Changing times

The 66th IAA Commercial Vehicle show 2016 reflected the change the commercial vehicle industry is going through.

The 66th IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2016 reflected the change the commercial vehicle industry is going through.

The 66th IAA Commercial Vehicle show opened its doors to visitors on the morning of September 21, 2016, at Hannover in Germany. The weather on that particular day was pleasant, though a little cold by Indian standards. One of the biggest fair facilities in Germany, Hannover Messe, spread over 2.7 lakh sq. m., attracted 2,013 exhibitors from 52 countries to the show. People from commercial vehicle industry the world over flocked to the premier show. They were not disappointed. The 66th IAA CV show shed light on electromobility, a digital future and urban logistics. The show highlighted the efforts being taken towards an efficient, safe, comfortable and greener tomorrow. It particularly emphasised on innovative solutions to reduce fuel consumption of CVs, and in-turn reduce the carbon footprint. The all new connectivity solutions (fleet management programmes, navigation, and advanced maintenance services, etc.) on display looked promising and will improve road transport efficiency. The focus of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)was on trying to optimise the advanced diesel engine drivelines. It was on introducing alternative drivelines, including gas engines and electric motors. Over 332 world premiers took place at Hannover. Of these, 100 were Europe-centric. Over 70 per cent of the world premiers were by suppliers. Over the nine days of the show, a whopping 2.45 lakh people visited it.