding participating brands and vehicle models will be announced at a later stage via the app. Additional test drives involving several truck manufacturers will also take place in Halls 14/15 and Halls 19/20.
Two route options for varied driving experiences
Two different route formats will be available for the test drives:
- Closed test track on the exhibition grounds: A route of approximately 2 km in the eastern section of the IAA grounds, suitable for both production vehicles and prototypes. Prototype vehicles may only be driven within the exhibition grounds, as they are typically not road-legal.
- Public roads: Production vehicles with road approval can leave the exhibition grounds and be tested in real-world traffic conditions. The duration and route length will be individually determined by each exhibitor.
