More than 300 Chinese companies exhibited their products at the 2026 IAA Transportation fair in Hannover, Germany, showcasing not only their latest new energy commercial vehicles but also intelligent driving technologies, charging solutions and an industrial ecosystem. From 70 Chinese exhibitors in 2022, many confined to peripheral booths, to over 300 this year occupying core space, Chinese manufacturers are now competing head-to-head with global leaders such as Daimler Truck, MAN and Volvo Trucks. The growing presence at the event reflects a broader surge in exports. China’s commercial vehicle exports reached 1.06 million units in 2025, topping 1 million for the first time. Exports of new energy commercial vehicles jumped 86.8% to 83,000 units. That momentum has continued into 2026: in the first eight months, commercial vehicle exports totaled 905,000 units, up 38.1% year-on-year.
Sinotruk, China’s top heavy-duty truck exporter for 21 consecutive years, unveiled its new Sitrak battery electric tractor unit, targeting zero-carbon long-haul logistics. The vehicle features a 600-kilowatt-hour battery, a range of more than 500 kilometers, and megawatt-level charging that goes from 20% to 80% in 23 minutes. It is also equipped with a Level 2 advanced driver assistance system that can cover 90% of highway scenarios. The automaker’s products are sold in more than 150 countries and regions through 37 knock-down assembly plants. It has more than 1,000 global service outlets, USD105 million in new energy spare parts at its overseas central warehouse, more than 40 international training centers, and over 300 NEV technicians supporting overseas markets.
Foton displayed a range of vehicles and self-developed components, with several models making their overseas debuts at the event. The company delivered its 13 millionth vehicle globally to the European market at the event. The vehicle, an Auman Galaxy 9, was tested in Spain and has entered Europe’s high-end long-haul logistics market. Its products now cover more than 140 countries and regions. Foton aims for overseas sales to reach 40% of its total sales by 2030. It has established sales and service networks in nearly 20 European markets and plans full coverage of major markets by 2028. It has one regional parts center in Germany and national parts warehouses in 17 countries, with more than 300 service outlets across Europe. Foton announced at the IAA Transportation that it plans to start local assembly in Europe by 2028.
Local production is becoming a consensus among leading Chinese truck makers. BYD also confirmed at the event that it will launch its first heavy truck for the European market in 2027 and later start heavy truck production in Europe. “In the long run, all products we sell in Europe will be locally produced,” BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said. Dongfeng Motor displayed three hydrogen-powered vehicles covering long-haul heavy-load, resource-efficient transport and urban cold-chain delivery. It also held the global debut of a 400-kilowatt fuel cell. FAW Jiefang unveiled its TL.X concept truck and exhibited five vehicles and nine core powertrains, covering fuel, natural gas, hydrogen, pure electric and hybrid routes. Beyond vehicle manufacturers, Chinese exhibitors have expanded their offerings across charging infrastructure, energy storage and intelligent mobility solutions, the China Daily reports.
