That’s how it is when theory and practice diverge: While the former VDA boss Bernhard Mattes announced a new beginning at the International Automobile Exhibition 2019 (IAA), the exhibition halls were once again full of the same fuel wasters as always.
The 68th International Motor Show has to get itself re-organised. Two years ago, the organising German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) already had to contend with numerous cancellations by automobile manufacturers because quite a few preferred a presence at the Consumer Electronics Show in the USA to an exhibition in Frankfurt (see H2-international issue Jan. 2018).
Even at the IAA Commercial Vehicles from Sept. 22 to 29, 2016, electric transportation was talked about – albeit not very much. For example, Volkswagen presented his e-Crafter concept study, which even EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger and federal transportation minister Alexander Dobrindt paid a visit during their trade show tour. Delivery of the first units of this electric transporter with a top speed of 80 kph (50 mph) is expected for this year.
Between Oct. 10 and 12 last year, the 16th World of Energy Solutions took place on Stuttgart’s trade show premises – which was good news, considering that Landesmesse Stuttgart and e-mobil BW had previously done little to nothing to support a 2016 implementation. It made the reduction in the number of exhibitors and attendees seem less important and easier to bear. After many long faces on the first day, the mood did improve on the second thanks to an increased interest in the event.
Connectivity and digitalization – these were the main topics of the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA), which took place in Frankfurt a. M., Germany, from September 17 to 27, 2015. Both the media uplink to the entire globe and digital premium offers appeared much more important than clean engine technologies. The announcements did include much on electric cars
Seldom before was it evident just how big the gap between theory and practice can get than it was at the 66th International Motor Show (IAA). Indeed, in the run up to the IAA 2015, the show organizers, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) had said clearly and repeatedly that electric mobility would be a key topic again at this year’s event. In reality, things were very different, however: neither fuel cells nor battery powered vehicles proved to be a major topic at any of the auto manufacturers. Of those present, only Toyota made a clear focus on hybrid vehicles, presenting the new Mirai